Yibin

Yibin is a seriously underrated little treasure of a city, with both the grandeur of the “First City on the Yangtze River” and dreamlike bamboo forests plus authentic Sichuan flavors. It is perfect for a weekend or short-holiday getaway.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Urban culture and local street life): After arriving in the morning, head to Cuiping Mountain and take the cable car for a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, stroll along Guanying Ancient Street and visit Daguan Tower to experience the old-city atmosphere. At dusk, go to Hejiangmen to watch the stunning sunset where three rivers meet. In the evening, try Yibin barbecue and ba ba shao.

• Day 2 (Fresh air in nature or geological wonders): Option A: head to Shunan Bamboo Sea for an immersive visit to the Emerald Corridor and Haizhonghai, filming locations from *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. Option B: visit Xingwen Stone Sea to explore karst landscapes of giant sinkholes and underground caves.

• Day 3 (Slow stroll through an ancient town and return trip): In the morning, head to Lizhuang Ancient Town, visit Yuueliangtian Scenic Area and the old Ming- and Qing-dynasty streets, and taste authentic Lizhuang sliced pork. In the afternoon, buy local specialties before heading home fully loaded.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Shunan Bamboo Sea: 70,000 mu of lush bamboo stretching like green waves, with extremely high forest coverage. Must-see spots include the Emerald Corridor, Haizhonghai, and Guanyun Terrace. It is recommended to enter before 8 a.m. to avoid crowds; when the morning mist curls through the forest, it feels truly ethereal.

• Lizhuang Ancient Town: Known as the first town along the Yangtze River, it is divided into the old ancient town and Yuueliangtian Scenic Area. By day, visit the former site of Tongji University to learn about wartime culture; at night, enjoy the ancient town’s night views and water performances. Lizhuang sliced pork is a must-try.

• Hejiangmen: A landmark where the Jinsha River and Minjiang River converge to form the Yangtze River, with the Yangtze River Zero Kilometer stone marker located here. By day, see the distinct clear-and-muddy meeting of the three rivers; at night, enjoy the dazzling light show. It was also a sub-venue for the Spring Festival Gala.

• Wuliangye Scenic Area: A must for lovers of liquor culture, with free admission (reservation required). You can check in at the 74.8-meter giant liquor bottle and Jiusheng Mountain, try Wuliangye ice cream and coffee, and learn about strong-aroma baijiu culture.

• Xingwen Stone Sea: A lesser-known and magical geological wonder, featuring a 650-meter giant sinkhole and Tianquan Cave. The landscape feels almost otherworldly, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy the outdoors and geology education.

Authentic Food Guide

• Yibin ranmian: Dry-tossed noodles in fragrant chili oil that are irresistibly aromatic, with crushed peanuts and preserved sprouts as the soul of the dish. Recommended spots include Yibin ranmian on Daguanlou Street and Liuchen Street Ranmian. A bowl costs 8-12 yuan and is excellent with mushroom soup.

• Lizhuang sliced pork: Sliced as thin as cicada wings, rich but not greasy, and especially delicious dipped in the house sauce. Recommended restaurants include Hesan Bairou and Yingqiu Restaurant. Remember to queue in advance.

• Yibin barbecue: Local-favorite ba ba shao and charcoal-grilled skewers. Recommended spots include Pangmei Ba Ba Shao and Jingjing Barbecue. Raw beef, grilled pork intestines, and grilled eggplant are must-orders, and the vegetable skewers offer great value**.

• Putaojing lianggao: A summer heat-relief essential, lightly sweet, soft, and glutinous. It costs 5-8 yuan per bowl, and the old street-side shops are generally quite good.

• All-Bamboo Feast: A Bamboo Sea specialty, featuring bamboo fungus stewed with free-range chicken, bamboo-tube rice, and chilled bamboo shoots so fresh they are unforgettable. Around 60 yuan per person is enough to eat your fill.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay: In the city, staying near Daguan Tower or Hejiangmen is recommended, as it is convenient for eating and exploring, at about 150-450 yuan per night. For river views, choose a hotel near Sanjiangkou. If visiting the Bamboo Sea, you can stay in a guesthouse inside the scenic area, usually 200-350 yuan per night.

• Getting there: High-speed rail goes directly to Yibin West Station (5 km from the city center), and flights arrive at Yibin Wuliangye Airport (10 km from the city center). From Chengdu or Chongqing, the journey takes about 1-2 hours.
• Local transport: City attractions are easy to reach by bus or taxi. For cross-district attractions, taxis or car rentals are recommended, and a chartered round trip is suggested for Shunan Bamboo Sea.

Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Tickets: Most city attractions are free. Shunan Bamboo Sea tickets are about 110 yuan (including the sightseeing bus). Buying a package through the official WeChat account is usually better value.
• Transport: Do not take unlicensed cars at the high-speed rail station; choose the scenic-area direct shuttle instead. Cars are not allowed inside Lizhuang Ancient Town, so walk or take the sightseeing bus (30 yuan/day).
• Shopping: Local specialties on the main streets of scenic areas can be half the price if bought in the side alleys. Wuliangye, ranmian seasoning, and bamboo products are popular souvenirs.
• What to wear: The Bamboo Sea has many mountain paths, so be sure to wear sneakers. For photos in ancient towns and forests, light-colored outfits are recommended, and comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in are essential.