Liangshan

Sichuan’s Liangshan Prefecture covers a vast area, with exceptionally rich scenic and cultural resources. Most visitors use Xichang, the prefectural capital, as a base before branching out to nearby attractions. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary for Xichang and its surroundings, ideal for first-time visitors to Liangshan.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xichang. In the afternoon, visit Qionghai National Wetland Park and Moonlight Customs Town. At dusk, go to Jinlin Beach to watch the sunset, then explore Jianchang Ancient City in the evening and try fire-pit barbecue.
• Day 2: In the morning, head to Dashiban Ancient Village for Yi ethnic-style travel photos. In the afternoon, visit Lushan to see the monkeys and overlook Qionghai Lake. At dusk, have coffee in Tingtao Town, then go to Torch Square in the evening to take in the city night views.
• Day 3: Drive yourself or hire a car to Luoji Mountain to see alpine meadows and Pearl Waterfall. In the afternoon, soak in the natural waterfall hot spring, then return or continue to your next stop.

Must-Visit Attractions

Liangshan’s attractions are fairly spread out. The following are the most representative core scenic areas:

• Qionghai National Wetland Park: One of China’s largest urban wetland parks, with a broad expanse of lake water. Cycling around the lake or strolling along the west-bank trail is recommended; enjoy the lake breeze and watch waterbirds. Free admission.
• Jianchang Ancient City: An ancient city built in the Ming dynasty. Although parts have been renovated, its color palette and night scenery photograph beautifully. It is great for an evening walk and a taste of local life. Free admission.
• Dashiban Ancient Village: A 600-year-old ancient relay station tucked beside Qionghai Lake. The orange-red walls of Lingying Temple make an excellent photo backdrop, and it is well suited to travel portraits in Yi ethnic clothing. Free admission.
• Lushan: A viewing platform where you can overlook the entire Qionghai Lake. There are many wild monkeys on the mountain. Taking the cable car up and the slideway down is recommended, and the experience is quite fun.
• Luoji Mountain: At an elevation of over 3,500 meters, it is cool in summer and has alpine meadows, Pearl Waterfall, and natural hot springs. It suits travelers who enjoy nature hikes.

If you have more time, you can also go to Longtoushan Grand Cliff in Leibo to see a sea of clouds, or visit Cliff Village in Zhaojue for a hiking challenge.

Local Food Recommendations

When visiting Liangshan, be sure to try authentic Yi flavors and Xichang local snacks:

Travel and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Sun Protection and Warm Layers: The UV rays in Xichang are extremely strong, so be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and an umbrella for both sun and rain. The temperature difference between day and night is also large, so even in summer you should bring long sleeves or a shell jacket.
• Transportation: In the city, renting an electric scooter is convenient and inexpensive. For surrounding attractions, driving yourself or asking your hotel to help arrange a driver is recommended, as taxis are not very convenient on some road sections.
• Monkey Precautions: When visiting Lushan, never open your bag or eat food in front of the monkeys, as they may snatch things from you.
• Torch Festival: If you visit around the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, usually in August, you can experience the grand Yi Torch Festival. However, it is best to check the exact venues and ticket information in advance, as the city squares may host only some of the activities.
• Prepare Small Change: Some villages and snack stalls may only accept cash, so it is recommended to prepare around RMB 200 in small notes.