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Zigong is a prefecture-level city and the third largest city in Sichuan province. Situated south of the Sichuan basin, the historical city called “Zigong” is a modern name, formed by the merger of the two older towns of Ziliujing (Tzuliuching) and Gongjing (Kungching) in 1939.
Zigong has a long history in ancient China. Granted as one of the Historical and Cultural Cities of China by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Zigong has long been renowned as “Salt City” for its salt culture. In ancient China, salt trading was the most profitable business and salt merchants were the wealthiest people. So Zigong had always been one of the richest cities in China until new salt producing technologies were introduced.
Although not quite as popular as Chengdu or Leshan for tourist destination, Zigong is still worth a visit for its unique cultural and historical heritage.
Zigong Dinosaur Museum
Zigong Dinosaur Museum was established in 1987 due to the excavation of vast dinosaur fossils in the Dashanpu Formation, 7 km north-east from Zigong in the 1980s. Because of the unique and intact bone remains, Zigong has been attracting dinosaur lovers and global tourists. Zigong Dinosaur was the first specialized dinosaur museum open in Asia.
Zigong Salt History Museum
Zigong Salt History Museum is a museum in the center of Zigong city. The museum is housed in the Xiqin Guildhall. It was built in 1736 during the ruling period of Qianlong in the Qing dynasty. The museum gives visitors an insight into the long history of salt drilling and producing in the region. The hall is one of the Major Historical and Cultural Sites in China and a must-see for tourists in Zigong.
Lantern Festival
Zigong is the birthplace of the Chinese Lantern Festival. As one of the Historical and Cultural Cities of China, Zigong is called “Lantern Town”. Each year, lanterns of various colors and shapes from home and abroad are shown to the public during the Chinese Spring Festival, bringing a boon for tourism in the ancient and tranquil city.
Local Food and Dishes
Food in Zigong is pretty much similar to the Sichuan area. But Zigong cuisine could be spicy and salty at the same time. Unique dishes include various types of dumpling or Wonton served with hot oil and pepper paste called Chaoshou, Sichuan hop pot called Chuan Chuan Xiang, Twice Cooked Pork called Huiguorou.
