Xichang: A 3-Day Trip That Broke My Budget

March, when spring is in the air, is the perfect time for a spontaneous trip to embrace the beauty of the season. Xichang is an ideal destination for this time of year. Here, the sunshine is just right, the flowers are in full bloom, and everything is simply perfect 🎐. Below, I'll share a detailed guide for your 3-day trip to Xichang in March 👇! 🗺️ Itinerary Day 1: Qionghai Lake - Lushan Mountain 🌅 Morning: After arriving in Xichang, check in to your hotel and leave your luggage. After a short rest, head to Qionghai Lake. In the morning, the lake shimmers under the sunlight, reflecting a golden glow. Stroll along the Qionghai wetland 🚶‍♀️, admire the picturesque scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and feel completely rejuvenated. You can also take a boat trip 🛶 for a closer look at the serene beauty of Qionghai. 🌳 Lunch: Enjoy local specialties at restaurants around Qionghai Lake, such as Qionghai Drunken Shrimp 🦐. Fresh, live shrimp are immersed in seasoned wine, resulting in a tender and smooth dish with a hint of wine aroma. Another must-try is Xichang Liangfen (cold jelly noodles), which are served with spicy seasonings for a refreshing and flavorful experience. 🌄 Afternoon: Visit Lushan Mountain, a lush green mountain with numerous temples. Hike up the mountain paths 🧗‍♂️, visiting ancient temples like Guangfu Temple and Mengduan Temple along the way, and immerse yourself in the rich religious culture. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Qionghai Lake and Xichang City, a perfect spot for photos 📸. Day 2: Luojishan Mountain - Jiujushili Hot Spring Waterfall 🌅 Morning: Start your day early and travel to Luojishan Mountain, home to magnificent natural scenery, including primeval forests, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows. Take the cable car up the mountain 🚠, enjoying the stunning views along the way. Once you reach the top, walk along the boardwalk and admire the colorful azaleas (some azaleas are already in bloom in March, with the best viewing period being April-May). You can also see crystal-clear lakes like Heilongtan and Qianshou Lake, feeling like you've stepped into a fairyland. 🍱 Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant within the Luojishan scenic area and try local snacks like wild vegetable pancakes and roasted potatoes 🥔 for a unique culinary experience. 🌄 Afternoon: After descending from Luojishan, head to Jiujushili Hot Spring Waterfall, the world's largest hot spring waterfall. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation by soaking in the hot springs while admiring the cascading waterfall. The hot spring water is rich in minerals and beneficial for your health 💆‍♀️. After a soak, you'll feel refreshed and revitalized. Day 3: Flower Viewing Route (Changbanqiao Village, Anha Town) - Return Trip 🌅 Morning: Visit Changbanqiao Village in Anha Town, a world of flowers 🌷. In March, rapeseed flowers, peach blossoms, pear blossoms, and other flowers bloom in abundance, transforming the village into a picturesque scene. Dress up and take photos to capture these beautiful moments 📷. 🍜 Lunch: Savor farmhouse dishes at a local restaurant in the village. Enjoy dishes like firewood chicken, preserved bacon, and wild vegetable omelets, all made with the freshest ingredients and simple cooking methods. 🌄 Afternoon: Conclude your pleasant journey and prepare for your return trip. 📸 Photo Spots • Qionghai Lake: Moon Bay is a perfect spot for photos, with the lake and distant mountains as a backdrop. The wetland boardwalk is also great for portraits, with reeds and the lake as a background. • Lushan Mountain: The red walls and green tiles of Guangfu Temple, set against the backdrop of green trees, create a classic and elegant atmosphere, ideal for traditional-style photos. The viewing platform at the summit offers stunning views of Qionghai Lake and Xichang City, perfect for landscape photography. • Luojishan Mountain: Wucai Lake is a popular photo spot, with the lake's color changing with the light. The azalea forest on the mountain, with its vibrant blossoms, is also a great place for flower and portrait photography. • Jiujushili Hot Spring Waterfall: Take a stunning photo in the hot spring waterfall, with the waterfall as your backdrop, and share it on social media. • Changbanqiao Village, Anha Town: With vast fields of rapeseed flowers, peach blossoms, and other flowers, every shot is a spring masterpiece. 🍔 Must-Try Food • Xichang Barbecue: Xichang barbecue is famous for its unique fire pit barbecue, where various ingredients are grilled on an iron net until sizzling and juicy. Dip them in dry or wet seasonings for an explosion of flavor. Recommended dishes include grilled small intestines, pan-fried tofu, and grilled beef. • Tuo Tuo Meat: An Yi ethnic specialty, Tuo Tuo Meat consists of large chunks of boiled pork served with chili powder and other seasonings. The meat is tender and flavorful. • Rice Rolls: Delicate rice rolls are served with bean sprouts, kelp, cucumber, and other toppings, then drizzled with a special sauce for a sour and spicy flavor that's sure to whet your appetite. • Ice Jelly: A perfect way to cool down after a spicy meal, Xichang ice jelly comes in various flavors, including traditional and fruit-flavored options. It's a refreshing treat that captures the essence of summer. 🏠 Accommodation Guide • Around Qionghai Lake: For easy access to Qionghai Lake and Lushan Mountain, choose accommodation near the lake. There are various options, from high-end lake view hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to different budgets. • Downtown: For convenient shopping and dining, choose accommodation in the downtown area. There are more hotel options and convenient transportation to various attractions. 💡 Tips • The sun is strong in Xichang in March, so be sure to take sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. • When visiting Luojishan Mountain and Jiujushili Hot Spring Waterfall, dress warmly as the temperature can be relatively low. • Pay attention to food hygiene when trying local cuisine to avoid stomach upset. • Do not trample on flowers and plants while enjoying the blossoms. Respect the environment and practice responsible tourism. March in Xichang is a feast for the senses and a journey for the soul. Come to Xichang for a spring rendezvous and create unforgettable memories 💕!