Dechang, a hidden gem near Xichang: The ultimate two-day itinerary

Dechang, a lesser-known treasure of a town, is located on the road from Xichang to Panzhihua. It's only an hour's drive from Xichang, but boasts even better sunshine, water quality, and air. With minimal temperature difference between day and night, the warm sunshine nurtures sweet and juicy strawberries. This town also holds a 2,000-year-old history and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit! Below is a detailed two-day itinerary for Dechang👇 📍Location: Dechang County is located in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, in the Anning River Valley. 🚗Transportation: It's super convenient to get there from Xichang. You can drive along the Jingkun Expressway southward, arriving in about an hour. The scenery along the way is also quite beautiful, making for a pleasant drive. If you don't want to drive, you can take a bus from Xichang Passenger Transport Station to Dechang. There are many buses, and the tickets are affordable. 👍️Must-see attractions: 1. Fenghuang Pavilion: This landmark building in Dechang has a unique design and is a modern replica of an ancient viewing pavilion with 11 floors. It showcases Dechang's thousand-year-old culture in its entirety. Walking up the stairs floor by floor is like traveling through a long river of history. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Dechang's landscape, where the town's charm blends perfectly with the natural beauty. In the evening, the illuminated Fenghuang Pavilion is absolutely stunning, creating a magical atmosphere. 2. Ziku Pagoda: This is a place where ancient people burned paper with writing on it, rich in historical and cultural significance. There are six Ziku Pagodas in Dechang, located in Cangsheng Palace, Cida, Yudong Temple, Liusuo, Mali, and Xiaogao. The most exquisite one, the Cangsheng Palace Ziku Pagoda, is right in front of Fenghuang Pavilion. Its exquisite carvings showcase the wisdom and aesthetics of the ancients. 3. Cangsheng Palace: Built during the Qing Dynasty through public funding, this palace is dedicated to Cangjie, the ancestor of Chinese characters. Unfortunately, it was under renovation and closed when I visited. It's recommended to check its opening status in advance before your visit. You might be lucky enough to go inside and experience the ancient sacrificial culture. 4. Sacred Heart Church: This century-old church, built in 1907 by French missionaries, is hidden among alleys and residential buildings. It blends Chinese elements with Gothic architecture, creating a unique charm. Although the exterior walls bear the marks of time, stepping inside, you'll be struck by a sense of solemnity and reverence. Sitting quietly inside brings a sense of peace. 5. Kuixing Pavilion: Also known as the Bell and Drum Tower, it was built in the 18th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. Its architectural style, featuring flying eaves and brackets, is quite distinctive. Standing near Kuixing Pavilion, you can feel the rich historical atmosphere. There are also many local snack stalls nearby, perfect for a treat after exploring. 6. Haiguagou: This place is a paradise, with vast flower fields, clear streams, and various unique guesthouses. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. It's a great place for photography, whether you're capturing landscapes or portraits, you can easily create a magical atmosphere. 🎟️Tickets: Fenghuang Pavilion is free to enter, but some special exhibitions may charge separate fees. Ziku Pagoda, Cangsheng Palace, and Kuixing Pavilion are all free to visit. Sacred Heart Church is also free to enter. While experiencing the religious culture, please respect the rules and atmosphere of the place. Some areas of Haiguagou currently charge a fee. Check the official public account or ticketing platforms for specific prices. It's recommended to plan ahead. 💗Other tips: 1. For accommodation in Dechang, you can choose to stay in Dechang County. There are many hotels and guesthouses with affordable prices, convenient for traveling and dining. 2. Dechang's strawberries are truly exceptional. There are many strawberry picking gardens on the way back to Dechang, where you can experience the joy of picking your own strawberries at a lower price than buying them outside. 3. Don't miss out on the local cuisine, such as beef noodle soup, which has generous portions of beef and a rich broth; and mutton hot pot, a perfect way to warm up in winter. 4. Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip. Dechang has plenty of sunshine, so take sun protection measures. If you're going to Haiguagou, it's best to wear comfortable shoes for easy walking. My trip to Dechang was full of pleasant surprises. It has both a rich history and culture, and stunning natural scenery. Although two days is short, it's enough to experience the essence of this small town. If you're traveling to Xichang, don't miss Dechang. Pack your bags and set off to encounter the beauty of this charming town!