Xichang sits in a mountainous corner of far southern Sichuan, on the Anning River and close to Qiong Lake. Its high elevation and low latitude give it a climate that is milder and far sunnier than the Sichuan Basin, with dry, bright winters and warm, rainy summers.
For a visitor, the practical shape of the city is simple: the built-up centre, the lake area, and the transport links that tie them together. Xichang has its own airport, Xichang Qingshan Airport, and a main railway station on the Chengdu–Kunming line, with additional stations at Xichang North and Xichang South. This guide covers which areas to use as a base, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Xichang
1. The lake area around Qiong Lake
This is the leisure side of Xichang, oriented around Qiong Lake and the shoreline roads. Accommodation here tends toward larger, garden-style layouts with villas and lake-facing rooms, and the setting suits travellers who want space, quiet and water views rather than a central address.
It suits first-time visitors who plan to spend their time around the lake, as well as families and anyone preferring a resort-style stay. The practical trade-off is distance: you are away from the city centre, so plan on buses or taxis for trips into town.
2. Xincheng District
Xincheng District is the newer central district, and staying in its centre puts you in the middle of the city's commercial life. This is the most convenient base for travellers who want to be within reach of shops, restaurants and city services.
It suits first-time visitors who want a central, straightforward base, and business travellers. Expect city hotels rather than resort grounds. From here you can reach the railway stations and the airport road without crossing the whole city.
3. Shengli South Road
Shengli South Road is an address in the city's hotel stock and gives you a second central option, on a main road rather than in the newer district. It is a reasonable choice if you want to be in the built-up area with easy vehicle access.
It suits travellers who value a central location and straightforward transport connections over a lakeside setting. As with any main-road address, expect traffic rather than tranquillity, and use buses or taxis to reach the lake and the stations.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simpler rooms in the city's central districts, where you trade space and views for a central location and lower rates.
- Mid-range: standard city hotels in the central districts, offering a conventional base with easy access to transport and services.
- Splurge: the lake area, where properties are laid out as gardens and villas and offer lake-facing rooms, larger grounds and on-site leisure facilities.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Xincheng District. It puts you in the centre of the city, within easy reach of transport links to the airport and railway stations, and gives you a straightforward starting point for day trips out to Qiong Lake. Once you know how you want to spend your days, you can decide whether a move to the lake area is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around from the lake area?
The lake area is served by bus and taxi, which is how you connect to the city centre and the stations. Allow extra time for journeys into town.
Which area is closest to the railway stations?
Xichang has a main railway station plus Xichang North and Xichang South stations, and the central districts are the most practical base for reaching them. The lake area is further out and requires a bus or taxi.
When is the best time to visit Xichang?
Winters are mild, very sunny and dry, while summers are very warm and rainy, with most of the annual rainfall falling from June to August. If you want reliable sunshine, plan around the winter months.
Is the spaceport near the city?
The spaceport lies about 64 kilometres northwest of Xichang and is linked to the city by road and rail. It is not a base for accommodation; treat it as a separate trip from wherever you stay.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.