Yibin Travel Guide: A Perfect Encounter of Scenery, Culture, and Cuisine

Yibin Travel Guide: A Perfect Encounter of Scenery, Culture, and Cuisine

I. Must-Visit Attractions

Shunan Bamboo Sea

Highlights: The world's largest natural bamboo forest, covering 27 valleys and over 500 peaks, and a filming location for *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*.
Activities: Stroll along bamboo trails, experience bamboo rafting, and climb the Guanhai Tower for a panoramic view of the "Cloud-Capped Bamboo Sea."
Transport: Take a high-speed train from Yibin West Station to Changning Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle or Bus No. 3/9 to Zhuhai Town.
Ticket: ¥100/person (peak season), ¥60/person (off-season).

Xingwen Stone Sea

Highlights: A UNESCO Global Geopark featuring "tiankeng" (giant sinkholes), karst caves, and stone forests, with fantastical stalactites in Tianquan Cave.
Must-Do: Explore the "World's Largest Funnel" and try outdoor rock climbing or via ferrata.
Transport: Take a bus from Yibin South Bus Station to Xingwen County, then transfer to a scenic area shuttle.

Lizhuang Ancient Town

Culture: One of China's four major cultural centers during WWII, preserving the former site of Tongji University and the former residences of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin.
Experience: Boat ride in Moonlight Field Scenic Area and savor the "One Flower, Two Yellows, Three Whites" delicacies (Lizhuang Sliced Pork, White Cake, and Baijiu).
Ticket: Free (some exhibitions require tickets).

Cuiping Mountain Scenic Area

Highlights: Sichuan's largest urban forest park, offering views of the confluence of three rivers, with Nezha Temple and Zhao Yiman Memorial Hall.
Transport: Take Bus No. 1 or 6 from downtown Yibin; cable car one-way ¥15.

Wuliangye Distillery Tourist Area

Highlights: A national industrial heritage site featuring a liquor history museum, Ming Dynasty fermentation pits, and Wuliangye tasting.
Address: 150 Minjiang West Road, Yibin; taxi from downtown costs ~¥15.

II. Local Food Guide

Yibin Ranmian (Spicy Noodles)

Recommended: Lu Erqian Noodle House, Kang Dakua Noodle House; served with pickled vegetables, crushed peanuts, and chili oil (~¥12/person).
Pro Tip: Pair with mushroom soup or rice jelly to balance the spice.

Li Ji Pumpkin Frog

Specialty: Creative pairing of pumpkin and frog; customizable spice level. Recommended sides: wide noodles and tofu skin.
Address: 2-12 Rongzhou West Road; ~¥75/person; open until 4:30 AM.

Shuanghe Rice Jelly

Must-Try: Grape Well Rice Jelly—classic brown sugar or floral rose flavor, perfect for summer.
Where: Old-Famous Rice Jelly Shop, Shuanghe Town, Changning County; ¥5/bowl.

Baba Shao (Skewers)

Nightlife Favorite: Yibin-style skewers sold by the bunch, served with dry spice dip.
Where: Linjia Alley or Dongjie Night Market; ~¥50/person.

III. Transport Guide

External Transport

High-Speed Rail: Chengdu to Yibin West (~1.5 hours, ¥70 for second-class); Chongqing to Yibin (~1 hour).
Airport: Wuliangye Airport (20 km from downtown); airport shuttle to city center costs ¥20.

Local Transport

Bus: Scan QR codes to pay; K13 connects the high-speed rail station and high-tech zone (¥2).
Taxi: Flag-down fare ¥6; 20% surcharge at night.
Driving: Many one-way streets in old town; navigate to "Cuiping Mountain Parking" or "Guanying Ancient Street Underground Garage."

IV. Itinerary Suggestions

2-Day Classic Route

Day 1: Shunan Bamboo Sea (full day) → Lizhuang Ancient Town (night view).
Day 2: Cuiping Mountain → Wuliangye Distillery → Guanying Ancient Street (food) → Hejiang Gate (night view of three rivers).

3-Day In-Depth Tour

Day 1: Xingwen Stone Sea (geological adventure) → Bowang Mountain (hiking).
Day 2: Lizhuang Ancient Town → Anshi Village (rural aesthetics).
Day 3: Shunan Bamboo Sea → Qidonggou (rafting).

V. Practical Tips

Best Seasons: April–May (bamboo shoots), September–October (autumn foliage); Tianchi Park for summer lotus viewing.

Accommodation:

Downtown: InterContinental Yibin (river-view rooms), City Celebrity Hotel (budget-friendly).
Attractions: Zhuan Hidden Lodge (Shunan Bamboo Sea), Siyue Hotel (Lizhuang Ancient Town).

Souvenirs: Wuliangye liquor, Nanxi dried tofu, Yibin pickled vegetables.

Final Note: Yibin—an underrated gem! From bamboo breezes to ancient town charm, fiery noodles to sweet rice jelly, it’s packed with surprises. Pack your bags and go!