Shifang City

Shifang City is under the jurisdiction of Deyang City, Sichuan Province. It is located in the northwestern part of the Chengdu Plain, in the middle section of the Longmen Mountains, about 50 km from downtown Chengdu. The city covers a total area of 821 square kilometers and has a permanent population of approximately 410,000 (2020 data). Its history dates back to the sixth year of Emperor Gaozu of the Western Han Dynasty (201 BC), when it was established as a county. It was named after the Buddhist sacred site 'Shifang' (Ten Directions), which later evolved into 'Shifang'. Shifang is one of the important birthplaces of Chan Buddhism, home to ancient temples such as Longju Temple and Luohan Temple. It is also known as the 'Hometown of Chinese Cigars', producing high-quality sun-cured tobacco. Additionally, Shifang was one of the severely affected areas in the '5.12' Wenchuan earthquake. The modern city rebuilt after the disaster blends with the pastoral scenery of western Sichuan, creating a unique tourist landscape. Shifang's uniqueness lies in the coexistence of three cultural symbols: Buddhist culture, the cigar industry, and earthquake site memorials, combining natural landscapes with cultural heritage.

I. Core Attractions

1. Longju Temple (Luohan Temple): Located in the southern suburbs of Shifang city, built in the Tang Dynasty, it is one of the ancestral temples of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism. The temple houses Ming Dynasty murals, a Qing Dynasty sutra depository, and a 20-meter-tall Thousand Buddha Pagoda. Free admission, open 8:00-17:00. Suggested visit time: 1 hour.

2. Hongxia Valley Scenic Area: Located in Yinghua Town, about 30 km from the city center, it is the core area of the Longmen Mountain National Geopark. The valley features babbling streams, plank roads, suspension bridges, and waterfalls, suitable for hiking and water play. Admission: 50 yuan, open 8:30-17:30. A summer resort.

3. Shifang Cigar Museum: Located in Fangting Subdistrict, it is the only cigar-themed museum in China. It showcases Shifang's 400-year tobacco cultivation history and cigar-making techniques, with hand-rolling experiences available. Admission: 30 yuan, open 9:00-16:30.

4. Chuanxindian Earthquake Site: Located in Hongbai Town, it is one of the most severely damaged industrial sites in the Wenchuan earthquake, preserving collapsed factories and twisted steel frames, with an earthquake memorial hall. Free admission, open 8:30-17:00.

5. Mazu Hometown: Located in Mazu Town, it is the birthplace of the Tang Dynasty Chan master Mazu Daoyi, featuring the Mazu Chan Culture Park and Mazu Temple, offering insights into Chan history. Admission: 20 yuan, open 9:00-17:00.

II. Food and Specialties

Shifang Pressed Duck: Made from local ducks, smoked with cypress branches and tea leaves, crispy skin and tender meat. Recommended place: Fangting Subdistrict Pressed Duck Street (e.g., 'Laozihao Wang Pressed Duck').

Shifang Rice Noodles: As thin as hair, with broth made from pork bones and eels, served with pickled vegetables and minced meat. Recommended shop: 'Liu Ji Rice Noodles' on Waixi Street.

Hongbai Tofu: Specialty of Hongbai Town, made with mountain spring water and local soybeans, smooth and tender, can be made into a tofu feast.

Cigar Tobacco Leaves: You can buy Shifang-produced 'Great Wall' cigars as souvenirs, but note tobacco purchase restrictions.

III. Transportation

External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Shifang West Station on the Chengdu-Lanzhou Railway, about 40 minutes from Chengdu East Station or Chengdu South Station, fare about 40 yuan. - Self-driving: Via Chengdu-Mianyang Expressway (S1) to Shifang North exit, or Chengdu-Wan Expressway (G0511) to Shifang exit. - Long-distance bus: Buses from Chengdu Zhaojue Temple Bus Station to Shifang, about 1.5 hours.

Internal Transportation: - Bus: City buses 1-10, fare 1-2 yuan, covering main attractions and towns. - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan, convenient for city travel. - Charter: For mountain attractions like Yinghua Town and Hongbai Town, chartering is recommended (about 150-200 yuan/day).

IV. Itinerary Suggestions

One-day tour: City Longju Temple → Cigar Museum → Mazu Hometown, enjoy pressed duck and rice noodles in the evening. Two-day tour: Day 1 same as above; Day 2 Hongxia Valley hiking + Chuanxindian Earthquake Site, stay overnight in Yinghua Town farmhouse.