The Dinosaur Capital of China, home to one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil sites and a spectacular annual Lantern Festival.
Zigong, in south-central Sichuan, is a city built on salt and dinosaurs — two resources that could not be more different but together define its character. For over 2,000 years, Zigong was China's salt-mining capital, producing brine from wells that reached over a kilometer deep using bamboo-cable technology centuries ahead of its time. The wealth from salt created one of Sichuan's most prosperous cities and fostered a food culture — Salt Gang cuisine — that is the boldest, most pungent expression of Sichuan cooking.
Then, in 1972, construction workers unearthed fossils at Dashanpu, revealing one of the richest Middle Jurassic dinosaur fossil beds in the world. The Zigong Dinosaur Museum now sits atop this site, displaying dozens of complete skeletons that draw paleontologists and tourists from across the globe.
Zigong history is inseparable from salt. The area began salt production during the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), and by the Tang and Song dynasties, Zigong had become a major salt-producing center. The invention of bamboo-cable percussion drilling in the Song dynasty allowed wells to reach depths of over 300 meters.
During the Qing dynasty, Zigong salt reached its peak. The Shenhai Well, drilled in 1835, reached 1,001 meters — the deepest well in the world at that time. Salt merchants built grand guildhalls and residences, many of which still stand.
The discovery of dinosaur fossils at Dashanpu in 1972 transformed Zigong from a salt town into a global paleontological destination. The site yielded over 200 individual dinosaur skeletons and thousands of other fossils.
Zigong economy has evolved from its historical reliance on salt mining to a diversified industrial base. The chemical industry remains important, building on the salt processing heritage.
Tourism is a growing sector, driven by the Dinosaur Museum, which attracts over 2 million visitors annually, and the internationally acclaimed Zigong Lantern Festival. The lantern festival has been exported to over 50 countries.
Modern manufacturing includes aviation parts, energy equipment, and new materials. The city is positioning itself as a hub for drone manufacturing and low-altitude economy industries. GDP reached approximately ¥160 billion in 2024.
Food processing is also significant, with Zigong cuisine gaining popularity across China and the Leng Chi Tu snack industry becoming a notable export.
Discover the culinary treasures of Zigong, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Morning at the Dinosaur Museum, lunch with authentic Salt Gang cuisine, afternoon exploration of Shenhai Well and Xianshi Ancient Town.
Day one: Dinosaur Museum and Salt History Museum. Evening: the spectacular Lantern Festival. Day two: Rongxian Giant Buddha and food tour.
Zigong does not have a commercial airport. The nearest airports are Chengdu Tianfu (TFU, ~1.5h drive) and Yibin Wuliangye Airport (YBP, ~1h drive).
Zigong East Railway Station connects to Chengdu (~1 hour), Guiyang, Guangzhou, and other cities via the Chengdu-Zigong high-speed rail line.
No metro. Public buses cover the main city routes. Taxis and ride-hailing are affordable and convenient.
Mar - May
Mild and pleasant. The flower displays at Huahai Park are at their best. Good weather for outdoor sightseeing.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Indoor attractions like the Dinosaur Museum are comfortable year-round.
Sep - Nov
Cool and dry with clear skies. The most comfortable season for exploring the city and surrounding attractions.
Dec - Feb
Cold but dry. This is the Lantern Festival season, making it the most magical time to visit despite the cold.
Allow at least 3 hours. The museum has two main halls and an outdoor excavation site. Audio guides are available in English.
Book accommodation months in advance if visiting during the Lantern Festival (Jan-Mar). The festival is extremely popular.
Zigong cuisine is the spiciest in Sichuan. Start with milder dishes like Fushun Tofu Pudding before attempting Leng Chi Tu.
China's relaxed capital of Sichuan, famous for giant pandas,...
Gateway to Jiuzhaigou and birthplace of poet Li Bai—China's ...
Home of the Sanxingdui archaeological site, one of the most ...
The City of Strong Liquor, home to Luzhou Laojiao - one of C...
Home to the world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter-tal...
The City of Fine Wine, home of Wuliangye — China's most famo...
The panda capital of the world—home to the Bifengxia Panda B...
A historic city on the Jialing River, renowned for Langzhong...
Discover more cities, food guides, and travel inspiration.
