Meta Description: Escape to Xichang for a slow-paced weekend by Qionghai Lake. Discover hidden gems, local cuisine like drunken shrimp and pig skin BBQ, and insider tips for climbing Lushan Mountain. Your ultimate 2-day itinerary awaits.

Why Xichang Should Be Your Next Weekend Getaway

Have you ever had that moment—when you suddenly want to escape the daily grind, go somewhere unfamiliar, do absolutely nothing, and just let the wind blow through your hair while your mind goes blank?

In early September 2024, that's exactly what I did with three close friends. We hopped on a high-speed train, arrived in Xichang three hours later, and spent two days in this small city gently embraced by Qionghai Lake, rediscovering what it truly means to live slowly.

To be honest, Xichang isn't exactly a hot tourist destination. But that very "obscurity" is what gives it a rare, authentic charm. No crushing crowds, no overly commercialized streets—just brilliant blue skies, shimmering lake waters, and the aroma of grilled pork wafting through every alley.

Our group of four—Douzi and Ruan Jie, both photography enthusiasts, and the gentle, detail-oriented Candy and Zhang Qi—set off on this short getaway with high hopes for both food and scenery.

Essential Pre-Trip Tips for Xichang Travel

What to Pack: The One Thing You Cannot Forget

If you ask me for the single most important piece of advice for this trip, I'll tell you without hesitation: bring a comfortable pair of shoes. I can't stress this enough—bring them, bring them, bring them!

Xichang's city center isn't large, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. But you'll also need to do plenty of walking within the sites themselves—especially on Lushan Mountain, where there's no cable car. You'll rely entirely on your own two feet. One of our companions learned this the hard way, her entire experience dampened by the wrong footwear. Don't let a bad pair of shoes ruin your impression of a wonderful city.

Best Time to Visit Xichang

September offers pleasant temperatures around 25-28°C (77-82°F)—perfect for outdoor exploration. The lake breeze keeps things comfortable, and you'll avoid peak summer crowds.

[Link: Best time to visit Sichuan province]

Quick Overview: The Full Two-Day Xichang Itinerary

Day 1: Chengdu → Xichang → Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen (Moonlit Charm Town) → Qionghai Lake → Jianchang Ancient City

Day 2: Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen → Lushan Mountain → Guan Niao Dao Wetland Park (Bird-Watching Island) → Xichang → Chengdu

Day 1: First Glimpse of Qionghai, An Evening Visit to the Ancient City

Departure! Little Joys on the High-Speed Train

We set off from Chengdu South Station. A three-hour ride—not too long, not too short. Like all travelers, we snapped tourist photos on the train, ate instant noodles, and played games. These seemingly ordinary moments are, in fact, the truest pleasures of any journey.

When we arrived at Xichang West Station, the sky was a bit overcast, but the temperature hovered around 25-28°C (77-82°F)—pleasantly cool and instantly uplifting. The Yi script signs throughout the station filled us, first-time visitors, with a sense of novelty and wonder.

[Link: High-speed rail travel in Sichuan]

Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen: The First Sight of Qionghai Lake

We had originally booked a guesthouse called "Qionghai Qizitang," but the moment we stepped inside, we decided to bail—the rooms were tiny, and the cleanliness was questionable. Nothing ruins a trip faster than a bad accommodation choice, so we quickly switched gears.

We ended up at the Qionghai Zuitaiping Hotel, located right in Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen, just a five-minute walk from the lakeshore. The hotel facilities were a bit dated, but the overall environment was acceptable. That said, we had to call housekeeping three or four times—the TV wouldn't change channels or turn off, the bathroom light was out, and there were even mold spots on the towels. These issues definitely affected our experience, but given the convenient location, we managed to make do.

After dropping off our luggage, we strolled through Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen. Qionghai Lake lay right before us. Though the weather wasn't great, the lake still possessed a quiet, serene beauty. There were boat rides available along the shore, with price lists posted by the dock for anyone interested.

First Taste of Drunken Shrimp: A Tangy, Spicy, Sweet Surprise

For dinner, we tried a local specialty—醉虾 (drunken shrimp). Douzi's dad had advised her not to eat too much, but she ended up devouring half the plate herself. The dish was tangy and spicy, with tender, silky shrimp that was refreshing and incredibly appetizing. Watching her try it for the first time—that mix of curiosity and caution—had us all in stitches.

Jianchang Ancient City: Touching the Texture of History

As night fell, we took a public bus to Jianchang Ancient City. The most striking thing about this ancient city was the trees growing right out of the city walls—their roots deeply embedded in the bricks and stones, as if they had become one with the ancient structure, living artifacts you could actually touch.

If you pass through Jianchang Ancient City during the day, you might think, "It's nothing special." But if you happen to be there around dusk, stop and take a picture before you leave. Because its nightscape is the real highlight.

Inside a free exhibition near the city gate, we saw several exquisite thangka paintings. At a small street-side shop, we made our very first lacquer fans. We also bought refrigerator magnets as souvenirs—spend over 30 yuan, and you get a stamp. I chose one with the Jianchang Ancient City pattern.

And of course, you can't visit Xichang without trying 凉山雪 (Liangshan Snow). We sampled the honey pomelo and passion fruit flavor, as well as the sunshine green grape flavor. Personally, I preferred the green grape—sweetness just right, with a rich, fruity taste. The honey pomelo was a bit too sour, though the passion fruit flavor was strong. We later tried the original flavor too—it was just like regular yogurt.

[Link: Must-try street foods in Sichuan]

Late-Night Eats: Old Street Pig Skin BBQ

A travel blog had recommended 老街猪皮烧烤 (Old Street Pig Skin BBQ), so we decided to give it a shot. The atmosphere was indeed basic, but the food didn't disappoint. The pig skin was grilled until slightly charred, with an incredible texture. The other dishes were decent, and the rice noodle rolls were worth trying.

Day 2: Climbing Lushan, Overlooking Qionghai, and One More Taste of Roast Suckling Pig

Morning at Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen

The next morning, we headed back to Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen. The lake was much clearer than the day before. Sunlight danced on the water's surface, shimmering and sparkling. We couldn't help but sigh: "Now this is more like it."

A Bowl of Beef Rice Noodles to Start the Day

For breakfast, we chose 李家巷红烧牛肉粉 (Li Family Alley Braised Beef Rice Noodles). The portion was generous, with plenty of meat—two people sharing one bowl was just right. The steamed buns were good too. To top it off, another bottle of Liangshan Snow made for a perfect start.

Lushan Mountain: A Sacred Place Where Three Religions Meet

After breakfast, we set out for Lushan Mountain. We encountered monkeys at the base of the mountain—quite a few of them, but much more docile than the notorious "bandit monkeys" of Mount Emei.

Lushan is a rare mountain where Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism all coexist. Halfway up, we found that the Wenchang Temple and the slide were both closed—a bit disappointing, as we'd been looking forward to riding the slide down.

When we reached Sanqing Temple, the view suddenly opened up. The entire panorama of Qionghai Lake spread out before us. In that moment, every drop of sweat was worth it. As we continued upward, we noticed many "little hands and little feet" patterns along the way. I have no idea what they symbolize—if anyone knows, please tell me!

On the way down, we recorded our hiking track. We were moving very slowly the whole time, but every step felt solid. If you plan to climb Lushan, make sure to set aside plenty of time. The cable car is currently closed, so you'll need to rely on your own two feet for both the ascent and descent.

[Link: Hiking trails in Sichuan]

Lunch Mishap: Qiao Mei Snacks

We grabbed a quick bite at a small shop across from the Lushan scenic area—巧妹小吃 (Qiao Mei Snacks). I only had a few bites, but the flavors were decent for a budget stop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xichang Travel

Q1: How do I get to Xichang from Chengdu?

The high-speed train from Chengdu South Station to Xichang West Station takes approximately 3 hours. It's the most convenient and scenic option.

Q2: Is Xichang safe for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Xichang is a small, laid-back city with a low crime rate. Locals are friendly and welcoming, especially toward tourists.

Q3: What's the best time of year to visit Xichang?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be hot, but the lake breeze helps. Winter is cool but still pleasant.

Q4: Can I visit Qionghai Lake and Lushan Mountain in one day?

Yes, but it's a packed day. Start early with Lushan Mountain in the morning (allow 3-4 hours for the hike), then spend the afternoon exploring Qionghai Lake's shoreline and wetlands.

Q5: What local dishes should I not miss?

Must-tries include drunken shrimp (醉虾), pig skin BBQ (猪皮烧烤), braised beef rice noodles (红烧牛肉粉), and Liangshan Snow yogurt drink (凉山雪). For a sweet treat, try the green grape flavor.

Final Thoughts: Why Xichang Stays With You

Xichang isn't about grand attractions or Instagram-worthy spots. It's about the quiet moments—watching sunlight ripple across Qionghai Lake, feeling the ancient city walls beneath your fingertips, sharing a plate of drunken shrimp with friends who laugh at your first bite.

It's a place where you can breathe again. Where the wind carries away your worries, and the only thing on your schedule is the next meal.

So pack those comfortable shoes, book that train ticket, and discover why this small city by the lake has captured the hearts of those who wander slowly.

Ready to plan your own Xichang escape?
Start by checking train schedules from Chengdu, book accommodation near Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen, and don't forget to save room for pig skin BBQ. Your slow weekend awaits.

[Link: Book your Xichang hotel] | [Link: Sichuan travel guide] | [Link: Weekend getaways from Chengdu]