After 3 Days in Luzhou, Here's My Advice...
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In this perfect April sunshine, I embarked on a journey to Luzhou. This charming city is like a thick book with every page filled with stories. Here's my complete Luzhou travel guide for youđ
I. Luzhou Weather
Based on my pre-trip research, April temperatures in Luzhou range between 15°C - 27°CđĄïž Overall quite comfortable, though there are temperature differences between morning and evening, so I recommend bringing a light jacketđ§„ Check the weather forecast before your trip to be prepared. There isn't much rainfall during this period, but occasional light showers do occur, so remember to bring an umbrellađ
II. Luzhou Travel Tips
1. When to visit: Try to avoid weekends and holidays when attractions are crowded, making it difficult to enjoy sights and take photos without waiting in line. For example, the "This Has Light" urban memory experience complex gets very crowded on weekendsâvisiting on a working day would be more pleasant.
2. Ticket reservations: Some attractions allow online ticket booking in advance, which helps you avoid lines and sometimes offers discounts. For places like Luzhou Laojiao Scenic Area, booking ahead allows for better time management.
3. Food warnings: Avoid eating local specialties at commercialized shops inside tourist areasâthey're often inauthentic and overpriced. For instance, the Guli Spicy Chicken at some small eateries in ancient towns tastes nowhere near as good as established local restaurants.
4. Avoiding scams: When taking taxis, make sure the driver uses the meter to avoid being overcharged. Some unofficial drivers might make excuses not to use the meterâalways insist they charge according to regulations.
5. Itinerary planning: Luzhou's attractions are quite spread out, so planning your route in advance saves time and energy. First identify the places you want to visit, then arrange them by locationâfor example, city attractions on day one, and surrounding areas on day two.
III. What Not to Do
1. Don't blindly follow social media trends: Some popular photo spots don't actually offer good experiencesâthey just look good in pictures. Certain so-called trendy cafĂ©s, for instance, have ordinary environments and mediocre coffee.
2. Don't buy souvenirs from unofficial channels: You might end up with fake products or inflated prices. For local specialties like Luzhou Fei'er noodles or Fenshui oil-paper umbrellas, shop at official souvenir stores or supermarkets.
3. Don't visit remote scenic areas alone: Places like Huangjing Laolin are remote with complex terrain and poor cell reception. It's safer to go with friends for better security.
IV. Recommendations
1. Food exploration: Definitely try Luzhou's specialties like Guli spicy chicken, Luzhou white cake, and Zhu'er ba (sticky rice cakes). Visit established local restaurants like "Ji Sansan" on Hongxing Roadâtheir Guli spicy chicken is an intangible cultural heritage dish with amazing flavor.
2. Cultural experiences: Visit Luzhou Laojiao Scenic Area to learn about Luzhou's liquor culture, participate in cocktail-making classes, taste raw liquor, and experience this unique city of spirits.
3. Photography spots: Luzhou offers many photogenic locationsâDongmen Gate provides beautiful views of the Yangtze and Tuojiang Rivers' confluence, complete with red-billed gulls; Zhang Ba Longan Forest is a photography paradise when the yellow trumpet trees bloom in spring.
4. Leisure walks: Stroll along the stone-paved paths of Yaoba Ancient Town to experience the charm of this thousand-year-old settlement. You can also learn about oil-paper umbrella making, traditional brown sugar production, and enjoy Sichuan opera performances in the town's teahouses.
5. Surrounding areas: If time permits, visit nearby Fubao Ancient Town, which maintains its original ecological character without excessive commercialization, offering a peaceful small-town experience.
V. Accommodation Guide
1. Luxury option: Nanyuan Hotel offers river-view suites overlooking the Yangtze River with beautiful scenery, VIP access to the Laojiao Scenic Area, and attentive service.
2. Boutique homestay: Yaoba Ancient Town Inn, converted from Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards, offers an immersive historical experience along with long-table feasts and oil-paper umbrella DIY workshops.
3. Budget option: Many hotels near Wanxiang Hui commercial area offer affordable rates at 100-150 yuan per night, with walking distance to food streets and convenient transportation.
VI. Getting Around Luzhou
1. Public buses: Luzhou's bus system is convenient with extensive coverage reaching most attractions at affordable pricesâgenerally 2 yuan per ride. Search for "Luzhou Public Transit E-Card" on Alipay or WeChat and show the payment code when boarding.
2. Taxis/ride-hailing: Taxis start at 6-8 yuan, and ride-hailing services are also convenient for city travel. However, you might encounter traffic jams during peak hours.
3. Direct shuttle buses: Luzhou Passenger Transport Center offers direct buses to attractions like Huangjing Laolin and Fangshan. With frequent service (hourly from 7:00-17:00), these are ideal for tourists visiting surrounding scenic areas.
I hope this guide helps everyone enjoy a wonderful journey to Luzhou this Aprilđ