Meishan

Meishan (眉山; Méishān) is a prefecture-level city in central Sichuan, located about 70 km south of Chengdu on the Min River. The city is best known as the birthplace of Su Shi (Su Dongpo, 1037–1101), one of China's greatest poets, essayists, and calligraphers of the Song Dynasty. The city has a refined, cultured atmosphere with classical gardens, temples, and literary sites dedicated to Su Shi's legacy. Meishan is also a wealthy agricultural region, producing famous foods and the renowned Meishan pickled vegetables. The climate is subtropical monsoon with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

By Plane

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU IATA) is about 50 km north, a 40-minute drive. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU IATA) is about 80 km north.

By Train

Meishan East Railway Station is on the Chengdu–Leshan high-speed line, with trains from Chengdu (25–40 minutes), Leshan (15 minutes), and Xi'an (3.5 hours).

By Car / Road

Meishan is on the G5 Beijing–Kunming Expressway. The drive from Chengdu is about 1 hour.

Local buses and taxis (starting at ¥5) serve the compact city. Didi ride-hailing is available. The main sites are walkable from the city centre.

• Three Su Temple Museum (San Su Ci): A beautiful temple and museum dedicated to Su Shi, his father Su Xun, and his brother Su Che — the "Three Sus" of the Song Dynasty. The complex includes gardens, pavilions, steles, and a statue of Su Shi. ¥40.

• Su Shi Statue and Dongpo Square: The main city square features a large statue of Su Shi writing poetry.

• Dongpo Lake: An artificial lake named after Su Shi, with pleasant walking paths and teahouses. Free.

• Meishan Museum: Exhibits on the city's literary heritage and local history. Free.

• Water Street (Shuishui Jie): A new canal-side entertainment district designed in classical Chinese style.

• Calligraphy demonstration at Three Su Temple: Watch local calligraphers practice Su Shi's style.

• Photography in the Three Su Temple gardens: The classical Chinese gardens are beautiful.

• Boat ride on Dongpo Lake: Small pedal boats and rowing boats for hire.

• Evening stroll at Water Street: The district is beautifully lit at night.

• Dongpo pork (Dongpo rou): A braised pork belly dish created by Su Shi himself — the signature dish of Meishan, rich and melt-in-the-mouth.
• Meishan fish with pickled vegetables: A sour-and-spicy fish stew.
• Su Shi-style bamboo shoots: Seasonal bamboo shoots cooked in a light broth.
• Meishan hand-pulled noodles (lamian): Served in a beef broth.
• Dongpo cake: A sweet pastry filled with red bean paste.

Sichuan green tea is the standard. Local baijiu is also produced.

• Budget: Meishan Dongpo Hotel — basic, ¥60–100/night.
• Mid-range: Meishan Hotel — comfortable near the river, ¥150–300/night.
• Upscale: Meishan Mingyu Hotel — the best option, ¥300–500/night.

Meishan is famous for its pickled vegetables (Meishan paocai) and Dongpo-themed souvenirs (calligraphy scrolls, books of Su Shi's poetry). The local tea is also excellent.

• Leshan (30 km south, 15 min by train): Leshan Giant Buddha.
• Chengdu (70 km north, 25 min by train): Sichuan's capital.
• Mount Emei (80 km south, 1 hr by train): Sacred Buddhist mountain.
• Zigong (100 km east, 1.5 hr by car): Dinosaur Museum.