Luzhou Travel Guide: Discover the Heart of Sichuan’s Liquor Culture

Nestled in the southeastern part of the Sichuan Basin, where the Yangtze River meets the Tuo River, Luzhou is famously known as the “City of Chinese Liquor.” As the birthplace of strong-aroma baijiu and home to the renowned Luzhou Laojiao Distillery, the city is steeped in a rich tradition of liquor-making. Beyond its intoxicating heritage, Luzhou offers a blend of natural beauty and historical charm, with attractions like Fangshan Mountain, Longmatan Park, and Taiping Ancient Town. Whether you’re here to savor fine liquor, explore scenic landscapes, or delve into history, Luzhou promises a unique and memorable experience. This comprehensive Luzhou travel guide will help you navigate this underrated gem in Sichuan.

Getting to Luzhou

By High-Speed Rail:

• From Chengdu East Station: The journey takes about 1.5 hours, with tickets priced at 80-100 RMB.
• From Chongqing West Station: The trip is around 1 hour, with tickets costing 50-70 RMB.
• Luzhou Station is located in the northern part of the city, and you can easily take a bus or taxi to the city center (taxi fare is approximately 20 RMB).

By Car:

• From Chengdu: Take the Chengdu-Zigong-Luzhou Expressway (G4215), covering 260 km in about 3 hours.
• From Chongqing: Drive along the Chongqing-Kunming Expressway (G85), a 150 km journey taking around 2 hours.

By Bus:

• Direct buses are available from Chengdu’s Wuguiqiao Bus Station and Chongqing North Station to Luzhou. The journey takes about 3.5 hours from Chengdu and 2.5 hours from Chongqing, with tickets priced at 80-120 RMB.

Getting Around Luzhou

Public Buses:
Fares range from 1-2 RMB, covering major attractions like Longmatan Park and Jiangyang Park.

Taxis:
The starting fare is 6 RMB, and getting around the city is affordable, with most rides within the city center costing less than 15 RMB.

Shared Bikes:
For short distances, consider using shared bikes like Hello or Qingju, which are widely available.

Tip: For city exploration, high-speed rail and public buses are sufficient. If you plan to visit suburban attractions like Fangshan Mountain or Hejiang Fobao Scenic Area, renting a car is more convenient.

Must-Visit Attractions in Luzhou

Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area

• Address: Nancheng Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou
• Ticket: 60 RMB (includes guided tour)
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Highlights: Explore century-old fermentation pits, learn about traditional liquor-making techniques, and sample Luzhou Laojiao’s finest baijiu.

Longmatan Park

• Address: Longma Avenue, Longmatan District, Luzhou
• Ticket: Free
• Opening Hours: All day
• Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours
• Highlights: A serene park with a lake, lush greenery, and a stunning light show at night.

Fangshan Scenic Area

• Address: Fangshan Town, Jiangyang District, Luzhou
• Ticket: 30 RMB
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Recommended Visit Duration: Half a day
• Highlights: Hike to the summit for panoramic views, visit the ancient Yunfeng Temple, and enjoy the rhododendron blooms in spring.

Taiping Ancient Town

• Address: Taiping Town, Gulin County, Luzhou
• Ticket: Free (some attractions may charge)
• Opening Hours: All day
• Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
• Highlights: Stroll through Qing Dynasty architecture, explore the Red Army’s historical sites from the Four Crossings of the Chishui River, and take a boat ride along the Chishui River.

Hejiang Fobao Scenic Area

• Address: Fobao Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou
• Ticket: 50 RMB
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day
• Highlights: Discover pristine forests, karst caves, and natural waterfalls in this untouched paradise.

Luzhou’s Culinary Delights

Luzhou Huangba: A sweet and sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice and brown sugar.
White Rice Cake: Steamed rice cakes served with brown sugar or chili sauce.
Luzhou Grilled Fish: Fresh river fish grilled to perfection, offering a spicy and savory flavor.
Gulin Spicy Beef: A spicy and chewy beef dish, perfect as a souvenir.
Pickled Pepper Chicken Feet: A tangy and spicy street snack that’s both refreshing and addictive.

Dining Tip: Luzhou is known for its affordable dining options, with meals costing around 30-50 RMB per person. The old town area is packed with local eateries.

Accommodation Recommendations

In the City:

• Luzhou Jiangyang Hotel (4-star): Centrally located, priced at 300-400 RMB per night.
• Home Inn (Luzhou High-Speed Rail Station): Budget-friendly, at 150-200 RMB per night.

Unique Stays:

• Taiping Ancient Town Inns: Experience traditional charm, priced at 200-300 RMB per night.
• Fobao Scenic Area Farm Stays: Ideal for road trippers, offering a peaceful retreat at 100-200 RMB per night.

Booking Tip: Book early during holidays for better rates and availability.

Suggested Itineraries

Two-Day Trip (Classic Route)

• Day 1: Visit Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area, explore Longmatan Park, and enjoy local cuisine in the old town at night.
• Day 2: Hike Fangshan Scenic Area before heading back.

Three-Day Trip (In-Depth Exploration)

• Day 1: Tour Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area and Longmatan Park, followed by a night stroll in the city.
• Day 2: Spend the day at Hejiang Fobao Scenic Area.
• Day 3: Explore Taiping Ancient Town and take a boat ride before departing.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

What to Wear:

• Light jackets for spring and autumn.
• Sun protection for summer.
• Sturdy shoes for hiking in mountainous areas.

Budget Estimate:

• Transportation: High-speed rail round-trip ~200 RMB; driving ~150-200 RMB.
• Tickets: ~150-200 RMB per person.
• Food: ~150 RMB per person for 2-3 days.
• Accommodation: 300-600 RMB for 2-3 nights.
• Total: ~800-1200 RMB per person (depending on preferences).

Important Notes:

• Drink responsibly to avoid disrupting your travel plans.
• Check the weather forecast before heading to mountainous areas.

Conclusion

Luzhou is a city that seamlessly blends its liquor-making heritage with stunning natural landscapes and historical treasures. Whether you’re sipping on world-class baijiu, hiking through lush mountains, or wandering ancient streets, Luzhou offers a unique and enriching travel experience. Use this guide to plan your trip and uncover one of Sichuan’s most captivating destinations. For more insights on Sichuan travel and other Sichuan attractions, be sure to check out our comprehensive Sichuan travel guide.