Things To Do
in Meishan
Meishan is a mid-sized city in Sichuan province known for its agricultural plain, tea gardens and strong ties to Song-dynasty poet-official Su Dongpo (Su Shi). The city blends traditional Sichuan culture with modest urban development, offering quiet parks, temples and local markets rather than mass tourism. Meishan's location makes it a practical base for day trips to Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha while retaining an authentic small-city feel.
Visitors find good Sichuan food, friendly locals and easy access to rural landscapes and historic sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Meishan Ancient Town, where you can stroll along cobblestone streets lined with traditional architecture. Stop by the local market to sample freshly made dumplings and buy some local handicrafts. Don't forget to snap photos of the iconic ancient buildings that tell the rich history of the region.
In the afternoon, visit the Meishan Museum to delve deeper into the city's cultural heritage and learn about its significance during the Tang Dynasty. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the scenic gardens of the nearby Confucius Temple, surrounded by tranquil ponds and lush greenery. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse to experience the local tea culture.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to savor authentic Sichuan cuisine, especially the famous hot pot. After dinner, take a night stroll along the riverfront where you can enjoy the illuminated views of the ancient town. Consider attending a local performance showcasing traditional music or dance to immerse yourself in the local arts.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike through the lush trails of Meishan’s scenic parks, such as the beautiful Qinglong Lake Park. The serene atmosphere and vibrant flora make it an ideal spot for photography and nature appreciation. Be sure to bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy amidst the natural beauty.
After your hike, relax at the park's serene lake, where you can rent a paddleboat for a leisurely exploration of the tranquil waters. Spend the afternoon enjoying the fresh air and perhaps engaging with locals who frequent the park for their afternoon exercises. Capture the picturesque scenery as you stroll along the well-maintained paths.
As evening approaches, return to the town and visit a local night market to experience the vibrant street food scene. Sample various snacks, from spicy skewers to sweet pastries, while mingling with locals and other travelers. Conclude your day by enjoying a street performance or a local musician playing traditional instruments.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea in a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.80 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Sichuan culture and cuisine with fewer tourists
- Affordable prices and easy access to nature and tea plantations
- Close enough to Mount Emei and Leshan for day trips
- Friendly local communities and relaxed pace
- Limited international transport and fewer English services
- Less developed tourist infrastructure compared with Chengdu
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers
- Summer humidity and frequent rain can hinder outdoor plans
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "对不起/打扰一下 (Duìbuqǐ / Dǎrǎo yíxià)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "这多少钱?(Zhè duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "卫生间在哪里?(Wèishēngjiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Meishan
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic architecture, statuary and landscaped gardens centered on Su Dongpo’s legacy — good for cultural portraits and details.
Vibrant street scenes, food stalls, colorful produce and everyday life — excellent for candid and food photography.
Sweeping green terraces and tea pickers in the morning light make for classic rural Sichuan shots.
Soft light at dawn and dusk along local rivers and parks; reflections and fishing boats add atmosphere.
Food in Meishan
Meishan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Sichuan classic — sliced pork belly stir-fried with leeks and spicy bean paste; widely available in family-run restaurants and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Soft tofu in a spicy, savory sauce with minced pork and Sichuan peppercorn; look for versions at casual restaurants and school-canteen-style diners.
Meishan is near tea-growing areas; try locally brewed tea and tea-infused snacks at teahouses and plantation stalls.
A slow-braised pork dish associated with Su Dongpo that you can find at some local restaurants and cultural-area eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening stalls selling spicy skewers (chuan), steaming noodles, douhua (tofu pudding) and sweets; day markets offer fresh produce, snacks and local pickles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Address and give priority to older people in seating and greetings; modest and polite behavior is valued.
Use chopsticks correctly (don’t stick them upright in rice), avoid pointing or gesturing aggressively, and expect shared plates — wait for the host to start if invited.
Present business cards with both hands, accept items politely, and avoid sensitive political topics; a modest tone is preferred.
Polite bargaining is fine at markets and small shops but not in supermarkets or fixed-price stores.
Safety
Tipping in Meishan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants, taxis or shops; small tips may be appreciated in upscale international hotels or by private guides, but are not required.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate; many small vendors accept cash (RMB - yuan). International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but less often at small eateries and markets — carry some cash or set up mobile payment if possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make this a pleasant time for outdoor walks and tea-plantation views; occasional rain — bring a light jacket and umbrella.
Hot, humid and often rainy (June–August). Expect afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity; wear breathable clothing, stay hydrated and plan indoor activities in the hottest hours.
Clearer skies and comfortable temperatures — one of the best times to visit for hiking and photography as humidity drops and visibility improves.
Cool, damp winters with temperatures rarely far below freezing; layering is useful. Snow is uncommon on the plain but possible in nearby highland areas.
Meishan at Night
Hiking in Meishan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains with a range of trails, temples and scenic viewpoints; allow a full day or overnight for best experience.
Local footpaths through tea terraces where you can hike short routes, interact with pickers in season and photograph rolling green landscapes.
Several smaller hills and municipal park trails around Meishan provide easy to moderate hikes with city views and natural scenery.
Airports
How to reach Meishan by plane.
Major international airport serving the Chengdu region; roughly 1.5–2 hours by road to Meishan depending on traffic — frequent shuttle buses and highway connections available.
Former primary Chengdu airport with many domestic and regional flights; about 1.5–2 hours by car or coach to Meishan and connected by intercity buses and trains to Chengdu city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of residents are Han Chinese, with local customs and dialectal influences typical of the Sichuan Basin.
A visible population of older adults with strong ties to rural life, agriculture and traditional practices.
Younger people from surrounding counties often move to Meishan for work or study, contributing to a modestly diverse urban workforce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular at schools and community courts; pick-up games are common in parks and open spaces.
Indoor racquet sports are widely played in community centers and sports halls across the city.
Outdoor fitness like hiking in nearby hills and morning Tai Chi in parks are common among all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Meishan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, noodles), but many dishes use meat-based broths or fermented bean pastes; specify 'wo bu chi rou' (I don't eat meat) and 'bu yong la' (no spice) if needed, and check for hidden meat stock.
More challenging because of use of animal broths and lard; seek out Buddhist vegetarian restaurants or explain requirements clearly — pointing and using translation apps helps.
Dedicated halal restaurants are limited; for strict halal needs, plan ahead or use Chengdu for more options, although local Muslim-owned eateries may be available in larger nearby towns.