Liangshan

Liangshan Prefecture combines diverse natural scenery with Yi culture. You can base your trip in Xichang and explore the surrounding area. With plenty of sunshine and a pleasant climate, Xichang is known as the “Little Spring City.” The following guide outlines a 4-day, 3-night trip, with sightseeing, accommodation and dining suggestions for Xichang and nearby areas.

• Qionghai Lake: Home to China's largest urban wetland park, this lake offers scenery throughout the year. Cycle along the shore, watch birds or enjoy the sunset. Jinlin Beach and Diaoyutai are also good spots for photos.

• Luoji Mountain: The main attractions are alpine lakes and landforms left by glaciers dating back hundreds of millions of years. The color of Heilongtan Lake changes with the light, while Xiancao Lake is quieter and attracts fewer visitors. Take the long cable car ride up the mountain for a chance to see a sea of clouds along the way.

• Lugu Lake: Near the border between Yanyuan County and Yunnan, this lake has clear waters. The local Mosuo people maintain their matrilineal culture and “walking marriage” customs. It is a good place to slow down and explore the lakeshore one section at a time.

• Jianchang Ancient Town: With more than 600 years of history, this Ming- and Qing-era town still has a lived-in feel among its gray roof tiles and old walls. The lanes take on a different character when the lights come on at night, and there are plenty of snack options nearby.

• Yele Lake: Located in Mianning County at an elevation of 2,600 meters, this lake receives relatively few visitors. You can see snow-capped mountains reflected in the water and cattle and sheep grazing on the grasslands, or plan a night of camping under the stars. It is known as the “Little Switzerland of Western Sichuan.”

• Huili Ancient Town: This nationally recognized historic and cultural town is known for its cross-shaped street layout. Try the local Huili chicken and ham rice noodles, and enjoy the unhurried pace of everyday life in its streets and lanes.

Suggested 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xichang and explore the ancient town and Qionghai Lake
  • Arrive at Xichang West Railway Station around noon, then take a taxi to your hotel to check in.
  • Spend the afternoon walking through Jianchang Ancient Town, exploring its Ming- and Qing-era lanes, and taking photos by the orange walls of Lingying Temple.
  • In the early evening, head to Jinlin Beach on Qionghai Lake for sunset and lakeside scenery nicknamed “Little Sanya.”
  • Have Xichang brazier barbecue for dinner, then return to the ancient town to see it lit up at night.

• Day 2: Explore alpine lakes and soak in natural hot springs
  • Leave early for Luoji Mountain. Take the cable car to the top, then walk around alpine lakes such as Heilongtan and Qianshou Lake to see the landforms shaped by ancient glaciers.
  • In the afternoon, continue to Luoji Jiushijiu Li Hot Spring Waterfall for a relaxing post-hike soak in natural hot springs beside a cliff.
  • Return to the city in the evening. Dinner options include Yi-style tuotuorou (large chunks of pork) and chicken with pickled greens and potatoes.

• Day 3: Ride around Qionghai Lake and take portraits in an old village
  • Head to Diaoyutai early to watch the sunrise. Enjoy the water views and gulls from the wooden boardwalk extending out over the lake.
  • In the morning, rent an electric scooter to explore around Qionghai Lake, passing Birdwatching Island and Moon Bay along the shore.
  • Visit Dashiban Ancient Village in the afternoon. You can rent traditional Yi clothing for portraits and visit Lingying Temple.
  • Relax at a lakeside café in the early evening, then try the local specialty, Qionghai drunken shrimp, with dinner.

• Day 4: Climb Lushan for views of Qionghai Lake, then depart in the afternoon
  • Visit Lushan in the morning. Walk up or take the cable car to Guangfu Temple for panoramic views of Qionghai Lake.
  • Then visit the Liangshan Yi History Museum to learn about a thousand years of social change and cultural development in Liangshan. The cable car may close for maintenance, in which case you will need to walk up the mountain.
  • Have rice noodles with beef or lamb offal, or Huili chicken and ham rice noodles, for lunch before departing.

Suggested Areas to Stay

• Around Qionghai Lake (Yuesefengqing Town / Qionghai 17 Degrees): Accommodation here is close to the shore, with convenient access to electric scooter rentals, dining and lakeside walks. It suits travelers who prefer quiet surroundings and lake views. Hotels and guesthouses cost around RMB 200–400.

• Around Jianchang Ancient Town: A good choice if you want to explore the town's nighttime scenery on foot. Rice noodles, youcha (savory oil tea) and other food are easy to find nearby. The area has a lively local feel and offers good-value accommodation.

• Near Wanda Plaza / Torch Square: This area has well-developed shopping and other commercial facilities, with easy access to taxis and food delivery. It is better suited to travelers who want convenient shopping and a lively place to stay.

Local Food Suggestions

• Brazier barbecue: A signature Xichang barbecue style, with ingredients such as mountain-raised miniature pork and small intestines. Eat the grilled meat with lettuce and dipping seasonings. Consider choosing a long-established restaurant popular with local residents.

• Rice noodles with beef or lamb offal: A good breakfast option with a savory broth. Pickled radish adds a tangy bite, and you can pair the noodles with guokui flatbread.

• Liangshan burger: A roasted highland potato is split open and filled with a seasoned chili powder mixture and fish mint root. Crisp and smoky outside and soft and floury inside, it is a common local street snack.

• Qionghai drunken shrimp: A Xichang dish recognized as intangible cultural heritage, made with live Qionghai shrimp marinated raw in baijiu. It has a sour, spicy flavor and smooth, tender shrimp. Whether to try it depends on your comfort with eating raw food.

• Huili chicken and ham rice noodles: Fresh rice noodles served with shredded chicken and ham in a savory broth, with generous toppings. Enjoy them as a local breakfast or an afternoon meal.

• Liangshan Xue: A local yogurt drink made from fermented fresh milk, with a hint of highland barley. Pair it with barbecue to soften the heat of spicy food.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Sun protection and clothing: UV levels are high in Xichang. Bring sunglasses, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn. Temperatures vary noticeably between morning and evening, and the lakeshore can be windy, so carry a light jacket or outdoor windbreaker.
• Adjusting to altitude: Qionghai Lake and central Xichang sit at around 1,500 meters, where altitude sickness is generally uncommon. Luoji Mountain reaches 3,600–3,900 meters, where mild altitude symptoms are possible. Avoid running or jumping, and consider bringing portable oxygen and glucose.
• Transport planning: The high-speed train from Chengdu to Xichang West Railway Station takes about 3 hours. For trips around the city and lake, consider renting an electric scooter for around RMB 30–50 per day. It can be more flexible and cheaper than taking taxis.
• Macaques on Lushan: There are many wild macaques on the mountain. Do not carry food in your hands, and keep your backpack zipped. Do not tease or feed them, to avoid being scratched.
• Advance registration for Yele Lake: Yele Lake in Mianning is part of a nature reserve, and independent travelers cannot simply drive in. Book a lakeside guesthouse in advance and ask the operator to register your vehicle's license plate and visitor details. Without registration, you may be turned away at the checkpoint.
• The hot springs and scenic area are separate: Luoji Mountain Scenic Area and Luoji Jiushijiu Li Hot Spring Waterfall are different places and are quite far apart. Taxi transfers are inconvenient, so consider driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver for this part of the trip.