Recently, I came up with an idea for finding fun destinations: looking for cities based on license plate numbers!
Take Zhejiang for example. The prefix “Zhe A” is for Hangzhou, the provincial capital, and “Zhe B” is for Ningbo, the economic powerhouse. They truly live up to Zhejiang’s title as the “fun cities of Zhejiang.”
People might think the provincial capital is the most impressive city in a province, but in reality, some provinces are quite complex.
Some provincial capitals are merely nominal, while others have too much authority… Even if they are assigned the “A” designation, they may not necessarily hold that position firmly.
There can even be cases where “B” cities overtake, such as Qingdao, Guilin, and Sanya, which are more famous and popular than their provincial capitals. Even if they can’t match the provincial capitals, these “B” cities are still worth visiting.
They might be incredibly delicious or rich in cultural charm. In any case, within the map of a province, they are definitely worth exploring, even if they aren’t the center stage.
Today, I want to shine the spotlight on this “Chuan B” city—Mianyang. As “Chuan B,” it holds significant weight in Sichuan, but on a national scale, I suspect many people haven’t heard of it.
During my freshman summer, I traveled from Ningbo to Mianyang. My first impression was: it’s very similar to Ningbo, with a slower pace of life than the provincial capital, a decent level of urban prosperity, and delicious food.
It was only later that I realized one was “Zhe B” and the other was “Chuan B.” The central area of Ningbo is called Sanjiangkou, and Mianyang also has a Sanjiangkou, as if the two cities are echoing each other from afar.
In addition to its rich history and stunning natural scenery, Mianyang is also famous for Mianyang rice noodles, which are well-known across Sichuan. Once the pandemic is under control, it truly deserves a visit.
Once scarred by earthquakes,
Now it shines with countless highlights.
Thirteen years ago, during the 5·12 Wenchuan earthquake, Beichuan County in Mianyang was one of the hardest-hit areas. Seeing these ruined houses brings back memories of the overwhelming news coverage of the disaster.
Furthermore, two Li figures, one an ancient internet sensation and the other a modern one, both hail from Mianyang. Can you guess who they are?
Li Bai↑
Li Ziqi↑
Compared to Chengdu, Mianyang’s economic scale is only about one-sixth of it.
Although its economy is modest, it boasts a major technological ace—China’s Science and Technology City, the only one of its kind, dubbed the Silicon Valley of the West.
Li Ziqi↑
Many high-caliber talents have given up opportunities to work in big cities, choosing instead to stay in Mianyang to quietly pursue academic research. This city is home to 18 defense research institutes, including the China Academy of Engineering Physics, the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, and the China Gas Turbine Research Institute.
Familiar scientists like Deng Jiaxian and Yu Min also worked in Mianyang for extended periods. Moreover, the GDP of the Science and Technology City is not included in the local GDP, which is quite impressive.
It’s unclear if it’s because of the Science and Technology City, but Mianyang was featured in a BBC report on five Chinese cities. Some say it’s overlooked within Sichuan but highly regarded in the UK.
Additionally, Mianyang is most famous in Sichuan for Mianyang Middle School.
The two best high schools in Sichuan are Chengdu No. 7 High School and Mianyang Middle School. Many students from Chengdu travel here specifically to study.
In terms of transportation, Mianyang is quite convenient.
High-speed trains from Chengdu to Mianyang run every ten minutes or so. Departing from Chengdu, you can reach leisurely Mianyang in just over forty minutes.
Mianyang also has a small airport, though flights are limited. If traveling within Sichuan, it’s recommended to reach Chengdu first and then take a high-speed train or drive to Mianyang.
The city boasts ancient sites, natural scenery, and lively alleyways… It exudes a relaxed atmosphere. After enjoying a bowl of Mianyang rice noodles, climb a tower for a panoramic view, with both your stomach and eyes satisfied.
A Yuewang Tower
Half of Chinese literary history
When it comes to the Yellow Crane Tower, Tengwang Pavilion, and Yueyang Tower, you’re probably familiar. These, along with Mianyang’s “Yuewang Tower,” make up the “Four Great Towers of the Tang Dynasty.” In terms of status, Yuewang Tower is the most prominent among them.
“The tower rises a hundred feet high, with stars within reach. One dares not speak loudly, fearing to disturb the heavens,” Li Bai wrote about it, something I only recently realized.
@sufan_nt
Built by Li Zhen, the eighth son of Emperor Taizong of Tang, the current Yuewang Tower is a replica. Even among nationwide replicas of ancient buildings, it stands out.
Statistics show that Yuewang Tower is the most frequently mentioned by literary giants among the Four Great Towers of the Tang Dynasty. If there were a talent show for ancient towers, it would undoubtedly take the center stage.
Poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Bo have mentioned it 154 times in their works. For comparison, the Yellow Crane Tower is mentioned 112 times, and the Tengwang Pavilion 86 times.
Externally impressive, Yuewang Tower also offers great exploration inside. For instance, the 9th floor houses a Tang Dynasty culture museum, the 11th floor features a museum of famous historical figures from Mianyang, and the 13th floor showcases Chinese celebrities…
@
Climbing to the 15th floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city of Mianyang. It’s especially suitable for visiting at night, truly experiencing the sensation of “stars within reach.”
Video footage courtesy of @Mianyang Red Bridge
Across the river, the light show is a grand spectacle of “true fragrance,” where the city’s landscape dances on the high-rise buildings, making it a must-see attraction in Mianyang.
The technology behind the light show is impressive, utilizing the most innovative lighting techniques and performance forms currently available in China. It’s intriguing to imagine what (Li Bai) might create if he were to witness this light show in this era.
The best angle to view the Yuewang Tower is actually from the opposite side of the river. At night, navigate to the Iron Ox Square to see the Yuewang Tower across the Fu River, illuminated and majestic.
**Yuewang Tower Travel Tips**
🎫 45 RMB, students half price
🕰 09:00-21:30
Yuewang Tower
🅿️ Parking available behind the tower
**A Sacred Temple, the Shengshui Temple**
Any Mianyang local would strongly recommend the Shengshui Temple to visiting tourists.
The reason for the recommendation isn’t the temple’s profound Buddhist background, but the awe-inspiring sculptures of Buddha statues within.
From the main entrance, the Shengshui Temple may not seem particularly unique, with its incense offering a modest sight.
However, once you step through the “Gate of Good Fortune,” the sense of awe hits you immediately. The various deities are depicted in a myriad of poses—playing flutes, meditating, chanting—each one lifelike and full of spirit.
They almost seem ready to step off the walls↓
This corner surrounded by deities is actually a monumental work completed by the sculptor Li Nengsheng over a decade.
The Bodhisattva Manjushri is undoubtedly the central figure, exuding a solemn and compassionate presence, inviting one to linger nearby.
These sculptures are also remarkably detailed when examined closely, with expressions of anger and smiles, and the wings of mythical beasts rendered with great vitality.
Image credit: Heritage Master
There are also the flying apsaras, who, by today’s standards, are quite sensual, closer to what one might call “spicy girls,” each with their own unique charm.
Image source: Heritage Master
Teacher Hua (Hua Luo Cheng Shi) says that this place is a magical creation that breaks away from the conventional, not adhering to traditional rules, yet it makes the images of Ji Gong, various arhats, and Manjushri Bodhisattva very vivid in our minds.
Image source: Hua Luo Cheng Shi
Adjacent to the Holy Water Temple is the Arhat Temple, but its style is quite different.
Pure white Buddha statues, copied and pasted, line up in neat rows, scrutinizing every passerby from 360 degrees.
@Bu Yi Yang
These neat white Buddha statues, some say they resemble a small Thailand. Although they do remind one of Chiang Mai, the differences in the portrayal of Mahayana and Theravada Buddha statues are quite evident.
@Bu Yi Yang
The construction of the Arhat Temple was quite challenging. It was funded by the centenarian monk Master Guo Qing, and the temple’s current operations are not doing well.
Here, one can also engage in Chan meditation. The retreat here has already gained some fame in Sichuan. The Arhat Temple warmly welcomes monks and lay practitioners from all over the country to come for a retreat.
Image source: Tang He He
For those in Sichuan interested in Chan meditation or retreats, you can check this out:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/tfZ0im1rHXPzobZZitpMQg
Tips for Visiting the Holy Water Temple
🎫 Free admission, the temple is open to the public at no cost
🕰 08:30-17:00
Holy Water Temple
🅿️ Parking is available at the entrance, with a fee of 10 yuan per vehicle
A Treasure Market
Hong Gao Market
To truly understand a city, the market is where its soul resides.
“Honggao Market” is not actually a vegetable market but one of the best food streets in Mianyang, where local residents come to eat whenever they have the time.
@Liu Shiqin
It has the vibe of a night market, making you crave from one end of the street to the other. With an average expenditure of 30 yuan, you can eat until you’re satisfied. It’s not uncommon to find decade-old shops here; the everyday life of old Mianyang is condensed in this one place.
Snail noodles, maocai (spicy Sichuan hot pot), mala tang (spicy hot pot), bobo chicken, chicken cartilage, grilled gluten, cold noodles, cold jelly, and ice jelly… These mouth-watering dishes are all gathered at Honggao Market. Sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
@L Chi Chi Huo Huo x Xie Tongxue
The snacks at Honggao Market are mainly Sichuan-style, but well-known nationwide dishes like Northeast-style grilled sausages, snail noodles, and Cantonese roast meat can also be found here.
Bobo chicken is highly recommended by many. The shop has a simple name, the owner is carefree, and the skewers are cheap.
The shop opens only in the afternoon around four or five o’clock and only in the summer. Could it be that the owner goes to Hainan for vacation in the winter?
Meat dishes are 1 yuan per skewer, and vegetable dishes are 50 cents per skewer. With an average of 30 yuan, you can eat until you’re full. Spicy bobo chicken paired with fruit-filled ice jelly is pure joy.
🍠@Gungun Mama
Zhang Yanjing Mala Tang
This is the most popular mala tang shop in the entire market, considered the top dog at Honggao Market.
Although it’s a small, humble eatery, the oil used is very clean. In first-tier cities, a bowl of mala tang can cost 40 to 50 yuan, but here you can get a big bowl for just 10 yuan.
@Qiu Xiaobao
Besides mala tang, the maocai, cold noodles, and potatoes here are also very delicious.
Northeast Iron Plate Fried Food
This is the king of fried sausages at Honggao Market. Although it uses lower-cost starch sausages, the fried sausages are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they become even more fragrant when sprinkled with cumin and chili powder.
🍠@Liuhe Liuhe_
The sausages have the taste of the fried skewers sold at elementary school gates from childhood. They cost 1.5 yuan each and often require queuing to get.
🍠@Gungun’s Mom
Liu’s Rice Cake and Ice Jelly
This is a family-run, heartwarming little shop.
The portions are incredibly generous. With just a scoop, you can see an abundance of peanuts, raisins, hawthorn pieces, and fruits. The brown sugar is plentiful. The Q- you scoop out are handmade rice cakes by the owner, and the price is only around seven or eight yuan per bowl.
🍠@Liuhe Liuhe_
They also offer pure hand-kneaded ice jelly here, which has a few more tiny holes than regular ice jelly, and it’s only one yuan more.
🍠@Liuhe Liuhe_
There are actually quite a few such snack streets in Mianyang, like Honggao Market. I highly recommend: Majia Alley, Tong’an Alley, and Xikeda Snack Street.
🍠@Qiu Yuanyuan
There’s also Mianyang Rice Noodles, which dominate the scene. The noodles are as thin as silk and are incredibly flavorful when soaked in red sauce.
It is arguably the most representative food of Mianyang. I plan to dedicate a separate post to Mianyang’s cuisine next time. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share.
Honggao Market Travel Tips
🎫 Bring enough budget for food
🕰 Operating hours vary by shop, generally from the afternoon to 9 PM
Honggao Market – Small Commodities Stalls Area (Honggao Market Branch)
🅿️ Parking can be challenging
A Hidden Gem – Yaowang Valley
Seeing the name “Yaowang Valley,” I wondered if it could be the one from Jin Yong’s novels, and it turned out to be.
Once upon a time, the founder of Chinese medicine, Qi Bo, often collected herbs here. Later, the renowned physician Sun Simiao and his disciples discovered a meat ganoderma in this mountain.
This disciple used the meat ganoderma to cure many locals of their, and the place where he found the ganoderma was named Yaowang Valley.
Li Ziqi has a very ethereal video of horse-walking and flower-seeking, which was shot here.
This place boasts the largest Magnolia in the entire Southwest region. The Magnolia trees on the mountain have a history of several hundred years. Every March and April, when the pink Magnolia flowers bloom all over the mountains, the beauty is indescribable.
Their colors range from white to pink, from pink to purple, and from purple to red. Magnolia flowers are also known as Yulan magnolias, with a short blooming period, only in March and April each year. Moreover, they can treat nasal diseases, and for generations, local villagers have called them divine trees.
It must be said that on a good weather day, the Yulan magnolias set against the blue sky are incredibly eye-soothing.
The Valley of the Medicine King is located on the magical 30th parallel north latitude, with a unique ecological environment. Here, a dozen or so medicinal flowers rotate in bloom each month, both beautiful and useful.
In addition to Magnolia, there are also cherry blossoms, forsythia, and Fulu flowers that bloom in turn.
If you want to go up the mountain, there are currently two ways: one is to take the scenic cable car up the mountain, allowing you to immerse yourself in the mountains and; the other is to take a bus up the mountain.
Additionally, you can also enjoy fried Magnolia flowers in the scenic area. The crispy texture mixed with the fragrance of flowers is a limited-edition taste of the Valley of the Medicine King.
Li Ziqi also collected Magnolia flowers in her video, but her approach was a bit different. She added flour and peanuts to the Magnolia flowers to make Magnolia flower pastries, which have a subtle floral aroma and a Michelin-like presentation in terms of visual appeal.
Moreover, this scenic area is quite good at marketing. It has branded itself with a theme of “Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Preservation.” Here, there are one-on-one national medical examinations and health adjustment services, allowing you to take a vacation under the pretext of a health check.
By the way, the Jiuhuang Mountain, which is adjacent to the Valley of the Medicine King, is also worth a visit, where the Magnolia flowers are just as impressive.
Travel Tips for the Valley of the Medicine King
🎫 90, 50% off on tickets from Sunday to Friday
🕰 09:00-17:00
Valley of the Medicine King
🅿️ Scenic Area Parking Lot
An Explosively Fun Lake
Xianhai Lake
When it comes to lakes, Mianyang and Ningbo share a strikingly similar point.
Ningbo’s Dongqian Lake is a renowned resort area throughout Zhejiang Province. Similarly, Mianyang’s Xianhai Lake is also a resort area, located not far from the city, known as the Xianhai International Resort Area.
Xianhai Lake is not just a backyard garden for locals; on weekends, many people from Chengdu rush here for a vacation, with a self-drive trip taking less than two hours.
Xianhai Lake is actually a water conservancy resort. It was once a comprehensive water conservancy project integrating flood control, irrigation, and tourism, nicknamed “the second Dujiangyan.” However, its tourism attributes are now stronger.
Within the resort, the lake’s shape resembles walnut meat, winding and meandering. There are various levels of resort hotels around the lake, and the surrounding attractions are also distributed around the resort area.
In the Xianhai Scenic Area, there is a newly opened Sheraton resort hotel with calendar rooms priced at around 500 yuan, which is quite affordable. Various sports can be enjoyed here, especially water entertainment and water sports, which are quite famous.
Sichuan, being inland, does not have the sea, but there are surfers who have a blast at Xianhai Lake. If you want to play, nothing is impossible, as artificial wave pools have already spread across the country.
Here, speedboats create waves, and surfers follow the waves stirred up by the speedboats, sprinting through the waves, making it both fun and thrilling.
@Wakeboard World Xiao Hui
This surfing method is called “wakeboarding.” Traditional surfing relies on natural ocean waves for gliding, while wakeboarding uses the waves generated by the boat’s wake for gliding. You can simply understand it as the difference between natural wind and an electric fan.
As long as the boat is moving, people can keep surfing, and many professional surfers can also perform “stunts” during the process.
The top configuration for wakeboarding in China is in Mianyang’s Xianhai, not Sanya. A good hotel + the first professional club + skilled surfers, this high-end combination can attract wakeboarding enthusiasts from all over the country.
Wakeboarding is also quite expensive, with surfing times ranging from 1 to 5 hours, costing between 1000 and 5000+ yuan. Thinking about how a 1-hour surfing lesson in the Philippines costs only a hundred yuan, this money feels quite painful to spend.
@lucky girl
“Wakeboarding” is a high-cost activity at Xianhai Lake, but there are also many cost-effective ways to enjoy it.
1. Cycling
This place is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, with professional cycling tracks and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Local triathlon competitions are often held here.
2. Boat Rides
Boat rides here are divided into several types, mainly two categories: sightseeing boats & speedboats, with the price difference mainly in whether they are luxury or standard versions.
The cost is not high, with the lowest at 20 yuan per person and the highest at 48 yuan per person, allowing you to tour the entire lake.
@Goose Fan
Here, you can still be deceived by the imitation of the seaside, with artificial sandy beaches, beachside thatched umbrellas, and vacation-style sofas where you can lie down and daydream.
@BigGooseFan
Some call it the “Maldives of Mianyang,” with the reason being that there is a scenic spot here called the “Qinshuiwan Beach Paradise,” which charges an entrance fee: 30 yuan for adults (children over 1 meter tall pay the same), and 15 yuan for the elderly.
@Alice👄WenThin
Compared to real islands, it certainly falls short. But it’s perfect for bringing kids—as long as there’s sand, children can dig endlessly.
There are also plenty of child-friendly activities, including inflatable slides and swimming pools, and occasionally, they even have bubble baths.
@Shiqi
Tips for Visiting Xianhai Lake
🎫 The main scenic area is free
Different activities within the area require fees
🕰 No time limit
Xianhai Tourist Center
🅿️ Scenic area’s own parking lot
Shining Mianyang ✨
Not Mianyang (no way)
If I were to summarize Mianyang, I would say “shining” suits it well. Not the dazzling sunlight, but a low-key treasure.
In terms of population, economy, and area, it doesn’t rank second, but perhaps it has better luck? A Zhihu user named ZEGBUL said, “I think placing Mianyang, rather than Zigong, in the position of ChuanB was also considered to establish a center in the north to drive economic development.”
@Alue
Indeed, throughout Sichuan, apart from Chengdu, which has already gained fame due to Ding Zhen in Litang, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the presence of other cities is quite weak.
In my opinion, promoting it is definitely not a loss! With education, food, and natural recreational resources as its trump cards, it is more than capable of standing out among the cities outside Chengdu.
However, due to the existence of core technologies, Mianyang cannot be too popular—those who understand, understand.
Regarding fun and delicious spots in Mianyang, I also welcome recommendations from friends in Sichuan. Once the pandemic is over, I plan to explore other treasure towns in Sichuan besides Chengdu.
I also invite everyone to share about cities with license plates prefixed with “B” that may not have high visibility but are quite interesting. I’m thinking of writing a series about these fascinating “B cities.”
