Sichuan Zigong

1.Zigong Dinosaur Museum

Zigong Dinosaur Museum-the "Dinosaur Capital of the World"!

Standing on one of the most dinosaur fossil-rich sites ever discovered,this world-class museum is built right atop the Dashanpu Dinosaur Fossil Group-where over 200 complete dinosaur skeletons have been unearthed since the 1970s!

As we step inside the main exhibition hall,you'll be awestruck by the giant Omeisaurus skeletons towering above us-some stretching over 20 meters long!The museum's brilliant in-situ displays let you see fossils exactly as they were discovered,frozen in time in the rock layers.

Don't miss the Dinosaur Fauna Exhibition showcasing incredibly preserved fossils of stegosaurs,raptors and pterosaurs that roamed Sichuan 160 million years ago.The interactive Dinosaur World with animatronic dinosaurs brings these prehistoric giants back to life-watch out for the roaring T-Rex!

What makes this museum truly special is that you're walking through an actual Jurassic excavation site.Every fossil here was found in this very spot,making it one of the most important dinosaur graveyards on Earth.Whether you're a paleontology enthusiast or just dinosaur-curious,this is where the Jurassic era comes alive!

2.Zigong International Lantern Festival

Zigong International Lantern Festival for over 1,000 years,our city has been perfecting this luminous art form,and tonight you're about to witness why we're famous across the globe.

As we enter the exhibition grounds,prepare to be amazed by giant silk lanterns taller than buildings!Marvel at the 100-meter-long dragon lantern that seems to swim through the night sky,and don't miss our signature "Porcelain Dragons"-magnificent creatures painstakingly crafted from 15,000 pieces of delicate china!

What makes our lanterns magical is how they blend ancient craftsmanship with modern technology.See how LED lights bring traditional folk tales to life,and watch as entire lantern landscapes change colors and move to music!The "Silk Road" section will transport you back to ancient times,while the "Future World" will blow your mind with its sci-fi creations.

Visit the DIY workshops where our master artisans will teach you lantern-making secrets passed down through 20 generations.And don't leave without trying lantern-inspired snacks-the glowing dumplings are Instagram famous!

3.Zigong Salt Industry Museum

Zigong Salt Industry Museum housed in the stunning Xiqin Guild Hall built in 1736,this UNESCO-listed site preserves China's incredible salt-making heritage that literally fueled empires for over two millennia.

As we enter the grand Qing Dynasty courtyard,you'll see our prized exhibit-ancient bamboo drilling tools that could bore 1,000 meters deep!That's deeper than oil drilling in 19th century America.Our ancestors invented this technology 1,000 years before the West!

The real showstopper is our full-scale replica of a traditional salt well.Watch how ingenious pulley systems lifted brine from unthinkable depths,and how workers boiled it in giant pans-some big enough to bath elephants!Don't miss the "Salt Road Map" showing how Zigong's "white gold" traveled along Silk Road routes to Tibet and beyond.

What makes this museum special?These aren't just artifacts-we keep living traditions alive!Time your visit right and you might see our craftsmen demonstrating bamboo cable-making or traditional brine extraction methods that haven't changed in centuries.

4.Rongxian Giant Buddha

Rongxian Giant Buddha is a breathtaking masterpiece of ancient Chinese Buddhist art.Carved during the Tang Dynasty (around 817 AD),this towering statue rises 36.67 meters (120 feet) tall,making it the largest sitting Buddha in Sichuan and the second-largest in all of China-only surpassed by the Leshan Giant Buddha.

As you approach,you'll be struck by the Buddha's serene expression and intricate details,from the gracefully draped robes to the finely sculpted facial features.The statue represents Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha),symbolizing compassion and hope.Unlike many cliff-carved Buddhas,this one is uniquely housed within a seven-story wooden pavilion,blending architectural grandeur with spiritual reverence.

Climb the stairs alongside the pavilion for stunning panoramic views of the Rongxian countryside and the nearby Xuxi River.Don't miss the ancient inscriptions and smaller Buddhist grottoes surrounding the site,offering glimpses into over a millennium of devotion and craftsmanship.

A visit here isn't just about sightseeing-it's a journey through history,culture,and tranquility.So take a deep breath,soak in the sacred atmosphere,and let the Giant Buddha's timeless wisdom inspire you.

5.Ziliujing Old Street

Ziliujing Old Street,the beating heart of Zigong's rich salt-mining history!This charming,well-preserved district was once the bustling center of China's ancient salt industry,earning Zigong the title "Salt Capital of the South." As we stroll along the cobblestone lanes,you'll feel like you've traveled back to the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912),when merchants,salt workers,and wealthy industrialists shaped this vibrant area.

The architecture here is a fusion of Ming-Qing styles and Western influences,with wooden shopfronts,ornate eaves,and vintage courtyards whispering tales of prosperity.Look out for traditional salt workshops,old guildhalls,and antique tea houses-many still in operation!Don't miss the Xiqin Guildhall,a stunning complex showcasing intricate carvings and a glimpse into the lives of Fujian salt traders who once dominated the trade.

By night,the street transforms into a magical lantern-lit wonderland.Zigong is famous for its lantern festivals,and here,you'll find artisan shops crafting these glowing masterpieces.Try local snacks like "water-fried buns" (Shuijiao) or spicy salt-cured dishes-flavors that have fueled salt workers for centuries!Ziliujing isn't just a street;it's a living museum of resilience and culture.

6.Xianshi Ancient Town

Xianshi Ancient Town,a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the Fuxi River in Zigong!With over 1,400 years of history,this beautifully preserved town is like a living painting from the Ming and Qing dynasties,offering a peaceful escape from the modern world.Known as the "First Town of Salt Transport on the Ancient Tujing Road," Xianshi was once a vital hub for the salt trade,and its rich heritage still whispers through every cobblestone and courtyard.

As we wander the narrow,flagstone streets,you'll be enchanted by the traditional Sichuan-style architecture-wooden houses with upturned eaves,ancient temples,and charming tea houses where locals gather.Highlights include the Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple),the elegant Yuwang Palace,and the historic salt wharves where boats once loaded precious salt for transport across China.

Don't miss the chance to savor local flavors!Xianshi is famous for its "Yanshang Dishes" (salt merchant cuisine),such as braised pork with preserved vegetables and spicy tofu.And if you visit during a festival,you might catch a traditional folk performance or see the river adorned with glowing lanterns!

Whether you're a history lover,a photographer,or simply seeking serenity,Xianshi's timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere will captivate you.

7.Fushun Wenmiao

Fushun Wenmiao in Zigong!Built during 1044 AD in the Northern Song Dynasty and expanded over centuries,this sprawling complex is not just a temple,but a living textbook of Chinese imperial architecture and Confucian culture.

As we pass through the Dacheng Gate,notice how each building follows strict traditional placement-this was no ordinary temple,but an imperial-grade complex where scholars once prayed for success in the grueling imperial examinations.The highlight?The breathtaking Dacheng Hall,with its triple-tiered golden roof supported by 28 massive stone pillars-each carved from single blocks of stone!

Look closer and you'll discover why this is called the "Sculpture Museum of the Sichuan Basin".Marvel at the stone lions with ball-shaped carvings in their mouths,the exquisite dragon-engraved pillars,and the colorful ceramic figurines decorating the roofs-over 300 of them depicting mythical creatures and historical scenes!

A fascinating local tradition?Students still come here before exams to rub the "Tiankai Wen Yun" stele,believed to bring scholarly luck.And don't miss the Chong Sheng Shrine at the rear,housing rare Song Dynasty stone carvings of Confucius and his disciples.

From its ancient scholar trees to the harmonious layout representing Confucian philosophy,every detail here tells a story of China's enduring respect for education and tradition.

8.Fuxi River Landscape Belt

Fuxi River Landscape Belt-a picturesque 6-kilometer stretch that beautifully blends nature,history,and modern leisure along the city's "Mother River." Once the lifeline of salt transport during ancient times,today it offers one of the most delightful urban escapes in Sichuan!

As we stroll along the tree-lined promenades,you'll be charmed by the harmonious mix of historic bridges,restored salt wharves,and contemporary art installations.The riverbanks come alive with blooming flowers in spring and golden gingko trees in autumn,creating perfect photo spots at every turn.Don't miss the Shuijingang Wharf,where replica salt boats and bronze statues reenact Zigong's bustling salt-trading past!

At night,the corridor transforms into a dazzling lightscape.The "Salt History Light Show" projects mesmerizing animations onto water screens,telling tales of Zigong's 2,000-year salt heritage-best viewed from the arched Moonlight Bridge.For a unique experience,hop on a leisure cruise to admire the city's skyline reflected on the gentle waters.

Whether you're here for morning tai chi,an afternoon bike ride,or an evening lantern-lit walk,the Fuxi River Corridor offers both tranquility and cultural vibrancy.It's where Zigong's past and present flow together as gracefully as the river itself.

9.Huawu Renjian Scenic Area

Huawu Renjian Scenic Area,where over 2,000 acres of rolling hills transform into a kaleidoscope of colors with every season!This breathtaking eco-park isn't just about flowers-it's a poetic blend of horticultural artistry,cultural heritage,and immersive experiences that will delight all your senses.

As we enter,you'll be greeted by vast seas of seasonal blooms-from spring's tulip oceans and summer's lavender fields to autumn's cosmos waves and winter's plum blossom forests.The "Rainbow Terraces",with their cascading floral patterns,offer Insta-perfect panoramas of the entire valley.Don't miss the "Butterfly Valley",where thousands of live butterflies flutter among nectar flowers from May to October!

But there's more magic here!Ride the glass-floored skywalk above blossom canopies,explore the ancient-style Huawu Tower for tea ceremonies with mountain views,or visit the fruit-picking orchards (seasonal).At the "Floral Clock",watch mechanical floral sculptures perform on the hour-a masterpiece combining Dutch clockwork with Chinese floral design!

At night,the park becomes a fairy-tale land of LED-lit flower fields and laser shows.Visit during March-April for the Peony Festival,when 200+ historic peony varieties from Tang Dynasty poems come to life!

Whether you're a flower enthusiast,photography lover,or simply seeking serenity,Huawu Renjian promises nature's artistry at its most vibrant.

10.Wolong Lake

Wolong Lake (Crouching Dragon Lake),a 1,200-acre paradise where emerald waters meet lush forests,creating a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!Named after the legendary "crouching dragon" of Chinese folklore,this scenic area offers something magical for every traveler.

As we explore,you'll be captivated by the pristine lake,surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant wetlands.Take a leisurely boat ride to admire the mirror-like waters reflecting the sky,or stroll along the lakeside wooden boardwalks,where herons and other wildlife often make appearances.For the best views,climb up to the Dragon View Pavilion-the panoramic scenery is absolutely worth it!

Thrill-seekers,rejoice!The lakeside adventure park features ziplining,kayaking,and cycling trails that let you experience nature with an adrenaline rush.Meanwhile,culture lovers will appreciate the traditional Chinese gardens and tea houses dotted along the shore-perfect for sipping local tea while soaking in the tranquility.

At sunset,the lake transforms into a golden masterpiece,with the distant mountains painting a dreamy backdrop.If you visit in spring,the cherry blossoms and azaleas add bursts of color to the landscape,while autumn brings fiery red maple leaves.

Whether you're here for quiet reflection or outdoor fun,Wolong Lake promises a rejuvenating escape into nature's embrace.