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Panzhihua

People's Republic of China · Asia

Panzhihua, People's Republic of China
Panzhihua, People's Republic of China. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

About Panzhihua

Panzhihua, formerly Dukou (渡口), is a prefecture-level city located in the far south of Sichuan province, China, at the confluence of the Jinsha and Yalong Rivers. It has an administrative area of 7,423.42 square kilometres (2,866.20 sq mi), and a population at the 2020 census of 1,212,203. 806,395 lived in the built-up (or metro) area made of 3 urban districts.

Its economy relies almost entirely on its giant mine, one of the country's largest. The economy in Panzhihua is mainly centered on natural resource development and heavy-industry. The city grew into a major city for steel production during the Third Front construction. The urban center was built on top of mountainous terrains. In 2005, Panzhihua won the "China Excellent Tourist City" title, in 2008 it won the "National Health City" and the "China Vanadium, Titanium" titles.

The construction of Panzhihua occurred during China's Third Front construction, a Mao Zedong-era campaign to develop basic and national defense industry in China's rugged interior in the event of foreign invasion. Mao viewed the building of the city as so important that he repeatedly told other party leadership...

Panzhihua travel guide

Understand

As a new industrial city, Panzhihua's economic activity centers on one of China's largest iron ore mines, which also gives vanadium and titanium, and on steel making. It is a relatively prosperous city and has many migrants from nearby areas, mainly come to seek work. It is also moderately popular as a tourist destination, mainly for domestic Chinese tourism. The region's attractions include mountains, caves, lakes and canyons.

History The name of the tree is derived from the name of the tree. Its history can be traced back to ancient times, and it is an important node of the Southern Silk Road. In the 1960s, due to the national "third line construction" strategy, Panzhihua was developed for rich mineral resources (especially iron ore and titanium ore), and gradually developed into an important steel and vanadium titanium industry base in China.

Climate

Panzhihua belongs to the tropical mountain monsoon climate of South Asia, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year and four seasons like spring. The average annual temperature is about 20 ℃, there is no severe cold in winter, and there is no heat in summer, which is called "natural greenhouse". Precipitation here is mainly concentrated in summer, rain and heat at the same time, which is very suitable for tropical and subtropical crops, so climbing flowers are also famous for special fruits such as mango and pomegranate.

Getting there

The land transport in the area runs mainly north-south, along the valleys; the few east-west routes are through mountain passes. National Highway G5 runs through the area; the town is on a provincial highway a few km off it. G5 is one route between central Sichuan and Yunnan though highway G85, parallel to G5 and further east, provides a more direct Chengdu-Kunming route.

By plane 1 Panzhihua Bao'anying Airport (PZI IATA), East Yinjiang Township junction with Renhe District Jinjiang Township. Flights from Chengdu–Shuangliu, Chongqing, Guilin, Shanghai–Pudong, Wuhan, Nanjing, Beijing–Capital, and Xi'an. (updated Dec 2024)

By train 2 Panzhihua Station (攀枝花站), Central Section of Panzhihua Avenue, Eastern District. Panzhihua Station is an important node of the Chengdu-Kunming Railway, providing train services to Chengdu, Kunming and Chongqing. (updated Dec 2024)

By bus 3 Panzhihua Bus Terminal Station (攀枝花汽车客运中心站), Central Section of Panzhihua Avenue, Eastern District. 06:00-22:00. Facilities: There is a waiting room, ticket window, dining area and other basic facilities in the terminal. Srrive at the terminal in advance to ensure a smooth ride. (updated Dec 2024)

By car Panzhihua is connected to the surrounding major cities by highway and is one of the popular routes for self-driving travel.

Route suggestions: From Chengdu, follow the G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway southbound, the whole journey is about 650 kilometers. From Kunming along the G85 Silver Kunming Expressway northbound, the whole journey is about 360 kilometers.

Road conditions: Some sections of the road are mountain roads, so you need to pay attention to safety, especially during the rainy season.

By boat As an important river of Panzhihua, the Jinsha River used to be a traditional transportation route, but as of 2024, it is limited to a few sightseeing cruise ships and is not the main way in and out.

Getting around

Public transport Ticket price: Usually ¥1-2 per time. Operating hours: Bus operation hours are generally from 06:00-21:00

Taxis The starting price is ¥8, including the first 3 kilometers; more than part is charged by distance. 24 hours available.

Bicycle rental Rental locations: There are bicycle rental locations in several locations in the city, including near tourist attractions and transportation hubs. Approximately ¥10-20 per hour.

Hire a car Prices rental cars usually start from ¥150 per day. Reservations can be made through local car rental companies or online platforms.

Motorcycle rentals Usually ¥30-50 per day. A valid motorcycle driver's license is required to rent a motorcycle.

See

1 The village of Salad (迤沙拉村), Renhe District Pingdi Town Yingshala Village.. 08:00-18:00. Yishala Village has a history of more than 600 years, which combines the cultural elements of Han and Yi nationalities, retains a large number of Qing Dynasty buildings, and has a high cultural heritage value. The village is rich in ethnic and cultural activities, such as Yi traditional festivals, handicrafts production, and so on, visitors can experience the local customs and customs. (updated Dec 2024)

2 Bridge of Yajiang (雅江桥), Yalong River Estuary. 24 hr. The Yajiang Bridge was built in the 1960s and is one of the important projects in the construction period of the third line. It is now a provincial cultural heritage protection unit with high historical and cultural value. Free. (updated Dec 2024)

3 Huilongwan Cave Site (回龙湾洞穴遗址), Renhe District Bud Town Baguan River Village back to Longwan. Huilongwan cave site is considered to be a late Paleolithic human settlement, and a large number of stone tools, bone tools and animal fossils have been unearthed, which are of great significance to the study of early human culture. The site is listed as the third batch of provincial cultural relics protection units in Sichuan Province, with high historical and cultural value. (updated Dec 2024)

4 Historic Site of Ha Wan (下湾遗址), Renhe District Tongde Town. The Ha Wan site is considered to be a late Neolithic settlement, and a large number of stone tools, pottery and animal fossils have been unearthed, which are of great significance to the study of early human culture. The site is listed as the eighth batch of provincial cultural relics protection units in Sichuan Province, with high historical and cultural value. (updated Dec 2024) 5 West Chuk Temple (西祝寺), Renhe District Zhongba Township Big Paper Room Village. (updated Dec 2024)

6 Daejeon Conference Venue (大田会议会址), Daejeon Township, Renhe District. The Daejeon Conference was held on September 9, 1964 to select the site of the Panzhihua Iron and Steel Base, which was attended by more than 180 people from the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The site is listed as the eighth batch of provincial cultural relics protection units in Sichuan Province, with high historical and cultural value. (updated Dec 2024)

Do

1 Panzhihua climbing park (攀枝花攀岩公园). 24h. Facilities: There are several climbing areas in the park, suitable for climbing enthusiasts of different levels.Surroundings: There are many commercial areas and restaurants nearby for the convenience of tourists and residents. free. (updated Dec 2024) 2 PanzhihuaMuseum (攀枝花博物馆), Eastern Ping Tso Kong Road and Tung Fung Road. 09:00-17:00. Exhibitions: The museum has several exhibition halls showcasing the history, culture and natural resources of the Panzhihua area.Surroundings: The museum is surrounded by several commercial areas and restaurants for the convenience of tourists and residents. free. (updated Dec 2024)

Buy

1 Panzhihua Yintai City Shopping Center (攀枝花银泰城购物中心), Renhe District Panzhihua Avenue South Section 916.. 10:00-22:00. More than 150 well-known domestic and foreign brands, including Hai Lao, Kashima member stores and high-quality associations, are gathered in the shopping mall, 39 of which are in Panzhihua for the first time. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Panzhihua Shopping Mall (攀枝花购物广场), Yan Wo District Ying Bin Road and Cheung Tsing Road Interchange. 10:00-22:00. Merchants Information: The shopping mall brings together a number of well-known domestic and foreign brands to provide a rich selection of products.Facilities: There is a dining area, entertainment facilities and parking in the shopping plaza for customers' convenience in shopping and leisure. (updated Dec 2024)

Eat

Panzhihua Hot Pot City Address: No. 1, Renmin Road, East District Introduce:Features Sichuan hot pot, provide rich choice of ingredients and spicy flavor. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 23:00 Features: Authentic Sichuan hot pot, suitable for tourists who like spicy taste.

Daikanyuan Restaurant Address: No. 10, Daguan Street, West District Introduction: Sichuan cuisine is the main, providing a variety of local specialties of food. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 21:00 Features: Sichuan-flavored spicy snacks and traditional Sichuan cuisine.

Drink & nightlife

Climbing Flower Local Bar Address: No. 50, Heping Road, East District Description: Offering a variety of alcoholic beverages, with a comfortable environment, is a good place to relax. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 18:00 - 02:00 Features: Rich cocktails and local specialty drinks.

The Sunshine Cafe Address: No. 45, Sunshine Street, West District Introduce:All kinds of coffee, tea and dessert, suitable for leisure time. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 Features: Quiet environment, ideal for leisure, work or gathering with friends.

Sleep

Panzhihua Hotel Address: No. 98, Changqing Road, East District Type: Luxury Hotel Features: Deluxe rooms and high-standard service facilities, including a restaurant, gym, swimming pool and meeting room. Price: Approximately ¥600/night Suitable for people: business people and tourists who prefer high-end accommodation.

Panzhihua guesthouse Address: No. 120 Xingguang Avenue, West District Type: Budget Hotel Features: Offers comfortable rooms for tourists on a limited budget. Facilities include Wi-Fi and parking. Price: Approximately ¥300/night Suitable for the crowd: budget tourists, short-term visitors.

Panzhihua Southern Hot Spring Resort Address: No.88 Qinshui Road, Renhe District Type: Resort Hotel Features: With natural hot springs, it is suitable for tourists who relax on vacation. On-site facilities include a hot spring pool and spa. Price: From ¥800/night Suitable for the crowd: tourists who like leisure and relaxation.

Holiday Inn Express Panzhihua Address: No.150 Zhongshan Road, East District Type: Hotel Chain Features: Simple and modern style, providing standardized accommodation services, suitable for short-term business trips or leisure vacations. Price: Approximately ¥400/night Suitable for the crowd: business travelers, leisure vacationers.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.

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