City Walk: A Qingming Holiday Stroll Through Neijiang's Old Streets – A Hidden Gem in Sichuan

Meta Description: Discover Neijiang's old streets, cyberpunk alleys, and 99-yuan feasts on a Qingming holiday city walk. From Yagu Mixed Dishes to Sanba Street, explore the "Sweet City" between Chengdu and Chongqing.

Introduction: Why Neijiang Deserves a Spot on Your Sichuan Itinerary

If travel is a conversation with yourself, then Neijiang is the gentlest footnote in that dialogue. Tucked between Chengdu and Chongqing, this former sugar-producing powerhouse—nicknamed "Sweet City"—offers an authentic slice of Sichuan life without the crowds. On a Qingming holiday city walk through Neijiang's old streets, you'll discover cyberpunk stairways, 2-yuan ferry rides, and a food scene that will make you question why you ever overlooked this gem.

This guide takes you through a one-day, one-night itinerary that blends history, photography, and local eats. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple seeking quiet charm, or a photographer hunting for cinematic backdrops, Neijiang delivers.

Why Visit Neijiang? The "Sweet City" Between Chengdu and Chongqing

Neijiang sits at the heart of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic corridor, just 40 minutes by high-speed rail from either metropolis. Its nickname, "Sweet City," comes from its historic sugar industry. It's also the hometown of Zhang Daqian, one of China's most celebrated traditional painters.

The Tuo River winds through the city, dividing it into two distinct halves: Dongxing District (the new city on the left bank) and the City Center District (the old city on the right bank). Most of the charm lies in the old city—steep slopes, narrow alleys, and a lived-in atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern high-rises.

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Getting There: A 20-Minute Detour from Zigong

Our Qingming holiday began in Zigong, but a last-minute decision to hop over to Neijiang turned into the trip's highlight. From Zigong North Station, the high-speed train takes just 20 minutes. At Neijiang North Station, we caught the No. 118 bus to the city center—practically empty, unlike the packed trains in Zigong.

Pro tip: If you're visiting Zigong for the lantern festival or dinosaur museum, tack on a day for Neijiang. The two cities are close enough to explore together.

[Link: Zigong travel guide – top attractions and lantern festival tips]

Where to Stay in Neijiang's Old City: Location Over Luxury

During Qingming holiday, hotel prices in Zigong doubled or tripled—and rooms were still impossible to find. Many travelers "radiated" out to Neijiang and Fushun. We booked last-minute and ended up at a small hotel on Zhongyang Road in Sifang Street, in the City Center District.

Conditions: Basic. Location: Perfect. Step outside and you're on Gongshang Street, Wenying Street, and Sanba Street. Ximen Bridge, Diexiang Street, and Shangnan Street are all within walking distance.

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Neijiang Food Guide: Yagu Mixed Dishes and the 99-Yuan Feast

Yagu Mixed Dishes (幺姑拌菜) – A Must-Visit in Neijiang

At the intersection of Sanba Street and Jiandao Street, you'll find Yagu Mixed Dishes—a humble eatery with a sign declaring it an intangible cultural heritage site. More than half the diners were locals. We ordered:

• Mixed three shreds (拌三丝)
• Walnut meat (核桃肉)
• Silky cold noodles (丝丝凉粉)
• Cold mixed tripe (凉拌肥肠)
• Cold mixed rabbit stomach (凉拌兔肚)

The portions were enormous. The rabbit stomach was the standout—crispy-tender with a numbing-spicy kick and a subtle sweetness. The hallmark of Yagu Mixed Dishes is its bold, layered flavors: numbing, spicy, sour, and sweet, yet refreshingly light.

The bill? 99 yuan for two people. Mr. Z sighed: "Based on this alone, Neijiang is a livable city."

🏚 Name: Yagu Mixed Dishes (幺姑拌菜)
📍 Address: No. 61, Sanba Street, City Center District
⏰ Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

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Sanba Street: Neijiang's Cyberpunk Photo Spot

After eating, turn into the alley next to Yagu Mixed Dishes. This is Sanba Street—Neijiang's most Instagram-worthy location.

On one side, a massive steep slope. On the other, a long flight of stone steps connecting upper and lower streets. Houses and shops line both sides—selling eggs, noodles, mending shoes, washing mops. It's everyday life at its most authentic.

This scene has attracted film and TV crews in recent years. Productions like Walking and Stopping (走走停停), Always Moving Forward (一路向前), and If I Were the Person Who Loved You Most in This World (假如我是这世上最爱你的人) have all filmed here.

The dense old buildings and colorful signs create a cyberpunk aesthetic reminiscent of Hong Kong's "Monster Building"—two rows of residential buildings facing each other, with another building at the end. Add Chongqing-style long stairways, and you've got the essence of Neijiang's old city.

📍 Address: Sanba Street (navigate to "Yagu Mixed Dishes"; it's right next door)

Photography tip: Visit on a sunny day for better light-and-shadow effects. Cloudy weather dulls the contrast.

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Ximen Bridge: Walking and Stopping at a Movie Set

Weaving along Gongshang Street and Sanba Street, we arrived at Ximen Bridge on Diexiang Street. If you've seen Walking and Stopping, this spot will look familiar—it's the same filming location featuring Hu Ge and Gao Yuanyuan.

Under the bridge, you'll find Xu Qijie Bitter Melon Duck (徐七姐苦藜鸭)—the dish Gao Yuanyuan "loves" in the movie—and Ximen Bridge Home-Style Flavor (西门桥家常味). Their tender beef in dipping sauce is legendary, though we didn't have time to try it.

The old city's charm: Ancient streets, densely packed old buildings, a riot of colorful signs, and the bustling, smoky atmosphere of everyday life. Walking through feels like returning to childhood.

Mr. Z's love for lamb led him to "Lao Huo Gou" (老火钩) under Ximen Bridge, where lamb soup is sold by the bowl. His verdict: "The broth isn't rich enough. Too bland." (Nothing beats Lanzhou Jincheng Lamb Soup in his book.)

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Dazhou Square and the 2-Yuan Ferry

Dazhou Square stretches along the river and is the largest public square in the City Center District. From a distance, we heard square dance music—a "standard feature" in every Chinese city. The highlight? A massive tree that looked like a giant mushroom. Standing under it, you feel tiny.

The 2-yuan ferry: For a small fee, you can cross the Tuo River and see the old city from the water. It's a peaceful break from walking and offers unique photo angles.

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Neijiang Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

FAQ: Neijiang City Walk

1. Is Neijiang worth visiting?

Absolutely. It's a quiet alternative to Chengdu and Chongqing, with authentic old streets, affordable food, and fewer tourists. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a detour from Zigong.

2. How many days do you need in Neijiang?

One full day is enough to explore the old city, eat at Yagu Mixed Dishes, and photograph Sanba Street. Add a second day if you want to visit Zhang Daqian's hometown or take a ferry ride.

3. What is Neijiang famous for?

Neijiang is known as the "Sweet City" for its historic sugar industry. It's also the hometown of painter Zhang Daqian and a rising filming location for Chinese movies.

4. What should I eat in Neijiang?

Don't miss Yagu Mixed Dishes (cold mixed rabbit stomach is the star), Ximen Bridge Home-Style Flavor (tender beef in dipping sauce), and lamb soup at Lao Huo Gou.

5. How do I get from Zigong to Neijiang?

Take the high-speed train from Zigong North Station to Neijiang North Station. It takes about 20 minutes. Then catch bus No. 118 to the city center.

Conclusion: Your Neijiang Adventure Awaits

Neijiang is a city that doesn't shout for attention. It whispers—through the rustle of old stairways, the sizzle of a 99-yuan feast, and the quiet hum of a 2-yuan ferry crossing the Tuo River. It's a place where you can walk and stop, eat and sigh, photograph and remember.

Ready to plan your trip? Book your high-speed rail ticket to Neijiang North Station, pack your camera and appetite, and get ready for a city walk that feels like stepping into a movie—without the crowds.

Share this guide with a friend who loves hidden gems. And if you've been to Neijiang, tell us your favorite spot in the comments.

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[Link: Chengdu to Neijiang high-speed rail guide]
[Link: Best Sichuan food cities to visit]
[Link: Zhang Daqian Museum Neijiang]
[Link: Zigong lantern festival and dinosaur museum]