An eco-tourism area at the foot of Longmen Mountain, where Sun Bay offers views of the sea of clouds and sunrise.
Climb Sun Bay to watch the sea of clouds sunrise, roam the primeval forests of Longmen Mountain, and enjoy alpine azalea blooms and fresh air.
Baoshan Tourist Area is an underrated natural secret near Chengdu. The sea of clouds and sunrise at Taiyang Bay are no less than famous mountains in western Sichuan, and there are few tourists, providing an excellent experience. If you want to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the Longmenshan scenery, it is well worth a special trip.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥30
- Child ticket
- ¥15
- Free
- No
- Ticket methods
- Tickets are available at the scenic area ticket office, and some platforms offer online booking; tickets for the Taiyang Bay sightseeing bus are purchased separately.
- Ticket notes
- Ticket prices are for reference only and subject to the scenic area's daily announcement; children, seniors, students, etc. may be eligible for discounts.
Opening Hours
- Last entry
- 16:30
- Ticket sales end
- 16:00
- Holiday hours
- Open as usual on holidays, with possible extension to 19:00, subject to the scenic area's announcement.
- Seasonal hours
- In winter (Dec-Feb), opening hours may be shortened with closure at 17:00.
- Opening notes
- Some trails may be closed in rainy or snowy weather; it is recommended to call the scenic area in advance before your trip.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning (around sunrise) for the sea of clouds, and morning for the forest trails.
- Best day of week
- Weekdays
- Best season
- Spring (Apr-May) for azalea season, autumn (Oct-Nov) for colorful forest season
- Avoid times
- Noon (strong light, plain scenery)
- Avoid days
- Legal holidays (crowded)
- Crowd level
- Low
- Crowd peak time
- 10:00-12:00 on holidays
Getting There
In Detail
Baoshan Tourism Area is situated in Longmenshan Town, Pengzhou City, Chengdu, in the core zone of Longmen Mountain National Geopark. It is a 4A-level tourist attraction combining natural scenery, ecological wellness, and rural vacation. Leveraging the unique mountain terrain and vegetation resources of Baoshan Village, the area centers on Sun Bay and features specially designed attractions such as a sea-of-clouds & sunrise viewing platform, alpine azalea flower seas, and forest trails. The scenery varies with the seasons: azaleas in spring, cool escapes from summer heat, colorful forests in autumn, and snowscapes in winter.
Baoshan Village itself is a renowned model of socialist new countryside and is hailed as the 'No. 1 Village in Western China.' The tourism area has well-developed facilities, offering both pristine wilderness vibes and a tidy, modern rural landscape. At dawn, ascending Sun Bay reveals rolling seas of clouds and the majestic sunrise. During the day, stroll along forest boardwalks, breathe in high concentrations of negative oxygen ions, and experience the tranquility and grandeur of Longmen Mountain.
The overall atmosphere is serene and spacious, suitable for family outings, parent-child learning trips, photography excursions, and wellness vacations. Compared with popular scenic spots around Chengdu, this area has lower visitor density and feels more secluded, making it an ideal choice for nature connection and relaxation on the outskirts of Chengdu.
What to expect
Visitors can take a sightseeing bus or hike up to the Sun Bay viewing platform; at dawn, the sea of clouds and sunrise are not to be missed. The forest trails in the area are gentle and easy to walk, with rest pavilions and viewing platforms along the way. In spring, azaleas burst into colorful bloom; in autumn, layered colorful forests appear. The mountain climate is cool, making it a summer retreat.
How to visit
It is recommended to drive by self-driving, navigating to 'Baoshan Tourism Area' or 'Sun Bay Scenic Area'; it takes about 1.5–2 hours from downtown Chengdu. There is a parking lot at the entrance. After purchasing tickets, take the sightseeing bus up to Sun Bay, then walk along the forest trails on foot. Start early in the morning to catch the sunrise and sea of clouds, then explore the mountain forest spots before returning in the afternoon.
Pros
Pristine and majestic natural scenery, with a strikingly dramatic sea of clouds sunrise; relatively few visitors, providing a tranquil experience; dense forest vegetation and fresh air; convenient rural accommodation and dining options.
Cons
Remote location with limited public transport; winding mountain roads require careful driving; temperatures are cooler on the mountain, so warm clothing is necessary; trails may be slippery in some seasons (winter).
Highlights
- Sun Bay Sea of Clouds & Sunrise Viewing Platform
- Alpine Azalea Flower Sea (April–May)
- Forest Negative Oxygen Ion Trail
- Countryside pastoral scenery of Baoshan Village
- Geological and landform landscapes of Longmen Mountain
FAQ
Does Baoshan Tourist Area charge an admission fee?
The scenic area usually charges an admission fee. The Sun Bay (Taiyangwan) viewing area may have a separate charge. Please refer to on-site notices for details, and we recommend checking via official channels in advance.
How do I get to Baoshan Tourist Area from downtown Chengdu?
Self-driving is the most convenient: take the Chengdu–Pengzhou Expressway to Pengzhou, then follow Pengbai Road to Longmenshan Town. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus from Pengzhou Coach Terminal to Longmenshan Town or Baoshan Village, though the service is infrequent.
What is the best season to visit Baoshan Tourist Area?
In spring (April–May), azaleas are in full bloom and the scenery is at its best; summer is cool and pleasant, ideal for escaping the heat; autumn brings colorful forests, and in winter you can enjoy snow views.
Field Tips
Best photo spot 1. Taiyang Bay Observation Deck: sea of clouds at sunrise, rolling mountains, excellent light in the early morning. 2. Alpine Rhododendron Forest Trail: in spring, the rhododendron sea and distant mountains complement each other. 3. Forest plank road bend: dappled light in the woods, lush greenery, great for portraits. 4. Baoshan Village Viewing Platform: overlook the rural fields and panoramic views of Longmenshan.
Best entrance Main entrance (Visitor Center)
Best exit Main entrance (Visitor Center)
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Nongke Village Scenic Area (1.9 km)
- Xinhua Park (3.5 km)
- Eastern Suburb Memory (4.2 km)
- Chunxi Road (5.2 km)
- Sansheng Flower Town Scenic Area (5.5 km)