Neijiang (内江) also known as the “Sweet City”, is a prefecture-level city in East Sichuan, between Chengdu and Chongqing. Neijiang is known for its long history and cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Longchang Ancient Archways, Xilin Temple, Chonglong Mountain cliff carvings, and the Weiyuan dome landform. It is also the hometown of painter Zhang Daqian, earning the title “Hometown of Calligraphy and Painting”.
Understand
[edit]Neijiang is an important transport hub in the Chengdu–Chongqing region. In 2020, its urban area had a population of 1.2 million.
Get in
[edit]Neijiang is well connected by road and rail to major cities in China.
By train
[edit]- 1 Neijiang North Railway Station (内江北站), Dongcheng Road, Dongxing District, ☏ +86 832 12306. Neijiangbei Railway Station is an intermediate passenger station on the Chengdu–Chongqing High-Speed Railway and the Mianyang–Luzhou High-Speed Railway.
- 2 Neijiang Railway Station (内江站), 40 Tiezhan Street, Shizhong District, ☏ +86 832 8312614. Neijiang Railway Station, opened in 1952, is a first-class passenger and freight station serving the Chengdu–Chongqing, Neijiang–Luzhou, and Neijiang–Kunming railways. The station is connected to city bus routes, with about 22 passenger trains daily.
Get around
[edit]By bus
[edit]The fare is usually ¥1–2, with routes covering major attractions and transport hubs in the city.
By taxi
[edit]The starting fare is about ¥6–8, and short trips within the city typically cost no more than ¥20.
Map of Neijiang
See
[edit]- 1 Longchang Ancient Archways (隆昌石牌坊), South and North Gates, Jinge Town, Longchang (Longchang Bus 10 / High-Speed Rail Rapid Transit: Take to Hengxin Shopping Center Station, then walk 3–5 minutes to reach the destination.), ☏ +86 832 3988777. 08:30-17:30. Longchang Ancient Archways are a group of 17 stone archways dating from the Qing dynasty in Longchang. Thirteen stand along an ancient post road through the old town, while four others are scattered in nearby towns. The archways vary in type, including memorial, filial, and longevity arches, and feature detailed carvings of inscriptions, figures, birds, and plants. They are considered valuable examples of traditional architecture and stone carving, reflecting the cultural and social history of Sichuan during the Ming and Qing periods. Free.
- 2 Shengshui Temple (圣水寺), 151 Shengjiang Road, Shizhong District (near the intersection of Tiezhan Street East Alley (approximately 320 m to the north); take Bus No. 205 to Shengshui Temple Station), ☏ +86 832 2081672. 08:00—17:00. Shengshui Temple, formerly Xingci Chan Monastery, is located on the Tuojiang River. Built in the Tang dynasty (860–874), it covers about 20,000 m² with main halls arranged east, west, and center. It is one of Sichuan’s eight major monasteries and a notable Chan Buddhist center. ¥1.
- 3 Luoquan Ancient Town (罗泉古镇), Southeast of Taoyuan Villa, Shunzhu Road Ancient Town, Zizhong County (Group 1, Yuwangong Community, Zizhong County), ☏ +86 832 5801111. 09:00-17:30. Luoquan Ancient Town Tourist Area, located in Luoquan Town, Zizhong County, Sichuan, is a national AAAA-level scenic spot focused on historical culture. Featuring Ming and Qing architecture and salt industry relics, it showcases traditional southern Sichuan settlement culture and local life. Free.
- 4 Chonglong Mountain (重龙山), 129 Gongyuan Road, Zizhong County. 09:00-18:00. Chonglong Mountain features notable attractions such as the Rock Carvings, Chonglong Pavilion, and Yongqing Temple. The temple, built during the Ming dynasty, and the rock carvings dating back to the Sui and Tang dynasties include 160 niches with 1,648 statues, most of which are well preserved and accompanied by inscriptions from various historical periods. Yongqing Temple houses over 1,700 cultural relics, including calligraphy steles and paintings. Free.
- 5 Weiyuan County (威远县). A county under the jurisdiction of Neijiang city, it has a mix of rolling hills, ancient villages, fruit orchards, and scenic nature typical of the southern Sichuan Basin. Weiyuan is particularly known for its fig production and a relatively undeveloped, local travel experience.
- 6 Guyu Lake (古宇湖), The intersection of Huancheng West Road and Longhua Road, West District, Longchang City (about 2 km from the city center, the scenic area can be reached directly by Bus No. 7.), ☏ +86 832 3939535. Guyu Lake is a national AAAA-level scenic area, a man-made lake built in the 1970s, covering 5.4 km² with a maximum depth of 27 meters. Every winter, it attracts migratory birds and is designated as a national wetland park and a provincial scenic area. The lake area consists of the Shengdengshan and Yundingshan sections, with attractions including Confucius Park, Guyu Temple, and a visitor center. The area is easily accessible, and nearby homestays and rural tourism projects create a “nature + culture” tourism system. Free.
- 7 Salt God Temple (盐神庙), Luoquan Ancient Town, Zizhong (about 42 km from Zizhong Passenger Transport Center and can be reached by local bus or taxi.). 09:00-17:30. Salt God Temple was built in the seventh year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1868) and is the only temple in China dedicated to Guan Zhong as the "Salt God." The temple features a traditional courtyard layout and incorporates architectural styles of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Covering approximately 1,275 m² with over 40 rooms, Salt God Temple serves as an important material resource for studying ancient salt production and the history of Zizhong. In 2013, it was listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Free.
- 8 Zizhong Confucian Temple and Martial Temple (资中文庙武庙), No. 89 Wumiao Street, Zizhong County, ☏ +86 17628352559. 09:00–17:00, closed on Monday. Zizhong Confucian Temple and Martial Temple are Qing Dynasty architectural relics, located about 100 meters apart. The Confucian Temple features a multi-courtyard layout, with main structures including the Dacheng Hall, Chongsheng Shrine, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, all with glazed tile roofs reflecting the style of southern Chinese architecture. The Martial Temple consists of the Guansheng Hall, Wuxing Hall, and Sanyi Shrine, and is well preserved. Both temples serve as important sites for the study of Confucianism and are valuable examples of “combined Confucian and Martial temple” architecture. In 2006, they were listed as Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level. ¥60 (including Martial Temple).
- 9 Shiban River Tourist Area (石板河旅游区), Near Tuhe Gou Village, Lianjie Town, Weiyuan County (2 km from the Lianjie Exit of the Chengdu–Zigong–Huchi Expressway), ☏ +86 832 8836188. 08:30-19:00. The Shiban River stretches about 7 km, with its main riverbed formed from natural rock. Developed as a summer resort with “water” as its theme, it has an average depth of 40–50 cm. With 98% forest coverage along its banks and a cool climate, the area has become, since its trial opening in 2022, a comprehensive tourist destination featuring 13 attractions including waterfalls and scenic spots, offering hiking, water activities, and educational experiences. ¥50.
- 10 Southern Sichuan Grassland (川南大草原), Group 6, Majiasi Village, Yong’an Town, Shizhong District (take bus routes 306, 308, or 309 to Yong’an Town or Panjia’ao stop; from there, it is about 1.7–2.2 km to the scenic area), ☏ +86 832 5816666. 08:30-17:30. Southern Sichuan Grassland is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering about 133 hectares (around 2,500 mu). Relying on the geographical setting of “two ridges with one valley,” the area combines grassland wetlands, flower fields, leisure, camping, and sports into a diversified landscape that integrates ecology with tourism. It offers facilities for sightseeing, vacationing, dining, accommodation, cultural experiences, conferences, educational programs, and wellness, making it a comprehensive rural tourism complex that blends recreation and experience. ¥60.
Do
[edit]- 1 Tiancheng Lake (甜城湖), Huohua Village, Tianjia Town, Dongxing District. Tiancheng Lake: Tiancheng Lake is an artificial lake formed at the end of 2009 by damming the Tuojiang River at Tiangongtang. It stretches 21 km through the central urban area of Neijiang, dividing the city into Dongxing District and Shizhong District. The lakeshore features the Shixianju cultural landscape, displaying the achievements of historical figures. The lake area includes fitness trails, waterfront platforms, and water sports facilities, and can host dragon boat events. Visitors can also take boat tours on Tuojiang River and Tiancheng Lake, enjoying views of Daqian Garden and the blend of urban and natural scenery.
- 2 Dongxing Old Street (东兴老街), No. 65, Dongxing Street, Dongxing District (take routes 101, 104, or 139 to Jiazhou Lanwan (160 m walk) or Nongxiao Jiekou (310 m walk) to reach the old street entrance), ☏ +86 832 2098011. 24 hours. Dongxing Old Street is the only well-preserved old street in Neijiang, combining Ming and Qing architectural styles with modern commercial culture. Visitors can experience local teahouse traditions such as the “Dragon Spitting Water” tea-brewing technique, enjoy snacks like fried mung bean cakes and fresh meat guokui, and sample products made from tian dong (asparagus cochinchinensis). The street also offers cultural activities including Sichuan opera performances, calligraphy workshops, and exhibitions on traditional medicine, as well as opportunities to shop for local specialties and creative souvenirs. Free.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- Neijiang Preserved Fruits (内江蜜饯). Neijiang preserved fruits, also called "Zhu Huo," are a traditional snack from the city. They are made from sugar, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal ingredients, undergoing processes such as carving, boiling, and candying. Main varieties include tangerine peel, winter melon strips, cherries, and Asparagus cochinchinensis. The craft dates back to the Tang dynasty and was gradually developed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. By the Republic of China period, annual production reached 500,000 kg. Exports to Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia began in 1958. In 2009, the craft was listed as a Sichuan intangible cultural heritage. Some old-brand shops and heritage workshops still preserve the traditional methods.
- Banbanqiao Fried Glutinous Rice Cake (板板桥油炸粑). Banbanqiao Fried Glutinous Rice Cake is a traditional snack from Neijiang, Sichuan, with a history of over 180 years. Made mainly from glutinous rice and mung beans, the cakes are steamed, filled, and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior without being greasy. Listed as a municipal intangible cultural heritage and one of the “Top Ten Famous Snacks,” they were originally sold by local farmers near Banbanqiao. Today, they are typically fried to order and best enjoyed hot, commonly found at street stalls in Neijiang.
- Longchang Tofu Rice (隆昌豆花饭). Longchang Tofu Rice is a specialty snack from Longchang County, Sichuan, made with soft tofu, specially prepared dipping sauce, and rice. The tofu is set using a salt-brine method, giving it a delicate and snow-white texture, and is served with a dipping sauce seasoned with chili and Sichuan pepper for a distinctive flavor. Traditional preparation methods are followed, and it can be paired with steamed ingredients such as pork intestines or beef to form a complete meal.
- Luoquan Tofu Buns (罗泉豆腐包子). Luoquan Tofu Buns are a specialty snack from Luoquan Town, Zizhong County, Sichuan. Their production technique was listed as a municipal intangible cultural heritage in 2013. Made with a thin tofu skin prepared using a salt-brine method and filled with meat, the buns are crispy on the outside and tender inside, combining the flavors of tofu and meat. The snack is closely linked to the local history of salt production.
- Daqian Dry-Braised Fish (大千干烧鱼). Daqian Dry-Braised Fish is a traditional Sichuan dish passed down in the family of the renowned painter Zhang Daqian, originating from his grandmother’s bean paste fish. It features carp as the main ingredient, complemented with diced pork belly, pickled chili, and bean paste, stir-fried and braised without thickening, with a focus on reducing the sauce. In 2018, it was selected as one of Sichuan’s Top Ten Classic Dishes and is a representative of Neijiang’s “Daqian flavor,” remaining popular locally and having spread to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Huang Laowu-Spice Peanut Brittle (黄老五花生酥). Huang Laowu-Spice Peanut Brittle originated during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty and has been refined over four generations of the Huang family. It features five key characteristics: sweet, pale, fragrant, crisp, and crunchy. Made primarily with local Weiyuan peanuts and following a preservative-free traditional recipe, it achieves a “low-sugar, not greasy, crisp-to-melt” texture through a roasting and syrup-blending process. Listed as a Neijiang intangible cultural heritage in 2010 and recommended at the Sichuan provincial level in 2022, it is now marketed nationwide through modern enterprise operations.
- Supreme Fragrant Chicken (极品溢香鸡). Supreme Fragrant Chicken is a famous Sichuan snack made from locally raised young farm chickens. The preparation involves cleaning, steaming, air-drying, and deep-frying. The finished dish is lightly golden, crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, rich but not greasy, with a lingering aroma when chewed. It is often served with lettuce or a salt-and-pepper dipping sauce and is a representative traditional delicacy of Neijiang.
Drink
[edit]- sugarcane liquor (甘蔗酒). sugarcane liquor represents the city-level intangible cultural heritage “Sweet City Sugarcane Liquor Brewing Technique” and has a history of several hundred years. Made from high-quality local sugarcane, it is produced through juicing, sterilization, fermentation, and distillation, resulting in a distinctive aroma, pure taste, and smooth finish. The sixth-generation inheritor, Chen Gang, adheres to traditional methods without additives or blending and promotes the liquor’s branding and sales.
Sleep
[edit]- Mövenpick Hotel Neijiang (内江雅高瑞享酒店), No. 333, East Section 3, Hanan Avenue, Dongxing District (About 3.7 km northeast of Neijiang North Railway Station (Chengdu–Chongqing High-Speed Railway); around 10 minutes by car.), ☏ +86 8322277777. Blending Swiss hospitality with Neijiang’s “City of Calligraphy and Painting” charm, the hotel offers 151 smart rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, and a café bar. It features a pillar-free ballroom, garden, and cultural space, emphasizing sustainability and comfort.