Capital of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southern Sichuan, sunny Xichang is the 'Moon City' beside lovely Qionghai Lake, the heart of Yi-minority culture, and home to a famous satellite launch centre.
History & culture
A high, mild plateau town long inhabited by the Yi people, Xichang preserves a distinctive Yi heritage of festivals and dress, and in the modern era became one of China's main spaceflight launch sites.
What to see & do
- ◆Qionghai Lake and lakeside wetlands
- ◆Lushan Mountain temples above the lake
- ◆Liangshan Yi Slave Society Museum
- ◆The Torch Festival (summer) — a Yi highlight
- ◆Xichang Satellite Launch Center (regional tours)
What to eat
- ●Yi-style 'tuotuo' chunked meat
- ●Buckwheat cakes and sour soup
- ●Qionghai lake fish and barbecue
Getting there
Xichang has an airport and rail links along the Chengdu–Kunming line; the lake and town are easy to reach, sights around need transport.
Avoid the pitfalls
- It sits at ~1,500 m with strong high-altitude sun — sunscreen is essential.
- The Torch Festival is spectacular but packs hotels; book far ahead.
- Respect Yi customs and ask before photographing people in traditional dress.
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