Hejiang travel guide and discussion

Recently, the adorable giant panda "Fubao" has shown a super interesting side, and related footage has sparked heated discussions online. Although the location was not explicitly mentioned, Fubao's cute appearance has deeply touched people's hearts. The highlight of "Fubao" lies in his little ears. While eating, his small ears constantly press against the entrance of his den, as if trying hard to catch the "gossip" outside. Even with delicious food in front of him, he can't resist his inner craving for "gossip," creating a uniquely charming contrast. If visitors get to see this scene in person, they will surely be filled with surprise and joy, laughing heartily at Fubao's adorable behavior and feeling the lively and fun nature of the giant panda. Come follow "Fubao," and maybe next time you'll catch more cute moments of him enjoying his meal while “eating melon,” sharing in this pure happiness together!

🌟 Luzhou 3-Day, 2-Night Tipsy Tour (Budget: 4000 CNY) 🌟 Suitable for: Couples/Friends/Wine Culture Enthusiasts Theme: Wine City Exploration + Yangtze River Charm + Ancient Town Slow Life + Southern Sichuan Cuisine 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Luzhou → Luzhou Laojiao Scenic Area → Bell and Drum Tower → Binjiang Road Night Tour Day 2: Yaoba Ancient Town → Zhangba Longan Forest → Wine City Paradise Night Market Day 3: Fangshan Scenic Area → Return Journey 💰 Budget Allocation (2 people) | Item | Cost (CNY) | Notes | |---|---|---| | Transportation (Round trip) | 600-1200 | High-speed rail/Self-drive (1h by HSR from Chongqing, 2h from Chengdu) | | Accommodation (2 nights) | 500-800 | River view hotel + characteristic B&B | | Dining | 500-700 | Gulin Spicy Chicken, Huangba, River Delicacies | | Tickets + Experiences | 300-500 | Laojiao Scenic Area, Fangshan Cable Car, etc. | | Others | 200-400 | Souvenirs/Wine tasting experience | | **Total** | **3500-4000** | **Value for money choice** | 🚗 Detailed Itinerary Day 1: First Taste of Wine City Morning Arrive in Luzhou, recommended to take high-speed rail to Luzhou Station (1h from Chongqing/2h from Chengdu) Recommended accommodation: Luzhou Fengzeyuan Hotel (river view room) or Wine City Impression B&B Noon Lunch: Luzhou White Cake (Xiaoxiangzi Old Shop, 15 CNY/person) + Gulin Spicy Chicken Afternoon Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area (Ticket: 35 CNY/person): Visit the 1573 National Treasure Cellar Pits, experience raw liquor tasting (included in ticket) Check in at the giant wine jar of "World's First Wine Dao Field" Evening Bell and Drum Tower (Free): Climb the tower to overlook the confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers Stroll along Binjiang Road: Watch the sunset along the Yangtze River embankment, check in at "Luzhou Bund" Night Dinner: Hejiang Grilled Fish King (Tofu Pudding Grilled Fish + Lychee Wine, 60 CNY/person) Yangtze River Night Cruise (Optional, boat ticket 68 CNY/person) Day 2: Ancient Town and Nature Morning Charter a car to Yaoba Ancient Town (1h drive, approx. 150 CNY round trip): Southern Sichuan Film and Television Base (filming location for "The Great Hong Rice Shop") Must-eat: Yaoba Red Soup Lamb + Huangba Afternoon Zhangba Longan Forest (Free): Stroll through the century-old longan forest (harvesting available in September) Take photos at the Yangtze River Observation Deck Night Return to the city, Dinner: Luzhou Wuweixuan Restaurant (specialty Chinese cuisine, 50 CNY/person) Wine City Paradise Night Market: Experience local nightlife, try the Yibin Burning Noodles branch Day 3: Mountain and Water Finale Morning Fangshan Scenic Area (Ticket: 30 CNY/person, one-way cable car 40 CNY): Visit the Millennium Black-faced Guanyin Temple Overlook the Yangtze River from the Sea of Clouds Observation Deck Noon Lunch: Luzhou Tofu Pudding Hotpot (40 CNY/person) Afternoon Flexible arrangements based on return time: Visit Luzhou Museum (Free, bronze ware exhibition) Buy souvenirs at Bao'en Pagoda Commercial Area High-speed rail/Self-drive return 🍜 Must-Eat Food List | Category | Recommended Shop/Dish | Per Person | |---|---|---| | Breakfast | Luzhou White Cake (Xiaoxiangzi Shop) | 10 | | Snacks | Gulin Spicy Chicken + Huangba | 30 | | River Delicacies | Hejiang Grilled Fish King | 60 | | Hotpot | Luzhou Tofu Pudding Hotpot | 40 | | Alcoholic Beverages | Guojiao 1573 Tasting Set | 50 | 📌 Travel Tips Transportation: Taxis are cheap within the city, chartering a car is recommended for Yaoba Ancient Town (public transport requires transfers) Accommodation: Prioritize hotels along the Tuo River/Yangtze River for better night views Wine Culture: Do not drive after tasting wine at the Laojiao Scenic Area Souvenirs: Luzhou Laojiao mini bottles, Zhangba dried longans, Gulin Spicy Chicken vacuum-packed 🎯 Itinerary Highlights ✅ Rich Wine Aroma: An immersive experience from national treasure cellar pits to street-side wine shops ✅ Twin Rivers Reflecting: The unique urban landscape where the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers converge ✅ Ancient Town Time: Yaoba's unspoiled, original ecological Southern Sichuan dwellings ✅ Taste Memories: Spicy and fresh Gulin flavors and Yangtze River delicacies A budget of 4000 CNY can easily cover a comfortable trip for 2 people; if traveling solo, you can upgrade to a luxury hotel! Let me know if you need any adjustments! 🍶🌉

Don't want to deal with the crowds this National Day? As a travel enthusiast, I'm sharing my experience: these 5 places are so uncrowded it feels like you've booked the whole place. Luzhou · Manzhouli · Dunhua · Longyan · Yulin 🍶 Sichuan · Luzhou The "City of Liquor," an underrated treasure in southern Sichuan where even the air smells like spirits. Must-visit: Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area (admission ticket 35 yuan, includes free tasting of raw liquor), Yaoba Ancient Town, Zhangba Longan Forest, and enjoy the Yangtze River breeze on Binjiang Road. Must-eat: Luzhou white cake, Xuyong bean soup noodles, Gulin spicy chicken, and pork dumplings (zhuerba). 💡 City buses are 2 yuan for any ride; booking the Laojiao scenic area online in advance is safer. 🪆 Inner Mongolia · Manzhouli Located at the junction of China, Russia, and Mongolia, the streets are filled with onion-domed buildings, making it feel like you've stepped into a Russian fairy tale. Must-visit: Guomen Scenic Area (admission ticket 60 yuan, bring your ID), Matryoshka Square (best lighting after 4:00 PM), Mammoth Park, and the night view at Beihu Park. Must-eat: Cheese buns and borscht at Lubuli Restaurant, Mongolian pot tea with hand-grabbed meat, and street-style grilled milk skin. 💡 There's a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket; taxis don't use meters, so agree on the price in advance. ⛰️ Jilin · Dunhua A low-key small city in Yanbian Prefecture, offering Zen vibes at Liuding Mountain + Korean ethnic culture, with a very slow pace. Must-visit: Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Area (admission ticket + sightseeing bus approx. 110 yuan, features the 48-meter bronze sitting Buddha at Jinding), Zhongcheng Korean Ethnic Ecological Village (free, you can rent ethnic costumes for photos), and watch the sunset at Yanming Lake Wetland. Must-eat: Yanbian cold noodles with guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), handmade rice cakes, and charcoal BBQ on Yiyang Food Street. 💡 The scenic area is spread out, so definitely buy the sightseeing bus ticket; Dunhua is a great stopover for the north slope of Changbai Mountain. 🏯 Fujian · Longyan Home to the UNESCO World Heritage tulou (earthen buildings) seen in "Big Fish & Begonia," plus hearty Hakka cuisine—worth a dedicated trip. Must-visit: Yongding Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (Zhencheng Building, the "Prince of Tulou," admission ticket 90 yuan), Gaobei Tulou Cluster (Chengqi Building, the "King of Tulou," joint tickets are more cost-effective), and a night tour of Changting Ancient Town. Must-eat: Steamed Hetian chicken, boji ban (steamed rice noodles), taro dumplings, clear soup noodles, and braised duck feet. 💡 Attractions are scattered, so renting a car or hiring a driver is most convenient; be sure to book your tulou homestay in advance during peak season. 🏜️ Shaanxi · Yulin An ancient city on the frontier + Danxia Wave Valley, featuring "Martian landscapes" on the Loess Plateau—uncrowded and stunning. Must-visit: Zhenbeitai (admission ticket 30 yuan, the "First Terrace of the Great Wall"), Hongshixia (cliff carvings, "Red Mountain Sunset" in the evening), and Jingbian Wave Valley (free, the "God's Fingerprint" is truly legendary). Must-eat: Yulin lamb paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup), pin sanxian (a local stew), youxuan (oily spiral pastry), and wantuo (buckwheat jelly). 💡 You can take taxis to attractions in the city; for Wave Valley, it's recommended to hire a car, which costs about 200 yuan per day. These five places are definitely worth visiting this National Day. Pick any one of them.

Who would have thought? A soy sauce brewery is actually a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level! 📍Xianshi Ancient Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou, Sichuan On the north bank of the Chishui River in Hejiang County, Luzhou, Sichuan, the air is filled with a rich, mellow aroma of soy sauce. This is the Xianshi Soy Sauce Brewery complex, founded in 1893 (the 19th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty), which has been in continuous operation for over a century. 🌟Soy sauce that's both an Intangible Cultural Heritage and a National Heritage Site The brewing history of Xianshi soy sauce dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, with unique techniques originating in the Han Dynasty, flourishing in the Tang Dynasty, and peaking in the Qing Dynasty. It was named a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, and the brewery became one of the eighth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level in 2019—there are very few soy sauces in the country that hold both titles. 🌟6,000 soy sauce vats The most stunning sight is the sun-exposure field on the 45-degree slope by the Chishui River. Over 6,000 rustic ceramic vats are arranged in layers, like a silent army. The vats are covered in a soy glaze left by the passage of time, smooth and shiny. Artisans open the lids at set times every day to let the soy mash breathe fully. With sun during the day and dew at night, and over three years of natural fermentation, a single soybean transforms into a drop of soy sauce. The entire process uses only four ingredients: soybeans, wheat, salt, and water—it's incredibly pure. 🌟Scoop and taste soy sauce Here, you can scoop your own soy sauce and drizzle raw soy sauce. Staff members lift the lid, scoop up a spoonful of amber sauce, and let you have a taste—it's savory, mellow, and rich in layers, completely different from what you find in supermarkets. I hear there's even soy sauce ice cream and soy sauce coffee to try, which have a very unique flavor. 📸The thousand-year-old Xianshi Ancient Town After visiting the soy sauce brewery, don't forget to take a walk through Xianshi Ancient Town. This thousand-year-old town, founded during the reign of Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty, is one of the four great ancient towns of Hejiang. With its bluestone roads, old docks, and ancient archways, it lacks the noise of over-commercialization. The shops on the old street look like something out of a movie, and you can even find hand-woven straw sandals for sale. Xianshi Soy Sauce Chishui River Manor

When people think of Luzhou, most only know it as the Liquor City of China famous nationwide. Yet, this small city in southern Sichuan along the Yangtze River hides profound cultural heritage and authentic local vibes. It features national treasure-level cellars with over 400 years of history, the flowing Yangtze River, original ancient town scenery, and affordable, authentic southern Sichuan cuisine. With no crowds and a relaxed, healing pace, it is perfect for a short weekend getaway, family leisure, or a slow-paced cultural trip, offering a top-tier travel experience at a low cost. 🛬 [Itinerary] 3-day 2-night hassle-free route Best duration: 3 days and 2 nights, with a relaxed pace that covers culture, nature, and food, perfect for beginners to avoid pitfalls Day 1: City Liquor & Culture Line (First encounter with the Liquor City) Arrival in Luzhou > Check in to city hotel > Luzhou Laojiao 1573 Scenic Area > Luzhou Laojiao Museum > Evening view of the river at Binjiang Road > Night tour of Shuijinggou Night Market Day 2: Nature & Leisure Line (Healing slow travel) Half-day stroll in Zhangba Longan Forest > Check in at the confluence of the two rivers at Dongmenkou > Eat through Xiaoxiangzi Food Street > Evening walk to see the White Pagoda night view Day 3: Ancient Town & Local Vibes Finale (Immersive eating and sightseeing) Half-day tour of Yaoba Ancient Town > Try classic authentic food > Departure ⛺ [Must-Visit Attractions] Go to the right places to make the trip worthwhile ✅ Luzhou Laojiao 1573 Scenic Area A core landmark you must visit in Luzhou, featuring national treasure-level cellars that have been in continuous use for over 450 years. It is a rare, active distillery site in China. You can smell the faint, mellow aroma of liquor as soon as you enter the park. Immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old liquor culture, visit the Longquan Well to pray according to local customs, and explore the museum to learn about the history of liquor brewing. The cultural atmosphere is exceptional. ✅ Zhangba Longan Forest A free, open-air park by the Yangtze River with century-old trees. The tens of thousands of acres of longan forest are nestled between mountains and water, offering fresh air and lush greenery. The lighting in the evening is beautiful, making it perfect for walking, cycling, and photographing the river sunset. It is a healing, leisurely spot hidden by locals, away from the city noise, and great for photos. ✅ Dongmenkou/Bao'en Pagoda (White Pagoda) A core city landmark in Luzhou. At Dongmenkou, you can see the magnificent view of the Yangtze and Tuojiang rivers converging. The gentle evening breeze makes it perfect for a walk. The nearby Bao'en Pagoda has weathered the years with simple elegance. When the lights come on at night, the atmosphere is wonderful. It is free to visit and suitable for everyone. ✅ Yaoba Ancient Town An original, niche ancient town that is not overly commercialized. The old stone streets and traditional houses are full of local vibes. It retains the traditional market atmosphere and is quiet and uncrowded, making it perfect for a slow stroll, taking photos, and immersing yourself in the unique charm of a southern Sichuan ancient town. 🍩 [Must-Eat Food] Local-approved, no-fail list ✅ Gulin Spicy Chicken A signature dish featured on A Bite of China 2. The meat is firm and tender, and the red chili oil is spicy and fragrant. It is very flavorful and gets better the more you chew. You can dine in or pack it vacuum-sealed as a souvenir. ✅ Jiangmen Hun Douhua (meat tofu pudding) The ceiling of affordable food in Luzhou. For 20+ yuan per person, you can get unlimited refills of tofu pudding, vegetables, and rice. The secret dipping sauce is the soul of the dish—fresh, appetizing, and great for balancing flavors. Locals have been eating this since childhood. ✅ Hongqiao Zhuerba (rice dumplings) A specialty snack of southern Sichuan. The soft, glutinous rice skin is wrapped with a filling of preserved vegetables and minced meat. It is savory, flavorful, and delicious in every bite. A great choice for breakfast. ✅ Luzhou White Cake & Huangba Authentic, traditional sweet snacks. The white cake is fluffy, sweet, and rich in rice fragrance, while the Huangba is soft, glutinous, and sweet without being cloying. They are affordable and delicious; you can buy them at old street shops without worry. ✅ Luzhou BBQ The king of late-night snacks! The signature grilled pig skin is chewy and soft, and the meat and vegetable skewers are very flavorful. It is full of local vibes and a must-eat when visiting the night market. 🏨 [Accommodation Guide] Hassle-free, no-fail location tips New hotel recommendation: Shangcheng Hotel (Luzhou MixC, Southwest Medical University Affiliated TCM Hospital branch) This is definitely the best accommodation choice in Luzhou! Located in the city center with a mature business district, it is right next to food streets, supermarkets, and night markets. You can walk to core attractions like the White Pagoda and Dongmenkou. Taking a taxi to other scenic spots is very convenient, saving you from long trips and maximizing your time. There is a wide range of accommodation options. You can stay in a clean, comfortable, and well-equipped high-quality hotel for 100–150 yuan, offering great value for money. It is not recommended to choose hotels near Luzhou East Station, as it is far from the main urban area and very inconvenient for commuting. 🚌 [Transportation Guide] Everything beginners need to know External transportation High-speed trains from Chengdu and Chongqing reach Luzhou in 1–1.5 hours. Visitors from outside the province can fly to Luzhou Yunlong Airport. It takes about 30 minutes to take a taxi from the airport to the city center, making transportation very convenient. Internal transportation The city's attractions are concentrated and close to each other. Prioritize taxis or ride-sharing for flexibility and efficiency. Buses cost 2 yuan/ride and cover core scenic spots, which is suitable for slow-paced travel. For surrounding attractions like Yaoba Ancient Town, you can choose to drive yourself or take a regular carpool service. It is convenient and worry-free; just avoid unlicensed taxis. 🧡 [Tips] Helpful reminders 1. Summer in Luzhou is hot and rainy, so prepare sunscreen and umbrellas. Spring and autumn have comfortable weather and are the best seasons for travel. 2. Snacks around scenic spots are less cost-effective. For authentic food, prioritize Xiaoxiangzi, Cishan Road, and old shops on old streets. 3. The temperature difference between day and night in the Liquor City is small, but the river breeze is cool in the evening. It is recommended to bring a light jacket when walking along the river in the evening. 4. The entire trip is mainly flat and leisurely, with no high-intensity hiking. It is suitable for the elderly and children, making the trip easy and stress-free. 5. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to go out early in the morning to visit attractions and check out the river and night views in the evening for a better experience.

Standing on the Guanhai Tower in Chishui Bamboo Sea Park and looking down, you see layers upon layers of moso bamboo. When the wind blows, the bamboo tops sway in unison, rolling into the distance like waves. Chishui is part of Zunyi, Guizhou, located right on the border between Sichuan and Guizhou. It's a shorter trip if you're coming from the direction of Luzhou. 🎋 Chishui Danxia has quite a reputation. In 2010, "China Danxia" was inscribed on the World Heritage List. It consists of 6 sites, and Chishui in Guizhou is one of them. The others are Taining in Fujian, Langshan in Hunan, Danxiashan in Guangdong, Longhushan in Jiangxi, and Jianglangshan in Zhejiang. In this area of Chishui, red rocks, green bamboo, and waterfalls all come together. 🏞️ The name Chishui comes from the Chishui River that flows through the city. In 1935, the Red Army's Four Crossings of the Chishui River took place here, and many historical sites related to that period still remain along the river today. Locals often call Chishui the City of a Thousand Waterfalls, and there are indeed quite a few waterfalls of various sizes. Chishui's bamboo forest area ranks among the best in Guizhou, with bamboo lining the roads, riverbanks, and hillsides. Only a continuous stretch of bamboo is called a Bamboo Sea. A single bamboo stalk isn't much to look at, but tens of thousands of acres of them are spectacular. The park is primarily moso bamboo. You can climb the Guanhai Tower to see the bamboo waves. The tower has several floors, and the higher you go, the wider your view. The Bamboo Sea is green all year round, so unlike red leaves, it doesn't depend on the season; no matter when you come, you'll be surrounded by bamboo. In the spring, there are bamboo shoots, and you might even run into locals heading up the mountain to dig for them. Chishui's Danxia landforms are different from those elsewhere. The red rocks are covered by vegetation year-round, and the exposed rock faces are mostly near the water or at the top of cliffs. With the mist from nearby waterfalls, the colors look damp. The Chishui Great Waterfall, also known as Shizhangdong Waterfall, has a drop of over 70 meters, and when the water volume is high, you can feel the mist on your face when standing in front of it. At Sidonggou, you walk along a gully, with a waterfall at every turn; it takes about 2 hours round trip to walk to the end and back. Foguangyan is a massive, curved red rock cliff with a viewing platform built in front of it—it's quite striking when you look up. Yanziyan is located between the Bamboo Sea and the Great Waterfall; the rock walls are full of swallow nests, and it's worth a quick look if you're passing by. These sites have separate tickets, though joint tickets are also available. Ticket prices and opening/closing times are subject to change, so be sure to check when you arrive. 💦 The scenic spots are not very close to each other. The Bamboo Sea and the waterfalls each take half a day, so trying to cram them into one day will feel rushed. Pick one Bamboo Sea spot and one waterfall spot, and take your time—it's much more comfortable than rushing through a checklist. 🚶 It's damp in the mountains, and there's often moss on the steps and stones, so choose shoes with good grip. There are many mosquitoes in the bamboo forest in the summer, so bring long pants and insect repellent. Chishui is muggy in the summer, but it's cool in the Bamboo Sea, which is why many people choose this time to escape the heat. The waterfalls are more impressive when the water volume is high after the rain. In the autumn, the bamboo is still green, but there are fewer crowds than in the summer. ☔ The Chishui River valley is often foggy. In the early morning, a thin layer of mist often clings to the water's surface, making the bamboo forest appear and disappear in the fog, though the mist clears quickly. If you want to photograph the Bamboo Sea, the morning light at Guanhai Tower is best; backlighting can easily turn the bamboo shadows into a dark blob. Venturing onto the small paths in the forest offers a different kind of tranquility—if you walk softly, you can hear the rustling sound of the bamboo leaves rubbing against each other. 📷 There are shuttle buses and tourist lines from downtown Chishui to the various scenic spots. Schedules are adjusted by season, so check the times before you set off. Chishui is a few dozen kilometers from Luzhou, Sichuan; coming from Chongqing or Luzhou saves more time than taking the detour from Zunyi. If you're driving, parking spaces at the scenic spots can be limited during peak season, so arriving early will make things easier. 🚌 For food, you can try the local cured meat, bamboo shoots, and river fish. The Hejiang and Chishui areas tend to be spicy, so let them know when ordering if you're sensitive to spice. Chishui tofu pudding is very tender and goes perfectly with rice. There are plenty of places to stay in the city, and there are also farmhouses at the entrances to the scenic spots. If you want peace and quiet, stay near the scenic spots; if you prefer convenience for dining, stay in the city. I originally wanted to cram both the Bamboo Sea and the waterfalls into one day, but I ended up spending most of the day just wandering around the bamboo forest. I had to leave the trip to the Great Waterfall for next time—really, don't be too greedy with your itinerary.

It was originally just a stop along the way, and I didn't have high expectations, but I was gently captivated by this mountainside of soy sauce jars. . 🍃 The soy sauce brewery is free to visit. Once I stepped inside, I realized it was much more expansive than I had imagined. . Layers of soy sauce jars spread out along the hillside, their round bodies topped with bamboo lids, quietly basking in the sun amidst green trees and old wooden houses. The passage of time, captured through century-old traditional brewing methods, settles into the rich, fermented aroma of each jar. . . 👬 There aren't many tourists, so it's very quiet. You can stroll slowly along the paths, with the breeze carrying a faint aroma of soy sauce. With the old wooden-tiled houses of Southern Sichuan set against the blue sky, every snapshot you take is a simple, healing image—no need to fight for the perfect spot. . . 🍦 If you get tired of walking, you can discover a series of creative soy sauce-infused treats. From savory and smooth soy sauce ice cream and soy sauce coffee to soy sauce bread and a specialty soy sauce rice buffet, they've put a fun, modern twist on traditional flavors. Before you leave, you can also pick up a bottle of traditionally brewed soy sauce to bring a taste of Southern Sichuan's local life home with you. . . 🚗 There's no need to make a special trip, but if you're traveling along the Luzhou-Chishui route, it's worth stopping by for a visit. . Watching the sunlight bathe the soy sauce jars and feeling the timeless texture of this intangible cultural heritage craft is a slow, unique experience that belongs to Southern Sichuan.

The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival double holiday is here! Calling all friends who don't know where to go for the 8-day break! 🤩 Here is a list of niche destinations in Sichuan that I've kept secret for years. They fit different trip lengths, and everyone can easily get them! 👇 · *📍Deyang | 2–3 days, budget CNY 800–1,200** The Sanxingdui Museum is a must-visit! 🌟 The mysterious ancient Shu civilization is truly goosebump-inducing! The Confucian style of the Confucian Temple is also great for photos, and the Yingxiu Earthquake Memorial is worth a quiet moment to reflect on history—it's deeply moving~ · *📍Guangyuan | 3–4 days, budget CNY 1,000–1,500** The ruggedness of the Shu Road at Jianmen Pass is off the charts! ⛰️ The stone carving art at Huangze Temple and Qianfo Cliff is absolutely unique. Strolling through Zhaohua Ancient City, the stories of the Three Kingdoms feel like they're right before your eyes~ The ancient architecture combined with the daytime mountain scenery makes every photo look like a blockbuster 📸 · *📍Bazhong | 2–3 days, rich in authentic Northern Sichuan atmosphere** The autumn scenery at Mount Guangwu 🍁 is stunning! The wonders of the Nuoshui River caves make you marvel at the craftsmanship of nature. Enyang Ancient Town preserves the most authentic old-time atmosphere of Northern Sichuan. Walking on the bluestone paths feels amazing~ · *📍Liangshan | 4–5 days in-depth tour, budget CNY 2,000–3,000** The sunset by Qionghai Lake is breathtaking 🌅. The sea of clouds at Mount Luoji is surging, and the Xichang Satellite Launch Center is full of high-tech vibes! You can also immerse yourself in the Yi ethnic customs, and the bonfire party at night is a blast 🔥 · *📍Luzhou | 2–3 days** The Luzhou Laojiao scenic area is filled with the aroma of liquor~ The vast forest sea of Fobao National Forest Park is stunning, and a walk in the Zhangba Longan Forest is super relaxing—a top choice for family trips! 🌳 · *📍Neijiang | 2-day short trip** The Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall is full of artistic atmosphere, the Longchang Stone Archways have a long-standing ancient charm, and Shengshui Temple is quiet and serene—a must-visit for culture lovers! ✨ · *📍Panzhihua | 3 days** The Ertan Hydropower Station is spectacular! A city walk in Panzhihua Park is amazing, and exploring the Longtan Cave is super exciting. The City of Sunshine truly lives up to its name ☀️ · *📍Dazhou | 2–3 days** The mountain and forest scenery of Eastern Sichuan at Longtan River, Batai Mountain, and Yunwu Mountain is stunning. These niche secret spots are uncrowded and beautiful—every photo is wallpaper-worthy! 🏞️ 💡Helpful tips: · High foot traffic during holidays, remember to book attractions in advance! · Large temperature difference between day and night in Liangshan, be sure to bring a jacket 🧥 · Travel off-peak to fully enjoy the landscapes and culture of Bashu~

! September–October is the perfect time to visit—average temperatures are 18–25°C, not too hot or cold. Zhangba Longan Forest has 500 mu of golden ginkgo leaves covering the ground, and Yuzixi Wetland Park has pink muhly grass that looks like clouds and mist. The best part is it's uncrowded, affordable, and the food is to die for! You can cover food, accommodation, and activities for 500 yuan per person for 3 days. This "hard-earned, no-nonsense guide" is for all the girls who want to go—I've already stepped in the traps, so you can just copy my itinerary👇 🗺️3-day, 2-night itinerary (copy-and-paste version) Day 1: Cultural tour of the Liquor City Morning: Arrive and head straight to the Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area (tickets approx. 35–50 yuan)—dive into the "living" national treasure cellar pits that are over 400 years old; the aroma of distiller's grains hits you in the face. The light and shadows in the red-walled corridor next to the 1573 cellar pits are incredible. ⚠️Honestly: The scenic area isn't large. If you aren't buying liquor, you can finish touring in 15 minutes; there are more liquor stalls than interactive experiences. Afternoon: Go to Dongmenkou (remains of the Song Dynasty Tonghai Gate) → Bell and Drum Tower → Zhongshan Park (reopened on Sep 15! Forest book bar + traditional Hanfu experience hall). Evening: Chase the sunset along the Yangtze River on Binjiang Road, then eat at the Shuijinggou/Zhuzi Street night market. Day 2: Autumn scenery walking route Morning: Zhangba Longan Forest (free!)—in September–October, the 500-mu ginkgo avenue is covered in gold, with over 15,000 longan trees, most of which are over a century old. The sunlight filtering through the canopy in the Dragon Shadow Corridor is stunning. ⚠️I recommend going early in the morning or at dusk for the softest light. Afternoon: Go to Yuzixi Wetland Park (free)—it's peak season for pink muhly grass; the pink flower spikes look like clouds and mist. Wear a white dress for perfect photos. Return to the city in the evening. Day 3: Choose between an ancient town or the mountains Option A: Yaoba Ancient Town (free!)—old bluestone streets + old teahouses. It hasn't been overly commercialized; the oil-paper umbrella workshops and wooden door alleys are super photogenic. Option B: Fangshan Back Mountain Loop (tickets approx. 20 yuan)—about 10km in total. In autumn, the trails are covered in pine needles and maple leaves, and you might find chestnuts, pomelos, and persimmons. ⚠️There are many stairs on the mountain, so wear non-slip shoes. 🍜Food recommendations (my mouth is watering just writing this) 🍗Gulin spicy chicken—featured on "A Bite of China"! The chicken skin is crispy and falls off the bone, and the dipping sauce is rich and spicy 🥟Hongqiao pork dumplings + Luzhou white cake—hit all three "snack must-haves" on Cishan Road 🍜Xuyong pea soup noodles—thick pea soup with alkaline noodles, a local breakfast favorite 🍲Jiangmen meat-based tofu hot pot—an intangible cultural heritage flavor passed down for hundreds of years 🐟Hejiang grilled fish—a must-order for late-night snacks! You can find it everywhere at the Binjiang Road night market 🍢Shuijinggou Food Street/Jiajing Road Night Market—spicy hot pot, barbecue, grilled pig brain, and ice jelly are full of local vibes ⚠️Food prices around scenic areas are on the high side; try to choose old, established restaurants in the old town for main meals. Don't buy loose liquor at the scenic area entrance; the quality is inconsistent. 🏠Where to stay 📍Stay near Shuijinggou/Bao'en Pagoda—the heart of the old town, convenient for eating and shopping, chain hotels are 150–300 yuan/night 📍Stay near MixC/Financial Center—complete commercial facilities, walking distance to Jiale Golden Street for one-stop convenience 📍Luzhou Liquor City Hotel—right outside the Laojiao scenic area, with impeccable service details 📸Photo spots (every shot is legendary) ✨Zhangba Longan Forest Ginkgo Avenue—golden carpet in September–October, the peak of autumn ✨Yuzixi Wetland Park pink muhly grass—pink flower spikes like clouds and mist, perfect with a white dress ✨Zhongshan Park red walls and bamboo shadows—osmanthus fragrance permeates the bluestone path, full of traditional vibes ✨Red-walled corridor next to the 1573 cellar pits—excellent afternoon light and shadows, great for industrial-style photos ✨Yaoba Ancient Town Jinshi Archway + second floor of the old teahouse—bird's-eye view of the entire bluestone street ✨Baizitu Cultural Square Riverside Corridor—sunset + blue-hour night view seamlessly connected from 7:00 PM–8:30 PM ✨Xinxi Ancient Plank Road—full of golden fruit in September, ancient tree roots winding around stone steps for a dark forest vibe ⚠️Tips to avoid traps (Important! Every bit helps) 1. Don't have high expectations for the Luzhou Laojiao Scenic Area—tickets are 35–50 yuan, the area is small, and if you aren't buying liquor, you can finish touring in 15 minutes; there are more liquor stalls than interactive experiences. 2. Don't buy loose liquor at the scenic area entrance—quality is inconsistent; buy souvenirs at regular stores in the city. 3. Many residences in Yaoba Ancient Town are private areas—don't wander into courtyards for photos. 4. The paths in Zhangba Longan Forest are damp—the steps by the river are slippery, watch your step. 5. There are many stairs on Fangshan—wear non-slip shoes and keep quiet in the temple area. 6. Large temperature difference between day and night—in September–October, it's 25°C during the day (short sleeves), but it may drop below 15°C at night, so a light jacket is a must. 7. Music festival during National Day—the "Jiuyao" Music Festival runs for 4 days from Oct 3–6, book hotels in advance. 8. Don't throw away your high-speed rail ticket stubs—if you arrive in Luzhou by train before Sep 10, you can use your ticket to claim discount coupons (e.g., 30 yuan off 100 yuan). 9. Refuse scalpers selling local specialties on the street—it's safer to book scenic area tickets online in advance. 10. Beware of "unreasonably low-priced tours"—Luzhou is currently conducting a special crackdown on tourism market chaos. Luzhou is a severely underrated small city in southern Sichuan, with liquor aromas, autumn colors, delicious food, and a vibrant local atmosphere. But you still need to avoid some traps. This guide will help you save at least 200 yuan in wasted money💰 Take advantage of the beautiful autumn scenery in September–October and go for it🏃‍♀️

This 2-day, 1-night curated travel guide to Luzhou blends the rich culture of the "Liquor City" with the vibrant, everyday life of southern Sichuan, hoping to make your short trip both refined and fulfilling. 🗺️ 2-Day, 1-Night Curated Itinerary Overview Day 1: Cultural Heritage of the Liquor City · Mellow Jiangyang · Morning (9:00 AM): Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area. Visit the "1573 National Treasure Cellar Pools," which have been in continuous use for over 450 years. Breathe in the rich aroma of liquor in the air and enjoy a complimentary tasting of raw liquor with your admission ticket. Tips: Admission is ¥35; closed on Mondays (except for public holidays). · Lunch (12:00 PM): Around Sanxing Street. Try the Gulin spicy chicken recommended by locals (featured in "A Bite of China") or authentic Sichuan cuisine at a local restaurant. · Afternoon (2:00 PM): Zhangba Longan Forest. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the largest ancient longan forest in Asia and enjoy the greenery and river breeze along the Yangtze River. Free admission; sightseeing carts are available (¥15). · Evening (5:00 PM): Luzhou Museum (Free). Get a quick overview of Luzhou's thousand-year history from the Han to the Song Dynasty, setting the stage for your evening exploration. · Night (6:30 PM): Shuijinggou + Zhuzi Street Night Market. Start your food tour with a wide array of snacks like Hejiang grilled fish, tofu with dipping sauce, and ice jelly with brown sugar, experiencing the most vibrant local life. Day 2: Leisurely Charm of Ancient Towns · Old Dreams of Southern Sichuan · Morning (8:30 AM): Yaoba Ancient Town. Head to this pristine ancient post town in Hejiang County. Stroll along the old bluestone streets and visit the Martial Scholar Archway and the filming location of "Da Hong Rice Shop." Tips: Admission to the ancient town is free; it takes about 1 hour to reach by chartered car/self-driving from the city center. · Lunch (12:00 PM): Yaoba Red Soup Mutton Restaurant. Enjoy a bowl of rich, flavorful red soup mutton at the entrance of the ancient town to warm yourself up. · Afternoon (2:00 PM): Xian Shi Soy Sauce Century-Old Workshop. Visit the intangible cultural heritage traditional brewing process and experience the rich flavor that time has bestowed upon the soy sauce. You can also buy a bottle as a unique souvenir. · Before Departure (4:00 PM): Last-minute dining and souvenirs in the city. If time permits, have a bowl of Zuo's pork intestine noodles and pick up local specialties like Naxi bubble candy or miniature Luzhou Laojiao liquor bottles as souvenirs. 🍜 Curated Food Recommendations · Must-try breakfast: Luzhou white cake on Cishan Road (an old shop with intangible cultural heritage status, fluffy and sweet) paired with Hongqiao pork dumplings (stuffed with preserved vegetables and fresh meat). This is a taste locals have grown up with. · Late-night eats: Wang's Classic Hot and Sour Noodles (an old shop in Beicheng Night Market). The chili oil is fragrant but not overpowering, a late-night memory for generations. · Authentic noodle shops: Xuyong bean soup noodles at Lantian Heizi Noodle Shop or the classic beef noodles at Yin's. Both have been operating for 30–40 years and offer time-tested, authentic flavors. 🏨 Curated Accommodation Recommendations · Chinese aesthetic choice: Luzhou Yinlu · Guili Boyuan Resort Hotel. Located within the Zhangba Longan Forest Scenic Area, it was designed by the renowned firm CCD. It blends Chinese elegance with natural simplicity, perfect for those seeking tranquility and design. · Prime location choice: Jiu Cheng Hotel. Located in the heart of the old town, it is within walking distance of the Laojiao scenic area. Some rooms offer views of the Yangtze River, and the facilities are relatively new, making it convenient for travel. 💡 Practical Tips and Budget Reference · Transportation: Luzhou has Yunlong Airport and a high-speed railway station (Luzhou Station). It takes about 2 hours by high-speed train from Chengdu. Taxis or ride-hailing services are convenient within the city. For Yaoba Ancient Town, we recommend chartering a car/self-driving. · Budget reference: Approximately ¥700–1,000 per person (excluding long-distance transportation). This covers comfortable accommodation, dining, admission tickets, and local taxi fares, allowing for a relaxed and refined trip. · Travel tips: Drink liquor in moderation and avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Some scenic spots (like Laojiao) are closed on Mondays, so it's best to confirm opening hours before you set off. We hope this guide helps you piece together some refined memories of Luzhou~

Trust me! Summer in Luzhou is truly underrated✨ Without the crowds of Western Sichuan or the stifling heat of the city center, this thousand-year-old Wine City hides the most comfortable summer in Southern Sichuan! With refreshing mountain streams to cool off in, evening breezes carrying the scent of wine, and old streets filled with local life, it's perfect for a niche summer getaway. It's a one-stop destination for eating, exploring, and relaxing. With high-speed rail access and affordable prices, it's a must-visit for students, families, and friends! 🌤 Travel Tips | Essential Advice for Beginners ✅ Best time to visit July and August are the peak of Luzhou's summer beauty! The forests are lush, the river water is clear and cool, and the morning and evening river breezes are gentle and soothing. Hide in indoor attractions or mountain caves at noon to perfectly avoid the heat and maximize comfort. ✅ Transport tips (Very important!) 1. Book your high-speed train to Luzhou Station! Do not book to Luzhou East Station; it's very far from the city center, and taking a taxi is time-consuming and expensive. 2. For city travel, walking + bike-sharing is best. The old streets and riverfront are easy to navigate and perfect for photos and strolling. 3. For suburban attractions like Huangjing Old Forest or Yaoba Ancient Town, self-driving or carpooling is recommended, as public transport takes longer. ✅ Outfit & essentials checklist · Outfit: Light-colored short sleeves, wide-leg pants, and sundresses are perfect for photos in the mountains and by the river. · Essentials: Sun protection clothing, mosquito repellent, sandals (for water play), a small fan, and an umbrella. · Tips: The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is small, but there are many mosquitoes, so be sure to pack repellent! 📍 Must-Visit Summer Attractions | Luzhou Core Itinerary 🍶 Luzhou Laojiao Tourism Area | A Summer Indoor Treasure The best choice for noon! Fully air-conditioned and cool, no need to worry about the sun! This is the soul of the Wine City, home to the 1573 National Treasure Cellar Pools that have been in use for over 400 years. Walking into the park, the faint scent of distiller's grains greets you—healing and unique. You can visit the Wine Culture Museum, see ancient brewing tools, and watch intangible cultural heritage brewing techniques. Adults can even enjoy free tastings of raw liquor! 👉 Practical tips: Residents of Sichuan and Chongqing can enter for free. Book online in advance. Open on Mondays. Avoid tour groups for a quieter experience. Do not drive after tasting! 🌳 Zhangba Longan Forest | A Natural Summer Oxygen Bar by the Yangtze River A free, open scenic area with China's largest cluster of century-old longan trees! In summer, it's lush and green. A 15 km riverside cycling path runs through the whole area. Ride a bike and chase the evening breeze of the Yangtze River. The tree shade blocks the sun completely. You can picnic, daydream, and watch the stunning Yangtze sunset on the riverside lawn. In midsummer, you can even experience picking longans—the fruit is sweet and juicy, a summer joy exclusive to Luzhou✨ 🌊 Huangjing Old Forest | The Ceiling of Summer Cooling in Southern Sichuan A natural air-conditioned secret spot with an average summer temperature of 22°C! 99 Danxia mountains stretch endlessly, and the entire primeval forest is lush and green. With babbling streams and clear waterfalls, it's the perfect place to escape the city heat. Recommended spots: Bajiedong, Heilongtan, and Sanliantan. Wade in the water, catch fish, and hike to get some fresh air. The stream water is refreshingly cool, healing all summer irritability. 👉 Travel advice: Buy a sightseeing bus ticket to save energy. Eat at a farmhouse in the mountains at noon for authentic, delicious mountain flavors. 🏯 Old Town Core | Bell & Drum Tower + Bao'en Pagoda + Dongmenkou To feel the local life of Luzhou, you must visit the old town! The Bell & Drum Tower is simple and grand, and right next to it is the thousand-year-old Bao'en Pagoda. The ancient pagoda is hidden among green trees and alleys, creating a perfect atmosphere for retro photos. Walk directly to the confluence of the two rivers at Dongmenkou. In the evening, the river breeze blows, watching the river flow and the sunset dye the river surface. Locals love to come here for a walk and cool off in the evening—it's incredibly healing🌇 The nearby Shuijinggou Old Street is full of old shops, with mottled tree shadows and local life, full of old Luzhou charm. 🏞 Yaoba Ancient Town | An Original, Niche Ancient Street Much quieter than commercialized ancient towns! As a filming location for "Raise the Red Lantern," the thousand-year-old Southern Sichuan dwellings are well-preserved. It's free to enter and not crowded. With blue stone streets and simple stilt houses surrounded by summer greenery, take your time, eat a bowl of local snacks, and feel the gentle time of the ancient town at a slow pace. 🗓 3-Day 2-Night Lazy Traveler Itinerary (Copy this!) Day 1: Wine City & Local Life Morning: Luzhou Laojiao Tourism Area | Visit the national treasure cellar pools, taste raw liquor, and unlock wine culture Afternoon: Leisurely walk in Zhongshan Park to feel the greenery of the old town Evening: Bell & Drum Tower > Bao'en Pagoda > Shuijinggou Old Street, explore and eat local snacks Night: Watch the night view of the two rivers at Dongmenkou and take a walk in the evening breeze Day 2: Mountain Cooling & Healing All day: In-depth tour of Huangjing Old Forest | Hike in the forest, wade in the stream, see waterfalls, and breathe in negative oxygen ions Night: Return to the city, visit the Luzhou night market, and unlock authentic late-night snacks Day 3: River View & Slow Travel Morning: Zhangba Longan Forest | Cycling, picnicking, and taking great river view photos Afternoon: Slow stroll in Yaoba Ancient Town to feel the original ancient town style Evening: Return trip, successfully ending the summer trip to the Wine City 🍜 Must-Eat in Luzhou Summer | Local Favorites You won't go hungry in Luzhou! Affordable, large portions, spicy and fragrant—a true foodie paradise. ✅ Xie's Spider Ba | Local snack TOP 1! 5 yuan each. The skin is golden and crispy, the inside is chewy, and the glutinous rice is wrapped with minced meat, mustard greens, and green onions, with a faint scent of Sichuan peppercorn. You'll be hooked after one bite. ✅ Gulin Spicy Chicken | The more you chew, the more addictive it gets! The meat is firm, not dry, spicy, and flavorful. A must-buy souvenir. ✅ Sansan Ranmian | The ceiling of Luzhou breakfast. The noodles are smooth and chewy, the sauce is rich, flavorful, and not greasy. ✅ Hejiang Black Bean Curd | The texture is tender and delicate. Dip it in the secret sauce—light and refreshing, perfect for summer. ✅ Hongqiao Zhu'erba | The skin is soft and chewy, the filling is fresh and fragrant, salty and sweet, authentic Southern Sichuan flavor. 🏠 Accommodation Guide | High Cost-Performance, No Pitfalls 1. Near Shuijinggou/Dongmenkou in the city center: First choice! Convenient transportation, snack streets and river night views downstairs. Very convenient for traveling and eating, suitable for most tourists. 2. Suburban homestays: Choose this if you want a quiet summer retreat. Close to mountain scenic spots, with a quiet environment, suitable for families and slow travelers. 💌 Summer in Luzhou is half the gentleness of thousand-year-old wine and half the warmth of mountain and river life🌿 Without the scorching heat, there is only the breeze, greenery, food, and slow time. No need to rush the itinerary, no need to squeeze through crowds, just walk slowly, eat slowly, and feel slowly. This is the most healing way to travel in summer!

‼️🔥Fubao Ancient Town is one of the few original, non-commercialized ancient towns in southern Sichuan. It is free, uncrowded, and features Ming and Qing dynasty stilt houses built along the mountainside. It is perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography, and can be explored in half a day. I. Basic information 📍Address: Shuanghe Street, Fubao Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City (northeast of Fubao Middle School) 🎫Admission: Free all day, no general admission ticket required, open 24 hours ⏱Duration: 3–4 hours for just the ancient town; a full day if combined with the surrounding mountains and forests ✅Highlights: National protected ancient architectural complex, a post station on the Sichuan Salt Ancient Road, and layered mountain stilt houses. There are almost no shops, just the authentic daily life of local residents II. Transportation (driving recommended) 1. Driving (recommended) · From downtown Luzhou: About 1.5–2 hours, with gentle mountain roads; navigate to "Fubao Ancient Town" · From Hejiang County: About 1 hour · Parking: Free parking in the new town area outside the ancient town 2. Public transportation 1. Luzhou Bus Station → Hejiang County Bus Station 2. Take a rural shuttle bus from Hejiang Bus Station directly to Fubao Town. Buses run every 15 minutes, the trip takes about 1 hour, and the fare is CNY 10–15 III. Must-see attractions (just follow the mountain road) 1. Huilong Street (core area) 450 meters long, the entire street rises and falls with the mountain. The bluestone slabs are polished smooth from use, and both sides are lined with Ming and Qing dynasty wooden stilt houses. This is the essence of the ancient town. There are no trendy shops, only residents and old teahouses, creating a strong atmosphere. 2. Xizi Pavilion (observation deck) An ancient character-treasuring pagoda from the Qianlong era, and the best spot for a panoramic view of the ancient town. Standing here, you can overlook the entire complex of stilt houses and the Dacao River. A must-visit for photos. 3. Remains of the Three Palaces and Eight Temples Focus on the Wanshou Palace stage: it features a mortise-and-tenon caisson ceiling without a single iron nail. Also, visit Qingyuan Palace, which preserves stone carvings and wood carvings from the former immigrant guild hall. 4. Huilong Bridge A stone arch bridge from the Daoguang era that spans the Dacao River. An excellent spot for photographing the ancient town's waterscape. Half-day itinerary (no backtracking) Ancient town entrance → Xizi Pavilion observation deck (for panoramic photos) → Huilong Ancient Street → Wanshou Palace + Qingyuan Palace → Huilong Bridge → Riverside walk → Return IV. Food recommendations (local farm flavors, no price gouging) Must-try specialties 1. Fubao dried tofu (intangible cultural heritage): Braised in mountain spring water and smoked over charcoal. It is chewy and can be eaten as a snack or stir-fried. 2. Hun Douhua (meat and tofu stew) (must-try meal): Brine-made tofu with cured meat and crispy pork, served with dozens of self-service dipping sauces. ✅Recommended old shops: · Laoshou Douhua Restaurant: Frequently visited by locals. The tofu is tender and smooth, with plenty of seasonings. The meat and tofu stew set meal is great value. · Liujie Douhua Restaurant: Morning market tofu rice, suitable for a quick meal. Snacks Ye'erba (leaf-wrapped rice cake), Huangba (yellow rice cake), stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured meat, free-range chicken soup, and covered-bowl tea (CNY 5 per cup). V. Accommodation 1. Stay in town (immersive experience) · Fubao Hotel: Only 300 meters from the ancient town, budget-friendly, convenient parking · Xiaoshi Hotel: Good environment, with a courtyard, suitable for families driving · Hejiang Yegang Hotel: Near the ancient town entrance, great value 2. For more comfort: Stay in Hejiang County, where there are more hotel options, and enter the ancient town the next day. VI. Nearby extensions (one-day trip combinations) 1. Fubao Yulan Mountain Scenic Area (Fobao Forest Park): About 13km from the ancient town. Free admission. Features forest bamboo seas, streams, and waterfalls. Great for hiking, camping, and escaping the heat. A natural oxygen bar. 2. Short trip: Puyinyan Leisure Valley, suitable for playing in the water and relaxing. VII. Photography + travel tips 1. Best time for photos: 9–11 AM (soft side lighting); after rain, the stone slabs have water marks and the reflections of the stilt houses are stunning; at sunset, capture the golden glow on the ancient buildings. 2. Attire: Flat, non-slip shoes (the mountain roads are uneven and slippery when wet); cotton/linen plain-colored clothes or Hanfu look great in photos. 3. Tips to avoid pitfalls: There are almost no convenience stores or souvenir shops in the ancient town, so bring your own drinking water. Market day is every Wednesday, where you can buy local products like dried bamboo shoots and cured meat. 4. Season: The climate is comfortable from October to May of the following year; visit in summer to escape the heat, but avoid the midday sun. VIII. Two itinerary options ✅Half-day short route (round trip from Luzhou on the same day) Drive from Luzhou → Fubao Ancient Town (3 hours of leisurely strolling + tofu meal) → Return. ✅One-day long route Morning: Explore Fubao Ancient Town; Noon: Eat tofu in town; Afternoon: Go hiking in Yulan Mountain Forest Park; Evening: Return.

If you don't want to get stuck on the road, go for it! A niche Southern Sichuan food and travel route with a super relaxed pace. We get it—the pain of wanting a weekend getaway but dreading being stuck on the highway for hours. We've dug up a few laid-back cities in Southern Sichuan that aren't overcrowded. No need to rush between attractions; spend two days wandering at your own pace, keeping your taste buds busy. It's the kind of short trip that makes you never want to go home. Zigong✨ ▫️Trip highlights Shenhai Well: One of the few remaining active ancient salt wells. You might catch master craftsmen keeping traditional salt-making processes alive; you can feel the history of this thousand-year-old salt capital under your feet Ziliujing Old Street: An old street district stretching along the mountain and river. No cookie-cutter influencer shops here—just local teahouses filled with seniors chatting away Salt Industry History Museum: Originally the Xiqin Guild Hall, the wood and stone carvings on the beams are so exquisite they're stunning even up close Zigong Dinosaur Museum: The impact of facing massive fossil pits is incredible. Paleontology fans can easily spend half a day here ▫️2-day itinerary Day 1: Take it slow at Shenhai Well in the morning. In the afternoon, stop by the old salt factory for some retro industrial-style photos. In the evening, head into Ziliujing Old Street and find a riverside teahouse to sit in until the lights come on Day 2: Spend the morning at the Salt Industry History Museum admiring the architectural details. In the afternoon, visit the Dinosaur Museum to see the fossil pits. After that, you'll be perfectly positioned to hop on the highway for your return trip ▫️What to eat Cold rabbit is spicy, numbing, and gets better the more you chew. The dipping sauce for Fushun bean curd is so fragrant you could eat two bowls of rice with it. Huobianzi beef is sliced so thin it's translucent—perfect as a snack or a souvenir ▫️Tips Shenhai Well stops admitting visitors at 4:00 PM, so don't arrive right at closing time The cold rabbit sold at the entrance of the old street is overpriced. Wander into a couple of side alleys to find shops run by local aunties for authentic, cheaper options Luzhou✨ ▫️Trip highlights Guanyizui: Where the Yangtze and Tuojiang rivers meet, creating a clear boundary between their waters. The river breeze carries a faint scent of liquor, making it a refreshing place to sit for a while Zhangba Longan Forest: Over 10 kilometers of century-old longan trees stretching along the river. Cycling through the forest, you'll be surrounded by the scent of plants mixed with the river breeze Luzhou Laojiao Tourism Area: See active fermentation pits that have been in continuous use for hundreds of years. The whole district is filled with the faint aroma of distiller's grains Yaoba Ancient Town: An unspoiled Sichuan river town. The bluestone paths are polished smooth by time, and locals still live their daily lives here ▫️2-day itinerary Day 1: Visit the Laojiao Tourism Area in the morning—try to catch a guided tour to hear the stories behind it. In the afternoon, wander through the old alleys to the Bell and Drum Tower. In the evening, head to Guanyizui to wait for the orange sunset over the river confluence Day 2: Go cycling in the Zhangba Longan Forest in the morning for some fresh air. In the afternoon, drive half an hour to Yaoba Ancient Town to stroll through the old streets. After watching the sunset, head straight back ▫️What to eat Luzhou white cake is soft with a sweet rice fragrance. Gulin spicy chicken is marinated to the bone. Hejiang grilled fish is crispy and flavorful. Huangba (sticky rice cake) is chewy and wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves ▫️Tips Don't pick the longans yourself during the summer and autumn harvest season; buy fresh ones from local farmers by the roadside—they're sweeter and a better deal Snacks in Yaoba Ancient Town are slightly more expensive than in the city center. If you want to buy local specialties, wait until you're back in the city Neijiang✨ ▫️Trip highlights Shengshui Temple: An ancient temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The cliffside carvings have a profound sense of history, and there are so few tourists you can clearly hear the birds in the forest Daqian Garden: A garden-style exhibition hall built along the Tuojiang River. It has a comprehensive collection of Zhang Daqian's calligraphy and paintings, and the garden is quiet and comfortable to walk through Luoquan Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old salt town hidden along a tributary of the Tuojiang River. The unique Salt God Temple is well worth seeing. The whole street is free of noisy bars and cookie-cutter influencer shops ▫️2-day itinerary Day 1: Spend the morning at Daqian Garden taking your time with the calligraphy and painting exhibition. In the afternoon, explore the old alleys in the Shizhong District to find a decades-old candied fruit shop. In the evening, head to the Tuojiang riverside to enjoy the evening breeze and watch the sunset Day 2: Spend the morning at Shengshui Temple admiring the cliffside carvings one by one. In the afternoon, drive an hour to Luoquan Ancient Town to wander around. After you're done, head straight to the highway for your return trip ▫️What to eat Neijiang beef noodles have a spicy, numbing, and savory broth. Banbanqiao fried rice cakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Traditional candied fruits are sweet but not cloying. Zizhong rabbit noodles are rich and flavorful ▫️Tips The cliffside carvings at Shengshui Temple are cultural relics, so please do not touch them Most authentic local beef noodle shops are only open in the morning, so get there early if you want to eat Luoquan Ancient Town is not very commercialized and doesn't have many convenience stores, so remember to carry a bottle of water with you The entire route doesn't require any detours, and the drive between each small city is mostly around an hour. If you're worried about getting tired, just pick one city and stay for two days. There's no need to rush or suffer through traffic jams😌

Yaoba Ancient Town at a glance · Highlights: An important post station on the Sichuan-Guizhou Tea and Salt Ancient Road, known as a "living fossil of ancient dwellings in southern Sichuan," and a filming location for movies like "Dahong Rice Shop." · Admission: The ancient town streets are open for free all day. Some internal exhibition halls (such as Dahong Rice Shop, Wang Chaowen's Former Residence, etc.) require tickets; a combined ticket costs about CNY 30. · Address: East Xingyao Road, Yaoba Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province How to get there · Driving (recommended): Navigate to "Yaoba Ancient Town Tourist Scenic Area," take the Yaoba exit from the Rongzun Expressway, and turn right for about 2 km to arrive. · Public transport: Take a direct shuttle bus to Yaoba from the Luzhou Passenger Transport Center. The fare is about CNY 15, and the trip takes about 40 mins. What to do The ancient town is small, and the main attractions are concentrated along an S-shaped bluestone street. You can explore the whole area on foot. · Must-visit landmarks · Wu Jinshi Archway: The town's iconic structure, a Qing Dynasty stone archway with exquisite carvings, perfect for photos. · Dahong Rice Shop: The filming location for the movie "Dahong Rice Shop," this is a typical southern Sichuan courtyard house with a nostalgic feel. · Wang Chaowen's Former Residence: The childhood home of Wang Chaowen, a founder of Chinese aesthetics, and another exquisite southern Sichuan courtyard house. · Dongyue Temple (Ciyun Temple): The highest point in the ancient town, offering a bird's-eye view of the sea of gray-tiled roofs. · Intangible Cultural Heritage Oil-Paper Umbrella Workshop: Watch the production process of oil-paper umbrellas. Buying one as a photo prop adds a great aesthetic touch. · Suggested route: Start at the Wu Jinshi Archway at the south entrance, walk north along the bluestone road, pass by Dahong Rice Shop and Wang Chaowen's Former Residence, and finally head to Dongyue Temple for a panoramic view. What to eat · Yaoba red soup mutton: A local signature dish with a bright red broth, tender mutton, and no gamey taste. A must-try. · Yaoba Huangba (steamed glutinous rice cake): Made by steaming glutinous rice wrapped in ginger leaves, it's soft, sweet, and makes a great souvenir. · Other snacks: Spicy dried radish, sweet potato candy, tofu pudding rice, and more, all with distinct local flavors. Where to stay · Homestays in the ancient town: Choose from inns converted from old houses, such as Yaoba Inn or Zhou Family Courtyard. Open your window to the ancient street for an immersive experience of town life. · Hotels outside the ancient town: If you prefer more modern facilities, choose hotels or farmhouses around the town for better value. Travel tips · Best time to visit: Early morning and evening offer soft light and fewer tourists, perfect for photos. Try to avoid peak holiday periods. · Clothing advice: The town has many bluestone roads, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended. · Payment preparation: Some small shops run by elderly residents may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to carry some small change. · Nearby attractions: If you have extra time, you can combine your visit to Yaoba Ancient Town with nearby Fubao Ancient Town or Fawang Temple.

🚌 [Transportation tips] To be honest, Luzhou in September is still brutally hot during the day, with a daily average of 33–36°C and a heat index that can hit 42°C. Taking the high‑speed train to Luzhou Station is the most hassle‑free option; taxis outside the station have a low starting fare, and rides within the city usually cost about CNY 10–15. The airport has a free shuttle to the city—board with your ID. For city sights, I recommend a mix of taxis and walking; to get to Yaoba Ancient Town you can take a shuttle from the Luzhou Passenger Transport Center. I don't recommend driving into the city—the old town's roads are narrow and steep, driving is really miserable, even the GPS would cry 😅. 📸 Photo spots to check out I'll list them roughly in the reverse order I scouted them. The riverside road at the East Gate, where the two rivers meet, is the ultimate photo spot—one river is clear, the other muddy, a sharp contrast, and at sunset the whole river turns golden; the river breeze makes everyone look great🌅. Yaoba Ancient Town's bluestone streets and red lanterns are perfect for wearing a qipao or hanfu, the photo success rate is very high; in the oil‑paper umbrella alley, carry a heritage oil‑paper umbrella and spin for a shot—the Miyazaki vibe appears instantly. At Zhangba Longan Grove, put on a straw hat and carry a woven bag; shoot backlit under the century‑old longan trees for easy, forest‑style editorial photos🌳. Luzhou Laojiao Guojiao Square's vintage stone steles and fermentation pits, with the scent of distillery mash, give photos a slightly tipsy atmosphere🍶. 🗺️ Super detailed itinerary Day 1: city wine route: In the morning head to the Luzhou Laojiao tourist area. Ticket CNY 35; it's best to go around 10 AM to see the brewers at work and try free samples of 68° original spirit. Light drinkers should sip just a bit—I was greedy and had a couple more, and in the afternoon I almost fell asleep on a bench in Zhongshan Park 🥲. For lunch try Cishan Road or Xiao Xiangzi Old Street. In the afternoon visit Zhangba Longan Grove—September is longan season and the century‑old trees form a dense canopy. Rent a shared bike for CNY 20 an hour to ride along the river; the Yangtze sunset is stunning. In the evening eat and drink at Shuijinggou Night Market. Day 2: ancient town and culture: A 40‑minute taxi gets you to Yaoba Ancient Town; admission is free. It's a filming location for Da Hong Rice Shop, with bluestone streets and Ming‑ and Qing‑style arcade buildings, and light commercialization. For lunch try red‑soup mutton and freshly steamed huangba. In the afternoon visit the Fenshui oil‑paper umbrella workshop and hand‑paint a hibiscus umbrella for CNY 50 to take home—the translucent oil paper creates dynamic light and shadow when you spin the umbrella, perfect for artsy shots. Day 3: pick one: For those with stamina, head to Huangjing Old Forest. Ticket CNY 50. The Bajiedong waterfall cluster sends mist in your face; hike the cycad valley—96% forest coverage makes it feel like only the low 20s °C, a perfect summer escape in September🌿. If you prefer culture, visit the Luzhou Museum (free with reservation) and focus on the Song‑dynasty stone carvings. 🎫 Ticket booking Luzhou Laojiao tourist area ticket CNY 35—book in advance on Ctrip to skip the line. Luzhou Museum is free but requires a reservation; note it's closed on Mondays. Yaoba Ancient Town is free; small internal sites like Wang Chaowen Former Residence have an optional combo ticket for CNY 30. Huangjing Old Forest adult ticket CNY 50, student ticket CNY 25. Zhangba Longan Grove is free, and a sightseeing shuttle is optional for CNY 20. 🥘 Local food recommendations Gulin spicy chicken dipped in house chili powder, finger‑licking good, around CNY 40 per person Luzhou white cake from a longtime shop, CNY 3 each, fragrant rice flavor, perfect with soy milk Huangba, glutinous rice wrapped in liangjiang leaves and steamed, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture, CNY 5 each Zhu'erba, thin skin and a big, juicy filling—works sweet or savory Xuyong bean soup noodles, yellow soybeans slow‑simmered into a rich broth with minced meat, a breakfast staple Hejiang grilled fish; in Shuijinggou, Zengsan grilled fish is the local crowd favorite Lianggao and liangxia, summer heat savers—after spicy food, a bowl is life‑saving 🧊 🚫 Tips to avoid pitfalls My dumbest mistake this trip: wearing leather dress shoes to hike Huangjing Old Forest—the stone steps at Bajiedong waterfalls are slippery and I nearly wiped out. Wear non‑slip sneakers 👟. In September Luzhou's UV index is 7–8—not the worst, but the river reflection is strong; if you don't apply enough sunscreen your face will suffer the next day. The riverside has big day‑to‑night temperature swings, so bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings. I dressed for photos in a camisole and froze at night at the East Gate in the river breeze 🥶. Luzhou food leans numbing and spicy—if you can't handle heat, be sure to ask for mild spice in advance, otherwise you'll end up crying with a runny nose. Some small shops in the old town only accept cash, so bring small change—last time in Yaoba I couldn't pay by mobile for a huangba and it was painfully awkward. When buying baijiu, stick to Luzhou Laojiao's official stores. Those ten‑year cave‑aged bottles around scenic areas selling for under CNY 100 per jin are mostly blended—don't make the same dumb mistake I did last year 😅. The upside of September is that it's not the National Day crush. September is just after summer vacation and before the National Day holiday, so you can get a river‑view homestay for just over CNY 200 and save about 40 minutes in attraction queues—fewer people and better prices is the right way to experience Luzhou ✨. When booking tickets or hotels on Ctrip, check the day's price in advance—prices fluctuate a lot during holidays.

I avoided the National Day crowds and visited Yaoba Ancient Town in Luzhou. I've been recommending it to everyone since I got back—this ancient town, which dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty, is actually free, and locals still live there! It's a 2.5-hour drive from Chongqing with the kids. There's a parking lot right at the entrance, and it only costs 5 yuan for the whole day. As soon as you step onto that 1,000-meter-long bluestone street, you feel like you've traveled back in time—it's lined with Southern Sichuan-style residences from the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, with small grey tiles and wooden post-and-beam structures stretching out in a continuous row. There are no cookie-cutter "influencer" shops here; in the alleys, locals are drinking tea and playing cards, and cats and dogs are wandering around. This is what real life feels like. The kids were most interested in the Dahong Rice Shop—the filming location for the movie "Rice." It's an old all-wood building, and you can overlook the entire ancient street from the second-floor window. There's also an oil-paper umbrella shop, a national intangible cultural heritage site. Watching the master craftsman make umbrellas on the spot, the kids were mesmerized. Ciyun Temple (also known as Dongyue Temple) was built in the Ming Dynasty. There's a thousand-year-old banyan tree in front of the temple. The kids ran around under the tree while I rested nearby—it was so comfortable. Some practical tips: · Navigation: Search for "Yaoba Ancient Town Tourist Scenic Area" directly. It's about 30 minutes from Luzhou and about 2.5 hours from Chongqing · Admission: The ancient town is free! Small attractions charge 5–15 yuan separately · Parking: Two parking lots next to the ancient town, 5 yuan per day · Best time to visit: October–November for crisp autumn weather, with very comfortable temperatures of 12–20°C · Must-eats: Yaoba red soup mutton (a provincial-level Tianfu tourism delicacy) and Yaoba huangba (a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, soft, sticky, and sweet), which the kids loved · Accommodation: You can stay at the Yaoba Inn inside the ancient town, which is a renovated Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard house, with an average price of 200–300 yuan After exploring the ancient town, you can also stop by the Xianshi Soy Sauce Chishui River Manor, known as the "Natural Soy Sauce Museum." Try the soy sauce ice cream—the kids will definitely remember it. Autumn in Southern Sichuan is very pleasant. While the weather is nice, take the kids to walk around this "living ancient town." It's a hundred times more interesting than visiting those imitation commercial streets.

While other cities measure time with clocks, Luzhou measures it in degrees. Every inch of time here is steeped in something—the microbes in the fermentation pits have been working for 449 years, the Yangtze and Tuojiang rivers have been "clinking glasses" for millennia, and the longan trees in Zhangba have spent centuries growing into a lush green riverbank. Spend two days in Luzhou, and you'll find yourself "fermenting" too—your movements slow down, your breathing deepens, and watching a sunset where the two rivers meet can easily consume an entire evening. First, keep these three "time scales" in mind👇 · 449 years—The time the national treasure fermentation pits have been continuously brewing, a living history of Chinese baijiu · 100 years—The average age of the ancient trees in the Zhangba Longan Forest, the foundation of this natural oxygen bar · Confluence of two rivers—The moment the Tuojiang River flows into the Yangtze, a scene from your geography textbook playing out live before your eyes Day 1: Fermented time [Morning · Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area 🏛️] Standing by the fermentation pits that haven't stopped working for 449 years, the smell of distiller's grains in the air isn't just "fragrant"—it's the essence of time itself. The invisible microbes are older than your great-grandfather, and they're still on the job. Try a free cup of 72% ABV raw liquor and let it linger on your tongue for three seconds—you're tasting time that began fermenting during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. [Afternoon · Zhangba Longan Forest 🌳] Over 10,000 century-old longan trees line the river, their shade so thick it filters the sunlight into a deep, ink-green hue. Stroll slowly along the riverside boardwalk; there's plenty of negative oxygen ions here, and walking too fast would be a disservice to this forest. Lean against an old tree for a while—time is meant to be idled away here. [Evening · Guanyizui Square / Dongmenkou Ancient City Wall 🌅] The Yangtze is muddy yellow, the Tuojiang is clear green, and the two rivers "clink glasses" here. Wait for the sunset, and watch the river surface burn from golden yellow to deep purple—a free, large-scale live performance that plays on time every day. [Night · Zhuzi Street / Shuijinggou 🌙] Dive into the alleys where the locals gather, and pick whichever spot is bustling—no internet-famous shops here, just old-school flavors that have been around for decades. Day 2: Forgotten time [All Day · Yaoba Ancient Town 🏘️] About a 1-hour drive from the city center. There's no "restored to look new" here; the bluestone slabs are polished smooth by shoe soles, elderly folks sit on doorsteps picking vegetables, and cats doze under the eaves. Spend the morning wandering the ancient streets—sparks fly at the blacksmith shop, the sound of mahjong clatters in the teahouse, and the scent of angelica drifts from the pharmacy. In the afternoon, walk along the outskirts of the ancient town—rapeseed flower fields, bamboo forests, and old stone bridges all serve as free backdrops. 📸 ⚠️ Return shuttle buses become less frequent after 5:00 PM, so keep an eye on the time. Driving yourself or hiring a car offers more freedom. Practical tips 📋 ① High-speed rail: Choose "Luzhou Station," which is closer to the city center. It takes about 1.5 hours from Chengdu and about 0.5 hours from Chongqing. ② Accommodation: The area around Shuijinggou or Bao'en Pagoda is most convenient, with night markets right downstairs. For river views, choose a riverside hotel; breakfast includes local "piggy cakes" (zhuerba). ③ City transport: Taxis are cheap and convenient; buses and the "Liquor City" tourist line cover major attractions. For Yaoba, driving/hiring a car is recommended, or take a shuttle bus from the passenger transport center (pay attention to the last bus time). Come visit Luzhou. You just need to surrender yourself to Luzhou's slow pace—let the 449-year-old fermentation pits ferment away your fatigue, let the century-old longan trees recharge your oxygen, and let the sunset at the confluence of the two rivers help you draw a perfect period to your day.

I came to Sanhe Academy for registration this time. After comparing several options, I chose Yuanyuan Hotel, which really proved the saying: "Meeting is fate!" The entire stay was incredibly healing and completely exceeded my expectations. It was a truly comfortable experience. The hotel's location is impeccable. It is only about 500 meters from Sanhe Academy, just a few minutes' walk to campus, making it an excellent choice for those coming to register or study. There is no need for long commutes, making daily trips to school easy and stress-free. The surrounding amenities are also very complete. There are several home-style stir-fry restaurants nearby with authentic flavors and great value, so finding a meal is never a worry. Daily life here is very convenient. I have high standards for quietness, and the hotel did a great job in this regard. The soundproofing in the room is excellent, and the overall environment is quiet and peaceful without any noisy disturbances. Whether relaxing during the day or sleeping at night, it was very peaceful and undisturbed, making it perfect for focused study or a short stay. I was also 100% reassured by the hygiene, which is my top priority. The room was clean, tidy, and spotless. The bed was neat and dry, which was very comforting. The towels and disposable toiletries provided by the hotel were complete and clean. The details were well taken care of, so you are ready to move in and enjoy a worry-free, comfortable stay. I must highlight the hotel's rooftop garden; it is definitely a hidden gem! The garden is exquisitely maintained with flowers blooming in all seasons, offering gentle and healing scenery. In my spare time, I would go upstairs to catch a breeze and relax, which helped relieve the fatigue from studying. It is also a great spot for photos—every shot is full of atmosphere, adding so many little joys to my stay. The breakfast experience at the hotel was also fantastic, with a reasonable and hearty selection. Every day, they provide two hot dishes and two cold dishes, with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables that tastes home-cooked, fresh, and not greasy. There are also various soft pastries that taste great, nutritious, and filling. Eating this every day gave me plenty of energy to start a fulfilling day of study. The most heartwarming part was the front desk service. The staff were gentle and attentive, check-in was efficient and quick, and their attitude was friendly and kind. They also proactively and carefully informed me about nearby food and attractions, patiently sharing practical local tips, which made me feel very welcome as a newcomer. The overall experience was perfect! With its superior location, quiet environment, cleanliness, delicious food, attentive service, and the beautiful rooftop garden, it is super suitable for both those coming to Sanhe Academy for registration and for short-term stays. Highly recommended!

· ⛰️ Huaiyang Temple: Straddle two provinces The Huaiyang Temple at the summit is the main highlight. The temple steps mark the provincial border between Guizhou and Sichuan, making it a perfect spot for photos. · 📸 Ox Back Ridge: A thrilling ridge line for photos The narrow ridge path next to the temple is only about 1 meter wide at its narrowest point, with 100-meter cliffs on both sides and Danxia rock walls beneath your feet. It is a real test of courage, but the photos you get are visually stunning.

Luzhou is a total hidden gem! 🥰 This underrated Sichuan city is so packed with flavor and fun that you won't want to leave. I’ve put together the ultimate guide for you—save this for your next trip! 📝 🍜 The "Big Three" Luzhou Snacks You Can't Miss Luzhou White Cake (Baigao) 🍥 Freshly steamed using traditional sourdough fermentation, these white, pillowy treats are as cute as they are delicious! One bite offers a soft, subtly sweet flavor that captures the refined essence of the south. 😋 Hongqiao Zhuerba 🥟 A nostalgic childhood favorite for locals! These chewy glutinous rice dumplings are packed with a savory, aromatic meat filling. Pure bliss in every bite! 💥 Traditional Savory Tofu Pudding (Doufunao) 🥣 Silky-smooth tofu topped with crispy fried dough and shredded chicken. It’s savory, textured, and the perfect morning pick-me-up! ☀️ · -- 🌳 Zhangba Longan Forest Park Zhangba Street, Jiangyang District (by the Yangtze River) A literal breath of fresh air! This natural oxygen bar features vast groves of century-old longan trees right along the riverbank. Wandering through feels like stepping into a fairytale—ultimate healing vibes! 🌿 Free entry, making it the perfect post-meal stroll. 🚶‍♀️ · -- 🫘 Hejiang Black Tofu Hejiang Town, Hejiang County (various popular local spots) After the longan forest, you have to try the freshly ground black tofu hot pot! The rich, nutty aroma of the beans is incredible. Find a busy local spot and dive into a bubbling pot of pure comfort. 🍲 · -- 🏛️ Luzhou Museum 158 Nanguang Road, Jiangyang District A prestigious National First-Class Museum with truly remarkable exhibits! ✨ Don’t miss the "Qilin Wine Warmer" from the Ming Dynasty—it’s the crown jewel of the collection. A fascinating deep dive into local history! 🔍 · -- 🦆 Songhongge 25 Jiangyang Middle Road, Jiangyang District A 26-year-old local institution honored as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site. This is the gold standard for Luzhou Roast Duck! 🔥 Crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat. Be sure to book ahead, or you’ll definitely miss out! · -- 🏨 Where to Stay | Jiucheng Hotel 77 Jiangyang Middle Road, Jiangyang District A classic, established five-star hotel in a prime location. Perfect for recharging your batteries so you’re ready for another day of exploring! 💪 · -- ⛰️ Fangshan Scenic Area Fangshan Town, Jiangyang District Widely regarded as one of Sichuan’s most famous peaks. A visit to the Black-faced Guanyin at Yunfeng Temple is a must—many say it's quite auspicious! The views of the Yangtze River from the top are absolutely breathtaking. 🌊 Truly a "top of the world" experience. · -- 🥩 Yanji Lizhuang White Meat Lizhuang Ancient Town (Multiple branches near the entrance/old street) With over 30 years of history, the masters here slice the pork so thin it’s translucent. Paired with their secret dipping sauce, it’s tender, flavorful, and melts in your mouth without being greasy. 🤤 Simply the best white meat in Luzhou! · -- 🌊 Luzhou East Gate Binjiang West Road (Near the Tonghai Gate Ruins) The Song Dynasty Tonghai Gate ruins are just a stone's throw away. Stroll through Binjiang Park at sunset as the orange light reflects off the water—the atmosphere is unmatched. 🌇 · -- 🏨 Where to Stay | Luzhou酒城嘉生酒店 66 春雨路, Longmatan District A five-star Wyndham property that is incredibly spacious and peaceful. The perfect way to chill out and wrap up your trip before heading home. 🌙 · -- 💡 TRAVEL TIPS ✅ Luzhou cuisine is famously oily and spicy. If you have a low tolerance, be sure to ask for "less spice" (jiǎn là)! ✅ Popular heritage spots and roast duck restaurants require advance reservations. ✅ Wear comfortable shoes for Fangshan—you'll need the stamina for the climb!

The hotel is well-located with mature surrounding amenities. It is near local commercial districts and surrounded by Hejiang snack shops, so you can easily enjoy local delicacies right outside. Daily travel is very convenient, and it is easy to visit nearby attractions. The location is definitely not remote. What satisfied me most was the hotel's hygiene; the details were handled exceptionally well. The room was clean and bright overall, with the floor, desk, and bathroom spotless, free of any odors or missed spots. The hotel thoughtfully provided clean, hygienic disposable towels, completely eliminating any concerns about reusing towels, making the stay worry-free and comfortable. The bedding was soft, dry, and freshly laundered, with an overall quality that far exceeded other hotels at this price point. Additionally, the hotel's breakfast was a pleasant surprise. There was a rich variety of options, including vegetables, staples, porridge, and side dishes, all freshly prepared with a home-cooked taste. The food was light, palatable, and made with fresh ingredients, perfectly satisfying the needs of a traveler. The overall service was thoughtful and attentive, with friendly staff who paid great attention to detail. Considering the location, hygiene, surrounding dining options, and price, this hotel offers incredible value. It is perfect for both leisure travel and short business trips. I sincerely recommend it to anyone visiting Hejiang!

National Geographic Certified! Sichuan's Most Beautiful Ancient Town – Free and More Pristine than Lijiang Less than two hours from Chongqing, I ventured into the deep folds of the mountains bordering Sichuan and Guizhou, and stumbled upon Fubao Ancient Town. No entrance gates, no grand "Welcome to XX Ancient Town" signs. Parking was free in the designated spaces of the new town outside the main town, and a short walk led to the Dacao River and cobblestone streets – for a moment, I was a little dazed: could this really be the place hailed by *Chinese National Geography* as having the "most beautiful ancient town in Sichuan"? It's not perfect, but it truly gives you a sense of peace and security. Fubao was founded in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties and was once the vital transportation hub for Zigong's well salt to Guizhou. Huilong Street, a 450-meter-long cobblestone main street, connects five side alleys, including Jiulong Lane, Liujia Lane, and Chaishi Lane, forming a "one street, five alleys" layout. The cobblestones aren't artificially aged; they are the marks left by centuries of salt merchants' caravans and residents, gleaming darkly in the rain. On both sides are old wooden houses with mortise-and-tenon joints, deep yellow wooden pillars, small blue tiles, and stilted roofs that cling to the mountainside and extend towards the river. A Tsinghua University architectural scholar praised it as "the essence of Chinese mountain dwelling architecture." I don't understand the technical terms, but looking back from the back of the town, the layers of blue tiles on the hillside resembled a stack of old photographs placed upright in the landscape. Most of the three palaces and eight temples (Wanshou Palace, Qingyuan Palace, Tianhou Palace, Xiziting Pavilion, Huilong Bridge, etc.) still exist, but they haven't been turned into paid exhibition halls. The Wanshou Palace stage's coffered ceiling is joined with mortise and tenon joints; the Xiziting Pavilion has six stories and eight sides carved with scenes of farming, fishing, and hunting; and the stone arch of Huilong Bridge from the Daoguang era lies across the river. Some temples are usually locked; if you happen to see a cultural relics officer, chat for a bit, but if not, don't force your way in—a quick glance through the window is enough. Why I say it's more authentic than Lijiang I've been to Wuzhen three times, and each time I was swept along by the crowds; the blast from the bars in Lijiang Old Town could echo down the alleyways. On a weekday in Fubao, you could hear your own footsteps, birdsong in the banyan trees, and the sound of an old woman washing clothes by the river on Huilong Street. There are no Yiwu-style small commodity stalls, no trendy bamboo tube milk tea; the old teahouses are filled with local old men, brewing tea in covered bowls from long-spouted copper kettles, accompanied by a plate of Fubao dried tofu (smoked with cypress wood, chewy and with a smoky aroma). Leaf-wrapped rice cakes are two yuan each, a bowl of tofu pudding is a little over ten yuan, and a small pot of bitter bamboo shoot stewed chicken is over thirty yuan—prices seem to have regressed to fifteen years ago. Old people sit on bamboo chairs under the eaves basking in the sun, cured meat and dried tofu hang from the beams, and children chase each other across the alleyways. This "living ancient town" isn't a performance for the camera; it's how life truly is. Half-day itinerary (tested route) Starting from Chongqing city center, navigate to "Luzhou Fubao Ancient Town," take the G93 Chengdu-Chongqing Ring Expressway, approximately 130 kilometers, less than 2 hours. The provincial highway leading down into the town has many curves, so those prone to motion sickness or new drivers should drive slowly. · Parking at the new town outside the town (free) → Walk along Shuanghe Street to the intersection of Huilong Street · Slowly climb Huilong Street for 20 minutes to the Banpo Ancient Stage, continue uphill to Xiziting (a pavilion for writing inscriptions) · Turn into Liujia Lane/Chaishi Lane to see the light and shadow of the side alleys, then return to Huilong Bridge to photograph the reflection of the stilted buildings · Climb the small road behind the town for 5 minutes to the viewing platform for panoramic views (the light is softest before 9 am or in the evening) · Sit in an old teahouse, drink tea, eat dried tofu, and relax for half an hour. You can walk the entire area in 1 hour. If you want to take more photos, chat with the elderly, or simply sit on the bridge and daydream, half a day (3-4 hours) is the most comfortable. If you have extra time, you can stay overnight. At night, there are fewer tourists, and the Huilong Bridge under the moonlight and the chirping of insects is even more captivating than during the day. Practical Information (Based on my own experience): · Address: Shuanghe Street, Fubao Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City (approximately 250 meters northeast of Fubao Middle School) · Admission: Free, open all year round, no gate, no reservations required · Parking: Free parking in the newly designated parking spaces outside the ancient town · Driving from Chongqing: Approximately 130km/2 hours; from Luzhou: Approximately 1.5 hours; from Chengdu: 4+ hours · Public Transportation: Luzhou Bus Station → Hejiang Bus → Hejiang Bus Station, transfer to Fubao Minibus (every 15 minutes, last bus from Hejiang around 5 PM, don't be late) · Food: Small restaurants in the ancient town offer fried rice and noodles for around 10 RMB. They also have tofu rice, pig's glutinous rice cakes, Fubao dried tofu, and Hejiang tofu grilled fish. For more refined dining experiences, stay in the county town and travel back and forth. · Accommodation: Guesthouses in the old town cost 80-150 yuan per night; you can see stilted buildings from the window, but soundproofing is generally poor. Standard rooms in the county town start at 70-80 yuan and are better equipped. · Avoid these pitfalls: ① The stone slabs are slippery after rain; wear non-slip flat shoes. ② Cell phone service is intermittent in town; bring some cash. ③ There are no ATMs; don't expect to pay by card on-site. ④ Temples are often locked; don't climb through windows. ⑤ Don't believe old posts claiming "10 yuan entrance fee to the ancient town"; it's free now. A few honest words: Fubao is not suitable for "check-off" tourists—it lacks Instagram-worthy walls, night cruises, and readily available guided tours. It's suitable for those tired of city noise: walk on the wet stone slabs, listen to the suona horn or birdsong, eat a six-yuan bowl of tofu rice, and admit, "Ancient towns can be this beautiful without empty slogans." I couldn't find the exact page number of that National Geographic quote, but standing on the Huilong Bridge looking down at the green tiles, old trees, river, and mist, I instinctively knew: it deserves that "ceiling." Tour duration: Half a day to a full day is sufficient; a half-day trip around Chongqing's surrounding areas is not tiring. Best season: April-May, September-October. Summer avoids the scorching sun, and winter has fewer crowds. Don't be annoyed by rainy days; that's part of Fubao's charm.

Tired of the same old trendy ancient towns? Head to Yaoba Ancient Town in Hejiang County, Luzhou. Once an important stop on the ancient tea-salt road between Sichuan and Guizhou, this place still boasts authentic southern Sichuan folk houses. Locals have lived here for generations, and the town offers a more relaxed, everyday life, making it perfect for a short, leisurely day trip. 📍Basic Information · Address: East of Xingyao Road, Yaoba Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City · Admission: Free for the ancient street; A combined ticket for the exhibition hall is approximately 30 RMB online (optional). The exhibition hall is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. · Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours. Overnight stay is recommended to experience the ancient town in the early morning. · Parking: Official parking lot, 5 RMB per day. Do not park on the roadside or in private areas. · Best times for photos: Early morning and evening, less crowded and with a better atmosphere. 🚗 Transportation · By car: Exit at Yaoba toll station on the Rongzun Expressway. It's 2 kilometers from there. Approximately 35 minutes from Luzhou city center, 2.5 hours from Chongqing, and 3.5 hours from Chengdu. · Public Transportation: Direct buses from Luzhou Huilongwan Bus Station, approximately 40 minutes; minibuses also available from Hejiang County, please check for the last return bus. 🚶 Tour Route Martial Arts Scholar Archway → Old Stone Street → Dahong Rice Shop → Wang Chaowen's Former Residence → Ling Zifeng Film and Television Museum → Dongyue Temple → Oil-paper Umbrella Workshop → Mother's Ancient Banyan Tree ✨ Must-Visit Spots 1. Martial Arts Scholar Archway: A landmark of the ancient town, a Qing Dynasty stone archway, offering stunning views of the entire old street from its steps – perfect for photos. 2. Dahong Rice Shop: A filming location, a traditional Sichuan-style courtyard house where you can relax and have tea. 3. Wang Chaowen's Former Residence: The former residence of an aesthetics master, a rustic courtyard house. 4. Dongyue Temple: An ancient temple from the Ming Dynasty, the highest point in the ancient town, offering panoramic views of the surrounding traditional houses with blue tiles. 5. Oil-paper Umbrella Workshop: A national intangible cultural heritage site; you can watch the handcrafting process and purchase umbrellas to use as photo props. 6. Mother's Ancient Banyan Tree: A thousand-year-old banyan tree; a place to cool off and rest. 🍜Authentic Local Cuisine · Red Broth Mutton: A local intangible cultural heritage; the mutton is tender and flavorful. Around 50 RMB per person at an old shop on the old street. · Yaoba Yellow Rice Cake: A glutinous rice cake made with galangal leaves; vacuum-packed as a souvenir. · Well Water Tofu Rice: An affordable local meal; the chili sauce is very authentic. · Gaiwan Tea: 10 RMB per cup; experience the slow-paced life of southern Sichuan in an old teahouse with bamboo chairs. It's recommended to choose shops in the middle section of the old street, as shops near the entrance tend to be more expensive. 💡Useful Tips 1. The cobblestone streets are uneven; wear flat shoes. 2. Local residents still live there; please don't disturb their daily lives. 3. Some stalls only accept cash; bring some small change. 4. Nearby attractions include Xianshi Ancient Town and Fawang Temple. 5. Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) can be rented on the street; it looks great with an oil-paper umbrella for photos.

Three spots recommended by local friends. As an outsider, I didn’t want to leave after visiting. Here’s the full guide with all the essentials 🏮 Yaoba ancient town Living memories of old tea houses in southern Sichuan This ancient town hasn’t been commercialized. The stone-paved streets shine from wear. Cured meat hangs under old eaves. Bamboo chairs creak in the tea houses. Sitting down feels like stepping back 30 years. Must-see highlights Dahong rice shop is the soul of the town. A tea house converted from a Qing dynasty granary. Open the wooden window on the second floor to see the entire old street. A cup of gaiwan tea costs only 10 yuan. Next door, the former residence of Ling Zifeng holds movie memories. The blue tiles and white walls are incredibly photogenic. The carved stage at Dongyue temple is so detailed it gives you goosebumps. If you catch a Sichuan opera performance, you can sit and listen all afternoon. How to enjoy Arrive before 10 AM. The morning mist hasn’t lifted yet. The stone streets glisten with water. Bamboo baskets are just set up on the street to dry fermented black beans. Every photo looks like a still from an old movie. The town is small, but every alley holds a surprise. The barber shop and blacksmith’s forge are still in use, preserving old crafts. What to eat Spicy lamb in red broth is a must-try. The broth is so flavorful you’ll want to drink it by the bowl. Pickled radish on the side cuts the richness perfectly. Buy freshly steamed yellow rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves. The sticky rice aroma hits your nose right away. Five yuan each, perfect for snacking on the go. Notes The ancient town is free to enter. But a combined ticket for Dahong rice courtyard and Ling Zifeng’s former residence costs 30 yuan. Many stalls close after 4 PM, so don’t go too late. ⛰️ Fangshan scenic area A sea of clouds rolling like a fantasy filter Only a half-hour drive from downtown, yet it feels like another world. The mountain is covered with dense nan bamboo blocking the sun. The stone steps are warped by tree roots, full of wild charm. Must-see highlights The sunrise at old Yunfeng peak is legendary. Climbing in the dark at 5 AM is worth the tears. The sea of clouds flows up from the valley. The 99 peaks look like they’re floating on cotton candy. When the sun rises, the whole sky turns orange. The black-faced Guanyin statue is hidden in the cliff, with incense smoke swirling around. It’s said to grant any wish. The thousand-year-old ginkgo at Zhongfeng temple turns golden in autumn, covering the ground. Walking on the leaves makes a soothing rustle. How to enjoy Start from the back mountain and exit through the front mountain. The back mountain’s wild trail is covered in moss like a carpet. The sound of the stream accompanies you all the way. The front mountain has a cluster of temples. Don’t miss the vegetarian meal at Yunfeng temple. Ten yuan fills you up. The tofu tastes better than meat. The whole hike takes about four hours. For those who prefer, there’s a cable car up the mountain for 40 yuan one way. What to eat At the farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain, try Fangshan bamboo shoot chicken stew. The bamboo shoots are freshly dug, so crisp you can hear them snap. The broth is incredibly fresh. Notes Bring a jacket for the sunrise. The wind is strong and the temperature is low at the summit. The stone steps are very slippery after rain. Wear non-slip shoes to stay safe. Which of these places excites you the most? Grab your friends and head out soon~✨

Avoid the crowded popular ancient towns. Yaoba preserves the authentic southern Sichuan residential lifestyle. The old street still hosts local residents, offering a quiet and healing atmosphere. 🌿 Highlights ✨ Ancient town gate The heavy red sandstone city gate is a signature photo spot. Its weathered walls give off a vintage vibe. Stepping through the gate feels like walking into an old southern Sichuan street. ✨ Dahong Rice Shop filming location The old wooden corridor is simple and weathered. This classic filming site features an aged wooden structure that’s perfect for photos with a nostalgic atmosphere. ✨ Wang Chaowen’s former residence This is the former home of aesthetic master Wang Chaowen. The courtyard is peaceful and elegant. The old house retains original furnishings, offering insight into his life and artistic philosophy. It’s a cultural highlight not to miss in the ancient town. ✨ Zhou family courtyard A typical Qing dynasty southern Sichuan courtyard with exquisite wooden window carvings. The old house and courtyard showcase the beauty of time’s passage. ✨ Local teahouse The street-side teahouse is always full of locals. Enjoy a bowl of covered bowl tea and experience the slow pace of daily life. You can also watch traditional crafts like bamboo weaving and oil-paper umbrella making. 🚶 Suggested route Ancient town gate → Wang Chaowen’s former residence → Dahong Rice Shop → Zhou family courtyard → old street teahouse and snack shops. The whole route takes 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace. 💡 Practical info 📍 Address: Yaoba Ancient Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou, Sichuan 🎫 Tickets: Ancient town streets are free. Some residences, courtyards, and small attractions require separate tickets. ⏰ Recommended visit time: half day 🚗 Transportation: Best to drive. Parking is available at the entrance. Shuttle buses run from Hejiang county town. 🍜 Local specialties: Yaoba yellow rice cake, spicy mutton soup, handmade cold shrimp noodles—full of southern Sichuan flavor ⏱ Best time to visit: early morning or evening when there are fewer tourists and photos look better 💡 Tips The ancient town has rich cultural heritage. Please speak softly and move slowly when visiting residences. Visiting on a weekday lets you enjoy the old street’s relaxed vibe alone. It’s perfect for a short day trip by car to unwind.

Help 🆘 This hidden gem at the junction of Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing is incredible! ✨ If I hadn’t almost been trapped in the mountains, I wouldn’t want to share this secret spot with you~ This is Hejiang County, Luzhou, where the Chishui River flows gently by 🏞️ Unlike those artificial, overhyped tourist spots this is truly wild scenery ⛰️ With authentic ancient towns and temples every view tells a story 🌈 Travel tips: A must-know!! Be sure to descend before dark❗ I was so caught up in taking photos that I almost got stuck in the mountains that day (luckily a local helped me 🤦‍♀️) This place isn’t a polished tourist site There’s no sign of commercialization just the most genuine mountain adventures Every visit brings new surprises 💫 📸 Must-visit spots: Sunset by the Chishui River Ancient town’s cobblestone streets Old temples deep in the mountains Every shot looks like a painting! Friendly reminder: Bring mosquito repellent spray 👌🏻 Wear comfortable hiking shoes 🥾 Pack some snacks and water And don’t forget to plan your return time in advance!

Tags: 4A Free Ancient Town | Film and Television Location | Intangible Cultural Heritage Oil-Paper Umbrella | Original Ecological Fireworks Ancient Town | Sichuan-Guizhou Ancient Road I. Admission Tickets & Opening Hours [2026 Latest] The main street of the ancient town is free to enter, no entrance fee, no reservation required, open all day. Small attractions within the town (separate tickets available): Dahong Rice Shop 10 RMB, Wang Chaowen's Former Residence 15 RMB, Ling Zifeng Exhibition Hall 10 RMB Exhibition Hall Opening Hours: 09:00–17:30, last entry at 17:30; Old Street Shops 8:00–19:30 Parking: Scenic Area Parking Lot 5 RMB/day, ample parking spaces II. Transportation Guide ✅By Car Chengdu → Yaoba: Chengdu-Chongqing Ring Expressway, approximately 3.5 hours, 260km Chongqing → Yaoba: Chongqing-Luzhou Expressway, approximately 2.5 hours, 180km Luzhou City → Yaoba: G321 National Highway 30 Minutes, 22km, search "Yaoba Ancient Town Scenic Area" on navigation. ✅Public Transportation: Direct bus from Luzhou Passenger Transport Center Station, every 30 minutes, 15 yuan/person, 40-minute journey; Shuttle bus from Hejiang Bus Station, 35-minute direct journey. III. 6 Must-Visit Photo Spots (Aim along the way, avoid backtracking, visit from south to north) Martial Arts Scholar Archway Ancient Town Entrance Archway Zhou Entry Residence 1. Martial Arts Scholar Archway (Landmark of the South Gate of the Ancient Town, Cover Photo Spot) A Qing Dynasty Jiaqing-era imperial stone archway, a rare example of a stone archway in southern Sichuan depicting imperial examinations. The intricate carvings and the view of the archway against the blue sky make it a landmark location for stunning photos of the ancient town. 2. **800-meter-long ancient cobblestone street (the soul of the entire ancient town)** This 800-meter-long Ming and Qing dynasty street features traditional wooden stilted buildings with gray tiles and red lanterns. Original residents still live along the street, and bamboo chair teahouses and traditional handicraft shops abound. After rain, the puddles on the cobblestones reflect the eaves, making it an excellent location for modern Chinese style/Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) photography. 3. **Da Hong Rice Shop | Classic Movie Location** The original filming location for movies like *Da Hong Rice Shop* and *Madness*, this all-wooden courtyard house features a traditional mortise and tenon structure. The first floor has an old teahouse where you can enjoy 5-yuan covered bowls of tea. From the second-floor windows, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire ancient street – perfect for capturing vintage-style photos. 4. **Wang Chaowen's Former Residence** The former residence of a master of Chinese aesthetics, this traditional Sichuan-style courtyard house features exquisitely carved wooden windows. A cultural landmark, the tranquil courtyard is ideal for slow-paced portrait photography. 5. Dongyue Temple & Ciyun Temple (Highest Point in the Ancient Town): A five-story Ming Dynasty temple nestled against the mountain, combining Buddhist and Taoist architecture. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the entire ancient town with its blue-tiled roofs and distant mountains. The old banyan tree in front is adorned with red silk ribbons for blessings, creating a strong atmosphere. 6. Intangible Cultural Heritage Oiled Paper Umbrella Workshop: Experience the intangible cultural heritage of Fenshui oiled paper umbrellas. Handmade oiled paper umbrellas are available for rent as props for photos. Stroll through the alleys with an umbrella for a uniquely charming, traditional experience. Off-the-beaten-path attractions: Zhou Mansion (a grand Qing Dynasty residence with exquisite wood carvings), Ling Zifeng Film and Television Museum (historical materials from old films) IV. Relaxed One-Day Itinerary (Suitable for departures from Chengdu/Chongqing) 08:30 Departure → 11:00 Arrive at the ancient town, check in at the archway before entering the street 11:30 Lunch in the old street: red-broth mutton 13:00 Visit the former residence, Dahong Rice Shop, and oil-paper umbrella workshop in sequence 15. 30 Climb Ciyun Temple for a panoramic view of the ancient town 16. 30 Stroll through the old teahouse and buy yellow rice cakes as souvenirs 17. 30 Return trip V. Must-Try Local Delicacies Red-broth mutton + yellow rice cakes Yaoba Red-broth Mutton Yaoba Red-broth Mutton (Signature TOP1): Local black goat, simmered with local mint, the red oil is fragrant and not gamey. Zhouji Mutton, a long-established shop, small portion 58 yuan, a Tianfu intangible cultural heritage food. Yaoba Yellow Rice Cake (Intangible Cultural Heritage): Glutinous rice wrapped in galangal leaves and brown sugar, 3-5 yuan each, soft, sweet, and a good souvenir. Well Water Tofu Pudding: 10 yuan for all you can eat, authentic red oil dipping sauce; handmade sweet potato noodles and spicy pickled radish are street snacks. VI. Travel Photography & Travel Tips Best time for photos: 9:00 AM with soft lighting, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM with sunset, warm light casting a beautiful atmosphere on the eaves; on rainy days, the reflections in the puddles on the stone slabs are stunning. Outfit: Light colors, modern Chinese style, Hanfu (traditional Han clothing); oil-paper umbrellas can be rented in the ancient town. The stone slabs are slippery, wear non-slip flat shoes; some old shops only accept cash, so have some small change. On holidays, there are traditional Sichuan folk wedding parades in the morning, from the archway to Dahong Rice Shop, excellent for folk photography.

3-Day Spring Break Self-Drive Trip from Chengdu You can follow this easy, direct route to check in at an ancient town, flower sea, and karst cave all in one go, perfectly suited for spring break and Qingming holidays. Day 1: Chengdu → Yaoba Ancient Town → Dafang County · Itinerary: Drive about 3.5 hours from Chengdu to Yaoba Ancient Town. After visiting, drive another 3 hours to Dafang County. · Activities: Yaoba Ancient Town is a free 4A-level scenic spot, known as the "Living Fossil of Southern Sichuan Residences." You can stroll along the bluestone-paved ancient street, visit the Jinshi Archway, Dahong Rice Shop, and also experience the artistic atmosphere at the Wang Chaowen Former Residence—great for taking vintage-style photos. Don’t miss the intangible cultural heritage foods like Huangba and spicy mutton soup; tofu pudding rice is also worth trying. · Accommodation: Stay in a hotel in Dafang County, which offers great value and convenient access to Baili Azalea the next day. Day 2: Dafang County → Baili Azalea → Zhijin County · Itinerary: About a 40-minute drive from Dafang County to Baili Azalea. After visiting, drive 2 hours to Zhijin County. · Activities: The Baili Azalea ticket costs 130 RMB plus 70 RMB for the sightseeing bus (mandatory). It’s recommended to visit early to avoid crowds. Walk along the Jinpo Soma Flower Bridge to Pudi Shuhua Peak, where azaleas bloom all over the hillsides, making it the ultimate spring flower sea. The peak bloom period is from March 20 to April 20, so be sure to book tickets and accommodation in advance. · Accommodation: Stay in Zhijin County, close to Zhijin Cave, to reduce travel time the next day. Day 3: Zhijin County → Zhijin Cave → Chengdu · Itinerary: About a 20-minute drive from Zhijin County to Zhijin Cave. After touring, drive about 6.5 hours back to Chengdu, arriving home by evening. · Activities: During peak season, the Zhijin Cave ticket plus sightseeing bus costs 140 RMB, parking is 10 RMB per time (prices for reference only, please check actual prices). The park opens at 8:30 AM; it’s best to arrive early to avoid lines. The cave tour is one-way and takes about 2 hours, where you can see unique stalactites like the Overlord Helmet and Silver Rain Tree. The cave temperature is a constant 16°C, so remember to wear a light jacket. Tips · The entire route has good highway conditions, no pressure for sedans. · There is a lot of walking in the ancient town and cave, so comfortable shoes are recommended. · Yaoba Ancient Town can be quite hot in summer; if visiting in other seasons, early morning or evening tours are more comfortable.