Sunshine City · Vanadium-Titanium Capital · Wellness Resort

Panzhihua City, Sichuan — China's famous Sunshine City, a treasure trove of vanadium-titanium resources, and home to the Ertan Hydropower Station. Experience sunshine wellness, admire natural scenery, and feel the charm of industrial tourism.

7,400 km²
Area
Sunshine City
Wellness Brand
2,700 Hours
Avg. Annual Sunshine
1.21 Million
Population

Panzhihua City Four Days Three Nights Sunshine Wellness Tour

Visit Sunshine City Panzhihua, experience the magnificent Ertan Hydropower Station, explore the Gesala ecological wonderland, and enjoy the Hongge hot spring wellness

Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Ertan Hydropower Station, Gesala Ecological Area, Zhuanxu Dragon Cave, Hongge Hot Spring
Target Audience
Wellness Enthusiasts, Nature Photography, Industrial Tourism, Families
Per Capita Budget
¥1,500–¥2,800
01
Industrial Tourism Experience
Ertan Hydropower Station Visit
Highlights

Full day visiting Ertan Hydropower Station and learning about hydropower engineering

Attractions
Ertan Hydropower Station
The largest hydropower station built and commissioned in 20th-century China. The magnificent dam and power generation units showcase the great achievements of human engineering technology.
Ertan National Forest Park
A national forest park centered around the Ertan Hydropower Station reservoir, where lake and mountain scenery complement each other — an ideal place for sightseeing and leisure.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Ertan Hotel
  • Yanbian County hotels
  • Characteristic B&Bs
Dining Recommendations
  • Yanbian Mutton Rice Noodles
  • Wild Mushroom Hot Pot
  • Jinsha River Fresh Fish
  • Mango Desserts
Travel Tips
  • Book visits in advance
  • Pay attention to safety notices
  • Sun protection & UV shielding
  • Bring camera equipment
02
Ecological Wonderland Exploration
Gesala Ecological Tourism Area
Highlights

Full day exploring Gesala, experiencing pristine ecology

Attractions
Gesala Ecological Tourism Area
Known as a "Natural Geological Museum", featuring pristine forests, alpine meadows, sinkholes, and other unique geological landscapes — an excellent choice for ecological tourism.
Green Stone Forest Scenic Area
The core scenic area of Gesala, where unique limestone formations are covered with green vegetation, creating a distinctive natural landscape.
Practical Info
Hiking Suggestions
  • Choose suitable routes
  • Prepare hiking gear
  • Watch for altitude sickness
  • Bring sufficient drinking water
Photography Tips
  • Geological wonder photography
  • Pristine forest landscapes
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Starry sky photography
03
Karst Wonder Exploration
Zhuanxu Dragon Cave
Highlights

Full day exploring Zhuanxu Dragon Cave, experiencing karst landforms

Attractions
Zhuanxu Dragon Cave
A significant karst cave in western China, featuring diverse stalactites and colorful lighting decorations, praised as an "Underground Wonder, Fairyland in the Cave".
Miyi Terraces
A distinctive agricultural landscape in Miyi County, with terraces built layer upon layer along the mountainside, offering different scenery in each season — a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Info
Visiting Suggestions
  • Bring warm clothing for the cave
  • Prepare anti-slip footwear
  • Bring photography equipment
  • Guided tour recommended
Special Experiences
  • Karst landform learning
  • Terrace photography
  • Farming culture experience
  • Ethnic minority customs
04
Sunshine Wellness Experience
Hongge Hot Spring & Return Trip
Highlights

Morning hot spring wellness experience, afternoon return trip

Attractions
Hongge Hot Spring
A famous hot spring wellness resort in Sichuan Province, with excellent water quality rich in various minerals, offering great healthcare and therapeutic value.
Panzhihua Third Front Construction Museum
An important venue showcasing Panzhihua's Third Front construction history, providing insight into the development and achievements of this industrial city.
Practical Info
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Allow sufficient time
  • Buy local specialties
  • Purchase wellness products
Shopping Recommendations
  • Panzhihua Mango
  • Matsutake Mushroom
  • Truffle
  • Pucui Inkstone
  • Specialty Fruits

Must-Try Foods in Panzhihua

Yanbian Mutton Rice Noodles

A Panzhihua specialty snack made with premium local mutton and silky rice noodles. The soup is fresh and nutritious — the top choice for breakfast.

Panzhihua Mango

A National Geographical Indication product, featuring tender pulp, sweet and juicy flavor, and excellent quality — deeply loved by consumers.

Wild Mushroom Hot Pot

A specialty hot pot made with rich wild mushrooms from the Panxi region, offering a delicious and unique flavor.

Jinsha River Fresh Fish

Fresh river fish from the Jinsha River, which can be prepared steamed, braised, and more. The meat is tender and the taste is delicious.

Panzhihua City Travel Tips
Best Seasons
  • Oct–Apr: Winter escape with abundant sunshine
  • May–Sep: Cool summer, ideal for escaping the heat
  • All year round: Spring-like climate year-round
Must-Do Experiences
  • Ertan Hydropower Station visit
  • Gesala ecological hiking
  • Zhuanxu Dragon Cave exploration
  • Hongge Hot Spring wellness
  • Mango picking and tasting
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Ertan ¥80 + Gesala ¥70 + Dragon Cave ¥60 ≈ ¥210
  • Accommodation: ¥300–¥800/night
  • Dining: ¥120–¥300/day
  • Transportation: ¥400–¥800
  • Total: ¥1,500–¥2,800
Travel Notes
  • Sun protection & UV shielding
  • Prepare clothing for all seasons (large temperature difference between day and night)
  • Respect ethnic minority customs
  • Taste local specialty fruits
  • Experience sunshine wellness programs