Zigong travel guide

Zigong (Chinese: 自贡, tsih-kung), formed by the merger of the two former towns of Ziliujing (Tzuliuching, literally "self-flow well") and Gongjing (Kungching, literally "offering well"), is a prefecture-level city in Sichuan, Southwestern China.

Zigong has long been known as one of China’s major salt-producing centers. The area began developing its salt industry as early as the Han Dynasty (c. 2nd century BCE–2nd century CE, China’s Han period), when natural brine wells were first recorded in the region. By the Tang and Song Dynasties (c. 7th–13th century CE, China’s Tang–Song period), Zigong had grown into an important hub for salt extraction and trade across Sichuan. During the Ming and Qing periods (c. 14th–19th century CE, China’s Ming–Qing period), the city reached the height of its prosperity.

Getting in

Bus to Zigong are available from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. There are 8 buses per day, including 6 standard-class buses and 2 business class coaches. The fare for the standard-class buses is ¥87 and the fare for the business-class buses is ¥120. The journey time is approximately 3 hours.

Getting around

Taxis and buses are available. Buses are the cheapest way to get around and they are a fun way to explore this city. Many routes drive along the riverside. However, maybe the best way to get around is to go mostly by foot, since you can only really see the beauty of this small city when you enjoy it from the closest point of view with the locals.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.