On the Jialing River in northeast Sichuan, Nanchong is an old silk-producing city steeped in Three Kingdoms history — and the gateway to the beautifully preserved ancient town of Langzhong.
History & culture
A 2,000-year-old prefecture and a noted source of silk, Nanchong was tied to the Three Kingdoms era, claiming links to the strategist Zhuge Liang's allies and to the historian Chen Shou, author of the Records of the Three Kingdoms.
What to see & do
- ◆Langzhong Ancient City (see the dedicated guide)
- ◆Linggu Temple and Jialing River scenery
- ◆Three Kingdoms cultural sites
- ◆Zhang Lan's former residence
- ◆Silk museums and workshops
What to eat
- ●Langzhong-style steamed beef and vinegar dishes
- ●Sichuan spicy noodles
- ●River fish
Getting there
Nanchong has an airport and high-speed rail (Nanchong North) ~1h from Chengdu; Langzhong is a short further hop by train or road.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Most visitors really come for Langzhong — see that guide and consider basing there.
- City sights are modest; treat Nanchong as a hub.
- Summers are hot and humid in the river basin.
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