Beichuan Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Beichuan with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Beichuan

Beichuan is a county-level city located in East Sichuan, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. It was once known for its beautiful scenery, but on May 12, 2008, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake devastated Beichuan, leaving only ruins behind. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the city and pay their respects to the victims of the tragedy.

List of Places to Visit in Beichuan

There’s plenty to see and do in Beichuan, ranging from cultural attractions to natural wonders. Here are our top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Beichuan is home to several museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Some must-visit attractions include:

  • Beichuan Earthquake Memorial Hall: This museum pays tribute to the victims of the 2008 earthquake and showcases artifacts and photographs from the disaster.

  • Old Beichuan Town: Located in the heart of Beichuan, Old Beichuan Town is a historical site that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Visitors can explore old buildings, courtyards, and temples and learn about the city’s rich history.

  • Tianquan Ancient Town: Tianquan Ancient Town is a charming ancient town located approximately 40 kilometers from Beichuan. It features traditional Chinese architecture, beautiful canals, and stunning scenery.

Natural Attractions of Beichuan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Beichuan’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with lush forests, winding rivers, and towering mountains. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

  • Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area: Located on the Yangtze River, Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area boasts stunning natural scenery, including steep cliffs, tranquil waterfalls, and lush forests.

  • Qinglong Lake: Qinglong Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located approximately 50 kilometers from Beichuan. It’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers fantastic views all year round.

  • Zhongzhu Temple: Zhongzhu Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the mountains near Beichuan. The temple boasts stunning natural scenery and is a great place to go hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Beichuan

Beichuan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Beishan National Forest Park: Beishan National Forest Park is a beautiful park located approximately 30 kilometers from Beichuan. It boasts lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning views.

  • Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area: The Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area also offers fantastic hiking opportunities, with several hiking trails that take visitors through the stunning scenery.

  • Qinglong Lake: Qinglong Lake is not only a beautiful place to visit, but it’s also a great place to go cycling. The winding roads around the lake offer stunning views and a challenging ride.

Best Things to Do in Beichuan: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of things to do in Beichuan, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do in Beichuan:

  • Visit the Beichuan Earthquake Memorial Hall: Pay your respects to the victims of the 2008 earthquake and learn about the disaster.

  • Explore Old Beichuan Town: Take a walking tour of Old Beichuan Town and learn about the city’s rich history.

  • Hike in Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area: Go for a hike in Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area and take in the stunning scenery.

  • Go cycling around Qinglong Lake: Take a cycling tour around Qinglong Lake and enjoy the beautiful views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Beichuan

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for Beichuan:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Beichuan Earthquake Memorial Hall
2 Explore Old Beichuan Town
3 Hike in Jinkou Gorge Scenic Area
4 Visit Tianquan Ancient Town
5 Go cycling around Qinglong Lake
6 Visit Zhongzhu Temple and go hiking
7 Relax and enjoy the local food and scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Beichuan

Beichuan is known for its delicious cuisine and locally produced beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beichuan Beef: Beichuan is known for its flavorful beef dishes, including braised beef, stir-fried beef, and beef hotpot.

  • Liubei Tofu: This tofu dish is a local specialty made with silky tofu, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and other flavorful ingredients.

  • Yuanyang Chicken: This spicy chicken dish is a Beichuan classic, made with tender chicken pieces, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Local Beverages

  • Beichuan Rice Wine: This locally produced rice wine is a must-try for visitors to Beichuan.

  • Tea: Beichuan is home to several famous tea varieties, including Xinyang Maojian and Qimen Hongcha.

Where to Stay in Beichuan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Beichuan has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some great places to stay:

  • Xinlong Hotel: This hotel is located in the heart of Beichuan and offers comfortable rooms and a great location.

  • Beichuan International Hotel: This hotel offers luxurious rooms and top-notch amenities, including an indoor pool and fitness center.

  • Hostels and Guesthouses: For budget travelers, there are several hostels and guesthouses in Beichuan, including the Beichuan Youth Hostel and the Beichuan Sunny Garden Guesthouse.

What to Buy in Beichuan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Beichuan is known for its handicrafts and locally produced products. Some great souvenirs to bring home include:

  • Handwoven Rugs: Beichuan is known for its high-quality handwoven rugs made from local wool.

  • Tea: Beichuan’s famous tea varieties, including Xinyang Maojian and Qimen Hongcha, make excellent souvenirs.

  • Paper Cuts: Beichuan is known for its intricate paper cut art, which makes a great souvenir or gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Beichuan

Beichuan has a rich cultural heritage and plenty of unique customs and traditions. Some local customs include:

  • Dragon Boat Race: In the summer months, Beichuan residents hold a Dragon Boat Race, where teams race traditional dragon boats on the river.

  • Tang Dynasty Costume Show: The Tang Dynasty Costume Show is a popular cultural attraction in Beichuan, where performers dress up in traditional Tang Dynasty clothing and perform dances and songs.

Best Time to Visit Beichuan

The best time to visit Beichuan is in the spring (April to June) or the fall (September to November). The weather during these months is mild, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Beichuan

Do:

  • Do dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and holy places.

  • Do bring comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to hike or explore the city on foot.

  • Do try the local cuisine, including Beichuan beef and Liubei tofu.

Don’t:

  • Don’t bring up the 2008 earthquake unless it’s necessary, as it can be a sensitive subject for locals.

  • Don’t litter or damage historical or cultural sites.

  • Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Beichuan

Beichuan is a safe city for travelers, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions, like keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night.

Health in Beichuan

Beichuan is a low-risk area for infectious diseases, but travelers should still take precautions, like washing hands frequently and avoiding street food that may be unsafe.

Getting to Beichuan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Beichuan is located approximately 150 kilometers from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Beichuan

  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport: This is the closest major airport to Beichuan, located approximately 180 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Beichuan

  • Beichuan Bus Station: The Beichuan Bus Station offers several buses a day to Chengdu and other destinations in the region.

Other Options

  • Private Car: Visitors can hire a private car to take them from Chengdu to Beichuan.

How to Get Around in Beichuan

Beichuan is a small city, and most of its attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bike. Visitors can also take taxis or hire a private car to explore the city and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Beichuan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Beichuan, visitors can check out nearby destinations and attractions, including:

  • Chengdu: Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a bustling metropolis with plenty of attractions, including the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

  • Emei Mountain: Emei Mountain is a sacred mountain located in Leshan, approximately 120 kilometers from Beichuan. It’s a popular destination for hikers and Buddhists.

  • Jiuzaigou Valley: Jiuzaigou Valley is a stunning nature reserve located approximately 200 kilometers from Beichuan. It boasts crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and vibrant flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Beichuan may have suffered a devastating earthquake, but it’s also a city with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to see and do in Beichuan. Plan your trip today and discover all that this beautiful city has to offer.

An ADBC Branch in Beichuan left in a partially collapsed state after the 2008 earthquake An ADBC Branch in Beichuan left in a partially collapsed state after the 2008 earthquake