Summer at 21℃! Two days in Xichang: strolling around Qionghai Lake, watching the sunset, soaking in hot springs, and enjoying hot pot barbecue.
Known as the Moon City and the Little Sanya of Sichuan, with an average summer temperature of 21℃, it's the top choice for escaping the sweltering heat! Enjoy natural scenery, Yi ethnic culture, and hot springs all in one place! Two routes to choose from, perfect for leisurely travelers or seasoned adventurers. Just copy these tips!
📌Pre-trip Basic Information|2026 Must-Save
Transportation
🚄Intercity: Chengdu East → Xichang West Station, 3-hour high-speed rail journey, super convenient!
✈️Airplane: Xichang Qingshan Airport, direct flights from many cities, airport shuttle bus 20 RMB into the city
🚗City Transportation:
1. Electric scooter around the lake: 50-80 RMB/day, stop and take photos freely, enjoy the freedom of the lake, remember to wear a helmet!
2. Lakeside bus route 106: 2 RMB, connects all attractions, the best value for money!
3. Taxi: West Station to Qionghai Lake, about 30 RMB, cheaper if traveling with companions.
Entrance Fees (Mostly free, save big!)
✅Qionghai Wetland Park, Jinlin Beach, Dashiban Ancient Village, Jian Changgu City and Tangyuan Garden: Free admission
✅Lushan Mountain: Entrance fee 5 yuan, cable car 30 yuan one way, downhill toboggan 35 yuan, Liangshan Yi Slave Society Museum closed on Mondays
✅Luoji Ninety-Nine Mile Hot Spring Waterfall: Entrance fee + sightseeing bus 198 yuan, one-day tour includes round-trip transportation for greater convenience
Accommodation Recommendations by Area
1. Qionghai Lake Coast (Preferred): Lakeside guesthouses, lake views from the window, walking distance to Jinlin Beach and Moonlit Town, 200-400 yuan/night, super convenient for watching the sunset
2. Near Wanda Plaza/Jianchang Ancient City in the city center: A top choice for foodies, dense restaurants and supermarkets, within walking distance for night tours of the ancient city, high cost performance
3. Dashiban Ancient Village Guesthouses: Quiet and original, suitable for sisters who want to take Yi ethnic photos
🗺️Route A|Relaxing Version (Lake View + Cultural + Ancient City Night View, Not Tiring on the Legs)
Day 1 Full Route Around Qionghai Lake | Photo Shoot at Dashiban Ancient Village | Sunset at Jinlin Beach and Orange Sea | Night Tour of Jianchang Ancient City
09. 30 Arrive at Xichang West Station, check into a guesthouse near Qionghai Lake, rent electric scooters to begin your lakeside tour.
10. 30 【Moonlit Town】Visit the Moon Daughter sculpture, white houses and sailboats, a Korean Jeju Island atmosphere, stroll along the wooden boardwalk and enjoy the lake breeze.
12. 00 Lunch by the lake, try Qionghai Drunken Shrimp and Liangshan Rice Noodles.
13. 30 【Tingtao Valley】An artistic town with rainbow stairs, courtyard cafes, and off-the-beaten-path photo spots, away from the crowds.
15:00 【Dashiban Ancient Village】Free admission all day! Lingying Temple's famous orange wall is a must-see. Rent a full set of Yi ethnic costumes and makeup for 150-300 yuan. Explore the ancient village's stone-paved streets, ancient trees, and courtyards – perfect for taking stunning ethnic photos. Stroll leisurely through the village and experience the local Yi culture.
At 5:30 PM, head straight to Jinlin Beach (Qionghai Lake's "Little Sanya"). Arrive after 4 PM to avoid the scorching sun. Enjoy the endless white sand, coconut palms, and lake. Quietly wait for the sunset from 6:30 PM to 7:20 PM. The orange-red sunset paints the lake – a must-see sunset spot. After sunset, take a walk along the lake and enjoy the evening breeze.
At 8:00 PM, enjoy a night tour of Jianchang Ancient City and Tang Garden. This 600-year-old Ming Dynasty city, with its illuminated lanterns, feels like stepping into Spirited Away. Explore Yongquan Street for snacks. The adjacent Tang Garden features Tang Dynasty-style architecture with stunning nighttime reflections. Visit the Datong Gate city wall and experience the thousand-year-old Jianchang culture.
At 9:30 PM Arrange a soul-stirring hot pot barbecue, featuring grilled small intestines, mini-pigs, and crispy tofu. Enjoy the meat around the hot pot and unlock the nightlife of Xichang.
Day 2: Lushan Mountain overlooking Qionghai Lake | Wetland Park for fresh air | Torch Square | Leisurely return trip
08. 30 Start the day with a bowl of beef and mutton offal rice noodles.
09. 00 Climb Lushan Mountain via cable car to the top of Wanghai Tower for a 360° panoramic view of Qionghai Lake. The view of mountains and sea in one frame is absolutely stunning. Visit the Liangshan Yi Ethnic Minority Slave Society Museum along the way to learn about Yi history and culture. ⚠️There are many wild macaques on the mountain, so don't bring snacks as they might steal your food.
12:00 Descend the mountain and head directly to Qionghai Wetland Park. A dreamlike water town, misty egret island, wooden boardwalks winding through lotus ponds and reeds. In summer, the lush greenery is breathtaking. Feed the red-billed gulls, relax by the lake and breathe in the fresh air – a perfect place to escape the summer heat.
15:00 【Torch Square】Check out the giant Yi ethnic flame sculpture, browse the intangible cultural heritage market, and purchase buckwheat tea and Yi lacquerware souvenirs.
17:00 Pack your luggage and head back.
🗺️Route B|Special Forces Healing Version (Qionghai Lake + Ancient Village + Luoji Mountain Cliff Hot Spring)
Day 1 Same as Route A, around the lake + Dashiban Ancient Village + Jinlin Beach Sunset + Jianchang Ancient City Night View + Fire Basin BBQ
Day 2 Full Day|Luoji Ninety-Nine Mile Hot Spring Waterfall, Cliffside Hot Spring Ceiling
08. 00 Pick-up from the city center, the most worry-free option is a one-day tour, 1.5-hour drive.
09. 30 Arrive at the scenic area, take a sightseeing bus up the mountain, check out the world's largest hot spring waterfall, 38℃ natural constant hot spring water, cliffside pools, cave pools, and forest hot springs to choose from, soak in the hot spring while enjoying the mountain and canyon views, surrounded by lush greenery. A refreshing and relaxing hot spring experience in summer, perfect for taking photos.
14:30 Enjoy a simple lunch on the mountain, then hike to admire glacial relics and primeval forests, breathing in the negative oxygen ions.
At 4:00 PM, return to the city, stopping by Haihe Tianjie for local snacks before concluding the trip.
📸8 Must-Take Photo Spots, Straight from the Camera
1. Jinlin Beach Sunset: Orange lake surface + white sand beach, a must-capture at sunset.
2. Lingying Temple Orange Wall in Dashiban Ancient Village: A perfect backdrop for Yi ethnic group portraits, with stunning light and shadow.
3. Wanghai Tower on Lushan Mountain: Panoramic view of Qionghai Lake, a wide-angle masterpiece.
4. Moon Daughter Sculpture in Moonlit Town: A landmark photo spot around the lake.
5. Datongmen City Wall in Jianchang Ancient City: Lantern night view, ancient atmosphere.
6. Rainbow Stairs in Tingtao Valley: Artistic and refreshing.
7. Luoji Mountain Cliff Hot Spring Pool: Mountain forest + waterfall + hot spring, a niche and high-end experience.
8. Qinglong Temple Viewing Platform: Cliff... Overlooking Qionghai Lake, the view is expansive, and it's quiet with few people.
🍢Xichang Must-Eat Food List, Recommended by Locals
✅Hot Pot Barbecue (Must-Eat TOP 1)
Recommended: Li Xiaochang (Li's small intestine), Hu Sige's Special Barbecue. Must-orders: Juicy grilled small intestine, mountain pork, crispy tofu, potatoes. Dipped in dry dipping sauce, they're incredibly fragrant!
✅Beef and Lamb Offal Rice Noodles: A breakfast staple. Add mint leaves for a refreshing and appetizing experience. Look for Xiong's Beef and Lamb Offal Rice Noodles flagship store.
✅Qionghai Lake Delicacies: Drunken shrimp, steamed Qionghai fish, fresh and tender.
✅Yi Ethnic Specialties: Tuotuo meat, Liangshan hamburger, buckwheat cake
✅Drinks: Liangshan Snow Yogurt, a perfect way to cut through grease, available everywhere.
⚠️15 Things to Avoid (Based on Hard-Earned Experiences), a Must-Read for First-Timers
1. Xichang's high-altitude UV radiation is extremely strong! 1. Even on cloudy days, apply high SPF sunscreen. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and arm sleeves are essential, as sunburn is very easy to occur.
2. The monkeys on Lushan Mountain are quite aggressive. Do not feed them, and do not carry plastic bags or snacks. Keep your belongings, especially your phone, close to your body.
3. Jinlin Beach gets extremely crowded during peak sunset season. Arrive before 5 PM to secure a good spot. The last bus around the lake departs at 6:40 PM. After watching the sunset, it's recommended to return by electric scooter or taxi.
4. When renting Yi clothing in Dashiban Ancient Village, avoid the overpriced shops at the village entrance; instead, walk into the alleys inside the village. 5. Half price, plus free Yi ethnic braiding!
6. Luoji Mountain is quite far, with many winding mountain roads. New drivers should be cautious. Prioritize reputable, all-inclusive day tours that include pick-up, drop-off, and entrance fees for a hassle-free experience.
7. Bring your own swimsuit, towel, and waterproof phone case when soaking in the Luoji Mountain hot springs; prices at the scenic area are very high.
8. Be cautious when buying silver jewelry and jade along the streets of Jianchang Ancient Town; prices are significantly inflated. Don't buy if you're not knowledgeable.
9. Avoid private speedboats around the lake; prices are inflated. Choose reputable dockside cruise ships. 30 yuan one way, clearly marked price
9. Swimming in Qionghai Lake is strictly prohibited; the water is deep and dangerous. Only wading is allowed on the beach.
10. Lushan Museum is closed on Mondays; avoid visiting on Mondays.
11. Always wear a helmet when renting an electric bike. Traffic police will conduct spot checks along the way; fines are not worth it.
12. There is a large temperature difference between day and night; around 25℃ during the day and only 18℃ at night. Bring a light jacket.
13. The Nantang Farmers Market is the cheapest place to buy fruits and local specialties. Yanyuan apples, pomegranates, and buckwheat tea offer excellent value for money.
14. Traffic congestion is common on the lakeside roads during holidays; prioritize early departures and avoid peak times.
15. During the Torch Festival (July-August), accommodations are in high demand throughout the city; book your guesthouse or hotel at least two weeks in advance.
Escape the city heat and head to the 21°C Moon City. Enjoy the lake breeze at Qionghai Lake, watch the sunset over Orange Sea, soak in a natural cliffside hot spring, and savor an authentic barbecue over a charcoal fire. This summer trip is comfortable and therapeutic. 🌙