Sichuan Suining Travel Guide

Suining is a prefecture city in Sichuan Province. It is about 170km east of provincial capital Chengdu. To its east are cities such as Chongqing, Nanchong, Guang’an. Suining covers an area of 5322 km2. It is consist of 2 districts (Chuanshan & Anju), 2 counties (Pengxi & Daying) and 1 county level city (Shehong). It has population of 2.8 million. Its history dates back to East Jin dynasty in 5th century. 4-5th century was a turbulent period in Chinese history, with warlords fighting for supremacy over China. One of the Jin general named Huan Wen once visited nowadays Suining area after a bloody battle, he was amazed by the peace and prosperity that local people enjoyed in such troubled years. He set up a county here and named this place Suining, that means a place enjoys peace and stability.

● Top things to fo in Suining

Suining is a place with strong culture presence of Guanyin pusa (Avalokitesvara), a Bodhisattva of Buddhism. Guanyin is a popular and mostly worshiped Buddha by Chinese among all Buddhism figures. People refer Guanyin as the God of Mercy. People in Suining believe that their city is the birthplace of Guanyin. Myths circulated around the birth and life of Guanyin, and temples were built so people can practice their worship to this Buddha.Temples in Suining, such as Lingquan temple and Guangde Temple, are flooded with pilgrimates of Guanyin during 19th of February, June and September (lunar calender), time locals believe associated with the birth and enlightenment of Guanyin. Apart from activities in temples, themed events are held through out the region of Suining to highlight the rich Guanyin culture.  

Dead sea of China

To people in Sichuan, one of the most heard place of interests in Suining is the dead sea of China, in Daying County. This site sits by the side of Chengdu-Nanchong Expressway. It is a product of tectonic movement 20,000 years ago in this region. A salty plain lake was formed afterwards with huge concentration of salt. In many ways this site resembles the dead sea in the middle east which is capable of floating people and objects.

Lingquan temple

Lingquan temple (temple for the holy water) was firstly built in Sui dynasty (8th century). The current buildings still stand are remains from the rebuilding of Ming dynasty (16th century). It is an active center of Buddhism in central Sichuan and a popular tourist attraction. The temple is open from 9-18 with entrance fee of 35RMB per person. It is connected with downtown Suining with public bus route.

Guangde temple

Guangde temple (temple of grand virtue) is located on Wolong hill, Chuanshan District of Suining City. Its history dates back to 8th century during Tang dynasty. The remaining buildings are mostly from Song, Ming and Qing dynasties (12-19th centuries). Both Guangde temple and Lingquan temples are listed as National Key Protection Units of Relics.

Museum of Song Dynasty Ceramics

Formerly known as Suining Museum, this museum was designated to showcase the glory of ceramics from Song dynasty (10-13th century AD). Song dynasty produces some of the finest china and ceramic products. In 1991, a Song dynasty cellar was unearthed with discovery of more than 1000 pieces of items, mostly Song ceramics. These exquisite ceramics were moved to this museum on display, entrance free for visitors.   

● Suining Food&Drinks

Food items and cuisine types in Suining are in no big difference compared to most Sichuan cities. Guan yin ma hua is a popular local snack. It is in essence a kind of fried dough twists, come with different flavors. Chuan shan dou fu pi (dried tofu slice from Chuanshan district) is a famous snack food in Suining with bouncy texture, a great source of protein for non meat eater. Shehong city of Suining, is famous for its crispy duck. Suining is also known for its fruit produce. Grapefruit is among Suining’s famous agricultural produce.  

● Suining Transportation

Suining is a vital link of Sichuan’s road transport networks. It sits between two major cities in southwest China: Chengdu and Chongqing. Its extended network of roads makes Suining an accessible city. As for railways, Chengdu-Dazhou & Chengdu-Suining lines run through Suining region. Downtown Suining is one hour to Chengdu or Chongqing on a fast train. There is currently no air route in and out of Suining. There is an airport under construction (Suining Anju Airport), it is scheduled to open at end of 2021.

● Suining Weather 

Suining has a generally mild weather like most cities in Sichuan Province with enough precipitation and distinct four seasons. In meteorologic terms, it is subtropical climate. It has relatively short spring and autumn, longer summer and winter. Foggy days are not uncommon in Suining, especially in mountain areas.