Neijiang City Guide: The Sweet City and Hometown of Master Zhang Daqian
Neijiang, known as the "Sweet City" for its sugar history, sits on the Tuojiang River in southeastern Sichuan. A vital transport hub connecting Chengdu and Chongqing, it offers a blend of rich culture as the hometown of artist Zhang Daqian, historic stone arches, and distinctively spicy "River and Lake" cuisine.
About Neijiang - City Guide & Travel Information
1.Introduction: The Sweet City of the Basin Neijiang is a vibrant prefecture-level city located in the southeastern part of the Sichuan Basin. Geographically, it is situated on the banks of the winding Tuojiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze. Due to its historical prominence in sugarcane planting and sugar production, Neijiang enjoys the beautiful reputation of being the "Sweet City" (Tian Cheng). It serves as a crucial transportation hub and a distribution center for materials in the region, historically connecting the rich agricultural outputs of the basin with the consumption centers of Chengdu and Chongqing,.
2.Geography and Climate: The Heart of the Hills The topography of Neijiang is characterized by shallow hills, typical of the central Sichuan Basin scenery. The land here is undulating, creating a landscape that is neither flat nor aggressively mountainous, but rather a gentle, rolling terrain that is fertile and suitable for agriculture,. The climate belongs to the subtropical humid monsoon zone, ensuring four distinct seasons with a mild average temperature. Winters are generally warm, springs arrive early, summers are hot, and autumns are cool and rainy. This climate not only supports the region's agriculture—historically making it a base for economic crops like sugarcane and jute—but also makes for a lush, green environment year-round.
3.The Tuojiang River: The Mother River The soul of Neijiang is the Tuojiang River. As one of the significant rivers in the Sichuan Basin, it winds its way through the city, shaping the urban landscape and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The river has been a lifeline for centuries, facilitating trade and transport. In the past, the river served as a critical artery for salt and sugar transport. The banks of the Tuojiang in Neijiang are lined with banyan trees and tea houses, where locals gather to sip tea and chat, embodying the relaxed pace of life typical of Sichuan. The river's presence moderates the temperature and adds a dynamic water element to the city's scenery.
4.Historical and Cultural Heritage: Neijiang boasts a profound cultural history. It is famously known as the "Hometown of Calligraphy and Painting" in China. The most renowned figure associated with Neijiang is Zhang Daqian, one of the most prodigious Chinese artists of the 20th century. A native of Neijiang, his legacy is preserved in the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall, a key cultural landmark in the city. The hall features a collection of his works and offers insight into his life as a master of traditional Chinese painting who bridged the gap between East and West.
Furthermore, Neijiang has deep historical roots in commerce. Sources note the prominence of the Luosi Family (Luo Family) in Neijiang during the Qing Dynasty. This wealthy merchant family was deeply involved in the salt trade, cooperating with merchants from neighboring Zigong and Shaanxi to develop salt wells. The wealth of the Neijiang Luo family was legendary; it is recorded that they would transport tens of thousands of silver taels to Chengdu for official dealings and philanthropy, showcasing the city's historical economic power.
5.Longchang Stone Arches: A Monument to Feudal Ethics Administratively under Neijiang, Longchang City is home to a spectacular historical site: the Longchang Stone Arches (Paifang). These are not just architectural wonders but historical documents carved in stone. Built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, these arches were erected to honor virtues such as filial piety, chastity, and official merit. They represent a unique cluster of ancient architecture that is rare in scale and preservation across China. Walking among these stone gates offers a somber and impressive glimpse into the social values of imperial China.
6.Economy and Modern Development: Historically, Neijiang was an industrial powerhouse, particularly known for its sugar and machinery industries. In the era of the "Third Front Construction," Neijiang, like other cities in Sichuan, received investment to build a robust industrial base. Today, situated strategically on the geometric center of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, Neijiang is undergoing rapid modernization. It acts as a bridge between the two mega-cities, leveraging its location to develop logistics, modern agriculture, and tourism. The city is transforming from an old industrial base into a modern, livable garden city, while still retaining the "small-city" charm where neighbors know each other and life revolves around good food and tea.
Conclusion Neijiang may not have the global fame of Chengdu's pandas or Jiuzhaigou's waters, but it possesses a distinct charm defined by its "Sweet" history, artistic soul, and the flowing Tuojiang River. It is a city where history is etched into stone arches and painted on scrolls, where the spicy aroma of beef noodles fills the morning air, and where the legacy of merchants and artists continues to influence its path forward. For the traveler, Neijiang offers an authentic slice of Sichuan life, unhurried and deeply flavored.
Local Cuisine in Neijiang - Food & Dining Guide
Neijiang cuisine is a significant branch of Sichuan cuisine, often referred to as "Xiaohe Bang" (Small River Gang) cuisine. It is characterized by heavy flavors, generous use of oil, and a profound love for spicy and pungent seasonings.
1.Neijiang Beef: Noodles (Neijiang Niuroumian) While Lanzhou has its beef noodles, Neijiang Beef Noodles are the breakfast king of this region. Unlike the clear soup northern version, Neijiang's version is rich, oily, and spicy. The noodles are typically alkaline, offering a chewy texture. The topping involves slow-braised beef chunks (often brisket) that are melt-in-the-mouth tender. The soul of the dish, however, is the "Shaozi" (condiments)—a fiery mix of red chili oil, garlic, ginger, and arguably the most important ingredient: copious amounts of coriander and scallions. It is a savory, spicy wake-up call for the palate.
River Fish (Tuojiang Fish) With the Tuojiang River flowing through the city, fish is a staple. "Water Boiled Fish" (Shuizhu Yu) and "Pickled Cabbage Fish" (Suancai Yu) are local favorites. The fish used is often fresh carp or catfish caught from the river. The cooking style emphasizes the freshness of the fish combined with the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies. The fish meat is tender, absorbing the rich, spicy broth, making it a perfect dish to pair with rice.
2.Rabbit Dishes Like their neighbors in: Zigong, Neijiang people have a penchant for rabbit meat. Fresh Fried Rabbit (Xianguo Tu) is a popular dish where rabbit meat is chopped into small pieces and stir-fried rapidly with young ginger, fresh chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns. The result is a dish that is incredibly tender, spicy, and fragrant, often described as "fresh and spicy" (Xian La).
3.Da Qian: Chicken (Braised Chicken) Named after the famous artist Zhang Daqian, this dish is a tribute to his love for food. It is a variation of spicy chicken, typically using local free-range roosters. The chicken is braised with a mix of dried chilies, ginger, garlic, and broad bean paste (Doubanjiang). It is savory, slightly sweet, and spicy, reflecting the culinary tastes of the master artist himself.
Preserved Vegetables (Zha Cai) The region around the Tuojiang River produces excellent mustard tubers, similar to the famous Fuling Zha Cai. These pickled vegetables are often used in soups or as a side dish to cut through the grease of heavy meats.
Accommodation Tips in Neijiang - Hotels & Lodging Guide
Neijiang offers a range of accommodation options, primarily centered around its urban districts and key transport nodes.
City Center (Shizhong District & Dongxing District)
- 1.Convenience: For most travelers, staying in the city center (near the pedestrian streets or major shopping malls) is the best option. This area offers the highest density of restaurants, making it easy to hunt for late-night snacks or morning noodles.
- 2.Wanda Plaza Area: The area around Wanda Plaza in Dongxing District is a modern commercial hub. Hotels here are generally newer, offering modern amenities, easy parking, and proximity to shopping and entertainment.
- 3.Riverside Stays: If you prefer a view, look for hotels along the Tuojiang River (Binjiang Road). Waking up to a view of the river and the city bridges can be quite scenic. There are several mid-to-high-range hotels located along the riverbanks offering river-view rooms.
Near Transport Hubs
- 4.Neijiang North Railway Station: If you are in Neijiang for a quick stopover or using the high-speed train to connect to Chengdu or Chongqing, staying near the North Railway Station is very practical. There are numerous business hotels and budget chains in this vicinity catering to transit travelers.
Longchang (For Stone Arches)
- 5.Location: If your primary goal is to see the Longchang Stone Arches, consider spending a night in Longchang City (a county-level city under Neijiang) rather than Neijiang city proper.
- 6.Atmosphere: Longchang offers a smaller town feel. Accommodation here is generally cheaper than in downtown Neijiang. There are standard business hotels near the city center which allow for easy access to the North and South Gates of the Stone Arch scenic area.
Tips:
- 7.Pricing: Compared to Chengdu, hotel prices in Neijiang are very reasonable. You can often find 4-star standard accommodation for the price of a budget hotel in a Tier-1 city.
- 8.Booking: While walk-ins are usually fine, it is advisable to book in advance during major holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day), as many locals return home, filling up capacity.