Just back from Luzhou, and this underrated "City of Liquor" is amazing! It’s not just about the strong-aroma baijiu; there are stunning landscapes and charming ancient towns too. I’ve put together a super practical travel guide—everyone, feel free to follow this itinerary! 📝
📍Basic attraction info (7 main areas)
Luzhou's attractions are spread out and mainly divided into 7 areas:
1. Jiangyang District: Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area (¥50), Zhangba Longan Forest (free), Luzhou Museum (free), Bao'en Pagoda (free), Bell and Drum Tower (free), Zhongshan Park (free), Fushan Scenic Area (¥30), Binjiang Road (free), Liquor City Paradise (¥58).
2. Naxi District: Huatian Jiudi (¥18), Tianxiandong (¥40), Fenghuang Lake (¥60), Longhu Shuiuxiang (¥25), Huguo War Museum (free).
3. Luxian County: Yuchan Mountain (¥25), Longnao Bridge (free), Song Dynasty Stone Carving Museum (free), Tianzhan Hot Spring (¥168).
4. Hejiang County: Yaoba Ancient Town (free), Fobao Ancient Town (free), Bijiashan (free), Yulan Mountain (free), Longguashan (free).
5. Gulin County: Taiping Ancient Town (free), Huangjing Old Forest (¥50), Daheidong (¥37), Yanjing River (¥60), Langjiu Manor (reservation required).
6. Xuyong County: Huagaoxi (free), Chunqiuci (free), Luohanlin (free).
7. Longmatan District: Dongwo Scenic Area (free), Zheyouguang Block (free), Shili Yuwan (free), Yunlong Airport (transportation hub).
🗺️My 3-day essential itinerary
Day 1: Jiangyang District Liquor Culture Tour
Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area (see the 1573 National Treasure Cellars) ➡️ Bell and Drum Tower/Bao'en Pagoda (check in at landmarks) ➡️ Zhangba Longan Forest (breathe in negative oxygen ions) ➡️ Binjiang Road/Liquor City Paradise (see the river and night views).
Day 2: Naxi District + Luxian County Nature & Culture Tour
Huatian Jiudi (liquor aroma + flower fields) ➡️ Tianxiandong (cave exploration) ➡️ Luxian Longnao Bridge (see ancient bridges and stone carvings) ➡️ Yuchan Mountain (climb for a view, optional soak at Tianzhan Hot Spring).
Day 3: Hejiang County + Gulin County Ancient Town & Ecology Tour
Yaoba Ancient Town (experience intangible cultural heritage) ➡️ Fobao Ancient Town (southern Sichuan dwellings) ➡️ Gulin Taiping Ancient Town (red history) ➡️ Huangjing Old Forest/Langjiu Manor (explore primeval forests or book a tasting).
🏨Accommodation recommendations
· Jiangyang District (Highly recommended!): Close to Luzhou Laojiao and Binjiang Road. It’s the most convenient for dining and entertainment, has a vibrant nightlife, and is perfect for first-time visitors.
· Longmatan District: Close to Yunlong Airport and the Zheyouguang Block. The environment is newer, suitable for those catching flights or who enjoy shopping.
· Luxian/Hejiang/Gulin: If you are doing an in-depth tour, you can arrange accommodation along the route to avoid back-and-forth travel.
🍜Food recommendations (Must-see for foodies!)
· Luzhou Laojiao liquor: You must try the authentic strong-aroma baijiu when visiting the "City of Liquor" 🥃!
· Luzhou white cake: Soft, glutinous, and sweet; a breakfast must-have.
· Hejiang grilled fish: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and spicy and fragrant.
· Gulin spicy chicken: Firm meat, spicy and addictive 🐔.
· Xuyong bean soup noodles: Rich broth and chewy noodles.
· Others: Zhangba longan, liquor-filled chocolates, Yangtze River fresh fish—you'll eat until you're stuffed!
📸Photography guide
· Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area: Wear New Chinese style or trendy outfits; the red walls and cellars make for a great background, full of cultural vibes.
· Binjiang Road/Liquor City Paradise: Take photos of the Yangtze River sunset and the Ferris wheel night view in the evening.
· Huatian Jiudi/Zhangba Longan Forest: Wear fresh or pastoral styles; the flower fields and longan forest are perfect for casual, stunning photos.
· Yaoba/Fobao/Taiping Ancient Town: Wear retro or Hanfu; the blue stone roads and old wooden houses are incredibly photogenic.
· Zheyouguang Block: Check in at this trendy, well-lit block for cyberpunk-style photos.
💡Practical tips
· Transportation: You can fly into Yunlong Airport or take a high-speed train to Luzhou Station. Attractions are spread out, so renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended to follow the route without backtracking.
· Tickets: Reference prices are marked in the text (e.g., Laojiao ¥50, Fushan ¥30, etc.). Some venues are free; please check official scenic area announcements.
· Reservations: Langjiu Manor and other sites require advance booking/consultation.
· Gear: There is a lot of walking in the mountainous areas (Huangjing Old Forest/Yuchan Mountain), so wear non-slip sneakers 👟 and bring mosquito repellent.
⚠️Tips to avoid pitfalls (hard-earned lessons)
1. Route planning: Luzhou is huge! Don't try to force it all in; follow the Jiangyang ➡️ Naxi ➡️ Luxian ➡️ Hejiang ➡️ Gulin route.
2. Alcohol tolerance: Drink within your limits; don't drink on an empty stomach, or you might get a headache.
3. Tickets: Prices are for reference only. Always check official announcements before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
4. Diet: The spicy chicken and grilled fish are quite spicy; if you have a sensitive stomach, bring medicine, and be careful of fish bones.
5. Mountain safety: Check the weather before going to mountainous areas like Huangjing Old Forest, bring a jacket for temperature differences, and respect the rules at red history sites.
Alright, Luzhou is truly a treasure of a small city with liquor, stories, and a vibrant local atmosphere! Which spot do you want to hit first? Let me know in the comments, I'll answer everything! 👇