Neijiang

Understand

Neijiang is a prefecture-level city in Sichuan Province, with a strategically important location as a major transportation hub in Southwest China and a key intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative. The city covers an area of about 5,385 square kilometers, governing 2 districts, 2 counties, and 1 county-level city, with a registered population of approximately 3.97 million (as of 2023). Neijiang is both a national old industrial base and a rapidly developing emerging city in southern Sichuan. With high-speed rail lines running throughout the area, it takes just over an hour to reach either Chengdu or Chongqing. The city moves at a relaxed pace and offers a strong sense of everyday life—an ideal place to experience the slow rhythm and charm of Bashu culture.

History During the Western Han dynasty, Zizhong County was established, and in the Eastern Han period, Hanan County was later created to its south. Because the area was encircled by rivers for over 90 li (about 45 kilometers), it was renamed Neijiang during the reign of Emperor Wen of the Sui dynasty. Neijiang is also the hometown of Chang Hong, the teacher of Confucius, and the renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian, earning it the titles “Hometown of Zhang Daqian” and “City of Calligraphy and Painting.”

Climate

Neijiang has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, influenced by the terrain of the Sichuan Basin and local environmental conditions. The city experiences mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, ample sunlight, and a long frost-free period. The year is generally cloudy and humid, with relatively warm winters and hot summers. Most of the rainfall occurs in summer, accounting for the majority of annual precipitation. Neijiang has abundant heat resources and moderate sunlight, making it suitable for crop growth. The annual relative humidity is relatively high, and the overall climate is stable, though droughts, heavy rains, and other extreme weather events can occur. Traditionally, the region is known for the saying “a major drought every ten years, a minor drought every five years,” reflecting the alternating patterns of dry and wet weather.

Getting there

Neijiang is well connected by road and rail to major cities in China.

By train 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025)

By bus Neijiang has several bus stations that connect the city with Chengdu, Chongqing, Leshan, and other nearby cities and towns.

3 Neijiang Comprehensive Passenger Transport Center (内江综合客运中心站), 50 Dongcheng Road, Dongxing District (take Bus No. 227 to the Comprehensive Passenger Transport Center Station), ☏ +86 832 6188998. 06:00-20:30. The Neijiang Comprehensive Passenger Transport Center opened in 2019, covering about 88 mu with a building area of around 35,000 square meters. It features a “main station and sub-station” layout, enabling seamless transfers between high-speed rail, buses, and road transport. The main station handles long- and medium-distance routes, while the sub-station offers maintenance and standby services. The station serves about 20,000 passengers daily and operates 45 passenger routes covering major cities in Sichuan as well as Guiyang and Kunming. (updated Oct 2025)

Getting around

By bus The fare is usually ¥1–2, with routes covering major attractions and transport hubs in the city.

By taxi The starting fare is about ¥6–8, and short trips within the city typically cost no more than ¥20.

See

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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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

Do

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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025)

Buy

1 Wanda Plaza (万达广场), Intersection of Han'an Avenue and Langui Avenue, Dongxing District (Located on the main commercial street of Dongxing District. Easily reachable by local bus routes along Hanan Avenue or taxi from the city center.). 10:00–22:00. The mall houses numerous clothing brands, lifestyle stores, cafes, restaurants, and a cinema. It's an ideal place to shop, dine, and relax, especially on weekends when it's bustling with families and young people. The adjacent outdoor pedestrian street also offers a variety of snacks and boutiques. Free. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Wuyue Plaza (吾悦广场), Jiangning Street, Shizhong District (Located along Dongxing Avenue in Dongxing District. It can be easily reached by taking a bus that runs through the district or by taxi from the city center.). 10:00–22:00. Wuyue Plaza is a modern shopping center located on Dongxing Avenue, which brings together fashion boutiques, chain restaurants, specialty shops and family entertainment facilities. Free. (updated Nov 2025)

Eat

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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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. (updated Sep 2025) 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

Drink & nightlife

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. (updated Oct 2025)

Sleep

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. (updated Oct 2025) 1 Wanda Realm Hotel (万达嘉华酒店), No. 888 Qixia Road, Dongxing District (Located next to Wanda Plaza, easily accessible by taxi or local bus.), ☏ +86 832 588 8888. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A modern 4-star hotel connected to Wanda Plaza. Offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, dining options, and convenient access to shopping and local attractions. CNY ¥400. (updated Nov 2025)