2025 Dechang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

🌈Highlights: Dechang, a hidden gem of a county nestled next to Xichang, is brimming with sunshine and vibrant local life. Here, you'll find not only ancient architecture but also a rich Confucian cultural atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. Strolling through Dechang's streets feels like stepping back in time, with every corner exuding unique charm. Whether you're a history buff or a nature lover, you'll find something to enjoy here. 🚗Getting There: From Xichang, the high-speed train to Dechang takes only about 10 minutes. Once in the county, you can choose to take a taxi or rent a shared e-bike to explore the various attractions with ease. If you're coming from Chengdu, the drive to Dechang is only about 5.5 hours, with good road conditions and a comfortable driving experience. 👍️Must-See Attractions: 1. The Bell and Drum Tower: This ancient landmark is a must-see. Standing in front of it feels like traveling back in time. It's a perfect spot for taking photos, with every shot guaranteed to be a masterpiece. 2. Dechang Confucian Temple: Immerse yourself in the rich Confucian atmosphere as you stroll through the tranquil and pleasant courtyard. It's not only a great place to learn about Confucian culture but also to admire the beauty of ancient architecture. 3. Fenghuangzui Park: Take a leisurely walk along the Anning River, basking in the warm sunshine. The riverside boasts large grassy areas, perfect for a picnic. It's also a great place to cool off in the summer. 4. Xihuan Road Night Market: Indulge in a variety of snacks and trinkets as you experience the authentic Dechang nightlife. 🚩Tips for Avoiding Lines: Dechang's attractions are relatively less-known, so there aren't usually long queues. However, if you want to take stunning photos at the Bell and Drum Tower or the Dechang Confucian Temple, it's best to go in the morning or evening when the lighting is soft and the crowds are smaller. For the Xihuan Road Night Market, evenings are recommended to experience the lively atmosphere. 👍️Reasons to Visit: Dechang is an ancient county town full of sunshine and local charm. It offers beautiful natural scenery, unique architectural styles, rich history and culture, and authentic cuisine. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, you'll find something to enjoy here. Plus, Dechang is easily accessible, just a short train ride from Xichang, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. 📅Suggested Itinerary: Morning: Start your day at the Bell and Drum Tower for some photos and admire the ancient architecture. Then, head to the Dechang Confucian Temple for a peaceful stroll and immerse yourself in Confucian culture. Afternoon: Visit Fenghuangzui Park and enjoy a walk along the Anning River, taking in the warm sunshine and beautiful scenery. If you enjoy water activities, you can also visit Jiaobangou, where the crystal-clear stream offers a refreshing escape. Evening: Explore the Xihuan Road Night Market, sample various snacks, and experience Dechang's nightlife. You can also find some souvenirs here. 🍜Food Recommendations: Dechang offers a diverse and tempting culinary scene. Mutton rice noodles are a local specialty, with flavorful mutton broth and smooth rice noodles that will keep you energized all day. The braised beef and diaolong at the slaughterhouse are also exceptional, with a rich and savory taste. Don't miss the Lianjia hanging pot with cured ribs, featuring fresh ingredients, generous portions, and fragrant cured ribs. And of course, Dechang's fruits are a must-try, including strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and loquats—all bursting with the taste of sunshine. 🏨Accommodation: Dechang offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels. For a unique experience, choose a guesthouse near the Phoenix Pavilion, where you can enjoy views of the ancient streets from your window. If you're looking for value, there are also plenty of affordable hotels conveniently located. 💗Other Tips: 1. Weather: Dechang enjoys plenty of sunshine, and you might even be able to wear short sleeves in winter. However, it's still recommended to bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. 2. Culture: Dechang has a rich cultural heritage, including the legend of Phoenix City, its connection to the Long March, and the story of Cangjie and the Brush Tower. While sightseeing, take the opportunity to learn about these historical and cultural stories. 3. Shopping: Dechang's farmers' market is a bustling hub with a wide variety of fresh fruits at affordable prices. If you enjoy shopping, don't miss this vibrant market.

Dechang, a lesser-known treasure of a town, is located on the road from Xichang to Panzhihua. It's only an hour's drive from Xichang, but boasts even better sunshine, water quality, and air. With minimal temperature difference between day and night, the warm sunshine nurtures sweet and juicy strawberries. This town also holds a 2,000-year-old history and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit! Below is a detailed two-day itinerary for Dechang👇 📍Location: Dechang County is located in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, in the Anning River Valley. 🚗Transportation: It's super convenient to get there from Xichang. You can drive along the Jingkun Expressway southward, arriving in about an hour. The scenery along the way is also quite beautiful, making for a pleasant drive. If you don't want to drive, you can take a bus from Xichang Passenger Transport Station to Dechang. There are many buses, and the tickets are affordable. 👍️Must-see attractions: 1. Fenghuang Pavilion: This landmark building in Dechang has a unique design and is a modern replica of an ancient viewing pavilion with 11 floors. It showcases Dechang's thousand-year-old culture in its entirety. Walking up the stairs floor by floor is like traveling through a long river of history. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Dechang's landscape, where the town's charm blends perfectly with the natural beauty. In the evening, the illuminated Fenghuang Pavilion is absolutely stunning, creating a magical atmosphere. 2. Ziku Pagoda: This is a place where ancient people burned paper with writing on it, rich in historical and cultural significance. There are six Ziku Pagodas in Dechang, located in Cangsheng Palace, Cida, Yudong Temple, Liusuo, Mali, and Xiaogao. The most exquisite one, the Cangsheng Palace Ziku Pagoda, is right in front of Fenghuang Pavilion. Its exquisite carvings showcase the wisdom and aesthetics of the ancients. 3. Cangsheng Palace: Built during the Qing Dynasty through public funding, this palace is dedicated to Cangjie, the ancestor of Chinese characters. Unfortunately, it was under renovation and closed when I visited. It's recommended to check its opening status in advance before your visit. You might be lucky enough to go inside and experience the ancient sacrificial culture. 4. Sacred Heart Church: This century-old church, built in 1907 by French missionaries, is hidden among alleys and residential buildings. It blends Chinese elements with Gothic architecture, creating a unique charm. Although the exterior walls bear the marks of time, stepping inside, you'll be struck by a sense of solemnity and reverence. Sitting quietly inside brings a sense of peace. 5. Kuixing Pavilion: Also known as the Bell and Drum Tower, it was built in the 18th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. Its architectural style, featuring flying eaves and brackets, is quite distinctive. Standing near Kuixing Pavilion, you can feel the rich historical atmosphere. There are also many local snack stalls nearby, perfect for a treat after exploring. 6. Haiguagou: This place is a paradise, with vast flower fields, clear streams, and various unique guesthouses. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. It's a great place for photography, whether you're capturing landscapes or portraits, you can easily create a magical atmosphere. 🎟️Tickets: Fenghuang Pavilion is free to enter, but some special exhibitions may charge separate fees. Ziku Pagoda, Cangsheng Palace, and Kuixing Pavilion are all free to visit. Sacred Heart Church is also free to enter. While experiencing the religious culture, please respect the rules and atmosphere of the place. Some areas of Haiguagou currently charge a fee. Check the official public account or ticketing platforms for specific prices. It's recommended to plan ahead. 💗Other tips: 1. For accommodation in Dechang, you can choose to stay in Dechang County. There are many hotels and guesthouses with affordable prices, convenient for traveling and dining. 2. Dechang's strawberries are truly exceptional. There are many strawberry picking gardens on the way back to Dechang, where you can experience the joy of picking your own strawberries at a lower price than buying them outside. 3. Don't miss out on the local cuisine, such as beef noodle soup, which has generous portions of beef and a rich broth; and mutton hot pot, a perfect way to warm up in winter. 4. Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip. Dechang has plenty of sunshine, so take sun protection measures. If you're going to Haiguagou, it's best to wear comfortable shoes for easy walking. My trip to Dechang was full of pleasant surprises. It has both a rich history and culture, and stunning natural scenery. Although two days is short, it's enough to experience the essence of this small town. If you're traveling to Xichang, don't miss Dechang. Pack your bags and set off to encounter the beauty of this charming town!

The Dechang Bell and Drum Tower stands at the southern end of Shangxiangdai and is the only complete ancient building in Dechang. The Bell and Drum Tower is exquisitely crafted, solidly built, and magnificent. The Bell and Drum Tower was first built in the 18th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty (1838 AD). Because the main street was built with Kui Pavilions in the south, north, and middle, this is the middle Kui Pavilion, which is commonly known as the Bell and Drum Tower or the Middle Drum Tower. It was destroyed by fire in the second year of Tongzhi (1863). It was destroyed again in 1905. It was rebuilt in 1887, and the existing Bell and Drum Tower was rebuilt from 1910 to 1912. Climb the wooden stairs to the tower and look out, and you can see the scenery of Dechang City and its suburbs.

Dechang County Bell and Drum Tower is located at the intersection of Shangxiang Street and Xiaxiang Street in Dechang County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. It is an ancient and solemn bell and drum tower. It was built in the 18th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty and has been rebuilt many times. The base of the building is an arched passage made of blue bricks. The north and south arches lead directly to the main street. The doors are 7 meters high and 4.2 meters wide, with the words "South to Mengzhi" and "North to Beijing" written on them. The three-story, six-sided pavilion above has flying eaves and wind chimes. Once upon a time, there were many swallows' nests here, and the swallows chirped, like a vivid picture. Today, it still stands quietly, witnessing the historical changes of Dechang, carrying the local cultural memory, and is an eternal symbol of the city in the hearts of Dechang people.

Dechang County is under the jurisdiction of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It has an average altitude of over 1,200 meters and a history of over 2,000 years. It is a must-see stop on the Southern Silk Road, which "reaches the capital in the north and connects to Mengzhao in the south." We stopped here for a night after passing through Xichang. The next day, we spent half a day visiting the historical sites in the city. The attractions are relatively concentrated, and there is no entrance fee. 1. Phoenix Pavilion, Cangsheng Palace, and Ziku Pagoda (Photo 1) These three sites are all on Phoenix Mountain. Phoenix Pavilion is a landmark building in Dechang. The 11-story ancient-style pavilion is magnificent. Ziku Pagoda was built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty and features exquisite reliefs. Cangsheng Palace was built during the Qing Dynasty and is dedicated to Cangjie, Kuixing, and Wenchang Dijun. The Phoenix Pavilion is stunning when the lights come on. I recommend you go and see it. You can also stroll around the square and learn about the story of Cangjie creating Chinese characters. Sacred Heart Church and the Bell and Drum Tower are separated by an overpass, both in front of the old city wall. 2. Sacred Heart Church (Photo 2) is a Catholic church built by French missionaries in 1907. The design is exquisite, with Jingdezhen porcelain inlays, flying eaves, vase and lotus patterns, and archways. Chinese elements and Gothic style are combined. 3. Bell and Drum Tower (Photo 3) is also known as Kuixing Pavilion. It was built in 1848 and is simple and elegant, with many plaques. There are many shops selling snacks and other items in the ancient city, so you can take a leisurely stroll. Dechang is worth a stop!

Explore Panzhihua and Liangshan in 7 days! Experience the local culture and enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food. Let's go! -------- 🛤️ Itinerary: DAY 1: Chengdu - Hongge Depart from Chengdu and head to beautiful Hongge to start your exciting journey! DAY 2: Ertan Hydropower Station Visit the spectacular Ertan Hydropower Station and marvel at this engineering wonder. DAY 3: Panzhihua China Third Front Construction Museum - Lisu Water Village Visit the Panzhihua China Third Front Construction Museum to learn about the history of the area, then head to Lisu Water Village to experience the local culture. DAY 4: Hongge - Xichang Depart from Hongge and head to Xichang, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. DAY 5: Qionghai Lake - Jinlin Beach - Dashiban Ancient Village Visit Qionghai Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery, then head to Jinlin Beach to enjoy the sun and sand. Finally, visit Dashiban Ancient Village to experience the rustic charm of the countryside. DAY 6: Lushan Mountain - Mengli Water Town Wetland Park Climb Lushan Mountain to enjoy the beautiful view of Xichang, then head to Mengli Water Town Wetland Park to enjoy the peace and harmony of nature. DAY 7: Xichang - Chengdu End your wonderful journey and return to Chengdu from Xichang with lots of memories! -------- 🎒 Travel Essentials: Panzhihua-Liangshan Packing List 👚 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, scarf, gloves. The temperature difference between day and night in Panzhihua and Liangshan in December is large, so remember to bring a thick coat and warm accessories. 🎒 Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. Even if the winter sun is not strong, you still need sunscreen. Also, bring comfortable sneakers, as you'll be walking a lot. 📇 Documents: ID card, cash, bank card. Don't forget to bring your travel insurance policy, as safety is the top priority. 💊 Emergency: Common medicines such as cold medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine, and altitude sickness medicine, just in case. In high-altitude areas, these are lifesavers! -------- Simple and practical, your Panzhihua-Liangshan trip is set! Go and enjoy your unique journey!

| Great value for money. You'll love it! 🚗 If you're traveling to Liangshan, don't just focus on Xichang. This hotel in Dechang is a hidden gem! 🌄 The hotel's mountain-view restaurant is amazing. Enjoy delicious food while admiring the mountain views. The exquisite breakfast will start your day off right. 🛏 The rooms are fresh and comfortable, simple yet stylish, with soft bedding and complete facilities. Whether you're on a business trip and need a quiet and comfortable environment to work, or you're traveling with your partner and want a sweet and cozy atmosphere, this hotel is perfect for you. 🚗 If you're driving, you're in luck! The hotel offers free parking, which is super convenient! The best part is that it's great value for money! Rooms in hotels of the same level cost CNY 400–600 elsewhere, but here you can get one for just over CNY 100. 💰 If you're a money-saving expert, this hotel is perfect for you. Quality is not compromised, and the price is very affordable. In Dechang, this is the best choice! If you're visiting Dechang, staying at this hotel is definitely worth it. Don't miss out!

On our way back to Shijiazhuang from Dali, we passed Dechang County and decided to stay there. 📍 Vienna Hotel, Dechang County 🏨 I booked a double room and was upgraded to a superior double room for free. The room was spacious and the TV was large. It's also very child-friendly, with plenty of space for kids to play. The mattress was comfortable and the bed was large enough for a family of three. Breakfast was also very rich (but I forgot to take a photo). It was a mix of Chinese and Western food, so you can choose according to your preferences. The lobby offers free ice cream, candy, coffee, etc. They also thoughtfully prepared a toothbrush and slippers for the baby. ⏰ Check-out time can be extended to 2pm (you don't have to rush the next day, you can take your time packing, go out for lunch and come back to check out). ‼️ If you don't know where to stay during your trip, you can refer to this place. It's affordable and the environment is good.

🔥Dechang, an important post on the ancient Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road, is a small town by the Anning River, possessing a low-profile and little-known beauty. Here, you can find the unique tranquility of the Panxi region. As you walk through, you can admire historical relics, experience the local life, and visit ancient buildings at every step, feeling the beauty of time accumulation. 🏯The newly built Fenghuang Pavilion on the north bank of the Anning River, though a newly constructed antique-style building, stands out as the most eye-catching scenery whether under the bright sun or when the lights first come on. Standing here, slowly savoring the charm of this small town in the warm breeze of the Anning River Valley, is the most comfortable experience of this trip to Dechang. 👉About Fenghuang Pavilion: Fenghuang Pavilion is an ornamental antique-style pavilion with 11 floors. The exhibition area tells the thousand-year history and development story of the beautiful Phoenix City, Dechang. The main exhibition areas are distributed across three underground floors and three above-ground floors of the pavilion, including the Dechang Historical Evolution Exhibition Hall, Dechang Development Achievements Exhibition Hall, Red Army's Long March through Dechang Exhibition Hall, Dechang Cultural Landscape Exhibition Hall, Lisu Ethnic Folk Culture Exhibition Hall, and Phoenix Culture and Dechang Exhibition Hall. 📸How to play: If you're not interested in the exhibition halls, it's also nice to walk around the pavilion and take photos from multiple angles. The area around the pavilion, now known as Fenghuang Mouth, has been transformed into a public park for citizens to relax. There are many citizens jogging, running, and cycling here. Climbing up to the Fenghuang Pavilion's viewing platform, you can see the Anning River flowing quietly below and have a panoramic view of the entire Dechang county, with excellent scenery. 🎫Ticket: Free admission. The overall visiting time is about 2 hours. 📍Address: Lingyuan Road, Dezhou Street, Dechang County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The scenic area has a dedicated paid parking lot, and there are no issues with parking even on holidays. Dechang county is very small, and the attractions are not far from each other. It is recommended to take a taxi or cycle there. However, riding an electric scooter to this point will exceed the operating range, so you need to park in the non-motorized vehicle parking spaces on the roadside and then walk up the mountain. Below Fenghuang Pavilion is the Cangsheng Palace, with green tiles, red eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters, offering a unique and elegant tranquility in its winding paths.

🌏 Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan has a long history and profound cultural heritage, and has been an important town in southwest China since ancient times. Liangshan Prefecture has 17 counties and cities, and its charm extends beyond Xichang. This in-depth tour of Liangshan Prefecture is a niche cultural trip focused on discovering ancient architecture. 🔥 About Dechang: Dechang County, an hour's drive from Xichang, was an important stop on the ancient 'Southern Silk Road' and 'Tea Horse Road'. It still retains many historical and cultural relics, among which the provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, Kui Xing Pavilion (Bell and Drum Tower), is a representative. 🏯 About Kui Xing Pavilion: Originally, there were three Kui Xing Pavilions in Dechang, divided into upper, middle, and lower pavilions. Now, only the middle pavilion remains. The existing building has a history of over a hundred years. Inside the pavilion, there is a statue of the Kui Xing deity, where scholars and students come to worship, hoping for the deity's assistance in writing, to foster the local literary atmosphere. 🖼️ The archway of Kui Xing Pavilion has the inscription 'Reaching to the Capital' on the south side and 'Connecting to Mengzhao' on the north side, which revives the ancient cultural charm of the 'Southern Silk Road'. Standing in front of the building, one is moved by thoughts of the past. Climbing the building, one can see the entire city and suburbs, but unfortunately, it is not currently open to the public, and visitors can only go up to the base of the pavilion. 🎫 Ticket: Free admission. 📍 Address: No. 76, Dongfeng Road, Dezhou Street, Dechang County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Dechang County is small, and the attractions are not far from each other. It is recommended to take a taxi or bike there. The area around Kui Xing Tower is a famous ancient street in Dechang. Walking through it, observing the cultural relics, and experiencing the local life is the true essence of travel.

Dechang's Haihuagou scenery is good🖼️, with mountains and water, lawns🌱 and shallows, you can picnic🍱, you can stack stones, and you can also play in the water💧. The water is a bit cold🌊, and there are big geese🦢, the photos are beautiful, very photogenic.📸 📍Detailed address: Dechang Haihuagou Dadi Park 🖼️Scenery: Mountains and water, clear river and shady trees ✅Entertainment: There are grasslands and music bars ✅Rest: There is a tea house, and there is Liangshan snow drink ✅Pay attention to sun protection, the wind is slightly strong, it is recommended to bring your own snacks. It's a good place to check in on weekends, and a good place to play in the water and picnic.

Often passed by when driving, but inadvertently missed. Luoji Mountain, Anning River, Jinsha River, thousands of rivers and mountains, the rushing river, the unique scenery of the southwest, hidden in the unpretentious highway side, the stories and legends of the small town where the high-speed rail station stops.

Dechang surrounding tour|The place Haihuagou is super suitable for camping! Every weekend, you may be troubled about where to go. Dechang Haihuagou is a good choice. Dechang is all the way to Xichang, it's very convenient to go there. Haihuagou is just a few minutes away from the main city area of Dechang, it's very suitable for a weekend trip to take photos. The environment is really good. This park is a supporting park developed by a real estate company, but the facilities inside are quite complete. There are two restaurants where you can eat, and there is also a camping site. You can also play in the nearby creek, which is suitable for parent-child travel.