A distinctive southern-Sichuan city, Zigong made its fortune on ancient salt-well engineering, sits on one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds, and dazzles every winter with a spectacular lantern festival.
History & culture
For nearly two millennia Zigong drilled astonishingly deep brine wells — including a 1,000-metre Qing-era well — powering a salt industry whose wealth built guild halls and a tradition of giant festival lanterns.
What to see & do
- ◆Zigong Dinosaur Museum on a fossil 'graveyard'
- ◆Shenhai Well, a 1,000m Qing salt well
- ◆Salt Industry History Museum in a guild hall
- ◆The winter Zigong Lantern Festival
- ◆Xiqin Guild Hall architecture
What to eat
- ●Zigong 'small-fry' rabbit and cold rabbit
- ●Salt-gang spicy beef dishes
- ●Fiery Sichuan home cooking
Getting there
High-speed rail (Zigong) connects to Chengdu and Chongqing in around an hour; sights are within and around the city.
Avoid the pitfalls
- The Lantern Festival (around Spring Festival) is the big draw — book ahead if visiting then.
- Zigong food is famously among Sichuan's spiciest; pace yourself.
- The dinosaur museum is slightly outside the centre; plan transport.
Planning a trip around Zigong? Our AI itinerary planner is on the way.
Explore more on the map