Neijiang

Neijiang is more comfortable to visit in spring and autumn; in summer, take precautions against heatstroke.

Located in southern Sichuan, Neijiang has a relaxed pace. It offers cultural sites related to Zhang Daqian as well as natural scenic areas suited to playing by the water and cooling off in summer. Local prices are relatively friendly, and the food options are solid, making it a good choice for a 3-day, 2-night weekend getaway.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Culture and Local Life): In the morning, visit Daqian Garden and the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall. In the afternoon, walk around the Sifangkuai Block and explore its retro old streets. In the evening, head to Jiandao Street Night Market for late-night snacks.
• Day 2 (Nature, Scenery, and Summer Cooling): In the morning, visit Shengshui Temple and take in the atmosphere of this ancient monastery. In the afternoon, drive to Weiyuan Shiban River Scenic Area for stream trekking and water play. For dinner, you can have Weiyuan mutton soup.
• Day 3 (Leisure Scenery and Return Trip): In the morning, cycle around Longchang Guyu Lake and enjoy the sunset scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Neijiang Sugar Industry Museum, then buy local specialties before heading back.

Key Sights to Consider

Neijiang’s attractions are relatively easy to link together. The urban area focuses on history, culture, and old-street scenery, while the surrounding areas are better for mountains, rivers, and lake views. The following places can be the main stops on your trip:

• Daqian Garden: This park was built to commemorate Zhang Daqian, the master of traditional Chinese painting. It includes a memorial hall, an art museum, and Xilin Temple. The grounds are quite large, so it is best to focus on the memorial hall and former residence. From Taibai Tower, you can also overlook the city. The scenic area is free to enter and is closed on Mondays.
• Weiyuan Shiban River: The scenic area is named after its main riverbed, which is formed from a single stretch of natural rock. It is about 7 kilometers long, with cool water that flows year-round. It is suitable for stream trekking and water play. Plan 2–3 hours for a visit. Admission is 50 yuan.
• Shengshui Temple: First built in the Tang dynasty, this is an ancient temple with a history of more than a thousand years and is known as the “No. 1 Chan Monastery in Central Sichuan.” The temple preserves many Tang and Song dynasty cliff carvings. The teahouse on the back hill has broad views over the city. Admission is 1 yuan.
• Sifangkuai Block: This is the original starting point of Neijiang’s urban area and a century-old street that combines leisure with cultural tourism. The block has retro hand-painted walls and dialect graffiti, while the ground-floor shops are full of everyday local atmosphere. Nearby Jiandao Street is home to many food spots.
• Longchang Guyu Lake: Guyu Lake is often called the “Little Erhai of Southern Sichuan” and is free to enter. You can rent an electric bike to ride around the lake, passing reed beds and flocks of migratory birds along the way. Around 4 p.m., the light is soft, making it a good time to enjoy the sunset.

Must-Try Food List

Neijiang is known as the “Sweet City.” Its food includes the spicy, savory flavors of Sichuan cuisine as well as local snacks with a touch of sweetness. The following are common local choices with good reputations:

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport: By high-speed rail, arrive at Neijiang North Railway Station; be careful not to choose Neijiang Railway Station. A taxi from Neijiang North Railway Station to the city center takes about 10 minutes, with a starting fare of 6 yuan. Shared electric scooters have fairly wide coverage in the city. If you are visiting surrounding attractions, driving yourself will be more convenient.
• Accommodation: Consider staying first in Shizhong District or Dongxing District, such as near Jiandao Street or Wanda Plaza. Staying in these areas makes it convenient to walk to the night market and look for food at night. There are also many hotel options, and the overall value for money is good.

Travel Reminders

• Some exhibits in Daqian Garden are replicas or simulated displays, so it is best to focus your visit on the authentic works in the memorial hall. Flash photography is not allowed inside. There are uphill sections in the park, so wear comfortable shoes.
• There is no need to buy a package ticket in advance for Shiban River. After entering the scenic area, you can buy tickets separately for the activities you actually want to try, so you do not end up unable to get a refund if an attraction is under maintenance.
• The Longchang Stone Archways are quite far from the city center, and the surrounding facilities are average. If time is tight and your main goal is taking photos, you can instead visit the free Fan Changjiang Cultural Park.
• When buying preserved fruit, it is best to choose an old, established brand. Peanut candy is quite sweet, so buy cautiously according to your personal taste.