Ziyang

Ziyang offers ancient stone carvings, industrial scenery and Sichuan food. The Anyue Stone Carvings are known for their thousand-year-old figures and the Purple Bamboo Guanyin, often called the “Venus of the East.” The locomotives and railway scenery of this “Western Locomotive City” reveal another side of Ziyang. Local restaurants tucked into its streets and lanes are also worth including in your plans. Ziyang is about 25 minutes from Chengdu by high-speed train, and Metro Line S3 offers another direct option, making it suitable for a weekend or short holiday.

Culture and Leisure in the City

• Ziyang Museum: The building's design takes inspiration from a traditional lidded tea bowl. Inside, you can learn about the 35,000-year-old “Ziyang Man” skull fossil, see an Eastern Han bronze chariot and horses, and view a 3D reconstruction of the Purple Bamboo Guanyin from the Anyue Stone Carvings. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required.

• Sanxian Cultural Park: Stretching along the Tuo River, this leafy park is a relaxing place to observe everyday local life. Climb Sanxian Pavilion for views of the city and Jiuqu River. The park also has a covered bridge.

• Fengling Park: This green space is popular with Ziyang residents and has served as a filming location for the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. The clear waters of Yan Lake, covered bridges, pavilions and their reflections are its main attractions. In the evening, take a lakeside walk and enjoy the cooler air.

• Zikushan Park: The largest forest park in urban Ziyang is marked by the 43.8-meter-tall Ziku Pavilion, with Leiyin Temple also set among the hills. Walking uphill offers some exercise and panoramic views of the city.

Exploring the Anyue Stone Carvings in Depth

• Yuanjue Cave Cliff Carvings: This national 4A-rated scenic area is a key place to explore the Anyue Stone Carvings. Carving began during the Tang dynasty and flourished in the Song dynasty. More than 1,900 figures survive, with the Twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment and the “Three Saints of the Western Pure Land” especially worth a close look for their delicate, gentle Song-dynasty style.

• Pilu Cave: This cave houses the Northern Song statue of the Purple Bamboo Guanyin, known as the “Venus of the East” for its graceful pose. With its body and feet turned sideways, the figure sits on a projecting rock ledge. Its vividly carved face and posture make it a rare work of stone-carving art in China.

• Wofoyuan (Reclining Buddha Temple): Highlights include a complete, 23-meter-long Tang-dynasty reclining Buddha carved into the cliff, along with Tang-dynasty Buddhist scriptures carved in stone. The quiet surroundings suit visitors who want to explore the history at an unhurried pace.

Industrial Scenery and Street Photography

• CRRC Locomotive Factory and Checheng Park: These two locations reflect Ziyang's industrial identity as the “Western Locomotive City,” with real locomotives and railway tracks on view. Around Liujiawan Street, tracks run beside residential buildings, offering opportunities for industrial photography with a retro feel.

Local Food in Ziyang

Ziyang's food centers on Sichuan flavors and everyday snacks. Look along the smaller streets and lanes for long-established local restaurants.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Ziyang and Explore the City on Foot
  • Morning: Leave Chengdu for Ziyang North Station by high-speed train or Metro Line S3.
  • Afternoon: Start at Ziyang Museum to see the Ziyang Man skull fossil and bronze chariot and horses. Then walk to Sanxian Cultural Park, climb the pavilion for views, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Tuo River.

• Evening: Have dinner on Zhongxue Road Snack Street or Liujiawan Street. Try Yizhong cold noodles, Huang guokui flatbreads and Qiangqiang pork intestine noodles for a taste of local street food.

• Day 2: Travel to Anyue for Tang- and Song-Dynasty Stone Carvings
  • Morning: Drive or hire a car to Anyue County, a journey of about 1 hour. Then visit the Yuanjue Cave Cliff Carvings for a close look at stone carvings from the Tang and Song dynasties.
  • Afternoon: Visit Pilu Cave to see the Purple Bamboo Guanyin, known as the “Venus of the East,” or choose the quieter Qianfo Temple to view its cliff carvings.
  • Evening: Dine in Anyue's county town and try Anyue rice rolls, tender rabbit with lemon and jar-cooked pork. Stay overnight in Anyue's county town or return to Yanjiang District in Ziyang.

• Day 3: Enjoy Hilltop Views or Industrial Photography, Then Head Home
  • Morning: Visit Zikushan Park and climb Ziku Pavilion for the views. If you prefer industrial photography, head to the area near the CRRC Locomotive Factory to photograph the railway tracks instead.

• Midday: For lunch, choose Nanmen Laozihao Beef Noodles or Lijia Silky Pork to sample flavors commonly found in local breakfasts.

• Afternoon: After sightseeing, return to Chengdu by high-speed train or metro.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport: The high-speed train from Chengdu to Ziyang North Station takes about 25 minutes and costs around 42 yuan. Another option is Chengdu Metro Line S3 (the Ziyang Line). Get off at Xingfu Avenue Station or Baotai Station, then take a bus or use a shared bicycle to reach city attractions. The Anyue Stone Carvings are best explored by driving or hiring a car; allow considerably more time if using public transport.
• Accommodation: Consider staying near Ziyang Wanda Plaza or Changhong Square for convenient transport and dining options. Standard rooms at chain hotels usually cost 150–300 yuan. If you plan to visit Anyue the following day, you can also stay in Anyue's county town.

Visiting and Travel Notes

• Museum reservations: Ziyang Museum requires advance reservations through its official booking channels. It is closed on Mondays; check the opening arrangements before setting out.
• Visiting the stone carvings: Yuanjue Cave, Pilu Cave, Wofoyuan and the other sites are far apart, with inconvenient public transport connections. Driving or hiring a car is recommended. Bring sun protection and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Seasonings: When trying mutton soup or cold chicken, ask whether the restaurant offers a special dipping sauce or house-made chili oil, and add it to taste.
• When to visit: Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are generally comfortable for park visits and walks. On a winter trip, consider warming up with hot mutton soup.