Stand on the deck of a boat on Tiancheng Lake and the Tuojiang River runs through the middle of Neijiang, with Daqian Garden on one bank and the city's two districts on either side. It is a working river city, and the water is where its daily life is easiest to read.
Neijiang suits travellers who are already in Sichuan and want somewhere between Chengdu and Chongqing that is not built around a single headline sight. The draws are spread across the prefecture: stone archways and a lake in Longchang, temples and old streets in Zizhong County, a mountain of carvings, and a riverside park in the city itself. This guide covers the places worth your time, ordered from the strongest, and closes with a plan for a single day.
Top things to do in Neijiang
1. Longchang Ancient Archways
This is a group of 17 stone archways dating from the Qing dynasty in Longchang. Thirteen stand along an ancient post road through the old town, while four others are scattered in nearby towns. They vary in type, including memorial, filial, and longevity arches, and carry detailed carvings of inscriptions, figures, birds, and plants. They are considered valuable examples of traditional architecture and stone carving, reflecting the cultural and social history of Sichuan during the Ming and Qing periods.
They are free to visit and open 08:30–17:30. To get there, take Longchang Bus 10 or the High-Speed Rail Rapid Transit to Hengxin Shopping Center Station, then walk three to five minutes. The archways are at the South and North Gates, Jinge Town, Longchang.
2. Shengshui Temple
Shengshui Temple, formerly Xingci Chan Monastery, sits on the Tuojiang River. It was built in the Tang dynasty (860–874) and covers about 20,000 m², with main halls arranged east, west, and center. It is one of Sichuan's eight major monasteries and a notable Chan Buddhist centre.
It is at 151 Shengjiang Road, Shizhong District, near the intersection of Tiezhan Street East Alley, roughly 320 m to the north. Take Bus No. 205 to Shengshui Temple Station. Opening hours are 08:00–17:00 and admission is ¥1.
3. Daqian Garden
Daqian Garden is a cultural tourism park themed around painting, calligraphy, famous figures, and religion, with historical relics from the Han to Qing dynasties. It includes the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall, Museum, and Art Gallery, as well as Xilin Temple, Lulandong Cliff Tombs, and Taibai Tower. Xilin Temple, built in the Southern Song dynasty, is a well-known nunnery in southern Sichuan, noted for its winged roofs and colourful ridge carvings. The Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall presents the artist's life and achievements in a traditional Sichuan-style courtyard, and the park also houses the Qiu Xiaoqiu Art Gallery, Wei Minglun Inscription Hall, and Ou Haonian Art Gallery.
It is free and open 09:00–17:00, Tuesday to Sunday. Take Bus No. 109 to Dongtong Road Intersection Station, then walk about 430 m. The address is 336 Daqian Road, Dongxing District.
4. Zizhong Confucian Temple and Martial Temple
These are Qing dynasty architectural relics located about 100 m apart. The Confucian Temple has a multi-courtyard layout, with main structures including the Dacheng Hall, Chongsheng Shrine, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, all with glazed tile roofs reflecting the style of southern Chinese architecture. The Martial Temple consists of the Guansheng Hall, Wuxing Hall, and Sanyi Shrine, and is well preserved. Both are important sites for the study of Confucianism and valuable examples of combined Confucian and Martial temple architecture.
They are at No. 89 Wumiao Street, Zizhong County, open 09:00–17:00 and closed on Mondays. Admission is ¥60, which includes the Martial Temple. Because the two sit so close together, you can see both in one stop.
5. Salt God Temple
Built in the seventh year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing dynasty (1868), this is the only temple in China dedicated to Guan Zhong as the "Salt God." It has a traditional courtyard layout and incorporates architectural styles of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Covering approximately 1,275 m² with over 40 rooms, it is an important material resource for studying ancient salt production and the history of Zizhong.
It is in Luoquan Ancient Town, Zizhong, about 42 km from Zizhong Passenger Transport Center, reachable by local bus or taxi. Opening hours are 09:00–17:30 and admission is free. Pair it with the rest of Luoquan Ancient Town in the same visit.
6. Luoquan Ancient Town
Luoquan Ancient Town Tourist Area, in Luoquan Town, Zizhong County, is a national AAAA-level scenic spot focused on historical culture. It features Ming and Qing architecture and salt industry relics, and showcases traditional southern Sichuan settlement culture and local life.
It is free and open 09:00–17:30, at Group 1, Yuwangong Community, Zizhong County, southeast of Taoyuan Villa on Shunzhu Road. The Salt God Temple is inside the town, so plan the two together.
7. Chonglong Mountain
Chonglong Mountain features the Rock Carvings, Chonglong Pavilion, and Yongqing Temple. The temple was built during the Ming dynasty, and the rock carvings date back to the Sui and Tang dynasties, with 160 niches and 1,648 statues, most of which are well preserved and accompanied by inscriptions from various historical periods. Yongqing Temple houses over 1,700 cultural relics, including calligraphy steles and paintings.
It is free and open 09:00–18:00 at 129 Gongyuan Road, Zizhong County. It works well as a half-day stop while you are in Zizhong for the temples.
8. Guyu Lake
Guyu Lake is a national AAAA-level scenic area, a man-made lake built in the 1970s covering 5.4 km² with a maximum depth of 27 metres. Every winter it attracts migratory birds, and it is designated a national wetland park and a provincial scenic area. The lake area consists of the Shengdengshan and Yundingshan sections, with attractions including Confucius Park, Guyu Temple, and a visitor centre. Nearby homestays and rural tourism projects create a nature-and-culture tourism system.
It is free, at the intersection of Huancheng West Road and Longhua Road, West District, Longchang City, about 2 km from the city centre. Bus No. 7 reaches the scenic area directly. Winter is the season for the birds.
9. Tiancheng Lake
Tiancheng Lake is an artificial lake formed at the end of 2009 by damming the Tuojiang River at Tiangongtang. It stretches 21 km through the central urban area of Neijiang, dividing the city into Dongxing District and Shizhong District. The lakeshore features the Shixianju cultural landscape, displaying the achievements of historical figures. The lake area includes fitness trails, waterfront platforms, and water sports facilities, and can host dragon boat events.
You can take boat tours on the Tuojiang River and Tiancheng Lake, enjoying views of Daqian Garden and the blend of urban and natural scenery. It is at Huohua Village, Tianjia Town, Dongxing District.
10. Dongxing Old Street
Dongxing Old Street is the only well-preserved old street in Neijiang, combining Ming and Qing architectural styles with modern commercial culture. You can experience local teahouse traditions such as the "Dragon Spitting Water" tea-brewing technique, enjoy snacks like fried mung bean cakes and fresh meat guokui, and sample products made from tian dong (asparagus cochinchinensis).
It is at No. 65, Dongxing Street, Dongxing District, and open 24 hours. Take routes 101, 104, or 139 to Jiazhou Lanwan (a 160 m walk) or Nongxiao Jiekou (a 310 m walk) to reach the old street entrance.
11. Shiban River Tourist Area
The Shiban River stretches about 7 km, with its main riverbed formed from natural rock. Developed as a summer resort with water as its theme, it has an average depth of 40–50 cm. With 98% forest coverage along its banks and a cool climate, the area has become, since its trial opening in 2022, a comprehensive tourist destination featuring 13 attractions including waterfalls and scenic spots, offering hiking, water activities, and educational experiences.
It is open 08:30–19:00 and admission is ¥50. It is near Tuhe Gou Village, Lianjie Town, Weiyuan County, 2 km from the Lianjie Exit of the Chengdu–Zigong–Huchi Expressway.
12. Southern Sichuan Grassland
Southern Sichuan Grassland is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering about 133 hectares (around 2,500 mu). Relying on the geographical setting of two ridges with one valley, the area combines grassland wetlands, flower fields, leisure, camping, and sports into a diversified landscape that integrates ecology with tourism. It offers facilities for sightseeing, vacationing, dining, accommodation, cultural experiences, conferences, educational programmes, and wellness.
It is open 08:30–17:30 and admission is ¥60. It is at Group 6, Majiasi Village, Yong'an Town, Shizhong District; take bus routes 306, 308, or 309 to Yong'an Town or Panjia'ao stop, from where it is about 1.7–2.2 km to the scenic area.
13. Weiyuan County
Weiyuan County is a county under the jurisdiction of Neijiang city, with a mix of rolling hills, ancient villages, fruit orchards, and scenic nature typical of the southern Sichuan Basin. It is particularly known for its fig production and offers a relatively undeveloped, local travel experience.
It is worth adding if you want a slower day away from the main sights. The Shiban River Tourist Area lies in Weiyuan County, so the two can be combined.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Shengshui Temple on the Tuojiang River, when the halls are quiet after the 08:00 opening. From there, head to Daqian Garden for the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall, Xilin Temple, and the art galleries; note that it opens at 09:00 and is closed on Mondays.
Afternoon: Walk Dongxing Old Street, which is open around the clock, for teahouse traditions and snacks such as fried mung bean cakes and fresh meat guokui. Then take a boat tour on Tiancheng Lake and the Tuojiang River for views back towards Daqian Garden and the city's two districts.
Evening: Return to the Tiancheng Lake waterfront for the fitness trails and waterfront platforms as the light goes, or settle back into Dongxing Old Street for the evening.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Longchang Ancient Archways?
Take Longchang Bus 10 or the High-Speed Rail Rapid Transit to Hengxin Shopping Center Station, then walk three to five minutes to the South and North Gates in Jinge Town, Longchang. The site is open 08:30–17:30 and is free.
Which sights are free?
Longchang Ancient Archways, Luoquan Ancient Town, Chonglong Mountain, Guyu Lake, Salt God Temple, and Daqian Garden are all free. Shengshui Temple costs ¥1, Zizhong Confucian Temple and Martial Temple cost ¥60 including the Martial Temple, Shiban River Tourist Area costs ¥50, and Southern Sichuan Grassland costs ¥60.
When should I visit Guyu Lake?
Go in winter, when the lake attracts migratory birds. The lake is a national wetland park and a provincial scenic area, and Bus No. 7 reaches the scenic area directly from about 2 km away in Longchang.
Is anything closed on particular days?
Daqian Garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00, so avoid Monday. Zizhong Confucian Temple and Martial Temple are open 09:00–17:00 and closed on Mondays.
Work out which of these fit your route between Chengdu and Chongqing, and start planning around the days each place is open.