Overview
A private two-day escape into Sichuan's wild Heizhugou region, walking the Malilengjiu wetland boardwalk and foraging wild mushrooms on the alpine Zuma Grassland.
About This Tour
Deep in the Heizhugou (Black Bamboo Gorge) area of Ebian, southwest Sichuan, lies a pocket of highland scenery that locals nickname 'Little Switzerland' and 'Little Altay'. This private two-day journey from Chongqing pairs two contrasting natural gems. First is Malilengjiu - meaning 'a meadow full of flowers' in the local Yi language - where a gentle three-kilometre boardwalk loop winds past still lakes, a thousand-year-old silver-magpie tree, cold-fragrance springs and high alpine pasture grazed by free-roaming cattle and sheep, all framed by mist-wrapped mountains and old-growth forest. The second is Zuma Grassland at around 2,800 metres: 7,000 mu of pristine meadow and primeval fir forest with sweeping open views. In June and July this is mushroom season, and you follow a local guide hands-on into the hills to forage wild porcini, chanterelles and more - a genuinely local, immersive taste of Sichuan mountain life. It is an easy, photogenic trip suited to families, nature lovers and travellers wanting an authentic ethnic-highland experience off the standard tourist trail. Best enjoyed in summer for the grassland and the mushrooms. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: June-July for mushroom foraging and greenest grassland • Fitness level: easy - flat 3km boardwalk loop and gentle grassland walking • Altitude: Zuma Grassland ~2,800m, generally comfortable for most travellers • Long drive days (~450km each way); early 06:50 start on Day 1 • Bring: layers, rain shell, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes • Local cuisine includes Yi-style tuotuo pork and wild-mushroom soup
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Chongqing to Malilengjiu | Wetland Boardwalk in the 'Little Switzerland'
Meet your guide in central Chongqing around 06:50 and drive west by private vehicle toward the Heizhugou region - a long but relaxed transfer of roughly 450 kilometres through deepening mountain country. You arrive at Malilengjiu around 13:30 to walk its gentle three-kilometre boardwalk loop. The Yi name means 'a meadow full of flowers', and the trail threads past mirror-still lakes, a hand-holding bridge, the cold-fragrance spring, a thousand-year-old silver-magpie tree and open alpine pasture. Mountains rise on every side, wetlands reflect the sky, and cattle and sheep graze among old-growth forest - every angle frames a 'Little Switzerland' photo. In the evening you settle into local accommodation near Heizhugou. Dinner is self-arranged and a fine chance to try Yi specialities such as tuotuo pork, wild-mushroom soup and roast pork. Meals: D (self-arranged). Overnight: Heizhugou local guesthouse.
2
Day 2: Zuma Grassland | Wild Mushroom Foraging at 2,800m
Rise around 06:00 and take a short 40-minute shuttle transfer up to the Zuma Grassland - often called Sichuan's 'Little Altay'. At roughly 2,800 metres it spreads across 7,000 mu of pristine alpine meadow backed by primeval fir forest, with wide-open views and herds of grazing cattle and sheep. In June and July this is peak mushroom season: following a local guide, you head out hands-on across the hillsides to forage wild porcini, chanterelles and other mushrooms, an immersive and uniquely local mountain experience. After a leisurely morning you set off on the return drive around 13:00, reaching Chongqing in the evening around 20:00 (roughly 455km, six hours). Meals: self-arranged. End of tour.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers from Chongqing 1 night Heizhugou local accommodation Guided wild-mushroom foraging on Zuma Grassland Boardwalk entry as per itinerary
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Meals (most meals self-arranged/AA - local Yi dishes available) Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.7★★★★★Based on 97 reviews
Noah B.🇧🇷 Brazil★★★★★2025-11
Clear communication, fair price and a memorable day in Chengdu. Five stars.
Lucía D.🇮🇹 Italy★★★★★2024-11
Our guide answered every question and made Chengdu fun for the whole family.
Marta F.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★★2025-12
Our kids are still talking about Chengdu. Engaging guide and a great pace for families.