Xichang is a great place to visit, but once is enough!

If you're planning a trip to Xichang, be sure to pack sunscreen. The UV rays are strong there, and the weather is quite hot, so wear light clothing. Most of the tourist attractions are around Qionghai Lake, and you can visit them all in two or three days! 🚗Transportation: It takes about three hours by high-speed train from Chengdu. I chose a hard sleeper train, which took a little over five hours. It was like the business class of a high-speed train and more affordable. Once you arrive in Xichang, you can take a taxi (which is more expensive) or the No. 106 bus, a special tourist line that goes around the lake. There's also the K111 bus that goes directly to Xiaoyucun Fishing Village, where you can enjoy local barbecue (the bus is more cost-effective). -Day 1: (I arrived in the afternoon) I checked in near Qionghai 17 Degrees. You can rent a bike inside the scenic area and cycle along the lake, visit Jinlin Beach, and stroll through the Moonlit Town. In the evening, I went to the local Xiaoyucun Fishing Village for barbecue. It was super affordable and delicious. Day 2: I took the No. 106 bus and got off at the Lushan stop. You can take the cable car up the mountain for 35 RMB per person (I recommend taking the sightseeing bus, which is only 5 RMB per person). You can visit the Slave Museum, but we took the bus directly to the top of the mountain due to time constraints. Be careful of the monkeys on the mountain; they might snatch your bag, so it's best to carry a stick. Further up, you can visit Guangfu Temple and other ancient temples and enjoy a panoramic view of Qionghai Lake. We chose to take the slide down the mountain, which cost 40 RMB per person (a bit pricey, but quite thrilling). In the afternoon, we went to Dashiban Ancient Village. The red walls of Lingyin Temple are perfect for photos, and it's mostly people taking portrait photos there. Apart from taking pictures, there isn't much else to do. Then, we went to Jianchang Ancient City to experience the local culture. (Most attractions are free.) 😍Local specialties: Handmade Liangfen, Xiaoyucun barbecue, Huopen barbecue, Liangshan burgers, Drunken Shrimp, and Liangshan Xue (the fruit there is quite sweet, and strawberries are only 5 yuan per kilogram, which is a good deal). Day 3: We slept in, then went to the farmers market to buy souvenirs, such as Yi embroidery and Jianchang pressed duck. After that, we packed our bags and headed back. Hotel recommendations🏨 Luxury: Qionghai Hotel, excellent location by Qionghai Lake, beautiful scenery, luxurious facilities, and attentive service. Comfort: JI Hotel, clean and comfortable rooms, attentive service, great value for money, and convenient transportation. Budget: Xichang Koala Hostel, affordable, good atmosphere, suitable for solo travelers or budget-conscious tourists.