Things To Do
in Zigong
Zigong is a prefecture-level city in Sichuan Province known for its salt history, lantern culture, and dinosaur fossils. It sits in the Chengdu Plain south of Chengdu, blending traditional crafts with modern development. The city hosts one of China's most famous lantern festivals and offers a flavorful Sichuan culinary scene.
Visitors can explore museums, markets, and scenic mountain trails that surround this industrious city.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, where you can marvel at the impressive fossil displays. Learn about the significance of the region in paleontology as you wander through the exhibits. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring traditional dishes such as jianbing and soy milk.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Zigong, where ancient architecture tells the story of the city's rich past. Visit the Zigong Confucius Temple, which is a serene place for reflection and offers beautiful traditional architecture. Stop by local shops to pick up unique souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
As evening approaches, head to the Zigong Lantern Festival Park, where colorful lanterns illuminate the night sky. Enjoy the mesmerizing displays and participate in cultural performances that celebrate the local heritage. Wrap up your day with dinner at a restaurant, indulging in Zigong's famous spicy hot pot.
Begin your morning with a guided tour of the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, one of the largest of its kind in China. Listen attentively to your guide as they share fascinating insights about the dinosaur fossils discovered in the region. Capture pictures of the life-sized dinosaur replicas that populate the museum grounds.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby dinosaur excavation sites where paleontologists are still uncovering new fossils. Engage with scientists and learn about the ongoing research and the history of the area’s prehistoric inhabitants. Return to the city for a late lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes crafted with fresh, regional ingredients.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Zigong Night Market, a bustling hub filled with local food stalls and crafts. Sample a variety of street foods, from skewered meats to sweet desserts, while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Cap off the night with a traditional Chinese tea experience at a local teahouse.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Cup of tea or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🏨1-night midrange hotel | $40-80 |
| 🚆Local transit ride | $0.5-2 |
| 🧁Street snack | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich salt history and lantern culture
- Impressive Dinosaur Museum
- Affordable food and lodging
- Compact city easy to explore on foot
- Language barrier outside tourist zones
- Limited international flight connections
- Some attractions require travel outside the city
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪儿？(Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎr?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "可以刷卡吗？(Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Do you accept credit cards?
- "没关系 (Méi guānxi)" - It's okay / no problem
Places to Visit in Zigong
Visit one of these nice places.
A city plaza famed for luminous lantern displays, especially striking at night.
Industrial-era architecture and salt-well inspired design—photogenic for architecture lovers.
Indoor fossil galleries and outdoor sculpture grounds ideal for wide shots and portraits.
Food in Zigong
Zigong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing chili-bean sauce, a Sichuan classic.
Must-Try!
Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, chilies, and a balanced sweet-sour glaze.
Fish fillets simmered in hot, chili-laden oil with Sichuan peppercorns.
A traditional dish influenced by Zigong’s salt heritage, pairing preserved greens with pork.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market area with stalls selling skewers, dumplings, and local snacks.
An evening market offering grilled meats, steamed buns, and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stand in line, greet with a nod or brief greeting, and avoid loud behavior in public places.
Use both hands to pass dishes when sharing; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
Safety
Tipping in Zigong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Chinese restaurants; exceptional service may be rewarded at the customer’s discretion.
Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted in shops, markets, and restaurants; credit cards are less common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with frequent afternoon rain; stay hydrated and seek shade during peak heat.
Pleasant temperatures and golden light; comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Mild weather and blooming landscapes; great for market strolls and photography.
Cool to mild; snowfall is rare but evenings can be chilly; pack a warm jacket.
Zigong at Night
Hiking in Zigong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby hillside trail with forested paths and city views.
Airports
How to reach Zigong by plane.
Major gateway for international and domestic flights; approximately 2-3 hours by road to Zigong.
Another major hub with wide connections; longer drive to Zigong than Chengdu.
Newer airport serving many domestic and international routes; access to Zigong by road/train.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in Zigong.
Smaller populations of other groups such as Yi or Hui residents, depending on town proximity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in schools and city leagues; recreational courts are common.
A common pastime and sport with local clubs and venues.
Widely played in parks and recreation centers.
Common among youth and local clubs; outdoor pitches are widely available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zigong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Sichuan dishes can be made vegetarian by requesting tofu or vegetables with no meat; watch for meat-based broths and clarified stocks.