Meishan

Meishan combines Dongpo culture with the mountain and riverside scenery of western Sichuan. Around 30–40 minutes from Chengdu by high-speed train, it makes a convenient weekend getaway.

• San Su Shrine: This was once the home of the Northern Song writers Su Xun and his sons Su Shi and Su Zhe. Its classical western Sichuan gardens feature red walls framed by green bamboo. Audio guides are available to rent for an introduction to the lives and cultural legacy of the three writers.

• Dongpo Impression Water Street: This Song-style waterfront district is known as the “Great Song Sleepless City,” and its main streets are free to enter. After the lights come on at night, stroll along the streets to watch period-style performances and sample a variety of snacks.

• Yuanjing Tower: Its history dates back around a thousand years to the Northern Song dynasty. The main tower has 13 stories and stands 80 meters tall. At night, lighting illuminates the building and casts a golden reflection on the lake, making it a good spot for nighttime photography.

• Liujiang Ancient Town: Stilt houses lining the water create a classic western Sichuan riverside scene. In misty rain, stroll along stone-paved lanes and enjoy streetscapes that resemble ink paintings, or sit by the river for tea and cold starch jelly.

• Wawu Mountain: Known as the “Table Mountain in the Clouds,” this forested mountain is a good place to connect with nature. Enjoy flowers in spring and summer, snow in autumn and winter, and elevated views of the mountain scenery from the cable car.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Culture and Night Views): Visit San Su Shrine in the morning, allowing 2–3 hours to explore Dongpo culture, then try Dongpo pork hock nearby for lunch. In the afternoon, walk through Dongpo Urban Wetland Park, take in views of Yuanjing Tower, and watch the sunset over the Min River. In the evening, walk to Dongpo Impression Water Street for the lights and water-based performances of the “Great Song Sleepless City.”
• Day 2 (Choose the Ancient Town or the Mountains):
  • Option A (A Leisurely Ancient Town Visit): Travel to Liujiang Ancient Town, sip tea beneath a century-old banyan tree, stroll along the Misty Rain Corridor, and try green Sichuan pepper chicken and tofu pudding with rice for a taste of everyday life in a western Sichuan riverside town.
  • Option B (Mountain and Forest Scenery): Head to Wawu Mountain National Forest Park and take the cable car for views of seas of clouds and old-growth forest. Enjoy the fresh air; this option also suits visitors who prefer hiking and natural scenery.

Local Food Specialties

As Su Dongpo’s hometown, Meishan has a rich local food scene. Around CNY 50 per person is enough for a filling meal.

• Dongpo Pork Hock: This signature Meishan dish uses a front pork hock, simmered gently until the meat separates easily from the bone, then served with a glossy red sauce. The meat is tender, and the fatty portions are rich without tasting greasy.

• Pengshan Sweet-Skinned Duck: The duck skin is brushed with sugar and then basted with oil, giving it an amber finish. Both savory and sweet, it has crisp skin and tender meat. Vacuum-packed portions are also available to take home as gifts.

• Green Sichuan Pepper Bobo Chicken: This dish originated in Hongya. Chili oil seasoned with green Sichuan pepper from the Qingyi River area is paired with tender, springy chicken. The pepper gives it a fragrant, numbing flavor without an overly fiery heat.

• Danling Dongba Rice Cakes: This snack, recognized as intangible cultural heritage, has a history of 1,400 years. Made from fermented glutinous rice that is then steamed, the cakes are soft and chewy without sticking to your teeth. Flavors include peanut and brown sugar, and they are best eaten warm.

Transport and Accommodation

• Transport: High-speed trains run from both Chengdu East and Chengdu South stations to Meishan East Station. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes, with fares a little over CNY 20. From Meishan East Station, a taxi to the city's attractions takes about 10–20 minutes. Short taxi trips within the city usually cost only the starting fare, and shared bicycles are another option.
• Accommodation: Consider staying near San Su Shrine or Wanda Plaza in Dongpo District. The old town has plenty of places to eat and convenient bus connections, and San Su Shrine can be reached on foot. If nighttime sightseeing is your priority, guesthouses near Dongpo Impression Water Street offer walking access to the district.

Visiting Tips

• San Su Shrine: Admission is CNY 40, with half-price tickets for students. It is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. For photos against the red walls, consider wearing modern Chinese-style clothing or hanfu.
• Liujiang Ancient Town: Early mornings bring fewer visitors and thicker mist, making this a good time to photograph the misty scenery. The streets and lanes are free to explore, while the Zeng Family Garden courtyard charges a separate CNY 20 admission fee; enter if it interests you.
• Wawu Mountain: Temperatures on the mountain are noticeably lower than in the city, so bring an outdoor shell jacket or a light jacket. Try to visit on a clear day for better views and photos of the seas of clouds and snowy scenery.
• Yuanjing Tower: Arrive around 17:30 to see the views in daylight, at sunset, and after dark. The tower lights come on at 19:30, with musical fountain shows also held on Friday and Saturday evenings.