Bazhong

Bazhong is rainy in summer, and mornings and evenings in the mountains can be cool, so bring rain gear and a light jacket.

Located in northeastern Sichuan, Bazhong offers both mountain scenery and well-preserved red-history sites, along with a strong sense of everyday local life. If you plan to visit, you can organize your trip around two themes: natural landscapes and cultural-historical sites.

Recommended Highlights

The attractions in Bazhong are not especially close to one another, so it is best to decide on your main interests before combining them into a route.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

With two days and one night, you can keep the pace more relaxed while taking in both landscapes and cultural sites.

• Day 1: In the morning, go to Guangwu Mountain (or Micang Mountain) and take the cable car to enjoy mountain clouds and forest scenery. In the afternoon, return to the city and visit the Nankan Grottoes and the Sichuan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base Memorial Hall. In the evening, eat and stroll at Caoba Street Night Market to experience local street life.
• Day 2: In the morning, visit Enyang Ancient Town and walk slowly along the old streets and riverside wharf, sampling local snacks such as titang mabing. In the afternoon, head to the Nuoshui River Scenic Area to tour the caves and try rafting, then return.

Must-Try Local Foods

Bazhong’s food has the numbing spice of Sichuan cuisine as well as the hearty flavors associated with Shaanxi. The following are some of its more representative local tastes.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Transport: By air, you can arrive at Bazhong Enyang Airport. By high-speed rail, you can reach Bazhong East Railway Station; the fastest trips from Chengdu take about 2.5 hours. There is currently no metro in the city. Bus routes cover the urban area, and taxi fares start at 5 yuan. For nearby scenic areas, driving yourself or taking a coach is more convenient.
• Accommodation: If you want easy access to food and night markets, stay near Jiangbei Avenue or Caoba Street in Bazhou District. If you want to experience the atmosphere of an ancient town, choose a characterful inn in Enyang Ancient Town. If your main plan is to visit Guangwu Mountain, it is recommended to stay in a guesthouse in Guangwu Mountain Town so you can enter the mountain area early the next day.

Practical Tips

• Temperature Differences and Gear: The temperature difference between morning and evening can be large in the mountains and inside caves. Even in summer, bring a light jacket when visiting Guangwu Mountain or entering caves. The rocks inside caves are damp and slippery, so wear non-slip shoes.
• Peak Red-Leaf Season: During autumn red-leaf viewing season (late October to November), visitor numbers are high and roads may be congested. Book accommodation in advance and try to avoid weekend peaks.
• Weather Safety: In summer, when the mountain areas are in the rainy season, pay attention to warnings for falling rocks and mudslides. When playing by rivers, follow local guidance and do not enter forest areas that are not open to visitors.