Pujiang

Pujiang (蒲江, Pújiāng) is a county in Sichuan, about 80 km southwest of Chengdu. It is known for its tea culture, ancient towns, scenic lakes, and Taoist temples. Pujiang makes a pleasant short trip from Chengdu for travelers interested in quieter, less commercialized destinations. == Understand == Pujiang County covers an area of around 600 km², and a population of 460,000 in 2020. It lies in a fertile basin with a mild climate, ideal for growing tea. The county seat, Pujiang Town, is the main transport hub and base for exploring the surrounding sights. Xilai Ancient Town, which is also in Pujiang County, is covered in a separate article. == Get in == Pujiang is located southwest of Chengdu and is most easily reached via the provincial capital, which serves as the main transportation hub for the region. === By bus === Long-distance buses operate frequently between Chengdu and Pujiang, with services departing from major terminals such as Xinnanmen and Shiyangchang. The trip usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Buses arrive at Pujiang Bus Station, from where taxis and local buses provide easy access to the town center and nearby villages. === By train === Pujiang is on the Chengdu–Ya’an high-speed railway and is normally served by Pujiang Station, offering a fast and comfortable connection from Chengdu East Railway Station. As of October 2025, Pujiang Station is temporarily closed for a major upgrade and is expected to reopen in May 2026. During the closure, passengers should get off at Chaoyang Lake Station and continue to Pujiang by bus or taxi, which usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. === By car === Driving from Chengdu to Pujiang takes around 1.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. The most direct route follows the Chengdu–Ya’an Expressway (成雅高速), which provides convenient access to the county. Traveling by car is a good option for visitors who wish to explore the surrounding countryside, tea plantations, and nearby scenic areas at their own pace. == Get around == Pujiang is a small and relaxed county town with a compact urban area, and getting around is generally easy and convenient. Most daily travel within the town can be done by public bus, taxi, shared bike, or on foot, and distances between the main commercial streets, residential areas, and riverside parks are short. For trips to nearby tea plantations, rural villages, or scenic countryside areas, taxis or chartered cars are usually the most practical options. === By bus === Pujiang’s public bus system connects the main town area with surrounding neighborhoods and nearby townships. Bus fares are usually inexpensive, typically around ¥1–2 per ride. Most routes operate from early morning until around 20:00–21:00. Buses are commonly used by local residents and are the most economical way for visitors to move around the town, although schedules can be less frequent outside peak hours. === By shared bike === Shared bicycles are available in parts of the urban area and near riverside parks and residential neighborhoods. They are well suited for short trips, casual riding, and exploring flat areas of the town. Since Pujiang is surrounded by rolling hills and rural countryside, cycling is most practical within the central urban zone and less suitable for longer trips into the surrounding villages. === By taxi and ride-hailing === Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Didi are available in Pujiang, though they are less numerous than in large cities. The starting fare is usually around ¥7–9, and most trips within the town cost between ¥10 and ¥20. Taxis are especially useful for traveling in the evening, carrying luggage, or visiting tea gardens and rural attractions outside the town center. === On foot === Pujiang’s town center is easy and pleasant to explore on foot. The main streets, riverside greenways, small parks, and local markets are all within comfortable walking distance. Walking is a good way to experience daily local life, especially in the early evening when residents gather for strolling, chatting, and light exercise. == See == 1 Stone Elephant Lake Ecological Resort (石象湖生态风景区), 86km Exit, Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway (成雅高速公路86公里出口处) (Arrange a car to take you there or catch a bus no. 1 from outside Pujiang Bus Terminal), ☏ +86 28 88591888, shixianghu2011@sina.com. March–April: 08:30-18:00, May–October: 08:30-17:30, November–February: 09:00-17:00. A fantastic park with acres upon acres of live tulips and tiger lily flowers as well as nature walks and boat rides, and stone carved animals. The best time to go is during the Tulip Festival in early Spring and when the Tiger Lillies bloom in late summer, however, various flowers are usually in bloom from March through August and the nature walks are open year round. Bring your camera. Also bring a picnic lunch or eat in one of the several Chinese restaurants and noodle shops there. The park is about an hour and 15 minutes drive of pure highway driving south of Chengdu. ¥100. (updated Sep 2017) 2 Xilai Ancient Town (西来古镇, Xīlái Gǔzhèn) (from Pujiang, take a local minibus or taxi (~15 minutes)). A historic riverside town that can be visited on a daytrip from Chengdu. It is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, old stone streets, ancient banyan trees, and local tea culture. (updated Sep 2025) 3 Chaoyang Lake Scenic Area (朝阳湖), Chaoyang Lake Road, ☏ +86 28 8855 1888. A large freshwater reservoir surrounded by low mountains and forests. It is a popular leisure area for boating, walking, and seasonal sightseeing, especially in spring and summer (updated Dec 2025) 4 Pujiang Tea Plantations (蒲江茶园), Tea Plantation Access Road, ☏ +86 28 8855 0110. Pujiang is an important tea-producing area in Sichuan. The surrounding hills are covered with tea plantations, forming a characteristic rural landscape and reflecting the county’s long-established tea culture. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Stone Pagoda Park (石塔公园), Shita Street, ☏ +86 28 8855 0333. A small public park centered on a historic stone pagoda. It is mainly used by local residents for walking and leisure and provides a quiet green space within the county town. (updated Dec 2025) == Do == == Buy == == Eat == 1 Pujiang Local Noodle House (蒲江面馆), Renmin Road, ☏ +86 28 8855 2121. A simple noodle shop serving Sichuan-style noodles with chili oil, pickled vegetables, and meat toppings. Most bowls cost between ¥10 and ¥20, making it a common choice for breakfast and quick lunches. ¥10–20. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Chaoyang Lake Fish Restaurant (朝阳湖鱼庄), Chaoyang Lake Road, ☏ +86 28 8855 3999. Focuses on freshwater fish dishes from Chaoyang Lake, usually ordered by size or weight. A typical shared meal costs around ¥40–80 per person depending on the dishes selected. ¥40–80. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Pujiang Home-Style Sichuan Cuisine (蒲江家常川菜馆), Yingbin Street, ☏ +86 28 8855 1688. Offers standard home-style Sichuan dishes such as twice-cooked pork and mapo tofu. Dishes are reasonably priced, and a full meal usually costs ¥30–60 per person. ¥30–60. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Tea Plantation Farmhouse (茶园农家乐), Tea Garden Access Road, ☏ +86 28 8855 2777. A rural farmhouse restaurant near the tea plantations serving seasonal countryside dishes. Meals are often arranged in advance, with prices typically ranging from ¥50 to ¥100 per person. ¥50–100. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Pujiang Night Market Stalls (蒲江夜市), Xingfu Street. Evening food stalls selling skewers, fried snacks, noodles, and sweets. Individual items usually cost between ¥5 and ¥15, making it an inexpensive way to sample local flavors. ¥5–15. (updated Dec 2025) == Drink == == Sleep == 1 Pujiang International Hotel (蒲江国际大酒店), 33 Zhengfu St, ☏ +86 28 8855 8888. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, 24-hour hot water, and free Wi-Fi. The property has an on-site Chinese restaurant. ¥280–420 per night. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Lavande Hotel Pujiang (麗枫酒店·蒲江店), ☏ +86 28 8866 6999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A chain hotel. Rooms are equipped with sound insulation, en-suite bathrooms, rainfall-style showers, and Wi-Fi. ¥220–350 per night. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Pujiang Tea Garden Homestay (蒲江茶园民宿), ☏ +86 182 0039 6622. Check-in: 14:30, check-out: 12:00. Guest rooms are simply furnished and some have garden views. Optional tea tasting and home-style Sichuan meals made with local ingredients are available for an additional charge. Price: ¥180–300 per night. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Hanting Hotel Pujiang (汉庭酒店·蒲江店), ☏ +86 28 8851 0666. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A budget-to-mid-range chain hotel offering standardized services, daily housekeeping, en-suite bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. ¥200–320 per night. (updated Dec 2025) == Connect == Mobile network coverage in Pujiang is generally reliable within the county town and most surrounding towns. All three major Chinese carriers—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—provide 4G service across the urban area, and 5G is available in parts of the town center. Voice calls and mobile data work smoothly in hotels, restaurants, shopping streets, and residential areas. In rural tea plantation areas and low mountain villages, the signal may become weaker or unstable. Visitors who need mobile data can purchase a local SIM card at convenience stores, mobile service halls, or directly at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport before arriving in Pujiang. eSIM services also work for most unlocked international phones. A passport is required for SIM registration. Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafés, larger restaurants, and shopping centers, and most mid-range chain hotels in Pujiang provide free in-room Wi-Fi. Connection speeds are generally sufficient for messaging, navigation, and video streaming, although occasional slowdowns can occur during peak evening hours. International websites and apps may be partially restricted in mainland China. Travelers who rely on services such as Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Gmail should set up a VPN before arrival, as VPN apps cannot always be downloaded easily once inside China. Postal services are available at the Pujiang County Post Office and several smaller neighborhood outlets. Sending domestic parcels is convenient and inexpensive. International mail is possible but slower than in large cities, and services are more limited. == Go next == Chengdu (成都) is the most common next stop from Pujiang and lies about one hour away by car or intercity bus. As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu offers a much wider range of museums, shopping districts, nightlife, and dining options, as well as major transport hubs including high-speed rail services and an international airport. Mingshan (名山) and the surrounding tea-growing areas near Ya’an form a natural extension of a trip focused on Pujiang’s tea culture. Known for misty mountains, traditional tea villages, and a slower rural lifestyle, this area can usually be reached by bus or taxi within one to two hours. Qionglai (邛崃) lies to the west of Pujiang and serves as a gateway to forest parks, hiking routes, and hot spring resorts in the western Sichuan mountain corridor. It is better suited for travelers with flexible schedules and is typically reached by a combination of bus travel and private transport. Meishan (眉山) is a convenient southbound stop known for cultural sites related to the famous poet Su Shi (Su Dongpo) and its traditional Sichuan city atmosphere. From Meishan, travelers can easily continue onward to Leshan and the Giant Buddha.