Neijiang

Neijiang is an underrated hidden gem in southern Sichuan: it has the cultural depth of Zhang Daqian’s calligraphy and painting legacy, refreshing mountain-and-water scenery, low prices, and genuinely satisfying food. Here is a 3-day, 2-night hand-holding itinerary for you, ready to copy straight into your plans!

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Urban Culture and Local Life): In the morning, head to Daqian Garden to visit the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall. In the afternoon, stroll through the Sifangkuai neighborhood and soak up the retro old-street atmosphere. In the evening, go to Jiandao Street Night Market for late-night snacks.
• Day 2 (Natural Scenery and Summer Cooling-Off): In the morning, visit Shengshui Temple and experience this thousand-year-old monastery. In the afternoon, drive to Weiyuan Shiban River Scenic Area for stream trekking and water play. In the evening, try Weiyuan mutton soup.
• Day 3 (Leisure Scenery and Return Trip): In the morning, cycle around Longchang Guyu Lake and watch the sunset. In the afternoon, visit the Neijiang Sugar Industry Museum, then pack up local specialties and head home.

Must-Visit Attractions

Neijiang’s attractions are relatively concentrated. The urban area is mainly known for cultural and historic sites, while the surrounding areas are stronger on natural scenery. These are the core spots most worth visiting:

• Daqian Garden: Built to commemorate traditional Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian, it includes a memorial hall, an art museum, and Xilin Temple. The garden is large, so focus on the memorial hall and former residence. Climb to the top of Taibai Tower for a panoramic view of the city. Free admission; closed on Mondays.
• Weiyuan Shiban River: Named because its main riverbed is formed from a single stretch of natural rock. It is about 7 kilometers long, with cool flowing water year-round. It is especially suitable for stream trekking and water play. Plan for 2-3 hours; admission is 50 yuan.
• Shengshui Temple: A thousand-year-old temple first built in the Tang dynasty, known as the “No. 1 Chan Monastery of Central Sichuan.” The temple contains many Tang and Song dynasty cliff carvings, and the teahouse on the back hill offers excellent views over the whole city. Admission is only 1 yuan.
• Sifangkuai Neighborhood: The original urban center of Neijiang, a century-old street combining leisure, culture, and tourism. The retro hand-painted walls and dialect graffiti are great for photos, the ground-floor shops are full of everyday local life, and Jiandao Street has plenty of food options.
• Longchang Guyu Lake: Known as the “Little Erhai of Southern Sichuan,” and open free of charge. It is ideal for renting an electric scooter and riding around the lake. The reed beds and flocks of migratory birds along the route are beautiful. The light is softest around 4 p.m., making it an excellent sunset spot.

Must-Eat Food List

Neijiang is known as the “Sweet City.” Its food combines spicy, numbing, fresh, and fragrant flavors with sweet treats. These are highly rated local favorites that residents often visit:

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Take the high-speed train directly to Neijiang North Railway Station (do not choose Neijiang Railway Station). A taxi to the city center takes about 10 minutes, with a starting fare of 6 yuan, which is very cheap. Shared electric bikes cover the whole city. For surrounding attractions, driving is recommended.
• Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Shizhong District or Dongxing District (such as near Jiandao Street or Wanda Plaza). You can walk to the night market, making evening outings and food hunting convenient. There are many hotel options with good value for money.

Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Some exhibition halls in Daqian Garden contain replica displays, so focus on the authentic works in the memorial hall. Flash photography is prohibited inside. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are slopes to climb.
• You do not need to buy a package ticket in advance for Shiban River. After entering, buy individual tickets for the specific activities you want to try, so you can avoid losing money if an activity is under maintenance and nonrefundable.
• The Longchang Stone Archway Cluster is far from the city center, and the surrounding facilities are average. It is not especially worth visiting just for photos. If time is tight, you can replace it with the free Fan Changjiang Cultural Park.
• For local specialties, choose time-honored brands when buying preserved fruit. Peanut candy is on the sweet side, so buy with caution.