Ziyang

Ziyang (资阳; Zīyáng) is a prefecture-level city in central Sichuan, located on the Tuo River between Chengdu and Chongqing. It is a relatively quiet, agricultural city with a long history dating back to the Zhou Dynasty. The area is known for its citrus orchards, pecan production, and as one of the birthplaces of the Ba-Shu culture. Ziyang's main attraction is the Anyue Buddhist carvings — a magnificent collection of Tang and Song Dynasty cliff carvings that are among the finest in China, spread across several sites in Anyue County. 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 80 km north, a 1-hour drive.

By Train

Ziyang Railway Station is on the Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed line, with trains from Chengdu (25 minutes) and Chongqing (40 minutes).

By Car / Road

Ziyang is on the G76 Xiamen–Chengdu Expressway. The drive from Chengdu is about 1 hour, from Chongqing about 1.5 hours.

Local buses and taxis (starting at ¥5) serve the city. For Anyue (about 50 km south), take a county bus or taxi.

• Anyue Cliff Carvings (Anyue Shike): Over 100,000 Buddhist stone carvings spread across several sites in Anyue County, including the Yuanjue Cave (with a magnificent sleeping Buddha), Pilu Cave, and Huayan Cave. Dating from the Tang and Song dynasties, these are among the finest Buddhist rock carvings in China. ¥50 (combined ticket).

• Ziyang Museum: Local history and exhibits on the Anyue carvings. Free.

• Tuo River Park: A pleasant riverside park in the city centre.

• Santaishan (Three Terraces Mountain): A scenic hill with walking trails and a temple.

• Explore the Anyue Buddhist carvings: Allow a full day to visit the main cave sites.

• Photography: The Anyue carvings are exceptionally photogenic.

• Cycle along the Tuo River: The river embankment has good bike paths.

• Ziyang orange chicken: Chicken stir-fried with local oranges — a unique sweet-savoury dish.
• Tuo River fish hotpot: Spicy fish stew.
• Sichuan dan dan noodles: A classic.
• Anyue tofu pudding: Soft tofu in a spicy sauce.
• Steamed pork ribs with taro: A local home-style dish.

Freshly squeezed orange juice is the signature local drink. Green tea is also widely available.

• Budget: Ziyang Hotel — basic, ¥60–100/night.
• Mid-range: Ziyang Jinhai Hotel — comfortable, ¥150–300/night.
• Upscale: Ziyang Anyue Hotel — the best in town, ¥300–500/night.

Ziyang is known for its oranges and pomelos, Ziyang pecan nuts, and Buddhist-themed souvenirs.

• Chengdu (80 km north, 25 min by train): Sichuan's capital.
• Chongqing (150 km east, 40 min by train): Mega-city.
• Meishan (60 km west, 40 min): Su Shi's hometown.
• Zigong (100 km southeast, 1.5 hr by car): Dinosaur Museum.