How much do you know about Dazhou's natural scenery and Ba culture?

Dazhou, located in the northeast of Sichuan Province, at the southern foot of the Daba Mountains, is a transportation hub connecting Sichuan, Chongqing, and Shaanxi. It boasts both magnificent natural scenery and a rich Ba cultural heritage.
🏝Must-see attractions
1⃣Batai Mountain
◾️Highlights: The highest peak in eastern Sichuan, featuring the three wonders of the sea of clouds, sunrise, and Buddha's light. Experience the thrill of the glass walkway and paragliding.
◾️Tips: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. Enjoy snow scenery in winter. There is a stargazing tent campsite in the scenic area.
2⃣Bailixia (Bashan Grand Canyon)
◾️Highlights: Karst landforms, canyon drifting, Taoxi Valley's clear springs and waterfalls, and the Tujia folk performance "Dream Back to the Ba Kingdom" are not to be missed.
◾️In-depth experience: Hike through Luopan Peak and explore the wonders of the Elephant Cave's lava formations.
3⃣Wufeng Mountain National Forest Park
◾️Features: Thousands of acres of bamboo forests and thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, ideal for summer retreats and photography enthusiasts.
4⃣Zhenfo Mountain
◾️Culture: An ancient architectural complex integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Dehua Temple is a popular place of worship, and the temple fair on the first day of the sixth lunar month is the most lively.
◾️Climbing: Climb 999 stone steps to the top for a panoramic view of Dazhou.
5⃣Dazhou Museum
◾️Must-sees: Eastern Han Dynasty bronze chariots and horses, Ba people's weapons, and learn about the history of the ancient Ba Kingdom.
6⃣Shiqiao Ancient Town
◾️Charm: Ming and Qing Dynasty stone streets, Lenin Street's Red Army slogans, experience the blend of red culture and ancient architecture.
🍽Local specialties
▪️Dengying Beef: Paper-thin beef slices, spicy, crispy, and fragrant. "Chuan Hanzi" is the most authentic local brand.
▪️Yangrou Gege: Spicy mutton steamed in small bamboo steamers, best paired with hot and sour shredded potatoes.
▪️Seven Star Pepper Marinated Food: Duck necks and chicken feet, spicy and fragrant, a popular local snack.
▪️Hot and Sour Noodles: Sweet potato noodles with a special hot and sour soup. "Li Family Liangfen" in the old town alley is recommended.
💁Night market recommendations
▪️Central Square Night Market: A gathering place for night beer, barbecue, and Chuanchuanxiang, experience the nightlife of eastern Sichuan.
🚏Transportation guide
🔻External transportation
✈️ Airplane: Dazhou Jinya Airport (newly opened in 2022), with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities.
🚄 High-speed rail: Dazhou Station has direct trains to Chongqing (1.5 hours), Chengdu (3 hours), and Xi'an (4 hours).
🔻Internal transportation
▪️Buses or taxis are available for city attractions (starting price 6 yuan). Chartered cars or self-driving are recommended for suburban scenic areas (many mountain roads, drive with caution).
🏡Accommodation recommendations
🔻Comfortable hotels in the city: Dazhou Phoenix International Hotel (near the business district), Jinlong Hotel (established four-star hotel).
🔻Scenic area accommodations: Batai Mountain Starry Sky Hotel (excellent for stargazing), Bailixia Sangshuping Homestay (Tujia style).
📌3-day highlights itinerary
✅Day 1: Dazhou Museum → Climb Phoenix Mountain → Night tour of Zhou River to enjoy the light show.
✅Day 2: Batai Mountain (sea of clouds and sunrise + glass walkway) → Taste Steamed Fish with Stone Ladder after descending the mountain.
✅Day 3: Bailixia drifting → Visit Shiqiao Ancient Town → Buy Dengying Beef as a souvenir before returning.
💁Travel tips
✔️Best season: April-October (summer is ideal for escaping the heat, autumn for admiring red leaves).
✔️Safety precautions: The mountainous area is often rainy and foggy, so bring non-slip shoes and a jacket. Keep electronic devices safe while drifting.
✔️Cultural respect: Do not make loud noises in Zhenfo Mountain, and ask for permission before taking pictures of Buddha statues.
✔️Hidden gem: Maduguan Stone Forest in Xuanhan County, a hidden Jurassic landform wonder.
Although Dazhou is not a popular tourist city, it hides the most pristine natural beauty and the cultural code of the Ba people in eastern Sichuan. Slow down, and you might encounter unexpected surprises here.