Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southwest of Sichuan Province, in the transitional zone between the Hengduan Mountains and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. It has a diverse climate, mainly subtropical monsoon, with warm winters and cool summers and distinct seasons.
Liangshan has a long history and was an important passage on the ancient Southern Silk Road. It was established as a prefecture in the Han Dynasty, a prefecture in the Qing Dynasty, and became an autonomous prefecture in 1952. It is the largest Yi-inhabited area in China.
Liangshan has a unique culture, with intangible cultural heritages such as the Yi Torch Festival, lacquerware, and silver ornaments being well-known. The cuisine features dishes like Tuotuo meat, sour cabbage soup, and buckwheat pancakes, with rich flavors.
In recent years, Liangshan has developed rapidly. The Xichang Satellite Launch Center is world-renowned, tourism is booming, and attractions like Lugu Lake and Qionghai Lake draw many visitors, leading to sustained economic growth.
The best time to visit 凉山 is All seasons suitable, best in summer and autumn.
Spring (March-May) is mild with blooming flowers, ideal for flower viewing and outings.
Summer (June-August) is cool and pleasant, a summer resort. The Torch Festival is held in the sixth lunar month.
Autumn (September-November) is clear and crisp, with charming autumn colors at Lugu Lake and migratory birds at Qionghai Wetland.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Yuexi Commandery was established, bringing the Liangshan area under central rule.
Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture was officially established, becoming the largest Yi settlement in China.
Construction of Xichang Satellite Launch Center began. Its first launch was in 1984, making it a major space base in China.
Recommended places to visit
Lugu Lake is located on the border between Yanyuan County, Liangshan, and Yunnan. Known as the 'Pearl of the Plateau', it has crystal-clear waters and unique Mosuo culture.
Qionghai is the second largest freshwater lake in Sichuan. The wetland park offers leisure and sightseeing with pleasant scenery.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
The most important traditional festival of the Yi people, held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. People light torches, sing, and dance to pray for a good harvest.
A traditional Yi handicraft. Beautiful patterns are painted on wooden items with lacquer, featuring bright colors and ancient shapes.
Yi silver ornaments are exquisitely crafted with diverse patterns, commonly used in clothing and headdresses, important symbols of Yi culture.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Xichang Qingshan Airport has flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
Varies by route
The Chengdu-Kunming Railway passes through Liangshan. Xichang West Station has high-speed trains to Chengdu, Kunming, etc.
High-speed train approx. 150-200 RMB
City buses are convenient. Long-distance buses reach all counties and nearby cities like Chengdu and Panzhihua.
City bus 2 RMB, long-distance varies
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A traditional Yi dish. Large chunks of pork or lamb are boiled and eaten with chili powder. The meat is tender and flavorful.
Made with Yi-style pickled cabbage, this soup is sour and appetizing, often served with potatoes or beans.
Luoji Mountain is famous for alpine lakes, glacial relics, and rhododendron seas, making it a great destination for hiking and exploration.
One of China's important satellite launch bases. Some areas are open to tourists, including the launch site and space exhibition hall.
Yi Sea is an alpine freshwater lake, famous for the historical event 'Alliance at Yi Sea', with beautiful scenery.
Lu Mountain is located on the outskirts of Xichang. It features ancient temples like Guangfu Temple and offers panoramic views of Qionghai Lake.
Made from buckwheat flour, it has a coarse texture but is healthy. Often eaten with honey or chili sauce.
Traditionally cured and smoked pork with a unique flavor. Can be steamed or stir-fried.
Liangshan is rich in wild mushrooms. A soup made from various mushrooms is incredibly delicious.
A must-have at Yi festivals. A whole suckling pig is roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat tender.