Winter Travel Guide to Qionghai

In the winter, the Sichuan Basin is typically cold, damp, and often shrouded in smog. In contrast, Xichang, located in the southern part of the western Sichuan Plateau, feels like a different world altogether. With 20℃ winter sunshine, the breeze from Qionghai Lake, and wintering seagulls, this kind of winter is simply irresistible. If you also want to visit Xichang, make sure to keep this winter travel guide handy! Recommended Itinerary DAY 1: Arrival in Xichang [Route] From other places to Xichang If you plan to watch the sunrise over Qionghai Lake, it is recommended to stay near the Moonlight Town. For those with higher accommodation standards, the Qionghai Hotel is a good choice. DAY 2: Watch the Sunrise and Sunset Morning: Moonlight Town - Lushan Guangfu Temple Diaoyutai - Qionghai Hotel - Moonlight Town - Qionghai Park are great spots to watch the sunrise, with convenient dining and lodging options nearby. The best time to feed the seagulls is around sunrise. You can take a boat out to feed the seagulls; remember to bring some bread or biscuits. Afternoon: Qionghai Park - Silver Scale Beach - Dashiban Ancient Village - Golden Scale Beach/Moon Bay After lunch, head from Moonlight Town to Silver Scale Beach. The west coast of Qionghai Lake is the most beautiful section of the lakeside road. After reaching Silver Scale Beach, take a bus to Dashiban Ancient Village. If you are not physically fit, you can take a bus to your destination or rent an electric bike to ride around the lake. Dashiban Ancient Village is a popular spot in Xichang, famous for Lingying Temple, which is perfect for girls to take Yi ethnic style photos. After visiting Dashiban Ancient Village, head to Golden Scale Beach to watch the sunset. Note that getting off at Qinglong Temple is closer to Golden Scale Beach. Golden Scale Beach is a popular spot for watching the sunset. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can go to the lakeside bus stops at Rose Mountain, Linhu Villa, or Moon Bay. Be mindful of the last bus time. Evening: Tang Garden - Jianchang Ancient City After dinner, head to Jianchang Ancient City or Tang Garden. Both places feature ancient-style architecture. Jianchang Ancient City is larger but still under construction in many areas. Tang Garden is smaller but looks beautiful at night. DAY 3: Explore Qionghai Wetland [Route] Bird Island Wetland Park - Dream Water Town Wetland - Misty Egret Island Wetland - Xiaoyucun Pier Bird Island Wetland Park is a great place to feed seagulls and watch the sunrise. You need to scan the "Love Xichang" QR code to enter. Then, walk or bike along the north shore of Qionghai Lake, enjoying the wetland scenery along the way, and play near Xiaoyucun Pier. If you need to return, make sure to leave enough time. If you have more time, you can also visit the satellite launch base, Luoji Mountain Scenic Area, or Luoji Mountain Ninety-Nine Mile Hot Springs near Xichang.