The Chengdu Forest Park I’d Happily Visit Again and Again
If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the city without actually leaving Chengdu, Yong’an Lake City Forest Park (永安湖城市森林公园) is the kind of Chengdu forest park you’ll want to come back to. It sits in Chengdu Tianfu International Biotown, built around the original low-hill terrain and keeping a large stretch of native pine forest intact — a rare urban forest oxygen bar in the south of the city.
This place used to be Yong’an Reservoir, and today the 3,000-plus-mu park blends lake water, old pines, meadows, and wetlands. There’s no overly manicured garden feel — it keeps a wild, natural vibe. Strolling through the woods on an autumn day is peaceful and healing, perfect for a city micro-vacation.
The Ancient Pine Forest
The park’s most moving feature is nearly a thousand mu of original pine forest that’s been growing for decades. Tall pines stand straight and dense, their shade blocking out the sky. The ground is carpeted with brown pine needles, and when the autumn wind blows, pinecones fall with a soft rustle while the air carries a faint scent of pine resin.
Step into the woods and the negative oxygen ions are plentiful, the summer heat melts away, and you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret spot south of the city. From October to November, the oak and maple trees gradually take on warm yellow and light red tones, weaving through the dark green pines in soft layers. It’s not the dramatic, shocking kind of red-leaf scenery — instead, it has a delicate, quiet autumn atmosphere.
Local insight: The forest is at its best in October and November, when the autumn colors are comfortable and the crowds are thinner.
The Lake and the Orange Sky Walkway
Yong’an Lake’s water is crystal clear, the surface calm as a mirror. Reeds sway in the breeze along the shore, colorful trees reflect in the water — every step is a new view.
The park’s signature orange elevated sky walkway stretches across the forest, 470 meters long, suspended above the treetops. Standing on the boardwalk and looking out, the whole lake-and-forest landscape unfolds before you. The orange-red walkway contrasts with the dark green forest — this is the park’s core photo spot.
Greenways, Lawns, and Tea by the Lake
More than ten kilometers of tree-lined greenways connect the entire park. The paths are flat and gentle — even a stroller can pass easily. Two wide lawns sit by the lake, with open views right on the water. Many visitors pitch tents and picnic here, quietly enjoying the lake scenery.
Wetland streams weave through the forest, and occasionally water birds skim across the surface. Hejing Teahouse (和境茶社) is tucked away by the bamboo grove and lakeside — when you’re tired from walking, sit down for tea and slowly take in the autumn colors of the lake and forest.
Unlike mountain scenic spots in the far suburbs, Yong’an Lake isn’t far from the city and is easy to reach. It balances raw forest wilderness with well-equipped leisure facilities — hiking, camping, oxygen therapy, and photography all in one place.
Practical Info
- Address: Section 2, Biocheng Middle Road, Shuangliu, Chengdu (Yong’an Lake City Forest Park)
- Tickets: Free, no reservation needed
- Best time: October–November, comfortable autumn scenery
- Getting there: If driving, navigate directly; the parking lot charges a fee. By metro, take Line 5 to Huilong Station, then transfer to bus S27, or take a taxi for 10 minutes.
- Recommended route: Entrance → Sky Walkway → Pine Forest Trail → Panda Square Camping Lawn → Lakeside Wooden Boardwalk
- Tips: Pets are not allowed in the park; open flames are prohibited, but you can bring your own picnic food; there are many mosquitoes in the woods, so bring mosquito repellent; the sightseeing cart is 10 RMB per person, great for lazy days.
Autumn at Yong’an Lake — the pine forest is quiet, the lake breeze is gentle. No need to travel far; right beside the city, you can immerse yourself in the slow autumn time where forest and lake meet.
