Weekend in Yibin! Stay 2 nights in a row, love it so much you don’t want to check out!
Weekend Escape Plan | In Yibin, encounter the many gentlenesses and vibrant life of the Yangtze River
Who says weekends are only for staying in? This spontaneous trip to Yibin to unwind was truly a treasure find! This city nestled by the Yangtze River not only boasts the majestic confluence of three rivers but also hides many delightful slow-life corners.
> 🏨 Sleep by the river, fall for the details at Kaifeng Hotel
This time we stayed at Yibin Kaifeng Hotel (Yangtze Park Rhine Spring Branch) and it exceeded all expectations! My favorite was the floor-to-ceiling window facing the Yangtze River; waking up in the morning, a flowing riverscape with a bridge unfolds right before your eyes🌊. The details were a pleasant surprise: the bedding was moderately firm and cozy; the bath products had a fresh gardenia scent, leaving you refreshed after a shower; smart toilets and automatic curtains quietly enhanced comfort. The front desk staff knew we were here for fun and warmly gave us two tickets to the East Tower, a thoughtful touch that instantly erased the feeling of being strangers.
> 📍 Slow travel in Yibin, hidden charming moments
> 1. Climb high and gaze far · Yibin East Tower | Ticket 30 RMB
This newly built Tang-style building is grand and exquisite, a paradise for photography lovers! Strongly recommend arriving at dusk. The golden sunset dresses the pavilion in splendor, and the crowds gradually thin, creating a perfect atmosphere. Be sure to go up to the top observation deck! The 360° unobstructed view captures the magnificent scene where the Jinsha and Min Rivers merge into the Yangtze, with clearly distinct river colors flowing eastward. Bring a wide-angle lens📸, it’s definitely worth the trip.
> 2. Wild charm by the river · Xuetan Garden | Free
A hidden gem discovered while strolling along the river! A local hotspot for picnics and walks. The long walkway is lined with jacaranda trees (I heard during the April-May bloom, the whole path looks like a flowing blue star river—absolutely stunning!). We bought Yibin specialties: soft glutinous pig’s cake and sweet white rice cake, and casually sat on a riverside lawn. The river breeze mixed with the scent of grass, watching huge cruise ships slowly pass by, time seemed to slow down—just like the healing relaxation scenes in Japanese dramas.
> 3. Urban nocturne · Yangtze Park | Free
Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel! At night, this place transforms into a romantic theater. The music fountain light show starts promptly at 8 PM every night, with water jets dancing to the melody and lights weaving on the river surface. The gentle evening breeze creates a uniquely tender Yibin night. The park also hides a long cherry blossom path (most beautiful in March), where many girls dressed in Hanfu take photos under the flowering trees, as if traveling through time.
> 🍜 Yibin on the palate, a feast of carbs and spicy flavors
Soul of Ranmian noodles: look for “Liu Chen Street Ranmian”! The dry stir-fry (oil-heavy, no water) is the essence, topped with mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and minced meat. After mixing, every noodle strand is coated with savory sauce and chili oil, full of bite. Remember to pair it with a bowl of cold, soft handmade jelly cake—it perfectly cools the spice and brings sweetness back!
Home-style flavor: We stumbled upon “Zou Sanhe Restaurant,” and their steamed beef with rice powder amazed us! The rice powder was delicate, the beef tender and flavorful with subtle five-spice and Sichuan pepper aromas, a solid satisfying dish.
Finger-licking taste: “Nanxi dried tofu” lives up to its reputation, available in five-spice, spicy, and other flavors. The texture is firm and chewy. Vacuum-packed, bring some home as snacks or gifts—definitely the taste of Yibin.
✨ Summary: A weekend in Yibin is the comfort of the river breeze on your face, the openness of climbing high to see far, and the warmth of local snacks. It’s not flashy, but with real scenery and flavors, it makes you want to slow down and stay a few more days.