Warning! Stop going to the trendy tourist spots. These 4 small towns around Sichuan are the true earthly paradises.
🌿 Meishan Chapter
Just a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Chengdu, this small town favored by Su Dongpo hides the gentlest everyday charm.
Start your morning at the Sansu Shrine, with its red walls and black tiles nestled among bamboo groves. Under the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, read the line “A few peach blossoms beyond the bamboo,” and feel the poetic life of Mr. Dongpo. When tired from walking, visit the nearby Sansu Memorial Hall to learn about the literary legend of the three Su family members. The red walls make for stunning photos—this is a must-visit spot for fans of traditional Chinese aesthetics.
At noon, head straight to an old restaurant at the foot of Pengzu Mountain for an authentic bowl of Dongpo pork knuckle—tender, flavorful, rich but not greasy. Pair it with Dongpo pickled vegetables, tangy and appetizing, and enjoy the full happiness of carbs. In the afternoon, visit Wawu Mountain, known as the “Kingdom of Table Mountains.” Hike through the primeval forest, watch waterfalls cascade down, and if lucky, catch the sea of clouds and Buddha’s light. It’s perfect for summer cooling and winter snow viewing.
At dusk, go to Heilongtan Lake, take a boat ride on the water, and watch the sunset turn the surface golden. At the lakeside farmhouse, order freshly made fish head hotpot—so fresh it’ll blow your mind. In the evening, stroll through Meishan Old Street with its bluestone paths, old teahouses, and sugar painting stalls. Wander slowly, listen to locals chatting, and you’ll understand what “life is more than just the hardships before your eyes” really means.
Tips: Take the high-speed train to Meishan East Station, then a 10-minute taxi to Sansu Shrine; reserve half a day for Wawu Mountain and wear comfortable sports shoes; recommended foods are Dongpo pork knuckle, Dongpo pickled vegetables, and Renshou Heilongtan fish head, with about 50 RMB per person to eat until full.
🌊 Leshan Chapter
Just an hour by high-speed train, this city blessed by delicious food and the Giant Buddha is Sichuan’s most vibrant hidden gem.
The first stop must be the Leshan Giant Buddha. Take a boat to view the Buddha’s head as tall as the mountain, feet touching three rivers—so awe-inspiring it leaves you speechless. You can also walk the winding plank road to get close enough to touch the Buddha’s palm and feel the majesty of this thousand-year-old stone carving. After visiting the Buddha, head to the Oriental Buddha Capital to see the cliff sculptures and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture.
At noon, dive into Zhanggong Bridge Food Street and eat from one end to the other: the foot-stomping beef is fresh to the bone and perfect dipped in dry sauce; sweet-skinned duck has crispy skin and tender meat with a sweet-salty blend; spicy cold pot chicken skewers are coated in red oil and sesame, a bite that captivates; plus egg cakes, tofu pudding, and crispy cakes—try them all, and you’ll be stuffed for about 30 RMB per person.
In the afternoon, visit Suji Ancient Town with its bluestone streets and small bridges over flowing water. The old teahouses are full of locals basking in the sun. Order a cup of covered bowl tea and watch Sichuan opera face-changing. Slowing down is the right way to enjoy Leshan. At dusk, stroll along the Min River, feel the river breeze, watch the lights come on, and see the Giant Buddha become even more serene in the night.
Tips: Take the high-speed train to Leshan Station, then a 15-minute taxi to the Giant Buddha; recommended foot-stomping beef at “Feng Sanniang,” sweet-skinned duck at “Zhao Duck”; avoid weekend morning rush hours; taking the boat offers the best view of the Buddha; ticket price is 70 RMB.
🌿 Mianyang Chapter
A 40-minute high-speed train ride from Chengdu, this “China Science and Technology City” hides the most healing landscapes and culture.
Start your morning at Yuewang Tower, the “Number One Tower of Poetry and Literature in the World.” Climb up to overlook the entire city of Mianyang, with the Fu River flowing through, high buildings and green mountains reflecting each other. The poet Li Bai once left the immortal line “A towering building a hundred feet high” here. The red walls and flying eaves make for atmospheric photos.
Next, visit Fule Mountain for hiking and fresh air, and explore Three Kingdoms relics. This is where Liu Bei and Liu Zhang met in Fucheng. Ancient temples and stele forests in the mountains hold stories of the Three Kingdoms era. In spring, cherry blossoms fill the valley; in autumn, ginkgo leaves turn golden—beautiful all year round.
At noon, go to Majiang Alley, a century-old alley that is a food paradise for Mianyang locals: Mianyang rice noodles are smooth and flavorful, with spicy red broth or tasty clear broth. Add some pork intestine or beef to start your day full of energy. Also try spring rolls, ice jelly, and spicy hot pot—full of local flavor, with about 20 RMB per person to eat your fill.
In the afternoon, visit Xianhai Lake. Cycle around the lake road, watch the rippling blue waves, rent a small boat to row on the lake, or camp and picnic by the shore to escape city noise and enjoy slow time. In the evening, go to the 1958 Cultural and Creative Park, an artsy district converted from old factories, with cafes, bookstores, and live music venues—perfect for young people to check in and take photos.
Tips: Take the high-speed train to Mianyang Station, then a 10-minute taxi to Yuewang Tower; recommended rice noodles at “Lao Kaiyuan”; rent an electric bike to circle Xianhai Lake; free admission.
🏯 Neijiang Chapter
A 30-minute high-speed train ride, this underrated “Sweet City” hides thousand-year-old towns and authentic Sichuan flavors.
First, visit Luoqian Ancient Town, one of China’s 100 millennium-old towns. With bluestone streets, stilted buildings, and old salt merchant houses, it’s free from commercial noise and full of authentic southern Sichuan charm. Explore Luoqian Well to learn about thousand-year salt culture and watch old salt workers at work. Visit the Salt God Temple to pay respects and feel the town’s faith heritage.
At noon, eat Luoqian tofu in the ancient town. The tofu feast is the signature here: spicy tofu, bear paw tofu, tofu pudding—each dish silky and flavorful. Made with local well water, the tofu’s texture is amazing. Pair it with a bowl of Neijiang beef noodles, rich in red oil with chewy noodles, the soul breakfast of Neijiang people.
In the afternoon, visit Longchang Stone Archway, China’s largest stone archway group. Seventeen Ming and Qing dynasty stone archways stand staggered, exquisitely carved. Each tells a story of loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness. Known as a “three-dimensional history book,” it’s perfect for photos that look like a time travel back a hundred years.
At dusk, stroll around Sweet City Lake to enjoy the night view. The lakeside light show and Ferris wheel shine together, making Neijiang’s night gentle and romantic. In the evening, explore Sifangkuai, the old town’s lively area full of local life. Try fried rice cakes, Banbanqiao fried rice cakes, and cold rice cakes—a sweet and savory combo that gets more delicious with every bite.
Tips: Take the high-speed train to Neijiang North, transfer to Zizhong North Station, then a 20-minute taxi to Luoqian Ancient Town; Longchang Stone Archway is free to enter, guided tours recommended for deeper experience; recommended foods are Luoqian tofu feast, Neijiang beef noodles, and Banbanqiao fried rice cakes.