Ziyang In-Depth Travel Guide

The Hidden Gem of Sichuan: A Millennial Bond Between Stone Carvings and Lemons I. Essential Pre-Trip Info 1. Transportation Guide - Rail Transit: Take Chengdu Metro Line 18 to S3 Line (Ziyang Line), reaching Ziyang North Station in 1 hour. Changhong Square is right outside the station. - Self-Drive: Accessible via Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway. Ample parking available at major attractions (e.g., Yuanjue Cave, Chen Yi's Former Residence). - Local Transport: Buses cover main attractions; shared bikes are ideal for short trips (e.g., Ziku Mountain to Sanxian Park). 2. Best Seasons - Spring & Autumn (Mar-May/Sep-Nov): Pleasant 20°C weather, perfect for sightseeing. - Festivals: Anyue Lemon Festival in September (picking experience at Baosen Scenic Area), Stone Carving Culture Week in May (blessing activities at Yuanjue Cave). II. 2-Day Itinerary Day 1: Stone Art & Red Culture - Morning: Explore Anyue Stone Carvings - Yuanjue Cave (8:30-12:00): Marvel at the 7m-tall Tang Dynasty "Three Western Saints" statues and Twelve Bodhisattva reliefs. Tip: Free entry; guided tours (¥30/session) explain Buddhist stories. - Pilu Cave (13:30-15:30): Must-see "Bamboo Guanyin" - a Song Dynasty masterpiece hailed as "Eastern Venus". ¥40 ticket; best photo light in early morning. - Afternoon: Red Culture - Chen Yi's Former Residence (16:00-18:30) (Lezhi County): Visit the marshal's home and poetry garden. Free with reservation; allow 2 hours. Holiday craft activities available. - Night Stay: Recommend Howard Johnson Hotel (indoor pool + lemon-themed meals) or local B&Bs like Mingyuan Lake Farmhouse. Day 2: Nature & Culture - Morning: Landscape & Faith - Half Moon Mountain Buddha (8:30-10:30): Sichuan's 3rd largest Tang seated Buddha (22m tall). Free; hilltop views of Yanjiang. - Reclining Buddha Temple (11:00-13:00): See China's longest left-side reclining Buddha (21.3m). ¥5 ticket; don't miss cliff carvings. - Afternoon: City Culture - Ziku Mountain Park (14:30-16:00): China's first Chinese character-themed park. Free Tang-style architecture. - Ziyang Museum (16:30-18:00): Teapot-shaped building housing 30,000-year-old "Ziyang Man" skull. Free; closed Mondays. - Evening: Sunset at Sanxian Park's Fangxian Bridge, learning about three local sages. III. Must-Try Flavors 1. Local Dishes - Yanjiang "Sha Dou" Beef Noodles: Try at Old Town's Liu's Noodle House. - "Nosebleed" Tofu: Crispy outside, tender inside, served with chili dip. 2. Snacks & Souvenirs - Anyue Lemon Products: Dried lemons, lemon tea (best at Baosen Scenic Area store). - Huang Pancake + No.1 School Cold Noodles: Student favorite combo. 3. Food Streets - Behind Meixi Department Store: Affordable night snacks. - Binjiang Avenue: Try "Ziyang Drunken Fish" with river views. IV. Practical Tips - Stone Carving Highlights: Prioritize Yuanjue Cave, Pilu Cave, and Reclining Buddha Temple. - Budget: ~¥400/day (incl. lodging); low ticket costs. - Unique Experiences: - Make lemon jam at Baosen Lemon Park (best in September). - See "Tree Embracing Buddha" at Baoguo Temple (free, 18km from Lezhi). Warnings: 1. Wear anti-slip shoes for stone steps; bring mosquito repellent in summer. 2. Narrow rural roads near Reclining Buddha Temple - consider shuttle buses. Ziyang's charm lies in the serene gaze of ancient Buddhas, lemon-scented breezes, and steaming beef noodles. Avoid crowds and discover authentic Sichuan in this tranquil city. Reclining Buddha Temple Anyue Stone Carvings Ziyang·Sichuan