Orientation: one city, very different corners
Ziyang sits in eastern Sichuan, roughly between Chengdu and Chongqing. For a visitor, the most important thing to understand is that the city's administrative area is not one continuous urban place. The central city is Yanjiang District, while Anyue County and Lezhi County lie further out, and transport conditions differ sharply between the centre and the two counties. Plan your movements around that distinction: the central city is compact and served by rail, buses and taxis, while the counties are reached mainly by road.
Rail gateways into and around Ziyang
Ziyang has two main railway stations, and they are in different parts of the city, so check the station name on your ticket carefully (China Railway's 12306 service is the standard way to book and verify).
- Ziyang North Railway Station sits on the Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed corridor and is the eastern terminus of the Ziyang Line (S3). It is the best choice for central Yanjiang District and connects onward to the Ziyang Line, city buses and taxis.
- Ziyang West Railway Station is on the Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin High-Speed Railway and serves travellers heading to or from Chengdu Tianfu, Zigong, Yibin and western or southern Ziyang.
As a rule of thumb: choose Ziyang North for central Ziyang, the Ziyang Line and the Chengdu–Chongqing corridor; choose Ziyang West for the Chengdu–Zigong–Yibin corridor.
The Ziyang Line (S3): the city's rapid transit spine
The Ziyang Line is Sichuan's first cross-city urban rail route, running from Futian Station in Chengdu to Ziyang North Railway Station. It is usually the most economical way to travel between Chengdu and Ziyang, and it serves both the airport-oriented development area and central neighbourhoods.
- At Futian you can transfer in-station to Chengdu Metro Lines 18 and 19 without leaving the paid area.
- The line is the main rapid-transit route within central Ziyang, but it does not extend to Anyue or Lezhi.
- Check first and last train times through Chengdu Metro or the Tianfu Tong system before you set out.
Buses and coaches
City buses fill the gaps beyond the rail stations, covering areas of central Ziyang that the Ziyang Line does not reach. Routes and terminals can change, so buy tickets at the station or through a recognised booking platform and confirm details locally.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing are readily available around Ziyang North, Ziyang West and central Yanjiang. They are also the sensible choice for direct trips to Anyue, Lezhi or rural destinations, where public transport thins out. In rural areas, ride-hailing is limited, so confirm your return transport in advance rather than assuming a car will be available.
Paying for transport
The Tianfu Tong system can be used for many journeys in both Ziyang and Chengdu. International visitors without a compatible mobile account can ask at station counters for assistance or buy ordinary tickets instead.
Walking and cycling
Walking and shared bikes suit the compact central areas. Be aware that the terrain rolls, so even short distances may include slopes. Shared bikes are urban-only and operate within restricted service zones. For rural cycling you will need a maintained bike, lights, water, tools and reflective gear; the low hills and farmland roads reward experienced cyclists but bring climbs and mixed traffic. Motorcycles are permitted on national, provincial and county roads but are legally prohibited on Sichuan expressways, so set navigation to avoid them.
From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport into the city
Tianfu International Airport is the main air gateway for the area, and there are two practical ways into Ziyang:
- By rail: take Chengdu Metro Line 18 or 19 to Futian, then transfer in-station to the Ziyang Line for Ziyang North. This is generally the most economical option.
- By coach: airport coach services have also linked the airport with Ziyang, though you should confirm departure times.
For direct trips onward to Anyue, Lezhi or rural destinations, a taxi or private transfer is preferable to juggling rail and coach connections.
Getting to the counties
Anyue County has no operating high-speed station yet, so arrive by road. The famous Anyue Stone Carvings are dispersed across dozens of townships, with key clusters including Yuanjue Cave near the county centre, Pilu Cave, Wofoyuan, Huayan Cave and Qianfozhai. A private car with driver is the most practical way to see them; county buses reach nearby towns but do not efficiently link multiple sites. Allow a full day for a limited cluster and two days for a fuller visit.
Lezhi County is likewise reached by coach, taxi or private car. Chen Yi Former Residence is rural: get to Lezhi town first, then take a local bus, taxi or arranged transfer, and confirm your return transport because rural ride-hailing is limited.
Driving yourself
Self-driving is best for inter-county and rural sites, using the expressway corridors and the national, provincial and county roads. Final approaches to villages and stone-carving sites may be narrow and hilly. Note that a foreign licence alone is not valid in mainland China; short-term visitors may apply for a temporary Chinese driving permit.
Quick practical checklist
- Match your station to your destination: Ziyang North for the centre and the Ziyang Line, Ziyang West for the Zigong–Yibin corridor.
- Do not book rail expecting direct arrival in Anyue or Lezhi.
- Use Tianfu Tong where you can, and fall back on station counters or ordinary tickets if your phone is not set up.
- For rural and county trips, arrange transport and your return leg in advance.