Zigong (自贡) is a city in East Sichuan. It used to make its fortune from salt production, but now is better known as a destination that caters primarily to Chinese tourists who come to see its large dinosaur museum, and of course, its salt museum.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]Zigong has long been known as one of China’s major salt-producing centers. The area began developing its salt industry as early as the Han Dynasty (c. 2nd century BCE–2nd century CE, China’s Han period), when natural brine wells were first recorded in the region. By the Tang and Song Dynasties (c. 7th–13th century CE, China’s Tang–Song period), Zigong had grown into an important hub for salt extraction and trade across Sichuan.
During the Ming and Qing periods (c. 14th–19th century CE, China’s Ming–Qing period), the city reached the height of its prosperity. Zigong became famous for its advanced well-drilling technology, including the deep “bamboo well” systems that were considered among the most sophisticated in pre-modern China. Merchant guild halls, salt wells, and workshop complexes from this era reflect the city’s commercial power and cultural influence.
In the early 20th century, Zigong continued to modernize its salt industry and expand regional trade. After 1949, industrial development accelerated, and the city diversified into chemicals, machinery, and energy. Today, Zigong preserves elements of its salt heritage through museums, historic wells, and old guild buildings, offering visitors insight into one of China’s oldest and most distinctive industrial histories.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Bus to Zigong are available from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. There are 8 buses per day, including 6 standard-class buses and 2 business class coaches. The fare for the standard-class buses is ¥87 and the fare for the business-class buses is ¥120. The journey time is approximately 3 hours.
By train
[edit]- 1 Zigong Railway Station (自贡站, Zigong Station), 1 Huochezhan Road, Da'an District (大安区火车站路1号) (Served by local bus routes 2, 7, 17, 32, 34, 37 and 304).
From Chengdu, there are eight high-speed trains to Zigong per day, most of which depart from Chengdu East Railway Station. The fare ranges from ¥80 to ¥96 and the journey takes just over an hour.
By bus
[edit]- 2 Zigong General Bus Station (自贡汽车客运总站), Dangui Street, Ziliujing District (自流井区丹桂大街) (close to the Huidong Public Bus Terminal (汇东公交客运站), which is served by bus routes 1, 10, 16, 28, 61, 301, 306, 308, 309, 803 and 808), ☏ +86 813 8205549. Zigong's main bus station.
Buses to Zigong are available from several bus stations in Chengdu, including Beimen Bus Station, Chadianzi Bus Station, Chengdu General Bus Station, Chengdu East Railway Station Bus Station, Huayang Bus Station, Longquan Bus Station, Qingbaijiang Bus Station and Xinnanmen Bus Station. Some of these bus stations, including Chadianzi Bus Station and Xinnanmen Bus Station have direct buses to the Zigong Dinosaur Museum and the Zigoing Salt Museum. Bus fares range from ¥60 to ¥142 depending on the type of bus. The journey time is roughly 3 hours.
Buses from Chongqing depart from Chongqing Long-Distance Bus Station, every 30 minutes daily starting at 07:00 and ending at 17:30, travel time is 2-3 hours. ¥76.
Get around
[edit]
Taxis and buses are available. Buses are the cheapest way to get around and they are a fun way to explore this city. Many routes drive along the riverside.
However, maybe the best way to get around is to go mostly by foot, since you can only really see the beauty of this small city when you enjoy it from the closest point of view with the locals.
See
[edit]- 1 Zigong Dinosaur Museum (自贡恐龙博物馆), 268 Shenhaijing Road Section 4, Da'an District (大安区燊海井路4段268号) (a few hundred metres from the East Bus Station; several local bus routes terminate here, including routes 7, 15, 35, 306 and 308), ☏ +86 813 580-1235, [email protected]. 08:30-17:30. Located on top of the Dashanpu Formation, China's most famous dinosaur fossil site, where hundreds of dinosaur fossils have been found since the 1970s. The museum was the first museum in China to be devoted exclusively to dinosaurs. The museum is quite large, covering a surface area of 25,000 m² and display area of 3600 m². Besides the usual displays, one can also view an excavation pit where fossils have been unearthed. ¥40.
- 2 Zigong Salt History Museum (自贡盐业历史博物馆), 107 Jiefang Road, Ziliujing District (自流井区解放路107号) (take bus no. 2, 3, 11, 33, 34, 37 or 40 and get off at Shawan (沙湾)), ☏ +86 813 220-2746. 08:30-17:30. The museum is housed inside what used to be a guild hall for salt merchants.The exquisite decor is representative of the wood and rock carving styles of the Qing dynasty. ¥20.
- 3 Shenhai Well (燊海井), 289 Da'an Street, Da'an District (大安区大安街289号) (there is a bus stop right outside the well, which is served by bus nos. 3, 5, 7, 31 and 35. But if coming from the Zigoing General Bus Station, it may be easier to catch bus no. 10 to Dagao Road (大高路) and walk from there), ☏ +86 813 5106214. 08:30-17:30 (summer), 08:30-17:00 (winter). The Shenhai Well is a one-kilometre-deep salt well that was constructed in 1835. It is the only traditional salt well in China that is still being used to this day. ¥27.
- 4 China Lantern Museum (中国彩灯博物馆), 6 Gongyuan Road, Zhonghua Road, Ziliujing District (自流井区中华路公园路6号) (either take bus no. 8 or 802 and get off at Gongyuankou (公园口) or catch bus no. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 31, 35, 37, 39, 301, 302, 305, 307 or 801 and get off at the Lantern Park (彩灯公园); or, you can walk here from the Zigong Salt Museum, which is just 600 metres to the south), ☏ +86 813 2304003, [email protected]. 08:30-17:30. ¥40.
- 5 Rong County Giant Buddha (荣县大佛), No. 1, Dafu Road, Xuyang Town, Rong County (Southeast of Rong County urban area), ☏ +86 8136204535. 08:30-18:00. The Rong County Giant Buddha is located at Zhenruyan, Songjia Chong Village, in the eastern suburbs of Rong County, covering an area of approximately 23,000 square meters. The main statue is the Shakyamuni Buddha, giving the site its name, Dafosi (Great Buddha Temple). Originally built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, the temple is constructed along the mountainside, perched halfway up the hill. The grotto temple is centered on the Maitreya Hall and the Buddha Hall, flanked by the Abbot’s Chamber, Sutra Library, Dharma Hall, and other structures. It also features carvings of Bodhidharma and inscriptions by famous figures from various periods. In 2006, it was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. ¥10.
- 6 Xianshi Ancient Town (仙市古镇), No. 149, Xianyan Street, Yantan District (northern part of Yantan District, 11 km southeast of Zigong urban area), ☏ +86 8137980675. 24 hours. Xianshi Ancient Town, hailed as a "model of ancient town charm in southern Sichuan," is an important site for showcasing Sichuan’s salt culture and southern Sichuan folk customs. The town has a history of over 1,400 years and features traditional residences and ancient temples and halls from the late Qing and early Republican periods. It was once a key salt transport port on the Fuxi River and is known as "China’s No. 1 Salt Transport Town." In 1992, it was designated a Historical and Cultural Town of Sichuan Province, in 2004 it was recognized as a "China Historical and Cultural Town," and in March 2018, it was upgraded to a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction. Free.
- 7 Wangye Temple (王爷庙), No. 3-8, Binjiang Road, Ziliujing District (take bus route 33 to Shawan Stop, then walk about 80 meters to reach the site), ☏ +86 813 2121969. 09:00-23:00. Wangye Temple, also known as Fuxi First Pavilion, is a Qing-dynasty temple complex originally built during the Xianfeng reign (1851–1861). The surviving opera stage dates from 1906 and follows a traditional axial layout with a timber-frame structure and hip-and-gable roof; the original main hall no longer exists. Notable features include the Huanyu Pool stone inscription and the “Return Our Land” carving. The site has been protected as a municipal heritage site since 1985 and a provincial heritage site since 1988. Free.
Do
[edit]- 1 Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival (自贡国际恐龙灯会, 自贡灯会 Zigong Lantern Festival), Lantern Park, 6 Gongyuan Road, Ziliujing District (自流井区公园路6号彩灯公园) (either take bus no. 8 or 802 and get off at Gongyuankou (公园口) or catch bus no. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 31, 35, 37, 39, 301, 302, 305, 307 or 801 and get off at the Lantern Park (彩灯公园); or, you can walk here from the Zigong Salt Museum, which is 600 m to the south), ☏ +86 813 5861933, [email protected]. Traditionally, the Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month. In Zigong the lanterns are on display for around two months, usually between January and March. During this period, the lights are switched on at 18:30 and turned off at 22:30. Zigong is one of the best places in China to experience the Lantern Festival, for it is here where the festival originated. Fees vary from year to year and there are different prices for different days of the week. In 2019, the fee was ¥60 for entry between Monday and Thursday, ¥90 for entry between Friday and Sunday, and ¥130 for entry during the first 15 days of the first lunar month.
- If you do decide to visit, make sure you try all the different types of foods and drinks and definitely don't be afraid to learn some phrases of the local dialect (自贡话).
- 2 Zigong Fantawild Dino Kingdom (自贡方特恐龙王国), No. 1 Fantawild Dinosaur Avenue, Da'an District (take bus route 35 to Fantawild Dinosaur stop), ☏ +86 813 8622811. 10:00–17:00 (weekdays), 9:00–21:00 (public holidays). Zigong Fantawild Dino Kingdom is a theme park that opened in June 2022. It features 4D theaters, roller coasters, and various interactive attractions, combining Zigong’s dinosaur heritage with elements of ancient Shu culture to offer immersive entertainment and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. ¥280.
Eat
[edit]Zigong food is one of a kind even in Sichuan, due to its rich culture and history. Some dishes found in Zigong are common to the Sichuan area with local variations, and some are unique local recipes.
Various types of Dumpling or Wonton (served with hot oil and pepper paste) called chāo shǒu Sichuan Hot pot, called Chuan Chuan Xiang Twice Cooked Pork Pepper Beef Mapo doufu Diced Rabbit in Hot Pepper Oil Frog Hotpot Fried Eel with Hot Peppers Turtle Soup Duck in a Hot Pepper Oil Tea Infused Duck Sichuan DanDan Mian - spicyChinese noodles Various Types of Tea Babe Toufu (best in Fushun county and countryside) Unique dishes include:
Fried rice-field frog with fresh pepper (very spicy pepper) (This dish is illegal) Rice-field frog chicken soup (only a few family knows how to make this soup) Try the night food market along the roads (Tongxing Lu), and remember best food are cooked at local's home.
If you go you must try all of the street food and small on the side breakfast places at like 5am to truly get the full experience. P.S. the food stalls at night are so much better than in the day.
- Rice cake (米糕)：It is a classic snack of Zigong, belonging to one of people's favorite breakfast, which is made of glutinous rice soaked up, then rolled out into fine noodles with a stone mill, and fermented by natural fermentation, and finally steamed in a steamer for consumption. Its flavor is natural glutinous rice fragrance, sweet with aftertaste, suitable for both young and old.
- Fushun douhua (富顺豆花)：It is a local specialty snack of Fushun County, Zigong City, and the main ingredient is high-quality soybeans. Its flavor is moist, loose and crispy, with a strong aroma. Fushun douhua is a simply processed food among the soybean products consumed in conjunction with tender douhua, douhua seasoning, and rice.
- Zigong spicy rabbit (自贡冷吃兔)：Stir-frying method has been improved, the combination of stir-frying and deep-frying in the twenty-four techniques of Sichuan cuisine, and combined with the "collection" of cold dishes, cooking now bright color, crisp and not sheep.
- Small fried chicken (小煎鸡)：Small Fried Chicken for Zigong household name of a local specialty dishes, the child chicken do not have to pick the bones, chopped into small pieces, with the bones and meat plus chili and seasonings together with the fried.
- Zigong Dengying Beef（自贡灯影牛肉）: The beef slices are as thin as paper, taste spicy and fresh, bright red in color, and have a tough and chewy texture.
- Zigong Sweet Rice Noodles（自贡甜酒酿）: Made from fermented glutinous rice, it has a slightly sweet aroma and can be eaten alone or paired with rice cakes or tofu pudding. It is very suitable for breakfast.
- 1 Aiye Douhua Restaurant (艾叶豆花庄), No. 46, Aiye Street, ☏ +86 813 3100375. 09:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00. Aiye Douhua Restaurant is a local eatery founded in 1992, known for Zigong-style home cooking. Signature items include old-style and soft tofu with spicy dipping sauce, along with classic Sichuan dishes such as stir-fried pork kidney. Prices are reasonable, and it can be busy at peak times. ¥71 (per person on average).
- 2 Zigong 131 Piaoxiang Rabbit (自贡一三一缥香兔), Next to Bank of Communications on Wuxing Street, toll-free: +86 13198803131. 11:00-21:00. Zigong 131 Piaoxiang Rabbit is a Salt Merchant–style restaurant founded in 2014, known for its signature piaoxiang rabbit and other local dishes such as double-pepper rabbit. It is a place to sample Zigong-style cuisine. ¥76 (per person on average).
- 3 Jianshan Local Cuisine Restaurant (尖山土菜馆), F1, Bus Building, No. 664 Huichuan Road, ☏ +86 813 8236718. 10:00-22:00. Zigong Jianshan Local Cuisine Restaurant is a Salt Merchant–style restaurant founded in 2015, focusing on home-style dishes cooked over high heat and served in generous portions. Common dishes include roasted rabbit, spicy rabbit tripe, and eel. ¥50 (per person on average).
- 4 888 Tender Fish (888嫩鱼馆), No. 75 Honghe Road, Shuguang Mingju, Sanba Road, toll-free: +86 13890037351. 10:00-14:00, 16:30-21:00. Zigong 888 Tender Fish Restaurant is a long-running local eatery with over 20 years of history, specializing in Zigong-style fish dishes. Common options include tiaoshui fish, fish with pork intestines, and ginger-flavored fish, along with rabbit and other Sichuan dishes. ¥66 (per person on average).
- 5 Yuzhiwei Fresh Fish Roe Restaurant (余之味鲜鱼蛋), Huashang International Mall, No. 4 Huashang South Street, ☏ +86 813 8204410. 09:00-02:00. Zigong Yuzhiwei Fresh Fish Roe Restaurant is a Salt Merchant–style eatery focusing on fish roe dishes. Typical options include fresh-chili fish roe and pickled-chili fish roe, along with Sichuan-style dishes such as dry-pot duck feet and pan-fried duck. ¥56 (per person on average).
- 6 358 Stir-fry (358小炒), 120 m north of the intersection of Renmin Road and Shuangtang Road, toll-free: +86 15808220460. 09:00-21:00. Zigong 358 Stir-fry is a small local eatery with nearly 20 years of history, focusing on Zigong-style home stir-fries. Common dishes include stir-fried pork kidney, mixed offal, liver-and-kidney stir-fry, and twice-cooked pork, with flavors leaning toward savory and spicy. ¥30 (per person on average).
- 7 168 Home-style Restaurant (168幺陆捌·家常菜馆), 2F, Building 15, Blue Coast Tianjie, Huashang International Mall, ☏ +86 813 2111100. 10:00-21:00. Zigong 168 Home-style Restaurant is a Salt Merchant–style eatery founded in 1991, with several branches across the city. It focuses on traditional home-style dishes, with common items such as stir-fried pork kidney, pan-fried pork intestines, and corn-braised rabbit. Flavors are generally spicy, with some milder options available. ¥72 (per person on average).
- 8 Lanlan Night Snacks (兰兰夜宵), B1-1-002, Under-bridge Night Market, Phase II of Huashang International Mall, Ziliujing District, toll-free: +86 18008131111. 24 hours. Zigong Lanlan Night Snacks is a Salt Merchant–style night eatery established in 1999, originally starting as a street stall and now operating multiple branches. It focuses on dinner and late-night dining, offering dishes such as braised ribbonfish, spicy stir-fried tripe and pork kidney, rabbit head, and fish roe, with flavors leaning toward savory and spicy. ¥83 (per person on average).
Drink
[edit]Local liquor (Baijiu)
[edit]1 Zigong Cellar Liquor Flagship Store (自贡窖酒旗舰店), Near Zigong Salt History Museum, Ziliujing District (自流井区盐业历史博物馆附近). Zigong Cellar Liquor is crafted using local spring water, wheat, and grain, brewed with traditional fermentation techniques. The liquor has a strong aroma, spicy opening taste, and long-lasting warm finish, typical of Sichuan-style Baijiu. 
2 Zigong Old Cellar Liquor Store (自贡老窖专卖店), Along Huashang International City, Gongjing District (贡井区华商国际城附近). Zigong Old Cellar Liquor is a well-known local Baijiu brand with a rich, bold aroma and a slightly sweet aftertaste. The alcohol flavor is intense but smooth, often served at banquets and family gatherings.
Herbal tea and summer drinks
[edit]3 Zigong Herbal Tea Shop (自贡凉茶铺), Near Ziliujing Old Street, Ziliujing District (自流井老街附近). Zigong herbal tea is made from traditional Chinese herbs to clear internal heat and relieve summer fatigue. The taste is slightly bitter at first, followed by a cooling and mildly sweet aftertaste. It is especially popular during hot and humid summers.
Buy
[edit]1 Zigong Pedestrian Street (Jiefang Road/Zhongshan Road) (自贡步行街（解放路/中山路）). It offers a wide range of shopping, dining, leisure, and entertainment options, making it one of Zigong's busiest commercial districts.
- 2 Huashang Nanhu Outlets (华商南湖奥特莱斯), Next to Huashang International Mall on Dangui Avenue (take bus route 307 to Huashang Mall East 1st Road stop, then walk about 105 meters to reach the mall), ☏ +86 813 8288180. 10:00-21:30. Zigong Huashang Nanhu Outlets is a large shopping mall featuring outlet-style retail, dining, children’s entertainment, and lifestyle services, with a mix of domestic and international brands.
Sleep
[edit]1 Yingxiang Jinjiang International Hotel, No. 333 Huixing Road, Ziliujing District, ☏ +868138233333, toll-free: +86-813-8733333. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 14:00. It is in the city center, with convenient transportation. It is a 12-minute drive from Zigong Railway Station, with convenient transportation.
- 2 Huidong Hotel (汇东大酒店, Huidong Grand Hotel), 111 Dangui Street, Ziliujing District (自流井区丹桂大街111号) (near the intersection of Dangui Street and Huidong Road; the nearest bus stop is the Taifeng Building (泰丰大厦) bus stop, which is served by bus routes 6, 8, 9, 17, 18, 32, 36, 301, 302, 308 and 401), ☏ +86 813 8288888, [email protected]. An international standard 4-star hotel. Offers spacious rooms with nice decor. The restaurant serves a Western buffet breakfast. Room rates start from ¥348.
- 3 Zigong Guotou Howard Johnson Hotel (自贡国投豪生大酒店), No, 7 Yanxian Avenue, Xianshizhen, ☏ +18109062081. Check-out: 12:00. It has a garden and massage services. The accommodation is equipped with an indoor pool, a fitness center, a restaurant and free WiFi.This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a TV and a private bathroom with shower facilities. The rooms of Zigong Guotou Howard Johnson Hotel are equipped with bedding and towels.This accommodation offers buffet and Asian breakfast options.The 24-hour front desk staff can speak Mandarin and English and can help guests at any time. Yibin Wuliangye Airport is 75 km away from the accommodation.
- 4 Ji Hotel (全季酒店), 18/F, Room 07, Building 31, Phase III, Huashang International Mall, Nanyuan Street, Ziliujing District (take bus route 35 to Nanlin Street stop, then walk about 460 meters to reach the hotel), ☏ +86 813 2709666. Ji Hotel is a mid-range chain hotel offering a range of rooms. Facilities include a 24-hour front desk, a fitness room, laundry facilities, and an on-site restaurant with breakfast service. ¥279.
- 5 Vienna International Hotel (维也纳国际酒店), About 130 meters southwest of Yuanda Dushi Fengjing, Nanyuan Street, Ziliujing District (take bus route 35 to Nanlin Street stop, then walk about 449 meters to reach the hotel), toll-free: +86 19915333927. Vienna International Hotel is an upper mid-range chain hotel offering a range of room types. Guest facilities include a 24-hour front desk, breakfast area, fitness room, laundry facilities, and meeting space, making it suitable for both business and leisure stays. ¥292.
Connect
[edit]- Area code: 0813
- Postal code：643000
- Administrative Subdivision code: 510300
Go next
[edit]- Neijiang – About 40 km from Zigong, reachable by high-speed train in around 40 minutes, making it suitable for a short trip. Attractions include the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall, highlighting the artist’s life and works, and the Longchang Stone Archways with finely carved Ming- and Qing-era designs. Local specialties include Zizhong catfish, and traditional brown sugar and rose candy can be seen being made.
- Yibin – About 67 km from Zigong, easily reachable by high-speed train. Key attractions include Shunan Bamboo Sea, with bamboo rafting and forest walks; Xingwen Stone Sea, known for its karst formations and caves; and Western Bamboo Stone Forest and Qidonggou for natural scenery. Local specialties include Yibin hot noodles and Lizhuang pork.