Located in the southern part of the Sichuan Basin, Zigong has a subtropical humid monsoon climate with distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. Situated in the Tuo River basin, the terrain is mainly hilly, with a mild climate suitable for tourism.
Zigong was established as a city because of salt, boasting a history of well salt extraction spanning over 2,000 years, earning it the reputation of 'Millennium Salt City'. In modern times, it became an industrial hub in Sichuan due to its prosperous salt economy, with a profound historical heritage.
Zigong is known as 'China's Lantern City', with its lantern festival renowned both at home and abroad, boasting a long-standing culture of colorful lanterns. Meanwhile, Zigong cuisine is an important branch of Sichuan cuisine, famous for its fresh spiciness and rich flavors. Representative dishes include Cold Rabbit and Huobianzi Beef.
Today, Zigong is transforming into a cultural tourism city, leveraging resources such as the Dinosaur Museum and the Salt Industry History Museum to actively build the brand of 'World Dinosaur Capital', achieving coordinated economic and ecological development.
The best time to visit 自贡 is Best in spring and autumn with pleasant weather; lantern festival usually during Spring Festival.
Spring (March to May) sees rising temperatures and rejuvenation, ideal for outdoor visits to the Dinosaur Museum and Salt History Museum.
Autumn (September to November) offers clear skies and cool weather, perfect for tasting Zigong cuisine and enjoying the lantern festival (during Spring Festival).
Summer is hot, winter is damp and cold, but the lantern festival (January-February) features brilliant night scenes with unique charm.
Well salt mining began in the Zigong area, marking the start of its salt history.
Due to the prosperity of the salt industry, Zigong was officially established as a provincial city, becoming an important industrial city in Sichuan.
The Zigong Dinosaur Museum, one of the world's three major dinosaur museums, opened to the public, becoming a new tourist landmark.
Recommended places to visit
One of the world's three major dinosaur museums, housing a large collection of Jurassic dinosaur fossils, an excellent place to learn about dinosaur history.
Showcasing over 2,000 years of well salt mining history, housed in the Qing Dynasty Xiqin Guildhall, itself a cultural relic.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
The Zigong Lantern Festival is renowned for its grand scale, exquisite craftsmanship, and diverse themes, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Traditional well salt mining techniques in Zigong, including well drilling, brine extraction, and salt production, reflecting ancient technological wisdom.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Regional airport with flights to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, about 15 km from city center.
Economy class approx 500-1000 RMB
Connects to Chengdu, Chongqing, Guiyang etc., Chengdu-Zigong-Yibin high-speed railway in operation, only 1 hour from Chengdu.
Second class from Chengdu to Zigong approx 100 RMB
City bus routes cover major attractions and business districts, fare 2 RMB, Alipay QR code accepted.
2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Zigong's most famous cold dish, rabbit meat diced and marinated with chili, Sichuan pepper and spices, served cold, spicy and flavorful.
Paper-thin beef, marinated and roasted, bright red color, crispy texture, long-lasting aftertaste.
National intangible cultural heritage, held annually during the Spring Festival at the Colorful Lantern Park, featuring grand scale and exquisite lanterns.
The world's first well over a kilometer deep, still producing salt, a marvel of ancient drilling technology.
One of the world's largest statues of Sakyamuni, 36.67 meters tall, built in the Tang Dynasty, magnificent.
Specialty snack from Fushun County, tofu pudding tender and smooth, dipping sauce spicy, a classic breakfast choice for locals.
Fresh rabbit meat cooked immediately after slaughter, with young ginger and green peppers, rich broth, fresh and spicy.
Zigong-style dandan noodles, chewy noodles, rich minced meat topping, mixed with crushed peanuts and pickled mustard greens, full of spicy flavor.