4 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Miyi | A Healing Journey in the Sunny Town, Full Guide on Accommodation + Prices
Hey fam, anyone knows this! Sichuan hides a "natural heater" small town where winter days reach 20°C with warm sunshine and floral scents. It's closer than Sanya and more relaxed than Dali. You can chill out for three days and two nights with just over 700 RMB per person. This cost-performance ratio is legendary! Four hidden gem attractions + accommodation tips to avoid pitfalls + money-saving secrets, a nanny-level guide you can copy directly!
🌞 Four hidden gem attractions, no regrets guaranteed
1. Sunshine Beach Park (Free! The face of Miyi)
Who would have thought an inland town hides a "mini seaside"? The Anning Riverbank is covered with fine sand, elders sit on small stools basking in the sun, kids dig tunnels in the sand, and some show off spinning tops. The scene is so relaxed you just want to lie down too. The sunset is stunning, the sky looks like a spilled palette, no need for photo filters, just ride a bike along the greenway, feel the breeze from the river, and rest by the river listening to the water. Back in the day, caravans on the Southern Silk Road traveled along this river~ tip: Wear light-colored clothes for sunset photos, the chance of great shots doubles!
2. Zhuanxu Dragon Cave (Ticket about 40 RMB, natural air-conditioned room)
The cave entrance looks ordinary, but once inside you "travel" to a cool world! Constant temperature of 18°C, cool in summer and warm in winter. The stalactites lit up look like stone waterfalls hanging in midair, water drips slowly like an old clock counting time. Legend says this is the dragon cave passed by the ancient Emperor Zhuanxu, and locals still pray for rain here during droughts~ Important reminder: The steps are wet and very slippery, wear sports shoes! Don’t wear slippers or you’ll be so nervous you’ll cling to the walls 😂
3. Lisu Terraces (Free, healing pastoral scenery)
A more niche alternative to Yuanyang Terraces! The ridges look like cream cake patterns. After flooding in December, the mirror-like water reflects the blue sky in fragments. The newly built starry sky camping base is amazing, with electric blankets in tents so you can watch the Milky Way at night. Stay at a mountainside guesthouse with terrace views right from your window. Don’t miss the 6:20 AM sunrise, the owner will help set up a tripod for silhouette shots~ In spring, rapeseed flowers and cosmos bloom in turns, walking inside feels like stepping into a filter. Remember not to step on the flower fields, or both your shoes and conscience will get dirty 😂
4. Baima Town Torch Square + Old Street (Free, the pinnacle of local life)
The torch square is lively at night, the fire pit in the center is super photogenic, and the old street nearby hides Yi ethnic snacks. If you catch the Torch Festival, don’t stand too close to the flames, the fire shoots high and your clothes will get dusty. Choose cheap shoes so you won’t mind washing them later~ When tired, have a bowl of spicy lotus jelly, spicy and refreshing, this is the simple joy locals keep to themselves!
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: From Budget to Luxury, Pitfall Avoidance Guide
· Budget travelers: County inns (100+ RMB/night), near Sunshine Middle Road, with old shops downstairs, very convenient for breakfast. The downside is they might be near the road, bring earplugs for better sleep~
· Value seekers: Chain hotels / Hot spring courtyards (300-400 RMB/night), within walking distance to the greenway, great hot water, some with small hot spring pools. After soaking, you can sleep right away, shoulders and neck relaxed~
· Luxury seekers: Terrace / Sun Valley Hot Spring Hotel (700-1000+ RMB/night), windows open to terrace or river views, elevator directly to hot spring pools, perfect for elders and kids! Pet families can choose pet-friendly guesthouses allowing cats and dogs, 200 RMB deposit, fully refundable if no damage, plus you can take trendy photos of your furry friends~
· Pitfall reminder: Weekend prices double, booking on weekdays can save half! Low-floor river view rooms have more mosquitoes, remember to bring mosquito coils~
💰 Hot Price Guide, Save Money Without Regrets
Transportation
· High-speed rail: Chengdu → Miyi 3.5 hours, second-class seat about 246 RMB, book 15 days in advance! Don’t pick the wrong station: Miyi Station is near the county, Miyi South Station near Baima Town, Panzhihua Station is very far, wrong choice means an extra hour detour 😂
· Self-driving: Jingkun Expressway direct access, no ice or snow in winter, sedans can drive, watch out for speed traps hidden in banana groves, don’t speed~
· Within town: Ride-hailing is enough, best to take a taxi to the Dragon Cave, carpooling back can save half the fare, greenway bike rentals have low deposits, test brakes before riding!
Food & Drink (50 RMB per person to eat until full)
· Must-try list: Tuotuo beef (freshly sliced and cooked, dipped in dry chili is amazing), tofu pudding (soft and fluffy, dipped in spicy garlic sauce, three bowls not enough), fire pit barbecue (paired with iced jelly, hot and cold sensation), roasted potatoes (sticky and chewy, perfect for a snack on a walk back)~
· Fruit bonus: Buy fruit at Xinmin Farmers Market, mangoes, loquats, strawberries all available for tasting, buy only if sweet. Strawberries at 10 RMB per jin (500g) are non-negotiable, locals pay this price~ Don’t force buy out-of-season fruit, they’re as hard as stones!
Total Budget Reference
· Budget version (2 people): Accommodation 100+ × 2 + Food 50 × 6 + Tickets + Transport = about 1000 RMB
· Comfortable version (2 people): Accommodation 300 × 2 + Food 60 × 6 + Tickets + Transport = about 1500 RMB
· Luxury version (2 people): Accommodation 800 × 2 + Food 80 × 6 + Tickets + Transport = about 2500 RMB
📌 Pitfall Tips
1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The sun is strong, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all essential, don’t forget ears and neck~
2. Bring a small water bottle, water is expensive by the beach, stay hydrated~
3. Don’t wear metal jewelry in hot springs, it will turn black and won’t come off no matter how much you rub 😂
4. Seniors over 60 get free tickets, students get 50% off, don’t waste discounts~
5. Throw trash correctly 5 times at the smart recycling station to get hot spring coupons, free happiness must be grabbed!
The healing vibe of Miyi is: basking in the sun, soaking in hot springs, eating sweet fruits, and living slowly~ No need to rush, just sit by the river and daydream all afternoon. Perfect for winter warmth, spring flower viewing, and autumn hiking, suitable all year round!