Xichang, the City of Sunshine
After finishing my trip to Miyi, I took D168 to Xichang, Liangshan in Sichuan. I stayed at the Global 60,000 Miles International Hotel (Xichang Moon Lake Park Branch). Xichang, the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, was formerly known as Qiongdu and Jianchang. It has a tropical plateau monsoon climate, with warm winters, cool summers, and spring-like weather all year round. It enjoys the reputation of being the "City of the Moon," "City of the Sun," "City of Space," and "Little Spring City"! It is one of the five most beautiful health and wellness destinations in China!
Walking through the streets and alleys of Xichang and its surrounding areas, I was immersed in rich history and natural beauty. The Xichang Jianchang Ancient City, located on Shifu Street, has a history of over 600 years. Entering the semi-circular barbican on the south side, you can see the inscription "Datong Gate" on the lintel. From the adjacent Datong Garden, you can ascend the steps to the Datong Tower on the city wall. Walking on the city wall and overlooking the ancient city gives you a sense of traveling through time! The Yi grandmothers' square dancing on the city wall is captivating! The "Four Archways" are at the center of the ancient city, built at the intersection of four major streets: South Street, North Street, Fu Street, and Cang Street. The streets and alleys crisscross, forming a well-connected network! The Torch Square Music Base (Areniu Live-Action Theater) features 56 red circular pillars carved with totems, symbolizing the great unity of the nation. The Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture Ethnic Customs Park is a cultural base integrating traditional ethnic architecture, folk customs, song and dance performances, and ethnic cuisine. Unfortunately, it is currently undergoing renovation and is not open to the public. Tangyuan Park is a comprehensive urban park that integrates Tang Dynasty art, cultural tourism, and commercial operations! Tangyuan - Guizhou Pavilion and Tangyuan - Huaiyuan Tower are located within the park, which is also adorned with jacaranda trees! Qionghai National Wetland Park, formerly known as Qiongchi Lake, is shaped like a snail. With a circumference of 35 kilometers, it is the second largest natural freshwater lake in Sichuan and a recreational paradise for the people of Xichang! Wetland landscapes and activities such as Dream Water Village, Birdwatching Island, Misty Heron Island, Exotic Town, sculptures, squares, beaches, docks, and boat tours are scattered along the lakeshore. Strolling along the lake, you can enjoy the clear water, fish swimming in the shallows, water birds flying overhead, people taking photos, exercising, singing, dancing, and walking their children… a scene of peace and happiness!
Although Xichang has a high altitude, it is just right, high enough for flowers to bloom all year round, for fruits to be fragrant, and for people to yearn for…
After my visit to Xichang, my March 2025 journey through Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, Yuxi, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Panzhihua, Miyi, and Xichang in Southwest Sichuan and Yunnan has come to a successful end. Tomorrow, I will take C76 back home!