Nanchong 2-Day Trip: Discover Sichuan's Best Preserved Ancient City from Chengdu
- DolphinUnion
- 52 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Most tourists visit Chengdu's pandas. They miss Nanchong. This city has Langzhong Ancient City. It's Sichuan's largest and best preserved ancient town.
My German friend Anna asked me last month. "Where can I see real Three Kingdoms culture?" I showed her Nanchong's treasures.
This 2,200-year-old city amazes visitors. It's the birthplace of Three Kingdoms culture. Also home to China's Spring Festival traditions.
Here's your complete 2-day Nanchong guide. Learn the best routes from Chengdu. Discover ancient streets and amazing local food.
Getting to Nanchong from Chengdu
Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station. The ride takes just 1.5 hours. Tickets cost 65 RMB.
Trains run every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Choose "Nanchong Railway Station" for city access.
Buses take 3 hours and cost 80 RMB. Trust me, trains are much better.
Book morning trains for best experience. You'll arrive fresh at 8:30 AM.
(Nanchong Langzhong ancient city travel guide)
Where to Stay
Stay near 1227 Shopping District. This area has great nightlife. It's close to train station too.
Baituoba area is also good. Many local restaurants stay open late.
Hotels cost 150-300 RMB per night. Book early on weekends.
My French friend Pierre loved his hotel. He said "The location was perfect for exploring."
Day 1: Explore Nanchong City
Morning: Xishan Mountain Start at Xishan Mountain (Xīshān). This scenic area has three parks. The altitude is not too high.
Take the old-style cable car to the top. It costs 30 RMB per person. The ride offers amazing city views.
Visit Qile Temple at the summit. This is the best sunrise spot. You can see the whole city from here.
The hiking trail down is beautiful. It takes you to Kaihan Tower. Then to Wanjuan Tower.
Afternoon: Nanchong Museum Visit Nanchong Museum (Nánchōng Bówùguǎn). This modern museum is impressive. It opened recently.
The second and third floors show local history. The fourth floor has four special exhibitions.
Learn about Three Kingdoms culture here. Also silk production and local traditions.
Entry is completely free. Bring your passport for registration.
Evening: Qinghui Pavilion & 1227 District Go to Qinghui Pavilion (Qīnghuī Gé) before sunset. This tower overlooks Jialing River.
Wait for the lights to turn on. The night view is spectacular. You can go to the top floor for free.
Then walk to 1227 Shopping District. This area has many food options. Try local snacks here.
My Brazilian friend Marco loved this area. He said "The river lights were magical."
Day 2: Langzhong Ancient City Adventure
Getting to Langzhong Take the bus from Nanchong Bus Station. The ride takes 1 hour. Tickets cost 25 RMB.
Buses leave every 20 minutes. The first bus departs at 7:00 AM.
You can also take a taxi. It costs about 150 RMB. Good for groups.
Exploring the Ancient City Langzhong Ancient City (Lángzhōng Gǔchéng) is huge. Entry to the town is free. You only pay for specific attractions.
The ancient city has four entrances. All streets are pedestrian only.
Buy the combo ticket for 110 RMB. It includes six major sites.
Don't miss Hanhuanghou Temple. Also Zhongtian Tower and Wen Temple.
River Cruise & Ancient Town Take the Jialing River cruise. The boat ride costs 60 RMB. You'll see beautiful river views.
Visit Nanjinguan Ancient Town after. This area has traditional architecture.
The cruise takes 45 minutes. Perfect for afternoon relaxation.
Must-Try Local Foods
Nanchong Rice Noodles Try Nanchong Rice Noodles (Nánchōng Mǐfěn). This is the local breakfast choice.
Wenxing Rice Noodle Restaurant is the best. A bowl costs 12 RMB.
The soup is rich and flavorful. Locals eat this every morning.
Pancake with Liangfen Taste Pancake with Liangfen (Guōkuī Liángfěn). This is Nanchong's special snack.
The pancake wraps cold jelly noodles. Each costs 8 RMB.
The texture is crispy outside. Soft inside. Perfect for afternoon tea.
Zhangfei Beef Try Zhangfei Beef (Zhāngfēi Niúròu). This is Langzhong's famous product.
The beef is dried and spiced. A package costs 45 RMB.
It makes great souvenir. My Japanese friend Yuki bought five packs.
Practical Tips for Foreigners
Download translation apps. Most locals don't speak English.
Use cash or Wechat Pay/Alipay, many small shops don't accept bank cards.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk a lot in ancient city.
Weekdays are better. Weekends get very crowded.
Keep your passport with you. Hotels and trains need it.
Cost Breakdown for 2 Days
Transport from Chengdu: 130 RMB
Accommodation: 250 RMB
Attraction tickets: 170 RMB
Food & drinks: 200 RMB
Local transport: 100 RMB
Total: about 850 RMB
Why Nanchong Beats Other Trips
Nanchong shows you real Three Kingdoms history. No tourist traps, just authentic culture.
The ancient city is incredibly preserved. You'll feel like traveling back in time.
My Spanish friend Carlos said: "This place made me understand Chinese history better."
My Personal Recommendation
Visit Nanchong if you want:
Well-preserved ancient city
Rich Three Kingdoms culture
Authentic local food
Few foreign tourists
Skip Nanchong if you prefer:
Western food options
English-speaking guides
Luxury resorts
Continue Your Sichuan Adventure
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The guide includes:
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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