Nanchong Gaoping: An Overlooked Treasure Trove of Scenic Beauty and Authentic Cuisine

When it comes to Nanchong, people often think of Langzhong Ancient Town first and foremost. However,[...]

When it comes to Nanchong, people often think of Langzhong Ancient Town first and foremost. However, Nanchong is not only home to Langzhong Ancient Town but also to Gaoping District, which combines ancient towns, fairy mountains, wetlands, specialty cuisines, and local snacks. While Langzhong Ancient Town is world-renowned, the scenery of Nanchong Gaoping is more understated yet culturally charming. With an European-style wetland park, an authentic ancient town, and a Taoist fairy mountain with unique geomancy, Gaoping, the gateway to the city, is full of vitality. Hidden within Nanchong Gaoping District are three captivating travel destinations and three authentic Nanchong cuisines that leave a lasting impression.

Nanchong, a city of the soul, is the economic center of Northeast Sichuan and also a new city of silk along the Jialing River. Gaoping District, in particular, is an area in Nanchong city that is rich in historical and cultural charm. Gaoping has been known as Guozhou since ancient times and is famous as the ‘Land of Fish and Rice,’ ‘Land of Citrus,’ and ‘Land of Silk’ in Northern Sichuan.

Impression Jialing River Wetland Park: A European-like Experience, Perfect for Photography
Feel the unique winter atmosphere. In Nanchong Gaoping District, there is a wetland park that is a treasure trove. You can enjoy the surging Jialing River, admire the beautiful Xiazhongba Jialing River Bridge, and see the waterfowl. This is the Impression Jialing River Wetland Park. Reeds sway with the wind along the riverbank, fishing boats move forward with the waves. On the left bank are high-rise buildings, and on the right is a colorful wetland park.

The Jialing River, originating from Feng County in Shaanxi, flows through Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, and Chongqing. The Nanchong section is in the middle reaches, starting from Langzhong City and ending in Jialing District. This area has many meandering streams, diverse landscapes, and interwoven attractions. The Impression Jialing River Wetland Park is one of the larger riverside parks in Sichuan, offering fitness trails and opportunities to enjoy redwoods, elk, waterfowl, and river views. Undoubtedly, this wetland park has naturally become the favorite leisure travel destination for the people of Nanchong Gaoping District.

As autumn turns to winter, the banks of the Jialing River gradually become quiet. Only a few fishing boats move forward occasionally. The tranquil riverside has a riverside dining bar filled with a rich atmosphere of life. On the other side is the financial center of Northeast Sichuan, with towering buildings, reflecting the rapid economic development of Nanchong. A two-part arc-shaped long bridge spans the Jialing River, outlining a ‘little Europe’ style of beautiful scenery. If you come here at sunrise or sunset, take a walk, and watch as the pink glow of the dawn or the afterglow covers your face. The extremely gentle and romantic scenery makes you feel as if you are in a European and American urban movie.

Yunshan Scenic Area: China’s Most Beautiful Hilly Secret and Eastern Feng Shui Treasure Land?
Nanchong Lingyun Mountain, with its unique geographical features of the Azure Dragon to the left, the White Tiger to the right, the Vermilion Bird in front, and the Black Tortoise behind, is a wonder that fits ancient Chinese geomancy and astronomy. It can be considered a rare living specimen in the study of Eastern geomancy and geography.

Lingyun Mountain has layers of mountains and forests, with tens of thousands of acres of pine and cypress trees that remain lush and green all year round. Clouds and mist surround the peaks. The lake water at the foot of the mountain ripples, and the sound of ancient temple bells can be heard from the mountains. The scenery is beautiful, the climate is pleasant, and it is unparalleled in the world.

Hiking this ‘China’s Most Beautiful Hilly Secret’ Lingyun Mountain, you enter a natural forest oxygen bar. You can cleanse the complexities of body and mind and pay homage to the Sanqing Hall. Taoist temples and Buddhist statues coexist on the same mountain, fully displaying the harmony of Taoist natural laws. At the mid-mountain, you can also experience a glass bridge, overlooking the quiet beauty of Lingyun Mountain. You can also see the spectacle of ‘Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl’.

Longmen Ancient Town: The ‘Little Hong Kong’ of Yesteryear and the Origin of the Carp Jumping Over the Dragon Gate
Legend has it that the origin of the Carp Jumping Over the Dragon Gate is in Longmen Ancient Town, Nanchong Gaoping District. It is one of the three major ancient towns in Nanchong, with