Bazhong

Bazhong (巴中; Bāzhōng) is a prefecture-level city in northeastern Sichuan, located in the Daba Mountains on the border with Shaanxi. It is a historically significant area as it was part of the Sichuan–Shaanxi Soviet base area during the Chinese Communist Revolution in the 1930s. The city is surrounded by beautiful karst mountains, including the spectacular Guangwu Mountain and the Nuoshui River Gorge. The area is also known for its ancient cliff carvings and traditional folk culture. The climate is subtropical monsoon with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn are the best visiting seasons.

By Plane

Bazhong Enyang Airport (BZX IATA) has flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. From the airport, a taxi to the city centre costs about ¥30.

By Train

Bazhong Railway Station is on the Lanzhou–Chongqing line, with trains to Chengdu (3 hours), Chongqing (3 hours), and Xi'an (2.5 hours).

By Car / Road

Bazhong is on the G85 Yinchuan–Kunming Expressway. The drive from Chengdu is about 4 hours, from Xi'an about 3 hours.

Local buses and taxis (starting at ¥5) serve the city. For Guangwu Mountain and other scenic areas, a taxi or bus from the main station is needed.

• Guangwu Mountain (Guangwu Shan): A stunning national park with dramatic karst peaks, autumn foliage (October–November), and hiking trails ¥80.

• Nuoshui River Gorge: A river canyon with hiking trails and a glass-bottom bridge. ¥90.

• Sichuan–Shaanxi Soviet Area Museum: A museum covering the history of the revolutionary base area in the 1930s. Free.

• Nankan Cliff Carvings: Buddhist cliff carvings from the Tang and Song dynasties, with over 1,000 beautifully carved figures. ¥30.

• Bazhong Enyang Old Town: A historic town with well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings.

• Hike Guangwu Mountain: The autumn colours are among the best in Sichuan.

• Photography: The karst peaks and autumn foliage are spectacular.

• River trek in the Nuoshui Gorge: Follow the trail along the river.

• Visit the Soviet museum: Historical interest for understanding the Communist revolution.

• Bazhong bacon (la rou): Smoked pork belly, a local specialty.
• Daba Mountain mushroom stew: Wild mushrooms from the mountains in a clear broth.
• Sichuan-style twice-cooked pork: A classic.
• Pickled vegetable fish hotpot: A tangy, spicy fish stew.
• Buckwheat noodles (qiao mian): Served in a savoury broth.

Local green tea is the standard. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Bazhong Railway Station Hotel — basic, ¥60–100/night.
• Mid-range: Bazhong Hotel — comfortable and central, ¥150–300/night.
• Upscale: Bazhong Guangwu Hotel — the best option, ¥300–500/night.

Bazhong is known for its silver ear fungus (yin'er, a prized edible fungus), Sichuan pickles, and local tea. Red Army souvenirs are also available.

• Guangyuan (150 km northwest, 2 hr by car): Jianmen Pass, Shu Roads.
• Dazhou (150 km east, 2 hr by car): Ba Mountain scenery.
• Nanchong (180 km south, 2.5 hr by car): Langzhong Ancient City.
• Hanzhong (200 km north, 3 hr by car): Shaanxi's gateway to the Sichuan basin.