Deyang

The crown jewel of Deyang and one of China's most important museums, the Sanxingdui Museum houses the extraordinary artifacts of the ancient Shu civilization. Discovered in 1986 when local brick makers stumbled upon two sacrificial pits, the finds — dating to approximately 1200 BC — include towering bronze figures up to 2.6 meters tall, gold masks, jade ritual objects, elephant tusks, and the iconic bronze "alien" masks with protruding eyeballs. These artifacts belong to a culture that left no written records and vanished around 1000 BC, making Sanxingdui one of archaeology's greatest mysteries. The museum's dramatic architecture echoes the ancient Shu aesthetic, and the newly expanded exhibition halls (opened 2023) feature immersive displays, 3D reconstructions, and multimedia presentations that bring the 3,000-year-old civilization to life. The new exhibition buildings tripled the museum's capacity and display the most recent discoveries from additional pits excavated in 2021–2022.

Surrounding the museum, the 12 square kilometer archaeological park lets visitors explore the actual excavation sites where the ancient Shu civilization was discovered. Walking paths lead past the locations of the sacrificial pits, through reconstructed Bronze Age village settings, and along the Duck River (鸭子河) where the ancient Shu people once lived. Information boards (in Chinese and English) explain the significance of each site. The park also features experimental archaeology demonstrations where craftsmen recreate ancient bronze-casting techniques using traditional methods. Recent excavations have revealed additional pits and structures, and you may see archaeologists at work during active digging seasons. The peaceful rural setting, with bamboo groves and farmland, contrasts poignantly with the extraordinary civilization that once thrived here.

Located in Deyang's Luojiang District, this ancient town dates back over 1,700 years and preserves a charming collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. The town's main street is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing craft shops, teahouses, and small restaurants. A distinctive feature is the town's association with famous historical figures — the Song Dynasty poet Lu You (陆游) lived here temporarily, and several buildings commemorate his stay. The old stage (古戏台) at the town center occasionally hosts Sichuan opera performances during festivals. The surrounding countryside offers pleasant cycling routes through farmland and villages. Luojiang is far less commercialized than similar towns near Chengdu, giving it an authentic, unhurried atmosphere where you can experience traditional Sichuan town life without the tourist crowds.

This remarkable 1,100-meter-long sculpted wall along the Jinghu River is one of China's largest outdoor art installations. Created by dozens of artists over 15 years, the wall features hundreds of stone carvings depicting Sichuan's history, folklore, mythology, and daily life. The carvings range from realistic portraits and historical scenes to fantastical creatures and abstract designs. Major thematic sections include "Dragon Gate" (龙门), "Rebirth from Earthquake" (recounting the 2008 Wenchuan disaster and recovery), and "Folk Customs of Ba-Shu." The wall is both a public artwork and a memorial, incorporating tributes to earthquake victims and the spirit of reconstruction. Benches along the river make this a pleasant place to rest and contemplate the art while watching the river flow by.