01Zizhong County is loca…
Zizhong County is located in the northwestern part of Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, in the south-central Sichuan Basin and the middle reaches of the Tuojiang River. It borders Dongxing District of Neijiang to the east, Weiyuan County to the south, Renshou County of Meishan to the west, and Yanjiang District of Ziyang to the north. The county covers an area of approximately 1,734 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 800,000 (2023 data). Zizhong has a long history, established in the sixth year of the Jianyuan era of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty (135 BC), with over 2,150 years of history. It is an important node city in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone. As the hometown of Changhong, the teacher of Confucius, Zizhong has profound cultural heritage and is known as the 'Hometown of Changhong and Land of Number One Scholars.' The county has 2 national-level cultural relic protection units and over 10 provincial-level units, including the Confucian Temple, Martial Temple, and Luoquan Ancient Town. Zizhong is also the hometown of Chinese blood oranges and Chinese black pigs, balancing agriculture and cultural tourism, making it a unique destination in southern Sichuan with historical charm and natural scenery.
1. Core Historical and Cultural Attractions - Zizhong Confucian Temple: Located in the county center, first built during the Yongxi period of the Northern Song Dynasty (984-987), the existing buildings were rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the best-preserved Confucian temples in Sichuan. The temple houses statues of Confucius and his disciples, with the Dacheng Hall featuring a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. Ticket: 20 yuan, open 8:00-18:00. - Zizhong Martial Temple: Adjacent to the Confucian Temple, built in the Ming Dynasty, dedicated to Guan Yu and Yue Fei. It is a rare coexistence of civil and martial temples in China. Ticket: 15 yuan, open 8:00-17:30. - Luoquan Ancient Town: About 30 km from the county, built in the Qin Dynasty, famous for its salt industry history, one of the four major ancient towns in Sichuan. It preserves the Salt God Temple, Zilai Bridge, and embroidered towers. The Salt God Temple is the only temple in China dedicated to the salt god. Free entry, recommended half-day visit.
2. Natural Scenery and Leisure - Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area: About 20 km southwest of the county, covering about 50 square kilometers, featuring strange peaks, sea of clouds, and ancient temples. The main peak is 733 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the Tuojiang Plain. Free entry, suitable for hiking and photography. - Chonglong Mountain: Close to the county, with Tang Dynasty cliff carvings, Song Dynasty stone carvings, and Ming Dynasty city walls, serving as the city's green lung. Ticket: 5 yuan, open all day. - Tuojiang Gallery: The county section of the Tuojiang River has beautiful scenery. You can take a boat tour (30 yuan/person, about 1 hour) to enjoy ancient towns, fields, and mountains along the river.
3. Local Cuisine and Shopping - Zizhong Blood Orange: A national geographical indication product, with deep red flesh, juicy and sweet. Harvest season from December to February. Available at county fruit markets or orchards. - Luoquan Tofu: Made from local high-quality soybeans and mountain spring water, tender texture. Recommended to try tofu feast in Luoquan Ancient Town (30-50 yuan per person). - Zizhong Catfish: Wild catfish from the Tuojiang River, delicious meat. The county's 'Catfish Street' has many old shops (e.g., 'Laozihao Catfish Restaurant'), about 60 yuan per person. - Zizhong Black Pig: Tender meat, available as cured meat or sausages at county supermarkets or farmers' markets.
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4. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: From Chengdu, take high-speed rail to Ziyang North Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer by bus or taxi to Zizhong county (about 1 hour); or drive via Chengyu Expressway or Xiarong Expressway, about 1.5 hours. From Chongqing, drive about 2 hours. - Internal Transportation: County buses cover major attractions, fare 1-2 yuan; taxi starting fare 5 yuan; to Luoquan Ancient Town, take a shuttle bus from Chengbei Bus Station (10 yuan, 40 minutes).
5. Recommended Itineraries - One-Day Tour: Morning visit Confucian Temple, Martial Temple, and Chonglong Mountain; afternoon take Tuojiang boat tour; evening taste Zizhong catfish. - Two-Day Tour: Day 1 same as above; Day 2 morning go to Luoquan Ancient Town, visit Salt God Temple and ancient streets, lunch with tofu feast, afternoon return to county for shopping.