Tucked into the mountains of far northeast Sichuan, Bazhong is an off-the-beaten-path prefecture known for its exquisite Tang-dynasty cliff Buddhist carvings and for an important place in 1930s revolutionary history.
History & culture
On an old route through the Daba Mountains, Bazhong holds the colourful Nankan and Shuining cliff grottoes carved over a thousand years ago, and later became a major base area during the Red Army era.
What to see & do
- ◆Nankan cliff grottoes' painted statues
- ◆Guangwu Mountain's red-rock and autumn colour
- ◆Nuoshui River karst caves
- ◆Red Army cultural sites and memorials
- ◆Enyang ancient town
What to eat
- ●Bazhong-style cured pork and sausages
- ●Mountain konjac and bean dishes
- ●Spicy Sichuan country cooking
Getting there
High-speed/normal rail and expressways connect Bazhong toward Chengdu and Chongqing; mountain sights need a car.
Avoid the pitfalls
- It's remote and little-visited — minimal English and tourist polish.
- Guangwu Mountain is best for autumn colour but gets busy then.
- Mountain roads are slow; build in travel time.
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