Summer Secret Exploration: Leshan Honeycomb Rock Hiking Trip
As cicadas chirped in the scorching summer, and cities baked under the heat, I embarked on a journey to Heizhugou in Ebian, Leshan. Within this pristine, mysterious realm, known as 'China's Bermuda,' lies a green kingdom called Honeycomb Rock. With a forest coverage rate of up to 98% and negative oxygen ion concentration exceeding 30,000 per cubic centimeter, it's a natural oxygen bar for city dwellers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle.
Morning Light: Departure and Arrival
At six in the morning, as Leshan city was still asleep, we were already speeding southwest. After two hours on the Chengle Expressway, then the Ehan Expressway, clusters of Yi-style buildings gradually appeared in the mountain valleys. The Heizhugou Visitor Center parking lot was empty and quiet. When purchasing tickets, we discovered that the scenic area operates on a timed reservation system, requiring advance booking of entrance tickets (50 RMB/person) and sightseeing bus tickets (18 RMB/person) via the official WeChat account.
We took the sightseeing bus through a 1.5-kilometer winding mountain road. Outside the window, the vegetation gradually changed from bamboo forests to mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests. As the bus stopped at the entrance of Honeycomb Rock, the mountain breeze, carrying the scent of pine needles and humus, instantly dispelled the summer heat.
Stream Tracing and Exploration: The Breath of the Primeval Forest
Descending the bluestone steps of Shimen Pass, the gurgling sound of water led us to the source of the Sancha River. The river surged between massive rocks, and the splashing water droplets refracted rainbows in the sunlight. A fellow hiker reminded us, "The stream water here is safe to drink directly!" I bent down to scoop some water; it was crisp and clear, with the unique sweetness of mountain spring water.
Upon reaching Qianshou Cave (Hand-holding Cave), the honeycomb-like holes on the cave walls amazed everyone. These holes, about 20 centimeters in diameter, are actually erosion marks formed by water flow billions of years ago. After passing through the cave, the view suddenly opened up – by Chuanxin Pavilion, clusters of dendrobium orchids parasitized the branches of thousand-year-old fir trees, resembling cascading green bead curtains.
Tracing the Plank Road: A Symphony of Life
Starting from Bridge No. 2, the wooden plank road gradually became steeper. With each suspension bridge crossed, I could hear my own pounding heart resonate with the roaring stream. The observation deck at Shuxin Pavilion (Comfort Pavilion) was an excellent resting spot. Sitting on a tree-stump-shaped stone bench, I watched the sunlight penetrate the gaps in the dove tree leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. At this moment, a red-bellied tragopan startled from the bushes, its tail feathers fanning out like a magnificent folding fan.
The last 300 meters from Bojie Pavilion to Bridge No. 4 proved to be a challenge. The stone steps were covered with moss, requiring a firm grip on the iron chain handrail for slow progress. When the roar of the waterfall pierced through the forest mist, all fatigue instantly vanished – a waterfall approximately 15 meters high cascaded down the honeycomb-shaped rock face, and the mist transformed into a colorful rainbow in the sunlight. Taking off my shoes and stepping into the pool, the biting cold shot from my feet straight to the top of my head, yet it made me feel even more awake.
Revelation of the Secret Realm: A Dialogue Between Nature and Soul
On the way back, we encountered Old Yang, a forest ranger. Pointing to the faint claw marks on the rock face, he said, "These are the footprints of wild antelopes; they often come to the stream to drink at dawn." Old Yang's patrol diary recorded that this area is home to first-class national protected plants like the dove tree and katsura tree, as well as endangered species like the Sichuan partridge.
At the ecological monitoring station next to Bridge No. 4, an electronic screen displayed real-time data: PM2.5 concentration 0μg/m³, negative oxygen ions 32,800 per cm³. These numbers, perhaps, are the scientific explanation for Honeycomb Rock's healing power – when eyes are gently enveloped by 98% forest coverage, and lungs are thoroughly cleansed by pure air, all anxiety and fatigue transform into a stream, flowing towards an unknown distance.
As the setting sun gilded the rock face of Honeycomb Rock, we embarked on our journey home, imbued with the scent of pine. This secret realm, guarded by the primeval forest, told us with its purest green: true healing never requires artificial embellishment.
I. Basic Core Information
Detailed Address
Heizhugou Town, Ebian Yi Autonomous County, Leshan City, Sichuan Province. It belongs to the Heizhugou Scenic Area and is not an independent attraction; it is one of the core hiking secret realms of Heizhugou.
Opening Hours
Summer/Peak Season: 08:30-17:30, last entry at 16:30;
Winter/Off-Peak Season: Closed/Reduced opening hours, be sure to confirm in advance before traveling.
Fee Details (Latest reference for 2026)
· Scenic Area Entrance Ticket: 48 RMB/person for adults.
· Sightseeing Bus: 18 RMB/person (Mandatory! There is no direct self-driving access to Honeycomb Rock; you must take the scenic area's sightseeing bus for round trip).
· No additional small tickets or plank road fees; the entire hike is free.
II. Must-Visit Highlights
1. Honeycomb Rock Wall: The iconic landscape of the scenic area! A huge cliff face covered with natural circular holes, resembling a giant honeycomb, which is also the origin of the attraction's name. A must-see for photos.
2. Shimen Pass: Two peaks stand opposite each other like a natural heavenly gate, with water seeping from the cliff forming a mini waterfall, creating a serene and stunning sight.
3. Yixiantian (A Line of Sky): A narrow rock crevice allowing only one person to pass through, where looking up reveals only a sliver of sky, full of mystery.
4. Sancha River Stream Tracing: The entire journey follows a clear stream, with visible riverbeds and numerous waterfalls. In summer, you can get close to the water for a refreshing and healing experience.
5. Primeval Forest: Ancient trees like century-old firs and dove trees reach skyward, providing dense shade. The negative oxygen ion levels are off the charts, offering an immersive "lung cleansing" experience throughout the hike.