How much do you know about Dazhou's natural scenery and Ba culture?

Dazhou, located in the northeast of Sichuan Province, at the southern foot of the Daba Mountains, is a transportation hub connecting Sichuan, Chongqing, and Shaanxi. It boasts both magnificent natural scenery and a rich Ba cultural heritage. 🏝Must-see attractions 1⃣Batai Mountain ◾️Highlights: The highest peak in eastern Sichuan, featuring the three wonders of the sea of clouds, sunrise, and Buddha's light. Experience the thrill of the glass walkway and paragliding. ◾️Tips: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. Enjoy snow scenery in winter. There is a stargazing tent campsite in the scenic area. 2⃣Bailixia (Bashan Grand Canyon) ◾️Highlights: Karst landforms, canyon drifting, Taoxi Valley's clear springs and waterfalls, and the Tujia folk performance "Dream Back to the Ba Kingdom" are not to be missed. ◾️In-depth experience: Hike through Luopan Peak and explore the wonders of the Elephant Cave's lava formations. 3⃣Wufeng Mountain National Forest Park ◾️Features: Thousands of acres of bamboo forests and thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, ideal for summer retreats and photography enthusiasts. 4⃣Zhenfo Mountain ◾️Culture: An ancient architectural complex integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Dehua Temple is a popular place of worship, and the temple fair on the first day of the sixth lunar month is the most lively. ◾️Climbing: Climb 999 stone steps to the top for a panoramic view of Dazhou. 5⃣Dazhou Museum ◾️Must-sees: Eastern Han Dynasty bronze chariots and horses, Ba people's weapons, and learn about the history of the ancient Ba Kingdom. 6⃣Shiqiao Ancient Town ◾️Charm: Ming and Qing Dynasty stone streets, Lenin Street's Red Army slogans, experience the blend of red culture and ancient architecture. 🍽Local specialties ▪️Dengying Beef: Paper-thin beef slices, spicy, crispy, and fragrant. "Chuan Hanzi" is the most authentic local brand. ▪️Yangrou Gege: Spicy mutton steamed in small bamboo steamers, best paired with hot and sour shredded potatoes. ▪️Seven Star Pepper Marinated Food: Duck necks and chicken feet, spicy and fragrant, a popular local snack. ▪️Hot and Sour Noodles: Sweet potato noodles with a special hot and sour soup. "Li Family Liangfen" in the old town alley is recommended. 💁Night market recommendations ▪️Central Square Night Market: A gathering place for night beer, barbecue, and Chuanchuanxiang, experience the nightlife of eastern Sichuan. 🚏Transportation guide 🔻External transportation ✈️ Airplane: Dazhou Jinya Airport (newly opened in 2022), with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities. 🚄 High-speed rail: Dazhou Station has direct trains to Chongqing (1.5 hours), Chengdu (3 hours), and Xi'an (4 hours). 🔻Internal transportation ▪️Buses or taxis are available for city attractions (starting price 6 yuan). Chartered cars or self-driving are recommended for suburban scenic areas (many mountain roads, drive with caution). 🏡Accommodation recommendations 🔻Comfortable hotels in the city: Dazhou Phoenix International Hotel (near the business district), Jinlong Hotel (established four-star hotel). 🔻Scenic area accommodations: Batai Mountain Starry Sky Hotel (excellent for stargazing), Bailixia Sangshuping Homestay (Tujia style). 📌3-day highlights itinerary ✅Day 1: Dazhou Museum → Climb Phoenix Mountain → Night tour of Zhou River to enjoy the light show. ✅Day 2: Batai Mountain (sea of clouds and sunrise + glass walkway) → Taste Steamed Fish with Stone Ladder after descending the mountain. ✅Day 3: Bailixia drifting → Visit Shiqiao Ancient Town → Buy Dengying Beef as a souvenir before returning. 💁Travel tips ✔️Best season: April-October (summer is ideal for escaping the heat, autumn for admiring red leaves). ✔️Safety precautions: The mountainous area is often rainy and foggy, so bring non-slip shoes and a jacket. Keep electronic devices safe while drifting. ✔️Cultural respect: Do not make loud noises in Zhenfo Mountain, and ask for permission before taking pictures of Buddha statues. ✔️Hidden gem: Maduguan Stone Forest in Xuanhan County, a hidden Jurassic landform wonder. Although Dazhou is not a popular tourist city, it hides the most pristine natural beauty and the cultural code of the Ba people in eastern Sichuan. Slow down, and you might encounter unexpected surprises here.