Sichuan has a seriously underrated small city, hiding endless surprises

Friends, today I want to share with you a hidden gem of a small city—Neijiang, Sichuan! It's like a pearl nestled between Chengdu and Chongqing, unassuming yet full of surprising charm. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave! 👍Recommended Reasons When it comes to Neijiang, the title of "Sweet City" must be mentioned. It has a profound sugar culture, and it is said that even the air is filled with a sweet aroma. This is also the hometown of the renowned Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian. Strolling through the city, you might just stumble upon an artistic feast. Of course, for us foodies, Neijiang is a paradise. From the unique snacks in the streets and alleys to the mouth-watering feasts, every bite is an extreme temptation for the taste buds. This city, full of the vibrancy of life, is truly worth a visit! 🌹Location Neijiang is located in the southeastern part of the Sichuan Basin, in the middle reaches of the Tuojiang River, at the heart of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone. This geographical location is simply perfect, making it easy to travel anywhere. There are many interesting places here, such as the artistic Daqian Garden, located near Gongyuan Street in Shizhong District, where you can easily immerse yourself in art; the Lonchang Stone Archways are located in Jine Street, Lonchang City, each archway telling an ancient story; and the picturesque Guyu Lake, located in Guhu Street, Lonchang City, is very close to the city center, perfect for a leisurely stroll and admiring the lake view; the historic Luoquan Ancient Town is hidden in the corner of time, waiting for people to unveil its mysterious veil. 🚴Transportation Guide External Transportation - Airplane: If you choose to fly, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport are both good transit options. After landing, transfer to a high-speed train or long-distance bus to Neijiang. The fastest high-speed train from Chengdu to Neijiang takes about 1 hour, and from Chongqing to Neijiang, it only takes a little over 1 hour. Enjoy a smooth journey to start your Neijiang trip. - Train: Neijiang has a well-developed transportation hub, with multiple stations such as Neijiang North Station and Neijiang Station, connecting to various cities across the country. Many cities have direct trains to Neijiang, making spontaneous trips a reality. Internal Transportation - Bus: Neijiang's bus network covers every corner of the city, and the fares are super affordable. A few yuan can take you through the streets and alleys of the city, reaching most attractions and urban areas. It's incredibly convenient. - Taxi/Ride-hailing: If you're tired of walking or in a hurry, you can easily hail a taxi with a reasonable starting price. If you're used to using your phone to book a ride, ride-hailing services are also readily available, so you don't have to worry about transportation at all. 🏞️Must-See Attractions - Daqian Garden: This garden was built in memory of the Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian. Inside the garden, buildings such as the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall and the Zhang Daqian Museum are scattered throughout. Here, you can admire many of the master's original calligraphy and paintings up close, experiencing the artistic charm flowing between the brush and ink. Each painting is like a mysterious world waiting for you to explore. - Lonchang Stone Archways: There are 17 stone archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties preserved here, standing silently like guardians. These archways are exquisitely shaped and carved with amazing craftsmanship. Each one carries a touching or legendary historical story, as if traveling through time, taking you back to that ancient era. They are precious living fossils for studying the history and culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. - Guyu Lake: The vast Guyu Lake has crystal-clear water, shimmering under the sunlight. The surrounding ecological environment is impeccable, a true gift from nature. Stroll or cycle along the lake, enjoying the breeze and the scenery. From time to time, you can see flocks of migratory birds soaring in the sky. The harmony between humans and nature is truly healing. - Luoquan Ancient Town: With a thousand years of history, Luoquan Ancient Town is like a time-worn elder, quietly telling stories of the past. The ancient town preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with winding ancient streets and alleys. Walking on the bluestone roads, you can almost hear the echoes of time. Historical sites such as the Salt God Temple and the Luoquan Meeting Site bear witness to the town's past glory and prosperity. Every corner exudes a unique historical charm. 🏷️Ticket Prices - Daqian Garden: Some exhibition halls are free to the public, allowing everyone to experience the charm of art up close. However, some special exhibitions may charge a fee, generally between 20 and 50 yuan, which is still quite affordable. - Lonchang Stone Archways: Visiting this precious group of stone archways is free of charge. You can freely explore and immerse yourself in the profound history. - Guyu Lake: Free to visitors. You can enjoy such beautiful lake scenery without spending a penny. It's a great place for leisure and relaxation. - Luoquan Ancient Town: The ancient town itself is free to visit. Some attractions, such as the Salt God Temple, may charge a small entrance fee, usually no more than 10 yuan, offering excellent value. 🍜Food Recommendations - Neijiang Beef Noodles: This is a flagship dish of Neijiang cuisine. The noodles are firm, the beef is stewed until tender and flavorful, and then topped with a spicy and satisfying broth. One bite will ignite your taste buds, leaving you craving more. - Banbanqiao Fried Cake: The outer layer is fried until golden and crispy, making a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. The filling is soft, sweet, and glutinous, with various flavors such as red bean paste, sugar, and peanuts. Each one is sweet to the heart and unforgettable. - Lonchang Dried Tofu Sticks: With a rich bean aroma and unique texture, it can be perfectly adapted to cold dishes, stir-fries, or soups. It has a distinct flavor and is an essential delicacy on the Neijiang dining table. - Zizhong Rabbit Noodles: Tender rabbit meat paired with smooth noodles, plus spicy and savory seasonings. The combination of noodles and meat is simply amazing. It's a favorite breakfast and late-night snack for Neijiang locals. A bowl of this will keep you energized all day long. 🛍️Shopping - Daqian Food Street: This is a paradise for food and shopping. Not only can you taste various Neijiang specialties, but you can also buy all kinds of snacks and souvenirs. Sweet Neijiang preserves and crispy handmade sesame candies are great gifts for friends and family. - Metro City Plaza: Located in the city center, this is a comprehensive shopping mall where you can not only meet your daily shopping needs but also find many local specialties and handicrafts. When you're tired of shopping, you can find a place to sit down and have a cup of coffee. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations - City Center Area: Neijiang Binjiang Holiday Inn is recommended. It has an excellent location with convenient transportation and is surrounded by restaurants and shopping areas. Whether you're going out for food or a stroll in the evening, it's extremely convenient, making it an ideal choice for travel. - Lonchang City Area: If you plan to visit the Lonchang Stone Archways and Guyu Lake, Lonchang Vienna International Hotel is a good choice. It offers a comfortable environment and a prime location, allowing you to have a good night's sleep after a day of sightseeing. ❤️Other Tips - Neijiang can get quite hot in the summer, so remember to take precautions against sun and heat. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid getting sunburned. Winters are relatively mild, but the temperature difference between day and night can be significant, so pack a warm coat. - The Neijiang dialect is quite unique. If you encounter anything you don't understand during communication, don't be shy to politely ask the locals. They are very welcoming and will patiently explain things to you. They might even share some interesting stories about Neijiang. - Neijiang cuisine is generally spicy. Remember to tell the waiter your spice tolerance level beforehand, or you might not be able to enjoy the food if it's too spicy. However, for those who can handle spice, Neijiang cuisine is definitely a feast for the taste buds.