Watertown Pastoral · Poetic Pingchang

Bazhong City, Pingchang County — a model of watertown pastoral charm in northeastern Sichuan, boasting distinctive scenic areas including Sima Watertown and Fotou Mountain. A 2-day-1-night itinerary exploring wetland parks, ascending a Buddhist mountain, and visiting a thousand-year-old ancient town to experience the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture.

Sima Watertown
National Wetland Park
Fotou Mountain
Buddhist Sacred Site
Jiangkou Green Eel
National Geographical Indication
950,000
Population
Sima Watertown Landscape in Pingchang County
Sima Watertown Scenery, Pingchang County
Sima Watertown National Wetland Park in Pingchang County, with crisscrossing waterways and picturesque pastoral scenes, showcasing the unique charm of northeastern Sichuan watertown culture

Pingchang County 2-Day Watertown Pastoral Journey

Wetland scenery + Buddhist culture + ancient town charm, experience the unique allure of Pingchang

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Sima Watertown, Fotou Mountain, Baiyi Ancient Town, Baling Terrace
Suitable For
Nature lovers, cultural explorers, photography enthusiasts, families with children
Per Capita Budget
¥300-¥550
01
Watertown Scenery Experience
Wetland Park and Buddhist Mountain
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day natural and cultural experience.

Attraction Arrangements
Sima Watertown
A National Wetland Park and model watertown of northeastern Sichuan, featuring crisscrossing waterways and picturesque pastoral scenes. Visitors can enjoy boating, birdwatching, wetland science education, and farming culture experiences.
Fotou Mountain Forest Park
A national 4A-level scenic area, renowned for its natural giant Buddha-head rock formation. With majestic mountain scenery and spectacular sea of clouds, it is known as the "Little Mount Emei of Northeastern Sichuan," representing a perfect fusion of Buddhist culture and natural landscapes.
Liu Bojian Memorial Hall
A themed museum commemorating the proletarian revolutionary Liu Bojian, showcasing his life story and revolutionary spirit. It serves as a National Patriotism Education Base.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Bring sun protection for watertown boat rides
  • Wear comfortable shoes for mountain climbing
  • Respect religious customs
  • Prepare drinking water
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Watertown characteristic homestays
  • Fotou Mountain resort hotels
  • County business hotels
02
Ancient Town Culture Exploration
Millennium Ancient Town and Geological Wonders
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day ancient town and geological experience.

Attraction Arrangements
Baiyi Ancient Town
A famous historical and cultural town in China, first built during the Qin and Han Dynasties. It preserves Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural complexes and flagstone streets, renowned for the "Three Wonders of Baiyi" — ancient wells, ancient trees, and ancient archways.
Baling Terrace
A provincial-level scenic area featuring typical karst landform landscapes with uniquely shaped mountains and densely distributed karst caves. From the summit, visitors can overlook the Qu River scenery and pastoral landscapes.
Ancient Town Hanlin Courtyard
A representative ancient building in Baiyi Ancient Town, the former residence of Wu Depu, a Hanlin Academy scholar of the Qing Dynasty. With exquisite architecture and ornate carvings, it embodies the traditional folk residential architectural style of northeastern Sichuan.
Practical Information
Special Experiences
  • Watertown cycling
  • Ancient town photography
  • Local cuisine tasting
  • Folk culture learning
Return Journey Suggestions
  • Purchase Pingchang specialty products
  • Taste Jiangkou Green Eel
  • Organize travel mementos
  • Reserve time for the return trip

Pingchang County Must-Try Foods

Jiangkou Green Eel

A National Geographical Indication product, a rare fish species grown in the deep waters of the Ba River. With tender meat and rich nutrition, it can be prepared as steamed, braised, or sour vegetable fish.

Pingchang Spicy Chicken

A local specialty dish prepared with free-range chicken and secret spicy seasonings. The meat is tender with a spicy, fresh, and aromatic flavor — an excellent dish to accompany drinks and meals.

Baiyi Fried Fish

A characteristic delicacy of the ancient town, made by coating small river fish in flour and deep-frying until golden. The exterior is crispy and the interior tender, served with a special dipping sauce for a unique flavor.

Bayberry Wine

A Pingchang specialty fruit wine brewed from high-mountain bayberries through fermentation. With a rosy hue and sweet-and-sour taste, it has the effect of stimulating appetite and aiding digestion.

Pingchang County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
  • April-June: Watertown scenery at its most beautiful
  • September-November: Crisp autumn air, best for mountain climbing
  • Avoid the rainy season in July-August
  • Winter: Experience the ancient town's New Year atmosphere
Travel Suggestions
  • Day 1: Explore the watertown, ascend Fotou Mountain in the afternoon
  • Day 2: Visit Baiyi Ancient Town, tour Baling Terrace in the afternoon
  • Experience watertown cycling and ancient town strolling
  • Taste Jiangkou Green Eel and Spicy Chicken
Practical Information
  • Pay attention to safety when playing in the watertown
  • Protect historical buildings in the ancient town
  • Purchase specialty products from authorized vendors
  • Keep personal belongings safe
Transportation Guide
  • Bazhong Enyang Airport to Pingchang: about 1 hour
  • Dazhou Railway Station to Pingchang: about 1.5 hours
  • Tourist shuttles are available from the county seat to various scenic spots
  • Self-driving or chartered car is recommended between scenic spots

Explore Tourism in Bazhong City Counties and Districts