Luzhou is back, and July–August is the perfect time to relax completely. It’s just so comfortable!
✈️Luzhou is back | July–August is the ultimate chill season in the liquor city! The aroma of wine and lush greenery heal the entire summer🍶
I’ve discovered a little paradise to escape the summer heat during the dog days!
In July and August, there’s no need to rush your itinerary in Luzhou. Enjoy shade under ancient trees covering thousands of acres, stroll slowly through the thousand-year-old wine aroma, feel the evening breeze by the river with late-night snacks, and focus on waking up naturally and wandering freely. The relaxation level is maxed out, so comfortable you won’t want to leave😭
🌤 Travel tips for a lazy, laid-back trip
▫️ Transportation guide
Take the high-speed train to Luzhou station! Don’t buy tickets to Luzhou East station—it’s far from downtown.
Getting around downtown by taxi or shared electric scooter is very cost-effective. For short trips to mountain and countryside spots, self-driving is recommended for freedom to stop and play by the water.
▫️ Must-have outfits
Breathable short sleeves, a light sun-protective shirt, non-slip sandals (for water activities), a sun hat, a portable fan, and a thin jacket for mountain cooling.
▫️ Relaxed sightseeing pace
No boot camp! Outdoor sightseeing from 8 to 10 AM, indoor museums or forest cooling from 11 AM to 5 PM, evening walks at sunset, and late-night snacks. Perfectly avoid the midday heat.
📅 3-day 2-night relaxed itinerary (easy on the feet, purely healing)
Day 1 Old town wine charm route | Slow life with the glow of the three rivers🏮
Take it slow all day, no need to rush or check in at specific times.
Morning | Sleep in and start with a bowl of Xuyong bean soup noodles, soft Luzhou white cake with dipping sauce, a local breakfast staple, satisfying for just a few bucks.
Head straight to the Luzhou Laojiao tourist area, where the 400-year-old 1573 national treasure cellar pools create an immersive atmosphere. The indoor area is air-conditioned all day, filled with the scent of wine. You can also try hand-mixing cocktails—an off-the-beaten-path experience perfect for photos.
Noon | Check in at an old town restaurant for Gulin spicy chicken, fragrant with red oil and tender, getting better with every bite.
Afternoon | Escape the heat at the Luzhou Museum, free admission, quiet and peaceful, explore the thousand-year history of southern Sichuan, a perfect refuge from the heatwave.
Evening | Stroll along the ancient city wall at East Gate, overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers. The sunset on the water is incredibly gentle. Relax by the riverside road, enjoying the breeze and daydreaming.
Late-night snacks | Hit the Baizhaopai night market! Try Hejiang grilled fish, cold shrimp, cold rice cake, and Hongqiao pig’s cake one by one. The evening breeze and snacks create pure happiness.
Recommended stay: Shuigou / Jiangyang district old town guesthouses 140–260 RMB, with snacks downstairs and zero travel hassle.
Day 2 Zhangba longan forest + Yaoba ancient town | Forest oxygen and vintage wandering🌳
Luzhou’s natural summer air conditioning feels 6°C cooler than downtown. The greenery wrapped in a cool breeze is super healing.
Leave before 8 AM to visit Zhangba longan forest, Asia’s largest century-old longan tree group. Over 10,000 old trees form a green canopy. Wander freely along the wooden boardwalk, Guishui Lake, and riverside bike path. The dense shade keeps you cool. Spread a picnic blanket on the lawn and relax while listening to cicadas in the forest—it’s so stress-relieving.
At noon, drive to Yaoba ancient town, an almost untouched Ming and Qing dynasty street with little commercialization. The cool bluestone pavement, the Wu Jinshi archway, and old-style teahouses create a full atmosphere. Order a cup of covered bowl tea and spend the afternoon chatting with locals.
Must-try in the ancient town: well water tofu pudding, red soup lamb, and experience making traditional oil-paper umbrellas. Rent a Republic of China-era outfit for 20 RMB and take vintage-style photos.
Return by the river at dusk, enjoy the evening breeze and city lights, ending a healing day.
Day 3 Mountain and countryside summer retreat | 21°C natural oxygen bar for total relaxation💚
For deep summer cooling, head straight to Huangjing old forest, where the average summer temperature is only 21°C. Surrounded by primeval forest, waterfalls, and streams, you can step in mountain springs, listen to waterfall sounds, and lounge on big rocks by the creek. All worries melt away.
If you don’t want to go far, choose nearby Fangshan, the southern Sichuan little Emei. The mountain cold springs are sweet and refreshing, with thousand-year-old camphor trees providing shade. Meditate at the mid-mountain Zen temple and breathe deeply. Light hiking is effortless.
At noon, enjoy local mountain farmhouse dishes like cured meat and fresh bamboo shoots that are incredibly fresh.
In the afternoon, pack up slowly and head home, carrying the scent of grass, wood, and wine, saying goodbye to the summer heat.
🏡 Accommodation recommendations by category, choose as needed
▫️ Lazy foodies | Jiangyang district old town chain hotels/guesthouses 140–260 RMB, covering all business areas, with snacks and breakfast downstairs.
▫️ Forest healing | Huangjing old forest mountain guesthouses 220–360 RMB, step outside to forest and streams, wake up to birdsong.
▫️ Riverside light luxury | Riverside road view hotels 300–420 RMB, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the three rivers at night, perfect for evening breeze.
🥘 Luzhou must-try food list, local favorites with no risk
▪️ Breakfast essentials: Xuyong bean soup noodles, Luzhou white cake, Huangba, butter cake
▪️ Signature dishes: Gulin spicy chicken, Yaoba red soup lamb, Hejiang grilled fish, sour soup river fish
▪️ Sticky snacks: Hongqiao pig’s cake (both savory and sweet flavors)
▪️ Summer coolers: handmade cold shrimp, brown sugar cold rice cake, iced jelly with fermented glutinous rice
▪️ Special flavors: wine lees snacks, local rice wine
💡 July–August exclusive tips for relaxing
1. Avoid outdoor sightseeing during the midday heat. Prioritize museums, Laojiao scenic spots, and mountain forests for cooling.
2. Huangjing old forest and Fangshan mountain have big temperature differences. Always bring a thin jacket and raincoat for frequent mountain showers.
3. Zhangba longan forest is free to enter. Early morning has fewer people and perfect lighting for photos.
4. Luzhou flavors tend to be spicy and numbing. If you don’t eat spicy food, ask the restaurant to reduce the spice. Pair with cold shrimp for a perfect balance.
5. The small city is affordable, with about 700 RMB per person for a comfortable 3-day trip, enjoying both food and scenery.
6. Few tourists on weekdays, no crowds, and plenty of space to enjoy solitude anytime.
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