Xichang: Viewing Lu Mountain and Qiong Lake, Staying at Konggang Yunxiang Hotel

Xichang, the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, is located on the western Sichuan plateau. Known historically as Qiongdu and Jianchang, it was a key town on the ancient Southern Silk Road. During the pre-Qin period, it belonged to the southwestern Yi region. The Tang Dynasty established Jianchang Prefecture, and the Yuan Dynasty set up Jianchang Circuit. Because the city was west of the Tang-era old town, it was named Xichang. Xichang is an important node on the Greater Shangri-La tourism loop and the Sichuan-Yunnan tourism route, with warm winters, cool summers, and a spring-like climate year-round—a beautiful retreat for wellness. Major attractions include the Qionghai-Lu Mountain Scenic Area, Luojishan Mountain, and Jianchang Ancient Town. Konggang Yunxiang Hotel in Xichang is a garden-style resort hotel operated by Sichuan Airport Group. Its prime location in the core scenic area of Qionghai Wetland Park allows guests to reach the lakeshore in just a ten-minute walk. Qionghai, at an elevation of about 1,500 meters, is surrounded by mountains on three sides: Dongshan and Erwu Mountain to the east, Lu Mountain to the west, and is part of the Yalong River, a tributary of the Jinsha River. Qionghai and Luojishan are national-level scenic spots. A month-and-a-half-long journey through southwestern China began in Xi'an, passing through Chongqing, Kunming, and Tengchong in the first half. The latter half was a self-drive road trip via Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, returning along the Jingkun Expressway at a leisurely pace of 200–300 kilometers per day. Stopping in Xichang for the second time, I stayed again at the familiar Konggang Yunxiang Hotel—this time on the second floor (previously the first). The view was spectacular: lying in bed, I could watch the sunset over Lu Mountain and the sunrise in the east. The air quality was excellent, and the surroundings were peaceful, with birds nesting in the trees nearby. Strolling to Qionghai for tea and scenery made for two delightful nights. *"Barrier to Qionghai's waves, gateway to the city walls;* *Summits too steep to climb, skies vast as they sprawl.* *Luojishan rings the east, Mahan Ridge bows south;* *Snow-capped peaks vie in beauty from the west,* *While Jinjiang River's charm flows north at best.* *Lingering at these wonders, I'm cleansed and blessed."* Next stop: Ya'an.