How to have fun in Zigong? This "salty" guide takes you to explore the "Dragon Palace" and the sea of lights!
When it comes to Zigong, it’s definitely more interesting than you imagine! It’s not just an industrial city known for "salt"; it’s truly the "Hometown of Dinosaurs" and the "Southern Lantern City." The last time I visited, it felt like traveling through time—one moment back to the Jurassic, the next stepping into the dreamlike world of Spirited Away. Now, let me share my travel tips with you to make sure you have a clear and fun experience!
First stop: A must-visit! The breathtaking "Dinosaur Nest"
Starting in Zigong, the first stop has to be the Zigong Dinosaur Museum. I dare say it’s one of the most impressive dinosaur museums in the country. Why? Because it’s built right on the "Dashanpu" site where a large number of dinosaur fossils were discovered, known as the "Dinosaur Cemetery"! When you enter the main exhibition hall, you don’t just see bones on shelves—you see a huge excavation site with those massive fossils lying exactly as they were found in the rock. The visual impact is incredible!
You’ll feel like an archaeologist witnessing history from hundreds of millions of years ago. The dinosaur skeletons are so complete it’s astonishing, especially the museum’s treasure—the "Tianfu Emeilong"—with such a long neck that looking up at it makes your neck ache. Whether you bring kids or you’re a big kid yourself, this place will excite you to no end. Be sure to spend plenty of time here to fully appreciate and take amazing photos!
Second stop: The highlight after dark! Enter the dazzling lantern festival wonderland
Zigong’s lantern festival is famous far and wide! But I’ll tell you, you don’t have to wait for the New Year; at the China Lantern World, you can enjoy this visual feast almost year-round. I went at night, and as soon as I entered, I was stunned! This isn’t just about looking at lanterns—it’s like stepping into a mythical world created by lights.
All the lanterns aren’t simple "rabbit lanterns" or "lotus lanterns"; they’re giant, themed art installations. There are majestic palaces, swimming whales, entire glowing and color-changing "forests," and even mythical beasts from the Classic of Mountains and Seas brought back to life. The combination of lights, music, and shapes is seamless. Walking through, you’ll keep saying "wow," and your phone and camera won’t stop clicking. Trust me, daytime Zigong and nighttime Zigong are like two different cities! This is money well spent!
Third stop: Discover the wisdom behind the "Millennium Salt Capital"
Zigong’s name includes "salt," and its salt industry history is remarkable. If you don’t visit the Zigong Salt Industry History Museum, you haven’t truly understood the city. The museum itself is housed in an ancient building called the Xiqin Guild Hall, with beautifully carved beams and painted rafters, full of character.
Inside, it shows how deep wells were drilled and how brine was extracted and salt was made in ancient times. What amazed me most was the "Zhuotong Well" technology, which used a drilling method to reach underground thousands of meters deep—ancient black technology! Seeing those complex tools, you’ll sincerely admire the wisdom of the ancients. After learning this history, you’ll appreciate Zigong even more.
About food: A paradise for spice lovers!
When it comes to food, Zigong cuisine belongs to the "Xiaohebang" style of Sichuan cuisine, characterized by one word—bold! Fiercely spicy and authentically fresh.
· Cold-eaten Rabbit: This is definitely Zigong’s culinary signature! The rabbit meat is stir-fried until dry and fragrant, soaked in bright red chili and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s spicy, numbing, fresh, and chewy—an excellent top-tier snack and perfect with drinks. Vacuum-packed versions make great gifts.
· Jumping Frog/Fresh Pot Rabbit: If you prefer a more tender texture, you must try fresh pot rabbit or jumping frog. Served in a big bowl topped with fresh chili and young ginger, the aroma is irresistible. The frog and rabbit meat are so tender they melt in your mouth, and the broth is perfect for mixing with rice—I can eat three bowls!
· Dan Dan Noodles and Wontons: These classic Sichuan snacks also have very authentic versions in Zigong. Have a bowl in the morning to energize your whole day.
Practical tips:
1. Best time: You can visit year-round. But if you want to see a large-scale traditional lantern festival, it’s best around the Spring Festival when the atmosphere is strongest. Otherwise, just avoid extreme heat and heavy rain seasons.
2. Itinerary: Recommended for 2 days. Day 1: Dinosaur Museum during the day, Lantern World at night; Day 2: Salt Industry History Museum in the morning, then stroll around the city and find delicious food in the afternoon.
3. Transportation: Taking taxis or using ride-hailing apps in Zigong is very convenient, and the distances between attractions aren’t too far.
Zigong is a place full of multiple surprises. It has the grandeur of ancient times, the depth of history, the brilliance of modern lights, and the fiery flavors on your palate. Get your stomach and camera ready for a "salty, spicy, fresh, and fragrant" journey through time in Zigong! I guarantee you’ll keep thinking about it after you return!