Neijiang

Neijiang (内江; Nèijiāng) is a prefecture-level city in southern Sichuan, located on the Tuo River between Chengdu and Chongqing. It is known as the "Sweet City" for its historic sugar industry — Neijiang was one of China's most important sugar-producing regions from the Ming Dynasty through the 20th century. The city has a rich literary heritage as the hometown of the famous contemporary Chinese writer Zhang Dachun. The surrounding countryside is hilly and green, covered in sugarcane fields (historically) and vegetable farms. The climate is subtropical monsoon with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn are best for visiting.

By Plane

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU IATA) is about 170 km northwest, a 2-hour drive. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG IATA) is about 150 km east.

By Train

Neijiang Railway Station is on the Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed line. Trains from Chengdu take about 35 minutes, from Chongqing about 40 minutes.

By Car / Road

Neijiang is on the G76 Xiamen–Chengdu Expressway and G85 Yinchuan–Kunming Expressway. The drive from Chengdu is about 2 hours.

Local buses and taxis (starting at ¥5) serve the compact city centre. Didi ride-hailing is available.

• Neijiang Sugar History Museum: Dedicated to the city's sugar-refining heritage, housed in a historic factory building. Free.

• Zhang Dachun Former Residence: The birthplace of the Chinese author, now a small museum. Free.

• Neijiang Museum: Local history, art, and cultural exhibits. Free.

• Tuo River Waterfront Park: A pleasant riverside promenade with gardens and teahouses.

• Shengli Square: The city's main square, a good place to observe local life.

• Cycle along the Tuo River: The embankment paths are popular for cycling.

• Visit a sugarcane plantation (historical museum): While the industry has declined, the museum preserves the heritage.

• Photography: The old sugar factory buildings have industrial-charm appeal.

• Neijiang sugar-braised pork: A local specialty — pork belly braised with rock sugar until caramelised.
• Tuo River fish hotpot: Spicy fish stew from the river.
• Neijiang dan dan noodles: A local version of the Sichuan classic.
• Sweet potato rice congee: A traditional breakfast.
• Sichuan-style pickled vegetables (paocai): Famous throughout the region.

Sugarcane juice is the signature local drink — fresh-pressed and sweet. Tea and bottled water are also standard.

• Budget: Neijiang Hotel — basic, ¥60–100/night.
• Mid-range: Neijiang Bingshen Hotel — comfortable, ¥150–300/night.
• Upscale: Neijiang Grand Hotel — the best in the city, ¥300–500/night.

Neijiang is known for its sugar products — rock sugar, sugarcane juice, and Neijiang candies. Local tea is also available.

• Zigong (50 km south, 40 min by car): Dinosaur Museum and Salt History Museum.
• Chengdu (170 km west, 35 min by high-speed train): Sichuan's capital.
• Chongqing (150 km east, 40 min by high-speed train): Mountain city with hotpot.
• Leshan (100 km southwest, 1.5 hr by car): Leshan Giant Buddha.