01Cultural Stop
Chinese Lantern Museum
中国彩灯博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free entry with reservation.
Typical Visit
45-90 minutes
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free entry.
Hours
Open year-round, 24 hours as a town area; shops and food businesses keep their own hours.
Transport
No metro. Taxi or DiDi from central Zigong usually takes about 20-30 minutes; self-driving is straightforward and parking is easier than in the old city.
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Time
Late afternoon into early evening for food and softer light
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Use it for food and a simple old-town walk
Aiye is a low-pressure old town with river and salt-transport background. It is best as a local-food and walking stop.
Tip:Do not over-plan it as a major heritage site.
2
Arrive by taxi or self-drive
The town is close enough to central Zigong that a direct car often saves time compared with bus transfers.
Tip:This is a good place to spend money on transport rather than time.
3
Walk the old street before eating
Do a short loop through the historic lanes and riverside area first, then choose snacks or a meal after you know where the active shops are.
Tip:Food is the practical anchor of the visit.
4
Return before it becomes transport-heavy
If you are not staying nearby, avoid leaving too late. Ride-hailing availability can be less predictable than in central Zigong.
Tip:A short evening visit is easier than a late-night return.
Highlights
- Free old town with salt-route background
- Easy food-oriented add-on from Zigong city
- Less formal than museum visits
- Good for a slower local stop
- Works well by taxi or self-drive
Insider Tips
✦Go with modest expectations; the appeal is local and low-key.
✦Carry cash or mobile payment options for small food businesses.
✦Use ride-hailing for the return before it gets too late.
✦Avoid comparing it with heavily restored national old towns.
✦Pair it with a lighter daytime itinerary.
More Zigong Attractions
02City Guide
Zigong Colored Lantern Park
自贡彩灯公园
All Ages
Admission
Free park entry. The Chinese Lantern Museum inside is also free with reservation.
Typical Visit
30-60 minutes for the park; add 45-90 minutes for the museum
03City Guide
Zigong Dinosaur Museum
自贡恐龙博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Temporarily closed as of June 7, 2026. Standard World Geopark ticket reference: CNY 40.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours after reopening
04City Guide
Fantawild Dino Kingdom
自贡方特恐龙王国
All Ages
Admission
Date-based one-day tickets. Regular adult-ticket planning number: CNY 230; selected 2026 weekend promotions have listed CNY 199.9 standard and CNY 299 for 1 adult plus 1 child.
Typical Visit
Full day
05Historic Walk
Fushun Confucian Temple
富顺文庙
All Ages
Admission
Confucian Temple CNY 30, West Lake free, combined temple-and-lake ticket CNY 40. Lower promotional prices can appear on selected ticketing dates.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours
06City Guide
Fuxi River Night Cruise
夜游釜溪
All Ages
Admission
CNY 98 adult ticket; CNY 49 student ticket; children under 1.2 m are free.
Typical Visit
About 50 minutes on the water; allow 1.5 hours with boarding