About Mianyang
Mianyang spreads along the Fu River in northern Sichuan, where the Chengdu plain meets the first ridges of the mountains. Known in China as a science city, home to research institutes and electronics makers, it has a relaxed, green centre built around a lake where three rivers meet.
Its roots go back much further. The Tang-dynasty Yuewang Tower, praised by the poets Li Bai and Du Fu, has been rebuilt in grand style on the riverbank, Fule Mountain is linked to the Three Kingdoms story of Liu Bei, and Xishan Park honours the Han scholar Yang Xiong. Li Bai himself grew up in nearby Jiangyou, now part of the same prefecture.
Mianyang is also the gateway to the mountains of the north-west. The ruins of the old Beichuan county town, preserved after the 2008 earthquake, are a sobering memorial, while the Ming-dynasty Bao'en Temple in Pingwu is one of the best-preserved wooden temples in Sichuan. Start any day here with a bowl of spicy Mianyang rice noodles.
Best seasonMarch to May and September to November, avoiding summer heat and winter fog
Ideal stay1-2 days, more for mountain trips
ArrivingHigh-speed trains from Chengdu take well under an hour, and Mianyang Nanjiao Airport has domestic flights
