Ya’an, Sichuan: Maps, Best Things to Do and Travel Tips

Tucked away just 136 kilometers southwest of Chengdu, Ya’an (雅安) feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s where I first slowed down in Sichuan—surrounded by misty mountains, ancient tea culture, and the sound of rushing rivers. This peaceful city sits right at the crossroads of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318) and the Chengdu-Ya’an Expressway, making it a perfect base for adventures deeper into Western Sichuan, Tibet, or even Yunnan.

The Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway (141km). — The Chengdu-Ya’an Expressway (**141km**).

In this updated Ya’an travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do, local tips, hidden spots, and how to make the most of your time in this underrated gem.

Getting to Ya’an: First Impressions of a Rainy City

By the time we rolled into Yaan, the city lights were just flickering on. The drive from Chengdu was smooth, thanks to the Chengdu-Ya’an Expressway (141km).

The first thing I noticed? The Qingyi River (青衣江)—broad and calm—flowing right through the city. It gently splits Ya An into two sides, each nestled within a deep green valley. On one side: shops, lights, and city life. On the other: quiet riverside paths and tree-lined streets.

Ya'an City Sketch Map — **Ya’an City Sketch Map**

We checked into our hotel—ibis Downtown Ya’an—and I couldn’t help but pause at the view. Right across the street stood the city’s most stunning landmark: a massive, glowing covered bridge (Langqiao). It looked both traditional and grand, almost like a gateway between old and new.

Ya’an isn’t flashy, but it’s thoughtfully laid out. Streets are wide, traffic is calm, and the river ties everything together. Meanwhile, the mountain backdrop adds a touch of drama to the peaceful vibe.

First impressions? It’s the kind of city where you slow down—whether you planned to or not.

Yaan is famous for its “three treasures”: Ya fish, Ya girls, and Ya rain. Naturally, our first stop was dinner. Tasting local Ya fish is a must here—it’s light, fresh, and full of flavor.

As for the rain? Locals say it rains more here than anywhere else in Sichuan. Luckily, the evening was dry. I crossed my fingers for sun the next day. And the girls of Ya’an? They do have a reputation for beauty… I’ll let you decide when you visit!

Ya’an’s “Three Famous Things” – Fish, Rain, and Local Charm

Every city has its legends. Ya’an, as locals proudly say, is known for three things: Ya fish, Ya rain, and Ya girls. Of course, I had to try the fish first—my stomach made sure of that.

Ganlaosi Ya Fish Restaurant (干老四雅鱼饭店) in Yaan — **Ganlaosi Ya Fish Restaurant (干老四雅鱼饭店)**

Just after checking in, the front desk at ibis downtown Ya’an recommended a local favorite: Ganlaosi Ya Fish Restaurant (干老四雅鱼饭店). It was only a ten-minute drive away, so we headed straight there. We chose the flagship branch on Shawan Road, in Yucheng District (No. 236, 沙湾路).

The place was lively and full of locals—always a good sign. We ordered the two house specialties: braised Ya fish in soy sauce with red chili peppers and Clay Pot Ya Fish.

Clay Pot Ya Fish is a dish with deep cultural meaning and a unique flavor. It is one of Sichuan’s top ten classic dishes. Unlike most traditional Sichuan cuisine, this soup-style dish doesn’t use chili peppers, giving it a distinct taste. It arrived bubbling hot, and the aroma was mouthwatering.

The fish, freshly caught from the nearby Zhou Gong River, was incredibly tender. It almost melted in my mouth—mild, buttery, and perfectly spiced.

As for the rain, Ya’an gets plenty—it’s the rainiest city in Sichuan. Tonight, though, the skies held back. I crossed my fingers for more luck tomorrow.

And the third legend—the beauty of Ya’an’s women? Let’s just say the locals have their reasons for boasting!

Ya Fish: A Local Treasure from the Rivers of Ya’an

In Ya’an, fish is more than just food—it’s a part of local life.

The Zhougong River (周公河), a tributary of the Qingyi River (which flows into the Yangtze), winds through Ya’an’s Yucheng District for over 40 kilometers. These waters, nourished by Ya’an’s famous rain, are home to a prized local delicacy: Ya fish (雅鱼).

Zhougong River (周公河) in Ya'an — **Zhougong River** (**周公河**)

Locals use “Ya fish” as a general term for the fish living in the Qingyi River system. But technically, it refers to two rare species of Schizothoracinae fish (裂腹鱼) found in the Zhougong River and its upstream creeks. These fish are slow-growing and feed mainly on algae-covered rocks, giving their meat an incredibly tender and clean taste.

Ya fish refers to two rare species of Schizothoracinae fish (裂腹鱼) — **Ya fish** refers to two rare species of **Schizothoracinae** fish **(裂腹鱼)**

Each Ya fish has a unique sword-shaped bone behind its head—a kind of “natural seal” believed to bring luck and authenticity.

According to legend, during the Qing Dynasty, a local governor brought steamed Ya fish to Beijing for Empress Dowager Cixi. After one bite, she reportedly praised it as better than dragon or phoenix meat.

Today, Ya fish remains a beloved dish—symbolizing purity, fortune, and flavor—and no visit to Ya’an is complete without tasting it fresh by the river.

A Peaceful Night Walk Along the Qingyi River

After dinner, I remembered a classic Chinese saying: “Walk a hundred steps after eating and live to ninety-nine.” So, I laced up my shoes and headed out for a short evening stroll.

Ya’an’s riverside was glowing. A soft breeze floated over the Qingyi River, and the walkways came alive with light and laughter. Part of the path is made of synthetic track, the rest paved in smooth stone. It’s flat, clean, and easy to follow.

Evening Joy: Singing and Dancing in Ya’an

Small riverside parks pop up every few minutes. Locals rested on benches, chatted with friends, or joined in group dancing. It felt warm, relaxed—almost like the whole city had come out to breathe.

Evening Lights on the Qingyi River Bank in Ya'an — **Evening Lights on the Qingyi River Bank**

The guardrails along the river lit up in soft colors, casting shimmering reflections on the water. I paused often just to take it all in.

Qingyi River Bridge in Yaan — **Qingyi River Bridge**

Each bridge was brighter than the last. One, in particular, caught my eye—the massive Langqiao Covered Bridge, completely illuminated. Its size and symmetry were stunning. A small boat drifted quietly beneath it.

the massive Langqiao Covered Bridge in Ya'an — The **massive Langqiao Covered Bridge**

In addition, I spotted more footbridges connecting the two sides of the city—functional, but also beautiful in the night glow.

Nighttime Scenery Along Both Sides of the Qingyi River in Ya'an — Nighttime Scenery Along Both Sides of the Qingyi River

Ya’an at night feels calm and safe, with locals embracing a slow, happy rhythm. For a first-time visitor like me, it was the perfect welcome.

Morning Views of Ya’an’s Majestic Covered Bridge

Before leaving for Moxi Town (磨西镇), I took one last quiet moment by the Qingyi River. A small viewing platform juts out over the water, just a short walk from ibis Downtown Ya’an. It’s the perfect spot for a photo—and honestly, I couldn’t resist.

The massive covered bridge in Yaan — The massive **covered bridge**

The massive covered bridge stood proudly in the morning light. Its rooftop stretched wide, topped by two- and three-story buildings in classic Chinese style. The curved eaves, dark roof tiles, and red wooden beams gave it a timeless charm.

Viewing the Massive Covered Bridge from Another Angle in Ya An — Viewing the Massive Covered Bridge from Another Angle

This wasn’t just a bridge—it was a lively city hub. Locals strolled across with breakfast in hand. Shops and teahouses lined the upper floors. I could imagine spending hours there, just wandering and sipping tea.

Behind it all, homes and buildings cascaded gently down the hills on both riverbanks. The scene was like a scroll painting come to life.

But it was time to move on. Ya’an had been a lovely surprise, but our journey was just beginning. Today’s plan: reach Moxi Town, about 300 kilometers away, and then explore the stunning Hailuogou Glacier Park by afternoon.

One last glance at the bridge—and then, we hit the road.