Mianyang

Known as "Science City," this northwestern Sichuan city offers Li Bai's hometown, the Qiang City of Beichuan and the Baima Tibetan culture of Pingwu, each with its own character.

Mianyang lies in the northwestern Sichuan Basin, with the Fujiang River flowing through it and the Longmen and Min mountains rising in the northwest. It is known as China's Science City. Highlights include Li Bai's hometown and Doutuan Mountain in Jiangyou, the Qiang City and earthquake ruins in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, and Baoen Temple, Baima Tibetan villages and Wanglang Nature Reserve in Pingwu County. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with rich colors in the mountains in fall. Mianyang Nanjiao Airport and high-speed rail connect to Chengdu, about an hour away.

Destinations

• Jiangyou & Beichuan
• Pingwu, Baima & Wanglang

Itineraries

• Jiuzhaigou East Loop & Zoigê-Hongyuan Grassland – Enter Jiuzhaigou from the east via the Jiumian Expressway, and return to Chengdu via Huanglong, Zoigê, Hongyuan, and Da…