# Mianyang

Mianyang (simplified Chinese: 绵阳; pinyin: Miányáng) is a city in East Sichuan, near Chengdu.

## Understand

Mianyang is the second largest prefecture-level city in Sichuan Province, in western China. Mianyang City, abbreviated as Ful, Mian, the ancient name of Ful County, Mianzhou. City boundaries east of Guangyuan City, Nanchong City, south of Suining City, Deyang City, west of Aba Prefecture, north of Longnan City. It is located in the northwest edge of the Sichuan Basin, the southeastern part of the low hills in northern Sichuan, the northwestern part of the Longmen Mountains and the Minshan mountainous area. The Ful River enters the city from the northwest, runs through the city and flows through the urban area, leaving the city in the southeast. The city has a population of 4.9 million as of the end of 2022.

## Get in

The city has highway and railway connections to several of China's major cities.
Mianyang Airport has direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, and Hangzhou.
Bus service is comprehensive with 3 major bus stations. You can buy tickets in advance or just turn up.
There is also a large train station in the central city on Linyuan Road, West.

### By plane

* 31.2546104.44241 Mianyang South Suburban Airport (绵阳南郊机场), Airport East Road, Fucheng District, ☏ +86 816 635 7195. It is a military-civilian training joint-use airport in Fucheng District. It is a Class 4D airport and is the second largest airport in Sichuan Province. (updated Sep 2023)

### By train

* 31.274324104.4253922 Mianyang Railway Station (绵阳站), West Section of Linyuan Road, Fucheng District. Mianyang Station is a first-class passenger station and an intermediate station of the Baocheng Railway and the Xicheng High-speed Railway. (updated Sep 2023)
* 31.46593104.465883 Jiangyou Railway Station (江油站), Middle of North Construction Road, Jiangyou City. Jiangyou Station is an intermediate station of Xicheng High-speed Railway and Baocheng Railway. (updated Sep 2023)

## Climate

Mianyang has four distinct seasons, with winter being the longest. The winter half year is dry and cold with little rain; the summer half year is hot, rainy and humid.

## Get around
### Bus

Using the local bus will cost ¥2. During peak times (lunch times, weekends, end of school or work on Friday) the bus can be extremely packed, sometimes not stopping to pick anyone up.

### Metred taxi

Taxi flag fee is around ¥6. Expect to pay ¥12-18 for a 20-min ride (10 km).

### Private taxi

Private taxis are numerous and even though it's hard to distinguish whether it's a private taxi or an ordinary car, chances are they will spot you first.

### On foot and bike

Downtown Mianyang is compact enough to walk around, with the majority of key destinations being within a 10- to 15-minute walk of People's Park in the center of the city. Take a bicycle, bus, cab, or car if you want to go across the river or, in the opposite direction, towards the high-tech development center. The downtown area is generally safe and fairly well-lit at night.

## See

* People's Park (人民公园), Linyuan Ludong Road. Large park in the central city. Come and see how the locals relax - tai chi, fan dancing, singing, playing music. Then there's also activities for the children, with carnival type games, roller coasters and other theme park rides. Lots of cafes to drink tea and play mahjong or hire a boat to paddle around the lake. Free. (updated Sep 2023)
* Tie Niu Square (Iron Ox Square，铁牛广场), Tie Niu Road. Locals come here to drink tea and play mahjong. Edges onto the river where many locals come to picnic. There are locals selling antiques and small household goods around the back of the square. (updated Sep 2023)
* Science City (科学城). This "city within a city" is the home of China's largest weapons research and development and site of the building of the first Chinese atomic bomb. It is off-limits to most foreigners and a highly secured area. The CAEP, or "Physics" Research agency of the Military and Government is based here. If allowed to enter, it really fascinating to see the completely modern, clean city strategically located in the mountains next to greater Mianyang. Science City is closed to foreigners not specifically cleared for entry. The "city" is not gated, and signs at its boundaries are not always present. It is unlikely, however, that you will accidentally stumble upon the city, being that it is somewhat set off to the northeast and off of the most popular bus lines. (updated Sep 2023)
* Beichuan Qiangcheng Tourism Zone.(北川羌城旅游区) Beichuan Qiang City Tourism Zone in Mianyang City is located in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County in the northwestern part of Sichuan Basin, which consists of Beichuan Earthquake Ruins Area, Beichuan New County Town, Beichuan Earthquake Memorial, Beichuan Qiang Folklore Museum, Jina Qiang Walled City, and Vistas Visitor Center. (Transportation Information. 1.Airplane: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: take the bus to Chengdu Zhaoguesi Bus Station, take the passenger bus from Chengdu Zhaoguesi Bus Station to Mianyang Bus Terminal, which departs every 15 minutes; then transfer to the passenger bus from Mianyang Bus Terminal to Beichuan, which departs every 10 minutes; Mianyang Nanjiao Airport: take the bus to Mianyang Bus Terminal, then transfer to the passenger bus from Mianyang Bus Terminal to Beichuan, which departs every 10 minutes;2. Train: get off at Mianyang Railway Station and cross the street to Mianyang Bus Terminal, then take the bus from Mianyang Bus Terminal to Beichuan, which runs every 10 minutes. 3. By car: take the passenger bus from Mianyang Bus Terminal to Beichuan, every 10 minutes;4. Self-driving car Chengdu, Deyang direction: Chengmian Expressway or Chengmian Expressway Double Line - Mianyang South (Mujia) Toll Station - Liaoning Avenue - Visitor Center; Chongqing, Nanchong direction: Miansui Expressway - Mianyang Xinqiao Toll Station - Jiuzhou Avenue - Mianan North Expressway - Liaoning Avenue - Visitor Center; Xi'an, Guangyuan direction: Mian Guang Expressway - Mianyang Toll Station - Mian'an North Expressway - Liaoning Avenue - Visitor Center).
* DouChuan mountain, On the east bank of the Fuling River, 20 km north of Jiangyou City (It is 25 kilometres north of Jiangyou in Mianyang area, 180 km from Chengdu, on the national level highway, and can be reached in three hours by car. From Mianyang, train or bus to Jiangyou first, train fare ¥6-11, bus ¥10-12 or so, then transfer bus from Jiangyou to Doushan Mountain. From Chengdu, take a bus from Chengdu Zhaoguesi Bus Terminal to Jiangyou, daily 08:00-19:00, about 15 minutes, the ticket price is ¥48, 2.5 hours to arrive. By car: Take Chengmian Expressway and then turn to Mianguang Expressway to Mianyang North Exit, get off the expressway to Jiangyou and follow the signs to the scenic spot.). DouChuan Mountain, also known as Chuan mountain, is in Wudu Town, on the east bank of the Ful River, 20 km north of Jiangyou City. According to legend, in the Tang Dynasty, the chief book of Changming (now belonging to Jiangyou City), DouChuan name (word Ziming) lived here, hence the name. From the foot to the top of about 5 km, the path is winding and circling, the forest is verdant, the scenery is beautiful. When Li Bai was a teenager, he travelled to this mountain and wrote the ancient poem "Woodcutter and ploughman, in and out of the painting screen", which was engraved on the stone monument in the mountain by Yu Youren, the patriarch of the Kuomintang. The DouChuan mountain is a national AAAA level tourist attraction and a national geological park. It is an important part of Jianmen Shudao National Scenic Spot, 25 km north of Jiangyou City and 45 kilometres away from Mianyang, and is a famous Danxia landform scenic spot in Sichuan Province. (updated Sep 2023)
* Wanglang Nature Reserve, Gansu-104331 Wanglang National Nature Reserve, Pingwu County (There are regular direct shuttles to Pingwu County from Mianyang Bus Terminal and Pingzheng Bus Station, with a 3.5-4 hours' drive. After arriving at Pingwu, there are two ways to get to the nature reserve: 1. Change buses to Baima and then take a taxi to get there; 2. In Pingwu, it is better to rent a car and go to the nature reserve directly. (Note: The shuttle bus from Mianyang to Pingwu runs every half an hour from 06:20 to 17:00.)). all day long. The nature reserve inhabits a wide range of organisms due to its location in the interlocking mountainous regions of the Himalayas. It is one of the best ecological areas in the country. The area is not only a paradise for giant pandas, but also home to golden monkeys, bull antelopes, rhesus monkeys, cheetahs, red pandas and water deer. Other lovely animals also live happily here, such as antelopes, purple gazelles, bobcats, hares and weasels. There are birds protected at the national level: geese, blue-tailed pheasants and jade-banded sea eagles. (Best time to travel Year-round (more rainfall in May and July). It is bordered on the southeast by Baima Tibetan Township of Pingwu County, on the southwest by Huanglong Temple of Songpan County, and on the northeast and north by Jiuzhaigou County's Jiuzhaigou and Bediao. Entrance Fee ¥50. (updated Sep 2023)
* 31.461658104.7480462 People's Park, Fucheng District. (updated Dec 2023)
* 31.464881104.7529893 Tieniu Plaza, FQ73+W7 Fucheng District. (updated Dec 2023)

## Do

* Fu Le Shan Park (just across the river at the Rainbow (#3) Bridge). Daily sunrise to sunset. Fule Mountain is located just across the river from downtown, a 5- to 10-minute bike or cab ride from the city center. The mountaintop pagoda can be seen from the riverwalk park and at night is host to spot lights and a miniature version of the Shanghai Bund light display. The park features teahouses, walking trails, boat rides, and a small amusement park for the kids. Most fascinating are the historical landmarks, including carved tablets, statues, and other monuments portraying the historic importance of the mountain, Mianyang, and the area in the development of Sichuan province and China. A large statue of the "Three Brothers," or San Ge, who were instrumental in the "Three Kingdoms" era of Chinese history. Zhang Fei, Liu Bei, and Guan Yu were three leaders and sworn brothers (whose exploits were portrayed in the film Red Cliffs) who met at FuLe Shan. As with most parks in China, you should expect to walk and climb stairs if you wish to see most of the park. A great day-trip and many open areas for a private picnic, or the afore-mentioned teahouses and mahjong courts. Nominal.
* RiverWalk (between #2 and #3 bridges). The wide Riverwalk is a fascinating pedestrian boulevard featuring numerous fountains, statues, and a view of FuLe Mountain across the river. Early in the morning you will see groups of Tai Chi followers rhythmically going through their paces and exercises, or perhaps catch a band or flag corps practicing in adjacent Iron Ox Square. During the summer there are numerous beer gardens and outdoor teahouses, and year-round there are permanent tea and coffee houses bordering the walk on the first floor of apartment and condo skyscrapers. Children's play areas, a river bank beach, and colorful flowerbeds can be found intermittently. The walk extends the length of the city's border with the river, but the most active area can be found between the #2 and #3 (Rainbow) Bridges.
* Holy Water Temple (圣水寺). A temple 20 minutes north of the city. The temple complex occupies a sprawling, parklike campus with beautiful scenery and a view of downtown from the top. Ancient temples are in the process of being modernized, along with the building of over 500 vibrantly painted statues attending a giant reclining Buddha. Feel free to miss the "Museum of Hell," a silly haunted house portraying the underworld. Accessible by buses 7, 8, 27, 33, and 73. From the train station, take bus 39 across from station to Gaoshui (高水) and transfer to 27. Free (Museum of Hell ¥10), expect an entrance fee when modernization is completed. (updated Dec 2011)
* Xianhai Lake (仙海, Xianhai). A large reservoir and resort town 15 km northeast of the city center offers many opportunities for recreation. A 17-km loop surrounds the reservoir, undulating through beautiful countryside. The 2011 Tour of China's 4th stage passed through the area. Also check out the dockside teahouses and restaurants. There is also a golf course. Bicycle (¥20) and boat (¥100-300) rentals are readily available. Accessible by the 22 bus (¥1.5). From the train station, cross Lin Yuan street and take bus 3 downtown to the 东方红大桥 stop and transfer to 22. Xianhai is about 30 minutes away. Alight at the roundabout. Last bus leaves Xianhai at 19:00. No entrance fee. (updated Sep 2023)Lake Xianhai

## Buy

* 31.463445104.7418881 CapitaLand, No. 74-3-4, East Section of Linyuan Road, Fucheng District. 0900-2200. (updated Dec 2023)

## Eat

* Japanese Restaurant, Linyuan Ludong Road (next to Wal-Mart). This restaurant serves Japanese cuisine - sushi, sashimi, curries and noodles, and also a Chinese selection. Mains from approx. ¥30, sushi from ¥10 per 2 pieces. (updated Sep 2023)
* Grandma's Kitchen, 8 Tie Niu Road (near the fountain in Tie Nui square), ☏ +86 816 2221288, +86 13668325888. A chain restaurant that serves mainly Western dishes and also some Asian dishes. A range of different cuts of steaks available (priced under ¥100) and a variety of pastas (less than ¥50). Burgers, pizzas, onion rings, chips, etc. (updated Sep 2023)
* Old House (Liao Fangzi) (across the river in the shadow of Fule Mtn.). Excellent traditional Sichuan dishes prepared and served in a comfortable, clean setting. Favorites include the beef & bamboo and the beef with fruit, in addition to more traditional local dishes. A little more pricey than some Mom & Pop joints, but also much cleaner and with modern amenities. Not much English spoken here, so bring a local friend along to help out. (updated Sep 2023)
* Mianyang Rice Vermicelli. Mianyang Rice Vermicelli is one of the famous traditional Chinese food in Mianyang, with a history of more than 1800 years. Mianyang Rice Vermicelli owes its origin to Jiang Gong Diem, who had the legacy of Zhuge in literature and the courage of Jiang Wei in martial arts. The longest-serving prime minister in Mianyang's history, Jiang was a military statesman and a gourmet. One day he visited the streets of Mianzhou, and after tasting the Mianyang rice noodles, he suggested that the ingredients be changed from thick to thin to make them more flavourful, which is now a popular term for a stronger taste! A change in the formation of the country's unique characteristics of fine rice noodles, spreading the province inside and outside the region fine rice noodles as Mianyang rice noodles as the originator. Abstract long Mianyang rice flour history, you taste the delicious rice flour, if you go to Mianyang Xishan scenic area YaYou must bring the heart of reverence look forward to Chiang Dung Diem sculpture and its mausoleum, in order to understand the profound Mianyang nation's most influential and loud unique traditional food culture! Averaging 10s of yuan per bowl. (updated Sep 2023)
* Guokui (Chinese-style fried dumpling), In any street you can see a shop selling pots and pans. In the middle of the pot Guokui there is a "dragon's eye" like pot Guokui head, the dragon's eye out, out, the whole pot Guokui layer by layer spinning without breaking, the pot Guokui layer by layer are crispy; Mixed pot Guokui: its speciality is bubbling, the pot Guokui bubbles up to the old high; Crispy pot Guokui: famous for its fragrance, with a variety of fillings, pot Guokui with a red mark on the pot Guokui, oily; and there is also sesame pot Guokui, Glutinous Rice Pot Kui, Cured Meat or Marinated Meat Sandwich Pot Kui, and Pot Kui with various flavours and meat fillings, up to more than 20 varieties. Its unique flavour and regional characteristics will attract many local and foreign diners. ¥6 or ¥7 each. (updated Sep 2023)
* Mianyang Majiaxiang Food Street, Fucheng District, Nanhe Street Office Nanhe Road, and Nanhe Road Huaihai Road intersection to the east of about 100 metres. The Majiaxiang Snack Street has a wide range of businesses and is widely distributed, and the following are a few shops that are particularly recommended: (1) Chen Ji Skewers: The unique taste of this shop and the owner's own spicy sauce make the taste buds go wild, definitely a delicious dish not to be missed here. (2) Wei Ji Spicy Hot Pot: This small shop has attracted a large number of diners since its opening, especially the spicy is worth a taste. (3) Yang's preserved meat skewers: the shop's high-quality raw materials, unique marinade techniques, excellent taste, is one of the speciality shops belonging to the Majiaxiang snack street. When strolling through the snack street, the following tips can help you better experience the local snack culture: (1) go early and come back late: the Majiaxiang snack street is open for a longer time in the evening, and usually closes only late at night. However, during the peak period in the evening, the flow of people is huge and you need to wait for a seat, so it is recommended to go earlier and come back later. (2) Reasonable meal: Majiaxiang Snack Street has a wide range of snacks, it is recommended to reasonably share the meal to taste more kinds of food, but also can control the amount of food. (3) pay attention to health: when shopping snack street, health issues also need to pay attention to. It is recommended to choose a relatively standardised, hygienic business. Eat all kinds of snacks may be about ¥90 per person. (updated Sep 2023)

## Drink

* Flags English Pub, 55 Anchang Road (look for the large sign behind the bus shelter). A large and truly genuine styled pub run by English ex-pat since 2005. Heavily beamed ceilings; old brick and panelled walls; stone and wooden floors; old lights and western music turned down. Table football; darts and 8' pool table; 50" sports TV. Some western beers and several on tap. Nice selection of wines, spirits etc. Lots of soft drinks and always air-conditioned. Not a pub for foreigners but a public house for everyone except for Americans, who may feel not welcome. Not a real pub, but a bar with a few UK accents to impress the locals. Condescending service and fantastically expensive; ¥50 for a Budweiser.
* SPR Coffee, On Iron Ox Square (Tien Niu Guangchang) (near Yong Tuo Yang Luo complex.). Excellent coffee house with a limited but tasty menu. Great for sitting and watching the action on the square. Friendly service and good coffee and wine list. Clean, locally owned and foreign-friendly. Dishes are good, and the coffees and teas are varied and splendid. (updated Nov 2019)
* RiverWalk Beer Gardens. Throughout the summer and early fall there are numerous outdoor beer gardens lining the riverwalk adjacent to Iron Ox Square. Cold, inexpensive beer and delicious street food and appetizers are available as both large and small groups of friends gather to enjoy the good life.
* Wu Ba Ba (588) Dumpling House. A wide variety of the best jiaozi, or dumplings, in Mianyang. Simple setting and no-frills service, but you can't beat the dumplings or the prices. Just ask any cab driver or local for "Wu Ba Ba Jiaozi."