Bazhong

This comprehensive museum chronicles the role of Bazhong as the headquarters of the Chinese Red Army's Fourth Front Army from 1932 to 1935. Under the leadership of Zhang Guotao, Xu Xiangqian, and Chen Changhao, over 120,000 soldiers were recruited from the local population — one of the largest mobilizations in Red Army history. The museum's extensive collection includes weapons, documents, photographs, and personal belongings of soldiers. Exhibits cover the establishment of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet, major battles in the Daba Mountains, and the Long March's departure from Bazhong. The memorial hall is surrounded by monuments, including a massive relief sculpture depicting revolutionary scenes. It provides essential context for understanding why Bazhong is known as the "Red City" of Sichuan.

Part of the larger Daba Mountain range, Micang Mountain National Forest Park offers pristine alpine scenery with dense forests, waterfalls, limestone caves, and dramatic peak views. The park's highest point reaches 2,508 meters, and the landscape changes dramatically with elevation — from subtropical broadleaf forests at the base to temperate conifer forests near the summit. The ancient Micang Road (米仓道), one of the historic Shu Roads connecting Sichuan to Shaanxi, passes through the park, with some paved sections still walkable. Autumn (October–November) brings spectacular foliage as maple, ginkgo, and oak trees transform the mountains into a canvas of red, orange, and gold. The park is also home to rare wildlife including golden takins, Chinese giant salamanders, and over 200 bird species.

With over 1,500 years of history, Enyang Ancient Town is one of the best-preserved historical towns in northeastern Sichuan. The town's layout follows traditional feng shui principles, built along the banks of the Enyang River with buildings climbing the hillside. Its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture features carved wooden facades, stone-paved alleys, and traditional courtyard homes. During the Red Army period, Enyang served as an important base, and several buildings still carry revolutionary slogans carved into their walls. Today, the town has been thoughtfully restored — artisan workshops produce local crafts, traditional teahouses serve Ba-style snacks, and small museums display the town's rich history. Unlike many commercialized ancient towns in China, Enyang retains an authentic, lived-in atmosphere where residents go about daily life amid the historic surroundings.

Rising directly behind Bazhong's city center, Nankan Mountain (南龛山) offers both natural beauty and cultural treasures. The mountain's cliff faces hold the Nankan Grottoes (南龛石窟), a collection of over 170 stone Buddhist sculptures carved during the Sui and Tang Dynasties (AD 581–907). These finely detailed carvings depict Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and celestial guardians, representing some of the finest Buddhist art in the Sichuan region. The mountain also features the Guangfu Temple, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple with ancient bell towers and meditation halls. A network of walking trails winds through bamboo groves and pine forests, with multiple pavilions offering panoramic views of Bazhong city and the surrounding valley. The site is easily accessible by a short taxi ride or a pleasant uphill walk from downtown.