Meishan

Meishan is a hidden-gem city steeped in Su Shi’s poetry: slow-paced, full of great food, and perfect for a restorative weekend or short-holiday trip of “fresh air + strolling and eating.” Here is a Meishan travel guide for you: follow it and you can explore the city with ease!

Recommended Itineraries

• Two Days and One Night (Urban Culture and Leisure Route): Best for a short weekend trip, with a focus on culture and food.
  • Day 1: In the morning, visit Sansu Temple to experience Dongpo culture. In the afternoon, stroll and breathe in the fresh air at Dongpo Urban Wetland Park. Around dusk, head to Dongpo Impression Water Street for night views and water performances. In the evening, try Dongpo pork knuckle.
  • Day 2: Visit Meishan Museum or Yuanjing Tower for photos. At noon, have an authentic meal of Meishan pickles and pickled-chili rabbit, then return by high-speed rail in the afternoon.
• Three Days and Two Nights (Nature + Ancient Town In-Depth Route): Best for travelers who enjoy natural scenery and a slower pace.
  • Day 1: Explore the city area, including Sansu Temple and Water Street.
  • Day 2: Head to Hongya County to visit Wawu Mountain, see alpine waterfalls and primeval forest, and enjoy the natural oxygen bar.
  • Day 3: Stroll through Liujiang Ancient Town, sip tea and relax by the Huaxi River, try the ancient town’s specialty guokui and local dishes, then return in the afternoon.
• Wawu Mountain Summer Retreat Route: If you are coming specifically to escape the heat and hike, it is recommended to spend 2 days in Hongya County. On the first day, take a bus from Meishan East Railway Station to Hongya, then transfer to stay near the foot of Wawu Mountain. On the second day, hike the full route or take the cable car to the summit, check in at Lanxi Cliffside Plank Road and Yuanyang Pool, then return in the afternoon.

Must-Visit Attractions

Must-Try Food Guide

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Downtown Dongpo District: Close to Sansu Temple and Water Street, with convenient transportation and plenty of hotels and guesthouses; suitable for most travelers.
  • Around Meishan East Railway Station: Suitable for travelers arriving by high-speed rail, convenient for trips to and from Chengdu, and good value for money.
  • Inside Liujiang Ancient Town: Stay in a stilted-building guesthouse and experience the ancient town’s night views; best for slow travelers.
• Transportation Guide:
  • Intercity Transportation: It takes about 30 minutes by high-speed rail from Chengdu East Railway Station to Meishan East Railway Station, with tickets around 33 yuan, making it very convenient.
  • Local Transportation: Meishan city has tourist shuttle lines and public buses, and taxis are also convenient. For Wawu Mountain or Liujiang Ancient Town, self-driving is recommended, or you can take a coach from the bus station.

Pitfall Avoidance and Practical Tips

• Sansu Temple: Closed on Mondays, so be sure to confirm the opening hours before going. You can memorize Su Shi’s poems in advance; there may be a chance to enter for free.
• Dongpo Impression Water Street: Some travelers report that the nighttime lights and performances vary by personal preference. It is recommended to go around dusk for sunset and night photos, while daytime is more comfortable for strolling and eating. If you plan to watch a performance, it is best to reserve a spot in advance.
• Wawu Mountain: The summit temperature is relatively low, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light jacket or shell jacket. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip athletic shoes, as hiking on the mountain can take quite a long time.
• Restaurant Queues: Many popular and long-established restaurants in Meishan, such as Mawangzi, have very long queues at meal times. It is recommended to take a number in advance or dine during off-peak hours.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: When visiting the wetland park or ancient town in summer, pay attention to sun protection and bring mosquito repellent.