Bazhong 2-Day Adventure: Discover Sichuan's Hidden Gem with Ancient Caves & Red Culture
- DolphinUnion
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Most tourists think Bazhong is just another poor, unknown city in Sichuan. They're wrong. This place has stunning geological landscapes and deep cultural heritage.
My Brazilian friend Marco asked me last month. "Where can I see real Chinese history without tourist crowds?" I took him to Bazhong.
This city has everything. Ancient Buddhist caves from Tang Dynasty. Red Army memorial sites. Traditional ancient towns.
Here's your complete 2-day Bazhong guide. Learn the best routes from Chengdu. Discover ancient art and revolutionary history.
Getting to Bazhong from Chengdu
Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station. The ride takes 3.5 hours. Tickets cost 120 RMB.
Only 4 trains run daily. Book early, especially on weekends.
Buses take 5 hours and cost 100 RMB. Trust me, trains are much more comfortable.
Stay overnight in Bazhong. Day trips are too rushed.
(Bazhong travel guide from Chengdu)
Day 1: Ancient Art & Revolutionary History
Morning: Nankan Grottoes Start at Nankan Grottoes (Nánkān Shíkū). This is Bazhong's top attraction.
See 176 caves with 2,700 Buddha statues. All carved during Tang Dynasty. The stone carvings are incredibly detailed.
Entry costs 40 RMB. Wear good walking shoes. The stone steps can be slippery.
My French friend Pierre loved it. He said "This is real Chinese art, not commercial tourism."
Afternoon: Red Army Sites Visit Flying Cloud Pavilion (Fēixiá Gé). This Tang-style tower offers great city views.
Then see Red Army Monument (Hóngjūn Jìniànbēi). Learn about revolutionary history.
Don't miss General Forest Stele (Jiàngshuài Bēilín). China's largest Red Army memorial.
All these sites are free. They're within walking distance.
Evening: Enyang Ancient Town Go to Enyang Ancient Town (Ēnyáng Gǔzhèn) before sunset. This is one of Sichuan's top ten ancient towns.
See 589 Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Walk through 18 ancient streets. The water town atmosphere is magical.
Entry is completely free. Local snacks cost 5-15 RMB.
Stay for dinner. Try local river fish dishes.
Day 2: Nature & Modern Architecture
Morning: Wangwang Mountain Hike Wangwang Mountain (Wàngwáng Shān). This park honors a Tang Dynasty prince.
The stone steps are steep but manageable. Pine trees provide good shade.
See sports facilities at the top. Football fields and table tennis tables. Great city views everywhere.
Entry is free. Bring water and snacks.
Afternoon: North Grottoes & Museum Visit North Grottoes (Běikān Shíkū). These caves have 348 Buddha statues. Different styles from Sui to Tang dynasties.
Then see Chuan-Shan Revolutionary Museum (Chuānshǎn Gémìng Bówùguǎn). Learn about Red Army history.
Both sites are free. They're close to each other.
Evening: Future Eye Visit Future Eye (Wèilái Zhī Yǎn) before leaving. This modern landmark has spiral walkways.
Climb to the top for panoramic city views. See Enyang Ancient Town across the river.
Perfect for sunset photography. The lighting is spectacular.
Must-Try Local Food
River Fish Dishes Taste local river fish in Enyang Town. Fresh from nearby rivers.
Steamed fish with chili costs 68 RMB. Spicy fish hot pot costs 88 RMB.
My German friend Anna said "This fish tastes incredibly fresh."
Local Snacks Try Bazhong noodles for breakfast. Thick noodles in spicy soup. Each bowl costs 12 RMB.
Rice cakes with brown sugar cost 8 RMB. Perfect afternoon snack.
Practical Tips for Foreigners
Download translation apps. Few locals speak English.
Carry cash always, use Wechat pay/ Alipay. Many places don't accept cards.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk on stone paths.
Visit October-November for autumn colors. Avoid summer rainy season.
Bring your passport for hotel check-in.
Cost Breakdown for Two Days
Train from Chengdu: 240 RMB round trip
Accommodation: 200 RMB
Attraction tickets: 40 RMB
Food & drinks: 200 RMB
Local transport: 50 RMB
Total: about 730 RMB
Why Bazhong Beats Tourist Spots
Bazhong shows you authentic China. No crowds, just real culture.
The grotto art is breathtaking. You can enjoy it peacefully.
My Spanish friend Carlos said: "This feels like discovering secret China."
My Personal Recommendation
Visit Bazhong if you want:
Ancient Buddhist art
Revolutionary history
Traditional architecture
Few foreign tourists
Skip Bazhong if you prefer:
Western food options
English-speaking guides
Luxury hotels
Continue Your Sichuan Adventure
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Best panda viewing times at three major bases
Over 30 authentic food spots locals love
Complete transportation guides
Bilingual maps and addresses
Hidden tea houses and temples
Qingcheng Mountain hiking tips
Sichuan opera booking advice
China travel survival guide
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Perfect for traveling with friends!
Don't waste time on tourist traps.
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Your Sichuan adventure deserves the best experience.
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