Longchi National Forest Park sits in Longchi Town near Dujiangyan, about 55 km northwest of central Chengdu, on the edge of the giant panda habitat buffer zone, and is reached by bus or taxi from Dujiangyan city center in about 40 minutes. The park's main loop covers roughly 8 km through the lower valley forest, staying at a gentle elevation between about 1,200 m and 1,500 m, making it a comfortable 3-3.5 hour walk without significant technical difficulty. The trail follows packed dirt and stone paths beside a forest stream, shaded for most of its length by dense mixed forest that supports the wider panda habitat corridor extending into the surrounding hills. The park lies near the epicenter zone of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and while the lower valley loop remains stable and well-maintained, some upper trails further into the reserve are seasonal or restricted depending on conditions, so hikers should stay on the marked lower loop unless local signage indicates otherwise. Key landmarks include several stream crossings and forest viewpoints looking into the panda buffer zone, though wild panda sightings themselves are rare. There are no refuge huts, but the park entrance has a visitor facility with restrooms and a small snack shop; water should be carried for the loop itself since there are no reliable stops along the trail.
| Distance | About 8 km loop through the lower valley forest |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-3.5 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Bus or taxi from Dujiangyan city center (about 40 minutes); entry ticket around CNY 50 ($7) |
| Best season | May-October for the forest at its greenest; the park sits near the 2008 earthquake epicenter zone and some upper trails remain seasonal |
| Address | Longchi Town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan 611830, China |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Dujiangyan, about 55 km northwest of central Chengdu, on the edge of the giant panda habitat buffer zone
What to bring
- Hiking shoes for the forested valley track
- Insect repellent in summer
- Water and a light rain layer
- Binoculars - the reserve borders wild panda habitat
Weather through the year in Sichuan
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sichuan.
Location
Longchi Town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan 611830, China
31.1500, 103.6200 View on map
Highlights
- Forest trails bordering the giant panda habitat buffer zone
- Gentle valley walking suitable for a relaxed half-day trip
- Forest stream crossings along the main loop
- Proximity to Dujiangyan, making it an easy add-on to other regional visits
- Lush, shaded mixed forest cover for most of the route
Tips for visiting
- Bring binoculars, since the reserve borders wild panda habitat, even though sightings are uncommon
- Carry insect repellent in summer, when the forest is humid and buggy
- Check current trail conditions locally, as some upper trails remain seasonal following the 2008 earthquake
- Wear hiking shoes suited to forested, occasionally uneven valley track
- Combine with a Dujiangyan Irrigation System visit, since both are in the same area
When to visit
May-October for the forest at its greenest and most active; visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, since the park is a popular escape from Chengdu's summer heat.
Accessibility
The main loop follows relatively gentle valley terrain, but the natural dirt and stone surface, along with stream crossings, makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
Are pandas visible on this trail?
Wild panda sightings are rare, as the park borders a buffer zone rather than the core habitat, but the surrounding forest supports the wider panda corridor.
Is the entire park open to hikers?
The main 8 km lower valley loop is consistently open and maintained, but some upper trails remain seasonal or restricted, so it is worth checking current conditions before venturing beyond the marked loop.
How long does the main loop take?
The lower valley loop takes about 3-3.5 hours at a comfortable pace.
What is the entry fee?
Entry to Longchi National Forest Park costs around CNY 50 ($7).