Xichang: A slow-paced small city that turns life into poetry~

Friends, aren’t you already tired of the rush to catch the subway in big cities and the exhaustion of working late into the night? Always wanting to find a place where time slows down, where you can bask in the sun, feel the evening breeze, and live life at a leisurely pace? Today, let me recommend a hidden gem in southwestern Sichuan — Xichang! Here, there are no hurried pedestrians, no oppressive concrete jungles, only gentle sunlight, crystal-clear lake water, and an innate sense of relaxation. It’s truly the “ultimate healing slow life” 🌿 🌊 At Qionghai Lake, soak time into a cup of light tea When talking about Xichang’s slow pace, the first thing to mention is Qionghai Lake — this highland freshwater lake is simply the best place for Xichang locals to “waste time.” No need to catch early buses or fight for a good viewing spot; you can sleep in naturally and leisurely stroll to the lakeside. The early morning at Qionghai is the gentlest, with a thin mist like a veil covering the lake surface. In the distance, Mount Lu appears faintly, and occasionally a few water birds skim the water, creating ripples 🌅 Cycling along the lakeside road is the most comfortable way to enjoy it. Rent a small electric bike, ride with the wind, and the gesang flowers by the roadside will seem to chase you. The air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and lake water. When tired, stop at any small lakeside shop, order a cup of local bitter buckwheat tea, sit on a bamboo chair and daydream, watch the sunlight gradually dye the lake golden, and see elderly locals feeding seagulls with their grandchildren. Even the wind becomes lazy. In the afternoon, you can take a walk in Qionghai Wetland Park. No need to deliberately look for scenic spots; just wander down any small path and you’ll find blooming bougainvillea or pomegranate trees heavy with fruit. If you meet local aunties washing clothes by the lake, they will smile and greet you warmly, asking where you’re from, as friendly as long-time neighbors. Here, no need to rush your schedule or take “check-in photos.” Just surrender yourself to this lake and let time flow slowly away~ 🏮 Stroll the ancient city and enjoy the night market, revealing Xichang’s slow-paced local life If Qionghai is Xichang’s “gentle bone,” then Jianchang Ancient City is its “soul of everyday life.” This ancient city, with over 600 years of history, is free from excessive commercialization and filled only with the slow life vibe of old Xichang. Walking on the cobblestone streets of the ancient city, the stones beneath your feet are polished shiny by time. On both sides are old houses with gray bricks and tiles. Occasionally, a cat curls up on a doorstep basking in the sun, flicking its tail 🐱 The small shops along the way are interesting — some sell local handmade silver jewelry, some brew pot tea, and old grandmothers sit at the door weaving Yi embroidery, each stitch full of leisure. No need to rush your visit; just step into any teahouse, order a “Xichang hamburger” (which is actually local baked potatoes stuffed with cold noodles), sip pot tea slowly, and listen to the owner share stories about the ancient city. Time, like the tea here, becomes richer the longer it steeps. At night, the night market beside the ancient city comes alive, but this liveliness is not noisy or crowded; it’s a “slow warmth” full of life 🍢 The roast suckling pig’s skin is crispy to the point of flaking, the drunken shrimp is so fresh it makes you squint, and the ice jelly with fermented glutinous rice and hawthorn bits is refreshingly cool with every bite. You can stroll and eat without rushing or queuing; the vendors are laid-back and will smile, saying “Take your time, the freshest just came out of the oven.” When tired, sit on a small stool by the roadside and watch the moon rise over Mount Lu, its light gently bathing the ancient city’s corner towers, tender beyond words. 🛏️ Stay in the right place to make slow living even easier: Xichang Lihao Holiday Hotel To fully enjoy Xichang’s slow pace, choosing the right hotel is crucial! I must recommend a “hidden gem” for accommodation — Xichang Lihao Holiday Hotel, tailor-made for slow travel~ First, the location is perfect! The hotel is right in the city center, only about ten minutes by car to Qionghai or the ancient city, so no need to get up early to rush around 🚗 The best part is the hotel offers free parking, so self-driving friends don’t have to worry about finding a spot or parking fees. Just park your car and easily start your slow travel mode. Plus, the food near the hotel is so abundant it’s hard to choose! Turn left when you step out, and you’ll find the local breakfast street. In the morning, you can leisurely go downstairs to enjoy a steaming bowl of mutton noodles or buy freshly baked guokui (a type of flatbread), feeling the local life’s warmth spreading from dawn 🍜 At night, no need to go far for the night market; a few minutes’ walk brings you to the snack street, where grilled skewers, ice jelly, and Yi ethnic dishes are all available. After eating your fill, take a slow stroll back to the hotel — comfortable and cozy. The hotel rooms are also very relaxing. Open the window and you can see the street view of Xichang. Sunlight streams through the window, warming the room. After a long day, returning to the hotel without worrying about where to eat or how to park — this peace of mind is exactly what slow living should feel like. Friends, Xichang’s slow pace is not about “doing nothing,” but about “mindfully experiencing life.” Here, you can watch the sunrise at Qionghai in the morning, drink tea in the ancient city at noon, and enjoy snacks at the night market in the evening. No need to rush or plan; just follow your own rhythm. If you want to escape the fast pace of life, come to Xichang~ Bask in the sun, feel the breeze of Qionghai, stay in a comfortable hotel, taste all the street food, and turn your days into a slow, poetic journey✨ How about packing your bags now and having a date with Xichang’s slow life?