Things To Do
in Luzhou
Luzhou is a riverside city in southern Sichuan province known as one of China’s historic baijiu (strong distilled liquor) production centers. It sits where the Yangtze and Tuo rivers meet, giving the city a working waterfront, river views and a long trading history. Luzhou mixes industrial and agricultural landscapes with pockets of old streets, temple complexes and distillery museums that reflect its cultural identity.
The city is a practical gateway for exploring southern Sichuan and nearby Yunnan/Guizhou borderlands while offering authentic Sichuan food and lively local life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the ancient streets of Luzhou's historic center, where traditional architecture meets modern life. Visit the Luzhou Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of this fascinating city. Don’t miss the local market where you can sample fresh produce and handmade goods from local artisans.
After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the nearby Luzhou Confucius Temple, a serene place that showcases beautiful traditional Chinese architecture. Spend some time in the lush gardens surrounding the temple, contemplating the teachings of Confucius. As the afternoon light softens, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, enjoying the views of the Yangtze River.
For dinner, treat yourself to a traditional Sichuan hotpot experience at a local eatery, where you can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients. Afterward, head to a nearby tea house to unwind with a cup of local tea while enjoying live traditional music. Conclude your day by watching the sunset over the Yangtze River, painting the sky in vibrant hues.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Yangtze River. As you glide through the waters, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the bustling riverside life. The gentle breeze and the sound of water lapping against the boat make for a perfect start to your adventure.
After the cruise, disembark at a small fishing village to experience the local way of life. Engage with the villagers and learn about their fishing techniques and traditional crafts. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch by the riverside, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the river.
Return to Luzhou in the evening and explore the vibrant night market, where you can sample a variety of local street foods. Try some spicy snacks and sweets while mingling with locals and other travelers. End your evening with a stroll along the bustling streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍲Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $18-35 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a café | $2-5 |
| 🚕Typical short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong local food culture and authentic Sichuan cuisine
- Unique baijiu/distillery experiences and cultural heritage
- Affordable prices and authentic local life
- Riverside scenery and access to southern Sichuan day trips
- Less developed tourist infrastructure compared with major Chinese cities
- Language barrier for travelers who don’t speak Mandarin
- Hot, humid summers and a pronounced rainy season
- Fewer international flight options — may require transfers
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
- "我不吃肉 / 我是素食者 (Wǒ bù chī ròu / Wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I don't eat meat / I am vegetarian
- "可以便宜一点吗? (Kěyǐ piányi yīdiǎn ma?)" - Can it be cheaper?
- "请问洗手间在哪里? (Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Luzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic fermentation pits, traditional architecture and atmospheric warehouses — excellent for capturing cultural heritage and industrial scenes.
River views, bridges, boats and evening lights; ideal for sunrise/sunset river photography and candid shots of local life.
Narrow lanes, market stalls, and local vendors provide vibrant street photography opportunities showing everyday Luzhou life.
Modern bridges with dramatic lines and reflections — good for long-exposure shots at dusk.
Local parks and small hill viewpoints offer panoramas of the city, river and surrounding hills.
Food in Luzhou
Luzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The region’s famous strong distilled liquor; visit distillery tasting rooms and the baijiu museum to try different vintages and learn about the fermentation cellars.
Must-Try!
A must-try spicy communal meal — many Luzhou hotpot shops specialize in numbing Sichuan pepper and rich chili broth that pairs well with local meats and vegetables.
A classic Sichuan dish of fish poached in spicy chili oil and aromatics; expect bold heat and layers of flavor at local restaurants.
Popular street-food skewers (meats, tofu, vegetables) cooked in spicy broths or grilled with chili and cumin — convenient for on-the-go snacking at markets or night stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening stalls selling skewers, noodle soups, pancakes and small plates — great for sampling a variety of local street foods while enjoying river views.
Neighborhood wet markets where local vendors sell fresh vegetables, chilies, pickles and small snacks — good for seeing regional ingredients and cheap eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, modest behavior is appreciated; a simple nod or handshake is common in casual encounters. Address older people with respect and use formal language where appropriate.
Baijiu is culturally important; toasting and shared drinking are common. If you don't drink, a light sip and polite refusal is acceptable; avoid overly aggressive drinking games if you wish to decline.
If invited to a home, bring a small gift and be prepared to remove shoes if requested. When dining, wait for hosts to start and use shared-dish etiquette — chopsticks are used for serving in many places.
Keep voices at a moderate level in public spaces and be mindful when photographing people — ask permission when photographing close-up portraits, especially in rural or religious settings.
Safety
Tipping in Luzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread custom in Luzhou; service staff generally do not expect tips. In upscale hotels or tourist-oriented venues a small tip is appreciated but not required; for guide or driver services, a modest tip is common if service is excellent.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate urban transactions and are accepted widely; carry some cash for small markets or rural vendors. International cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but less so at smaller shops — bring a card plus enough local currency (RMB).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming greenery make spring pleasant for sightseeing; occasional rain showers appear, so pack a light rain jacket and umbrella.
Hot, humid and rainy — June to August brings the heaviest rainfall and high humidity; expect afternoon showers and dress for heat. Indoor attractions and river breezes offer relief; mosquitoes can be an issue in rural areas.
Often the most comfortable season with cooler, drier weather and clearer skies — excellent for outdoor activities, photography and touring distilleries.
Mild to cool winters (rarely very cold) with occasional fog and dampness; pack layers and a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. Heating can be variable in older buildings.
Luzhou at Night
Hiking in Luzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes up hills near the river offer panoramic views of the Yangtze and city skyline; ideal for half-day excursions and sunrise/sunset photography.
Explore nearby tea plantations and terraced farmland for gentle hikes, cultural encounters and landscape photography — often accessible by short car rides from the city.
Several regional parks and forested areas within driving distance provide longer hikes and more remote scenery; check local tourist information for recommended parks, access and trail conditions.
Airports
How to reach Luzhou by plane.
The regional airport serving Luzhou with domestic flights to major Chinese cities; ground transfer to the city center is typically by taxi or shuttle bus and takes around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Major international airports serving the Sichuan region; approximately 3–4 hours by road or a faster trip by high-speed rail plus local transfer — good options for international arrivals or flights with broader connections.
A nearby regional airport in Yibin (to the southeast) with domestic services; accessible by road and useful for regional connections or as an alternative routing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of Luzhou’s population is Han Chinese, shaping the city’s language (Mandarin/Sichuan dialects), cuisine and cultural practices.
There are smaller communities of ethnic minorities in the wider region (including groups such as Yi and Miao in the broader prefecture-level area), contributing to regional cultural diversity in surrounding rural areas.
Luzhou has industrial and distillery workers, agricultural communities and a mix of young urban professionals and older generations — giving the city a pragmatic, working-city character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A very popular recreational sport among young people and commonly played in parks, schools and community courts.
Widely played across ages as an indoor social sport, with local clubs and community tables available.
As a riverside city, traditional dragon-boat activities take place especially around festival times on the Yangtze and local rivers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Luzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but many dishes use meat-based broths or fish sauce. Ask for ‘bu yao rou’ (不要肉) and confirm broths are meat-free; order vegetable dishes, tofu and cold plates. Hotpot shops can accommodate vegetable-only pots but confirm the base.
Cross-contamination is common in busy kitchens; bring a translation card explaining allergies and request no seafood, peanuts or other allergens. Simple rice, steamed vegetables and some tofu dishes are safer choices.
Halal options are less common in Luzhou than in large cities; seek certified halal restaurants or stick to vegetarian dishes. Beef and lamb are available but confirm preparation if you avoid pork.