Panzhihua Ultimate Travel Guide! The Stunning Hidden Gems of the Sunshine City

Hey everyone, today we bring you the ultimate guide to Panzhihua! As the only city in China named after a flower, it enjoys warm weather year-round and abundant sunshine, making it a true winter escape paradise. Let’s explore the beauty of Panzhihua together!

🚗 Recommended Itineraries
**Grand Loop**
Hongchunshu Viewing Platform → Jinsha River Grand Canyon Viewing Platform → Nalou → Yishala Cultural Square
This route is entirely drivable, with the main attraction being the Jinsha River Grand Canyon. On the return trip, village roads are extremely narrow with one-way sections—follow the signs carefully.

**Small Loop**
Yishala Cultural Square → Nalou → Najia Alley → Intangible Cultural Heritage Courtyard → Qijia Alley → Mao Family → Zhang Family Tavern → Zhangjia Alley → Yishala Cultural Square
This route requires parking and exploring the village on foot.

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions
1️⃣ **Yishala Village**: Known as the "First Yi Village in China," it boasts a thousand years of history and rich ethnic culture. The village appears strikingly red from above, earning it the nickname "Little Seda." Stroll leisurely, chat with locals, and soak in the tranquil rural life.
📍 Location: Pingdi Town, Renhe District, Panzhihua
⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours
🎫 Admission: Free

2️⃣ **Jinsha River Grand Canyon**: Marvel at the spectacular canyon scenery, where the emerald-green Jinsha River carves through the mountains. Descend along the ridge to reach the newly built glass viewing platform for a panoramic vista.
📍 Address: Renhe District, Panzhihua

3️⃣ **Third Front Construction Museum**: Showcases China’s critical infrastructure projects from the 1950s to 1970s, featuring rare historical artifacts and photographs.
📍 Location: No. 1 Rongjiang Road, New District, Dongqu, Panzhihua
🕒 Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30, closed Mondays)
🎫 Admission: Free (bring your stamp collection book for souvenir stamps!)

4️⃣ **Donghua Mountain**: A prime spot for photography and sightseeing, offering sweeping views of Panzhihua from the summit.
📍 Location: Navigate to Dongqu Forestry Bureau
⏳ Duration: 1 hour
🎫 Admission: Free

5️⃣ **Ertan National Forest Park**: Home to the world’s third-tallest and China’s tallest double-curvature arch dam, plus Asia’s largest underground power station cavern complex.
📍 Address: Yanbian County, Panzhihua

6️⃣ **Lisu Terraces**: A hidden gem in southern Sichuan, the terraces transform with the seasons, offering a unique winter spectacle against the blue sky.
📍 Address: Navigate to Lisu Terraces Parking Lot
🎫 Admission: Free

🍜 Food Recommendations
Don’t miss Panzhihua specialties like rice noodles, lamb rice noodles, lamb rice cakes, and erkuai!

💡 Travel Tips
🚗 **Transport**: Self-driving or chartered cars are recommended for flexibility.

🏨 **Accommodation**: Options are available in the city and near attractions—plan according to your itinerary.

☀️ **Sun Protection**: Panzhihua is sunny—remember to apply sunscreen.

Panzhihua dazzles not only with its breathtaking landscapes but also with its rich history and vibrant ethnic culture.