眉山
Hometown of Su Shi & Classical Poetry
Meishan, located just 60 kilometers south of Chengdu, occupies a special place in Chinese cultural history as the birthplace of Su Shi (Su Dongpo) (AD 1037–1101), widely regarded as China's greatest poet, essayist, calligrapher, and gastronome. The Su family produced three literary giants — Su Shi, his father Su Xun, and his brother Su Zhe — known collectively as the 'Three Sus' (三苏), who dominated Chinese literature during the Song Dynasty. Their former residence in Meishan, now the San Su Shrine (三苏祠), is one of China's most important literary pilgrimage sites.
Beyond its literary heritage, Meishan offers a surprisingly rich variety of experiences for its modest size. The city is a center of traditional bamboo weaving, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The surrounding countryside produces some of Sichuan's finest tea, and several scenic areas preserve the landscapes that inspired Su Shi's poetry over 900 years ago. The nearby Wawu Mountain (瓦屋山) offers pristine forests and dramatic waterfalls that rival better-known natural attractions.
What makes Meishan special is its authentic literary atmosphere. This isn't a manufactured cultural tourism site — it's a real city where residents genuinely revere their literary heritage. Local restaurants serve dishes created by or inspired by Su Shi (who was as famous for his food writing as his poetry), teahouses display classical poetry on their walls, and the pace of life reflects the unhurried appreciation of beauty that characterized Song Dynasty culture. For anyone interested in Chinese literature or simply seeking a peaceful day trip from Chengdu, Meishan is a revelation.
The former residence of the Su family, converted into a memorial shrine in the Ming Dynasty, this elegant complex of traditional courtyards, gardens, and halls covers 104 acres in the heart of Meishan. The shrine preserves the rooms where Su Shi and his family lived, displayed with period furniture and calligraphy. The surrounding gardens — with ancient trees, lotus ponds, and bamboo groves — create the exact atmosphere that inspired Su Shi's most famous works. A museum on-site houses an extensive collection of Su family manuscripts, Song Dynasty artifacts, and rotating exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy.
Often described as 'China's most beautiful tabletop mountain,' Wawu Mountain features a massive flat summit (11 square kilometers) at 2,830 meters elevation, surrounded by sheer 800-meter cliffs on all sides. The summit is covered in primeval forest with 72 waterfalls cascading off its edges. In winter, the mountain transforms into Sichuan's best-kept skiing secret, with natural snow covering the flat summit from December to March. The hiking trails through moss-covered forests and alongside rushing streams offer some of Sichuan's most atmospheric trekking.
Qingshen County in Meishan is the epicenter of Sichuan's bamboo weaving tradition, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Master weavers here create incredibly intricate works from bamboo strips — from functional baskets and fans to artistic portraits and landscape paintings rendered entirely in bamboo thread. Visitors can watch demonstrations, try basic weaving techniques, and purchase exquisite handicrafts directly from artisans. The village setting along bamboo-lined waterways adds to the charm.
A well-preserved Qing Dynasty river town nestled in a valley where two rivers meet, Liujiang retains its original stone-paved streets, wooden buildings, and covered bridges. The town is famous for its old camphor and banyan trees, some over 800 years old, whose massive canopies shade the riverside streets. Unlike many 'ancient towns' in Sichuan that have been heavily commercialized, Liujiang maintains a genuine, lived-in atmosphere where local residents outnumber tourists. Small riverside restaurants serve local mountain cuisine, and guesthouses in converted traditional houses offer peaceful overnight stays.
Braised pork belly created by Su Shi himself — slow-cooked in soy sauce, wine, and ginger until meltingly tender. A 900-year-old recipe.
Fresh fish braised with tofu, pickled mustard greens, and chili. Another recipe attributed to the poet-gastronome.
Steamed rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves. Chewy, subtly sweet, and perfect with morning tea.
Fresh green tea from the mountain slopes around Meishan. Served in traditional covered bowls at local teahouses.