[2025 Xichang Attraction] Travel Guide for Xichang Datong Gate (Updated Apr)

After finishing my trip to Miyi, I took D168 to Xichang, Liangshan in Sichuan. I stayed at the Global 60,000 Miles International Hotel (Xichang Moon Lake Park Branch). Xichang, the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, was formerly known as Qiongdu and Jianchang. It has a tropical plateau monsoon climate, with warm winters, cool summers, and spring-like weather all year round. It enjoys the reputation of being the "City of the Moon," "City of the Sun," "City of Space," and "Little Spring City"! It is one of the five most beautiful health and wellness destinations in China! Walking through the streets and alleys of Xichang and its surrounding areas, I was immersed in rich history and natural beauty. The Xichang Jianchang Ancient City, located on Shifu Street, has a history of over 600 years. Entering the semi-circular barbican on the south side, you can see the inscription "Datong Gate" on the lintel. From the adjacent Datong Garden, you can ascend the steps to the Datong Tower on the city wall. Walking on the city wall and overlooking the ancient city gives you a sense of traveling through time! The Yi grandmothers' square dancing on the city wall is captivating! The "Four Archways" are at the center of the ancient city, built at the intersection of four major streets: South Street, North Street, Fu Street, and Cang Street. The streets and alleys crisscross, forming a well-connected network! The Torch Square Music Base (Areniu Live-Action Theater) features 56 red circular pillars carved with totems, symbolizing the great unity of the nation. The Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture Ethnic Customs Park is a cultural base integrating traditional ethnic architecture, folk customs, song and dance performances, and ethnic cuisine. Unfortunately, it is currently undergoing renovation and is not open to the public. Tangyuan Park is a comprehensive urban park that integrates Tang Dynasty art, cultural tourism, and commercial operations! Tangyuan - Guizhou Pavilion and Tangyuan - Huaiyuan Tower are located within the park, which is also adorned with jacaranda trees! Qionghai National Wetland Park, formerly known as Qiongchi Lake, is shaped like a snail. With a circumference of 35 kilometers, it is the second largest natural freshwater lake in Sichuan and a recreational paradise for the people of Xichang! Wetland landscapes and activities such as Dream Water Village, Birdwatching Island, Misty Heron Island, Exotic Town, sculptures, squares, beaches, docks, and boat tours are scattered along the lakeshore. Strolling along the lake, you can enjoy the clear water, fish swimming in the shallows, water birds flying overhead, people taking photos, exercising, singing, dancing, and walking their children… a scene of peace and happiness! Although Xichang has a high altitude, it is just right, high enough for flowers to bloom all year round, for fruits to be fragrant, and for people to yearn for… After my visit to Xichang, my March 2025 journey through Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, Yuxi, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Panzhihua, Miyi, and Xichang in Southwest Sichuan and Yunnan has come to a successful end. Tomorrow, I will take C76 back home!

If you're thinking of visiting Xichang without doing your homework, you'll likely miss out on a lot and run into some annoying problems. I learned this the hard way😫. So, I've put together this super practical guide to Xichang, plus essential tips for April travel. Save it now and get ready for an amazing trip! 🌞Xichang Weather 🌡️April in Xichang is beautiful, with temperatures gradually warming up, typically between 15℃ and 25℃. The days are sunny, so a long-sleeved T-shirt and a light jacket are perfect for strolling along Qionghai Lake or through the old town's alleys. You'll be comfortable enough to enjoy the sunshine and scenery while staying warm in the cool mornings and evenings. However, the temperature difference between day and night can be significant, especially by the lake, where the evening breeze can be chilly. Pack a light cardigan or windbreaker for extra warmth and style. Check the forecast before you go and adjust your clothing accordingly for a comfortable trip. ⚠️Xichang Travel Tips: ❌Around Xichang's train and bus stations, people may try to lure you into cheap hotels or "day trip" deals. Don't fall for it! These places are often dirty and run-down, and the "day trips" are full of tourist traps, like expensive shopping stops where you're pressured to buy things. Book your accommodation on reputable platforms and plan your own itinerary. ❌Near Qionghai Lake, some vendors sell so-called "Xichang specialties" like "fake South Red Agate jewelry" and "low-quality bitter buckwheat tea." These are often overpriced and of poor quality. For genuine souvenirs, go to reputable shops or established brands like "Zhengzhong Food." They have clearly marked prices and reliable quality, so you won't get ripped off. ❌Don't take photos with people dressed as "Yi people" on the street. They'll demand money afterward, and it won't be cheap. Also, ignore those handing out flyers and promo codes at scenic spots; they're usually just trying to get you to spend money. ✔️If you're visiting the Qionghai Wetlands, check the opening hours for each area beforehand. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and stunning views of the shimmering lake and the wetlands' diverse ecosystem. Stick to designated paths and respect the environment by not trampling or picking plants. ✔️For authentic Xichang cuisine, head to Aerospace Road Food Street. You'll find established "Huopen Barbecue" restaurants serving fresh ingredients grilled over charcoal. The sizzling meat is incredibly fragrant and bursting with local flavor. Try the "Qionghai Drunken Shrimp," fresh shrimp marinated in local spices, for a delightful treat. Fengqingyuan Road is another foodie paradise, offering everything from rice noodles to Tuo Tuo meat, catering to diverse tastes. ✔️To enjoy Xichang's cityscape, visit Moonlight Town. In April, the town is adorned with flowers, offering stunning views of Qionghai Lake and a unique cultural atmosphere. Book your tickets online to avoid queues and take photos from different angles to capture the beauty. ✔️After exploring Xichang Ancient City, stroll along the city walls to soak in the historical ambiance and visit Datong Gate to admire the ancient architecture. If you want to take the sightseeing bus within the ancient city, wait at designated stops and check the schedule and routes beforehand. Don't go with random people offering rides, as they might overcharge you. ✔️If you're planning a trip to Luojishan, choose a clear day. In April, the mountain is lush green, with patches of snow creating a unique "spring snow" landscape. Book your tickets, cable car, and transportation online in advance to save time and money. Follow the mountain trails, respect the environment, and enjoy the scenery responsibly. 🏘Accommodation Recommendations ✔️Stay in Xichang city center or near Qionghai Lake. The city center offers convenient transportation, amenities, and a wide range of hotels from luxury to budget-friendly. Staying near the lake allows you to enjoy the tranquil lakeside atmosphere, especially in lakeside guesthouses where you can fall asleep to the gentle lapping of water. Book in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. ❌While guesthouses in remote areas might seem cheaper, they often lack convenient transportation and amenities. You'll waste time traveling, and the lack of facilities and lighting can be risky, especially in emergencies. Choose your accommodation carefully. 📍Xichang Transportation: Xichang's attractions are spread out, but buses and subways are the most convenient ways to get around, covering almost all major spots. Get a Xichang public transport card or use a mobile payment app for easy travel. To reach Luojishan, take a bus to Xichang Bus Terminal and transfer to a dedicated Luojishan bus. When taking a taxi, confirm the destination and price with the driver to avoid disputes. Plan your transportation in advance for a smooth trip!

❥ Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, is located on Shifu Street in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was founded in 1387, the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, and has a history of more than 600 years. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The ancient city is located in the northwest of Xichang city area, built on the northwest corner of the Tangxiu State City. The north and west walls completely coincide with the walls of Tangxiu State City, and their direction is the same as that of Tangxiu State City. The southeast corner has been repaired several times due to the disaster of the Donghe River flooding over the generations, and its corners are slightly curved. Therefore, some people describe Jianchang Ancient City as an unfolded folding fan. ❥ Xichang has been an important town on the southwestern border of China since ancient times. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, it has always been the seat of the government for counties, states, and prefectures. Xichang Ancient City began in the Qin and Han dynasties, flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and has been maintained many times, still retaining its integrity. The city gate has been guarding Xikang from ancient times to the present, and is also today's Xichang City. In 2022, the ancient city reorganized Cang Street, and Jianchang has carried the memory of generations of Xichang people, and is an important cultural heritage of Xichang City. Come to Xichang, slow down, follow the footsteps of time, perceive the beauty of Xichang's historical scenery, trace the ancient charm of history, and taste the fireworks of the ancient city. ✔ Travel Guide 【Basic Information】 ☞ Address: Shifu Street, Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. ☞ Ticket Information: Free ☞ Public Transportation: Take bus No. 3 to reach Datong Gate and directly enter the ancient city. ☞ Self-driving Information: Navigate directly to Jianchang Ancient City. There is a parking lot next to the tourist center. It is not recommended to drive on holidays, as it is very congested. Travel Route: City Gate Hole → Datong Gate (entrance requires a ticket, with ancient artillery) → Yongquan Street/Nan Street After entering the ancient city from Datong Gate, the ancient city is divided into two routes, which are interconnected 【Highlights and Activities】 ☞ Sipailou, a square three-story archway with a strong classical style, quaint and elegant. ☞ Nan Street: A place where various specialty foods/entertainment gather. ☞ Yongquan Street Alley, the most characteristic attraction in the ancient city, with a high rate of good photo opportunities. ☞ Yanyu Bookstore: The environment is very elegant, suitable for quietly reading, checking in, and enjoying leisure time. ☞ Other check-in points: Kaiwuzhai/Tangka Museum, Jianchang Scenery Embroidery Museum, Shuxia Art Gallery, Jianchang Academy, Taohong Academy, etc. ☞ Other traditional non-material cultural heritage Yi ethnic jewelry and other items can be purchased at shops such as Qizhiguang, Guyi Yi Show, and Yifeng in the ancient city. 【Food Recommendations】 There are many food choices in the ancient city: such as Bawang Tea Ji, Jiaolou Coffee, Old Street Skewers, Hongchun Tree, Old Mother's Pig's Trotters, Chuzixia Mountain, Xu Guokui, Si Hu Toast, Gao Ma Ruyuan, Li Xiaochang, Yi family cuisine like Shimu, and Tibetan cuisine like Zhiyou Muli, etc.

Jianchang Ancient City is located in the center of Xichang City, it can be said to be the origin of modern Xichang City. This ancient city, which has been built since the Han Wu Emperor era, has always been a major town in southwestern China due to its prominent transportation location, and Jianchang Ancient City is an important legacy of this southwestern town. Jianchang Ancient City was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Ming Dynasty in China, with a history of more than 600 years. The ancient city as a whole is fan-shaped, extending from northwest to southeast, with the city wall surrounding it. Standing on the city wall, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Qionghai and Lushan, and you can also overlook the old streets crisscrossing. The most important South Gate is called Datong Gate, which is a beautiful city gate with a urn city. Climbing up the tall city tower, you can take in the scenery of the ancient city. If it weren't for some modern buildings, it would really feel like traveling through time. A few towering trees grow from inside the wall on the inner side of Datong Gate, shading the sky and the sun, further deepening the sense of vicissitudes of the ancient city. The ancient city is intersected by two avenues, and a famous bell and drum tower is built at the intersection of the cross street. It can be said to be the symbol of Jianchang Ancient City. The tower is exquisite and gorgeous, with carved beams and painted buildings. It is a fine example of ancient tower architecture, but it is a pity that it cannot be climbed for viewing. At present, the development of the ancient city is mainly in the southeast area of the cross street, and the rest of the area is still being cleared and restored. However, just based on the developed and restored part, Jianchang Ancient City is enough to stand out among the many ancient cities in China.