Liangshan | Xichang: Where Liangshan Isn't Cold and Qionghai Isn't the Sea

1. 📍 **Xichang** You must visit Xichang at least once! The lake is azure, the breeze is gentle, and the seagulls are adorable 🌊 Come and go with the free wind—if you miss it, you’ll surely meet again 🕊️ May life be as clear as the lake, with sunny skies always above. 2. 📍 **Xichang** 🫡 You have to visit Xichang—stroll by Qionghai’s evening breeze, explore the Wetland Park, climb the picturesque Lu Mountain, and walk down Aerospace Road with your loved one to admire the enchanting jacaranda blooms. 3. 📍 **Beauty in Life** Among all the beauties in life, only May’s jacaranda flowers can soften the entire world 🌹. The dreamy blues and romantic purples under dappled light are the magic of "jacaranda." Answer the call of early summer’s jacaranda blooms—their season is fleeting, but their romance is timeless. You must visit Xichang and witness its scenery. Here’s a **Xichang travel guide** for your reference: ### **Transportation Guide** - **External Transport**: Fly to Xichang Qingshan Airport or take a train/high-speed rail to Xichang Station or Xichang West Station. - **Local Transport**: Extensive bus routes cover the city, including the Qionghai Lake Tourist Loop and the free "Jacaranda Smile" shuttle for jacaranda viewing. Taxis and ride-hailing are also convenient. ### **Attractions** - **Qionghai-Lu Mountain Scenic Area**: Qionghai, Sichuan’s second-largest freshwater lake, offers lakeside walks, cycling, boating, and sunset views at Golden Scale Beach. Lu Mountain features 9 ancient temples like Guangfu Temple, earthquake steles, hiking trails, cable cars, and slides. - **Jianchang Ancient Town**: With 2,000+ years of history, it preserves Ming-Qing architecture like Datong Gate and city walls, alongside local food, teahouses, and cultural shops. - **Xichang Satellite Launch Center**: A key Chinese aerospace base where you can tour launch sites and command centers to learn about rocket launches and space tech. - **Luojishan Scenic Area**: Famous for its "99-Mile Hot Spring Waterfall," glacial relics, primeval forests, and cliffside hot springs. - **Anha Yi Village & Immortal Cave**: Stunning karst caves with unique stalactites and Yi cultural performances. ### **Food Recommendations** - **BBQ**: Try firepot BBQ, copper-cauldron BBQ, skewers, or platter grills—featuring tender highland pork, fresh beef, and rich but not greasy sausages. - **Rice Noodles**: Varieties like beef-offal noodles, chicken-giblet noodles, and braised beef noodles, all savory and delicious. - **Cold Dishes**: Chewy buckwheat jelly, soft rice jelly, smooth pea jelly, plus cold noodles, rolled rice sheets, and chilled skewers. - **Yi Cuisine**: Sample "tuotuo meat" (chunky pork), buckwheat cakes, and sour potato soup at spots like Asiniuniu Ethnic Restaurant. ### **Accommodation Suggestions** - **Luxury**: Xichang Qianxun Tangji Scholar’s Home Hotel, Xichang Qionghai Hotel, Xichang Qionghai General’s Mansion Yebang Junting Hotel. - **Scenic**: Xichang Qianxun Tangji Scholar’s Home Hotel, Xichang Qionghai Saibo Mansion Hotel, Xichang Guantang Grand Hotel. - **Local Flair**: Xichang Qionghai General’s Mansion Yebang Junting Hotel, nestled in historic architecture for a serene retreat. ### **Itinerary Ideas** - **2-Day Trip** - **Day 1**: Arrive in Xichang → Jacaranda viewing at Aerospace North Road → Local snacks for lunch → Qionghai National Wetland Park → Sunset at Golden Scale Beach → BBQ dinner at Walnut Village or Little Fishing Village. - **Day 2**: Dashiban Ancient Village → Lu Mountain → Photo ops at Moonlight Bay, Qionghai Hotel, and Fishing Pier → Jianchang Ancient Town & Tang Garden. - **3-Day Trip** - **Day 1**: Same as 2-Day Trip Day 1. - **Day 2**: Morning at Satellite Launch Center → Afternoon at Luojishan for hot spring waterfalls. - **Day 3**: Explore Anha Yi Village & Immortal Cave → Return trip prep.