Things To Do
in Xichang
Xichang is a prefecture-level city in the southern part of Sichuan province, China. It is famous for being the location of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which is one of China's main space launch facilities. The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Xichang is also known for its unique culture, delicious local cuisine, and vibrant traditional festivals.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Qionghai Lake. Take a peaceful walk along the shore and enjoy the fresh morning air.
Visit the Xichang Satellite Launch Center to understand the remarkable advancements in space technology. Make sure to check out their visitor center for exhibitions.
After a busy day, relax at a local restaurant with traditional Yi cuisine. Enjoy the sunset views over the lake as you dine.
Start your morning at Lugu Lake, where you can enjoy the serene landscapes. Consider taking a boat ride to explore the surrounding islands.
Head to the nearby Yinchuan Scenic Area for hiking trails with beautiful views. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural surroundings.
Experience the local culture with a traditional dance performance by the Yi people. Join in the festivities and dance along with the locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with various ethnic groups and traditions.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Home to the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, important for space exploration.
- Developing infrastructure and improving connectivity to other cities.
- Air quality issues due to industrial activities.
- Less economic development compared to major Chinese cities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Potential overpopulation due to migration from rural areas.
Best Activities in Xichang
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy boating, fishing, and picnicking by the beautiful Qionghai Lake.
Explore the lush Luchong Scenic Area with hiking trails and stunning mountain views.
Stargazing and learning about astronomy in the picturesque setting of the International Astronomy Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Xichang with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Xichang
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a picturesque lake for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Features scenic spots with panoramic views and the opportunity to capture rockets and space-related activities for dynamic photographs.
Provides a high vantage point for capturing sweeping views of Xichang and its environs, including the iconic lake.
Food in Xichang
Xichang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Suanlatang is a hot and sour soup made with pickled vegetables, chili peppers, and meat, typically served as a spicy appetizer in many local restaurants in Xichang.
Must-Try!
This dish is a specialty of the Yi ethnic group in Xichang. The lamb is marinated with various spices and roasted until tender, delivering a savory and aromatic flavor.
A famous Sichuan dish, Guolaorou is made by simmering pork belly, slicing it, then stir-frying it with black bean paste, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers for a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Xichang better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Xichang Night Market is a bustling hub for food enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of local street food such as grilled skewers, spicy noodles, and traditional snacks. It's a great place to experience authentic local flavors and interact with the friendly vendors.
Haitiansi Food Street is renowned for its lively atmosphere and diverse food stalls serving everything from BBQ skewers to fresh seafood. Visitors can savor a wide array of local delicacies while taking in the vibrant ambiance of this food haven.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Xichang, China, it is important to show respect for elders through polite language and gestures such as bowing or offering your seat to an older person.
When dining in Xichang, it is important to wait for the eldest person to start eating before beginning your own meal. It is also customary to offer food to others before serving yourself.
When giving gifts in Xichang, it is important to present them with both hands as a sign of respect. Additionally, it is polite to open gifts in private rather than in front of the giver.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Xichang with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Xichang
Ensure a smooth experience
In Xichang, China, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi rides. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip may be appreciated, but it is not obligatory.
Cash is still widely used for transactions in Xichang, especially in smaller establishments. Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but it's always good to have some cash on hand. Mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used and convenient for making purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Xichang.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Xichang, China. Enjoy blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures.
Expect warm weather, occasional rain, and lush green landscapes.
Experience pleasant weather, colorful foliage, and fewer tourists.
Expect cold temperatures, occasional snow, and a quieter atmosphere.
Xichang at Night
Hiking in Xichang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular destination for hiking, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and diverse wildlife.
A picturesque lake surrounded by hills, with several trails for scenic hiking and exploration.
Known for its lush scenery and rich biodiversity, this mountain provides various hiking routes for all skill levels.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient temples and stunning mountain paths suitable for hiking.
Offers beautiful trekking routes around the lake, with opportunities to experience the culture of the local Mosuo people.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Xichang through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Xichang by plane.
Located approximately 342 kilometers from Xichang, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is the primary airport serving Chengdu and the surrounding Sichuan province. It handles both domestic and international flights.
Situated about 480 kilometers from Xichang, Kunming Changshui International Airport is the main airport in Yunnan province and offers numerous domestic and international flights.
Located around 315 kilometers from Xichang, Lijiang Sanyi Airport is primarily a domestic airport that serves the city of Lijiang and connects to several major cities in China.
Approximately 850 kilometers away from Xichang, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves the tourist city of Guilin and provides both domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 800 kilometers from Xichang, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is a major airport in Henan province with extensive domestic and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Xichang and throughout China, making up a significant majority of the population.
An ethnic minority group in the region, known for their unique culture and language, especially prevalent in parts of Sichuan.
Another important ethnic group in Xichang, with cultural and historical ties to the Tibetan plateau.
An indigenous ethnic group in Sichuan, with a smaller presence compared to the Han and Yi populations.
A minority group present in the region, recognized for their distinctive cultural practices and traditional dress.
The Soul of Xichang
Discover the essence of Xichang through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is extremely popular in Xichang, with many local courts and schools promoting the sport. The youth actively participate in school teams and local leagues.
Football, known as soccer in many countries, is widely played in Xichang. Local teams compete in various leagues, and the sport has a strong following among fans.
Table tennis is a favored sport in Xichang, common in schools and recreational centers. It is a popular pastime and often played in informal settings.
Badminton is another widely played sport in Xichang, enjoyed by both casual players and more competitive athletes. Many facilities are available for training and practice.
Running and other athletics events have gained popularity in Xichang, with various running events and marathons organized throughout the year, attracting many participants.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xichang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Xichang's cuisine primarily revolves around meat-based dishes, several vegetarian and vegan restaurants and stalls have emerged, particularly in tourist areas. Visitors can find options like stir-fried seasonal vegetables, tofu-based dishes, and meat substitutes made from plant-based proteins.
For those with gluten sensitivities, it's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly when dining out. Some eateries may offer rice-based dishes, steamed or boiled meats, and vegetable-centric meals that align with gluten-free requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Xichang with these cultural adventures.
