01Daying County is locat…
Daying County is located in the central part of Suining City, Sichuan Province, in the hinterland of the Sichuan Basin and the middle reaches of the Fujiang River. It borders Pengxi County to the east, Chuanshan District to the south, Lezhi County to the west, and Shehong City to the north. The county covers an area of approximately 703 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 380,000 (2023 data). Established in December 1997 and named after Daying Town, it is the youngest county-level administrative district in Suining. Daying County is famous for its underground ancient salt lake, Zhuotongjing culture, and the 'China Dead Sea' tourism brand, earning the title 'China Salt Lake City'. Its history dates back to the Han Dynasty, and the Zhuotongjing salt mining technology originated here during the Tang and Song dynasties, with thousand-year-old salt well sites still preserved. As an important node of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, it boasts convenient transportation, with the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, Suining-Ziyang-Meishan Expressway, and Dazhou-Chengdu Railway passing through. The integration of unique salt brine resources, intangible cultural heritage Zhuotongjing craftsmanship, and modern tourism makes it an emerging cultural tourism destination in Sichuan.
I. Core Attractions
1. China Dead Sea Tourist Resort (AAAA-level scenic spot): Located in the northern suburbs of the county seat, about 3 km away. Based on a natural underground ancient salt lake with a salt content of 22%, allowing people to float on the water. Ticket price: approximately 230 yuan/person (including indoor and outdoor floating pools, black mud bath, salt therapy, etc.). Summer opening hours: 09:00-21:00; winter: 09:00-18:00. Suggested visit duration: half to one day.
2. Zhuotongjing Site (National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit): Located in Zhuotongjing Town, about 15 km from the county seat. The site includes a group of Song Dynasty Zhuotongjing wells, a living fossil of ancient Chinese deep well drilling technology. Free admission, reservation required for guided tours. Traditional salt mining demonstrations can be viewed. Opening hours: 08:30-17:30.
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3. Penglai Park: Located in Penglai Town, covering about 200 mu (approx. 33 acres), free admission. Features Penglai Pavilion and ancient salt transport dock ruins, offering a panoramic view of the county seat. Suitable for morning exercise and evening walks.
4. Daying Salt Lake Museum: Located within the China Dead Sea scenic area, showcasing the history of salt brine extraction and Zhuotongjing culture. Admission included in the Dead Sea package ticket.
II. Local Cuisine
1. Zhuotongjing Salt Baked Chicken: Baked with ancient salt mine salt, tender and flavorful. Recommended at 'Yanweifang' outside the Dead Sea scenic area, about 60 yuan per person.
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2. Daying Cold Noodles: Made from pea starch, served with chili oil and Sichuan pepper, sour and spicy. 'Chenji Cold Noodle Shop' in Penglai Town is the most authentic, about 10 yuan per person.
3. Fujiang River Fish Feast: Mainly wild fish from the Fujiang River, prepared in various ways such as steamed, pickled, or spicy. Recommended restaurant: 'Fujiang Yugang', about 80 yuan per person.
III. Transportation Guide
1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: The nearest high-speed rail station is Suining Station (about 25 km). From Chengdu East Station to Suining Station takes about 1 hour, then transfer by bus to Daying county seat (30 minutes). - Self-driving: From Chengdu, take the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway (G42) and exit at Daying, about 1.5 hours. - Bus: Multiple daily buses from Chengdu Shiling Bus Station to Daying, ticket price about 50 yuan, travel time 2 hours.
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2. Internal Transportation: - Taxis within the county seat start at 5 yuan; ride-hailing services are convenient. - Shuttle bus: China Dead Sea scenic area offers free shuttle buses from Penglai Hotel in the county seat (departing every hour).
IV. Recommended Itineraries
One-day tour: Morning visit to Zhuotongjing Site, lunch at Zhuotongjing Salt Baked Chicken, afternoon floating experience at China Dead Sea, evening stroll at Penglai Park.
Two-day tour: Day 1 same as above; Day 2 morning visit to Salt Lake Museum, afternoon fishing or cycling along the Fujiang River, dinner at Fujiang River Fish Feast.