I thought Chengdu was already beautiful enough, until I visited Panzhihua...

Chengdu's winter days are often shrouded in gloom. Want to escape the chill with your kids and head for warmth? Then come to Panzhihua! Just a 4-hour high-speed train ride will take you to this City of Sunshine, where you can start a cozy winter family vacation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet adorable animals and enjoy sunset views

- Morning: Depart from Chengdu, check in at your hotel upon arrival in Panzhihua, and rest to recover from the journey.
- Noon: Visit a local specialty restaurant to try Panzhihua's famous Yanbian lamb rice noodles. The savory lamb broth paired with chewy rice noodles and topped with refreshing mint leaves will kickstart your culinary journey in Panzhihua.
- Afternoon: Head to Panzhihua Park, not just a great spot for locals to relax but also home to a small zoo. Tickets are very affordable—just ¥5 on weekdays and ¥8 on holidays, with free admission for children under 1 meter tall. Here, you can see the internet-famous "Officer Leopard" who successfully lost weight, as well as the adorable "Nike Bear" who loves peanuts. The cute animals will delight your kids. After the zoo, take a stroll through the park and admire various tropical and subtropical plants.
- Evening: Visit Donghua Mountain. Navigate to the Donghua Mountain Sightseeing Elevator (¥6 one-way, ¥10 round-trip; operating hours: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM - 9:30 PM). Take the elevator to the mountaintop and grab a window seat at Banshan Café. Order some snacks and drinks while waiting for the sunset. When the sky turns golden, the entire city will be bathed in a romantic glow—perfect to share with your child.
- Night: After descending Donghua Mountain, head to Renhe Night Market. Packed with delicious street food and unique handicrafts, this lively market is full of local charm. Hold your child's hand as you explore, trying skewers, stinky tofu, ice jelly, and more for a fun-filled evening.

Day 2: Fruit picking, ancient village exploration, and canyon adventure

- Morning: Visit the Smart Farmers' Market, a paradise for fruit lovers. Don’t miss the strawberries in winter—just ¥5 per jin (500g). Freshly picked, plump, and juicy, they’re perfect for a sweet fruit feast with your child.
- Late Morning: Drive to Jinsha River Grand Canyon and navigate to the viewing platform. From here, you can admire the rushing Jinsha River and the majestic canyon cliffs—a great way to show your child nature’s wonders.
- Noon: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and try local specialties like tender copper hotpot, packed with fresh ingredients and rich broth.
- Afternoon: Visit Yishala Village, a centuries-old Yi ethnic village (free admission). The rustic red-walled, blue-tiled houses are arranged in a charming, staggered layout. Stroll through the ancient alleys with your child, explore traditional homes, and learn about Yi culture—every corner is photogenic!
- Evening: Wrap up your wonderful trip and prepare for your return journey. If time allows, you can extend your sunny getaway to Miyi (check my profile for more travel tips).

Attractions

- Panzhihua Zoo: Connected to Panzhihua Park, you can hike up or take a cable car. Besides the famous animals mentioned earlier, there are many other cute creatures. The small zoo is perfect for a relaxed visit with kids, and combining it with the park makes for a richer experience.
- Donghua Mountain: Beyond stunning sunsets and the convenient sightseeing elevator, the mountain offers fresh air—ideal for family walks and exercise. At Banshan Café, kids can enjoy delicious desserts and a cozy break.
- Jinsha River Grand Canyon: The roaring river and deep canyon create breathtaking scenery. Share stories about the Jinsha River with your child to teach them about nature’s power. You might even find uniquely shaped rocks as souvenirs.
- Yishala Village: The warm and hospitable Yi villagers offer a peaceful escape from city life. Kids can join traditional Yi activities like dance performances and immerse themselves in a different cultural experience.

Food Recommendations

- Yanbian Lamb Rice Noodles: A must-try in Panzhihua. The rich broth, made from highland lamb, pairs perfectly with thick, chewy rice noodles. Topped with mint and chili, it’s a spicy, refreshing way to start the day.
- Copper Hotpot: Cooked in a copper pot, this dish layers hearty ingredients like yam and lotus root at the bottom, tender chicken and ham in the middle, and minced meatballs and tofu slices on top. The result is a flavorful broth and tender meat—great for a family meal.
- Youdi Pork: A local specialty with a 1,000-year-old preservation technique (now a cultural heritage item). The meat is tender, well-seasoned, and rich without being greasy.
- Grilled Eggplant: A common cold dish, the eggplant is slow-grilled over charcoal until soft and fragrant, then topped with special seasonings for a unique flavor.
- Pao Baba: A breakfast favorite, these steamed rice cakes have a slightly crispy exterior, soft and fluffy inside, and a mild sweetness with a subtle rice aroma.

Tips

- Check the weather in Panzhihua before your trip and pack accordingly. Even in winter, bring light jackets—daytime temperatures can be warm under the sun.
- Carry basic medicines when traveling with kids, just in case.
- Note the operating hours and child ticket policies for attractions like the Donghua Mountain Sightseeing Elevator and Panzhihua Park cable car.
- At the farmers' market, don’t hesitate to bargain with vendors—it’s part of the local experience!