Panzhihua Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 攀枝花 (pān zhī huā)
Population: 1,214,000
Area: 7,414 square kilometers (2,863 square miles)
Location: in the southwest of Sichuan Province, southwest China
Administrative Division: 3 districts (East District, West District, Renhe District); 2 counties (Miyi, Yanbian)
Area Code: 0812
Zip Code: 647000
GDP (2019): CNY 101.013 billion (USD 14.642 billion)

Situated in the southwest Sichuan, bordering Yunnan to the south, Panzhihua is where the Jinsha River and Yalong River converge, 749 kilometers (465 miles) from Chengdu and 351 kilometers (218 miles) from Kunming. Panzhihua is a new industrial city with rich titanium and vanadium reserves. It mainly produces steel and has been the first rail production base in China and even in the world.

Besides, the mild climate and fresh air make Panzhihua a livable city. In terms of tourism, there are various forest parks in the city. The Dragon Pool Water-Eroded Cave Scenic Spot with an underground cave about 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) long with stalactites in various shapes and Ertan Scenic Area highlighting the largest hyperbolic arch dam in Asian are unmissable. Visitors can also taste many fresh and sweet tropic fruits such as mango, loquat, pomegranate and cherry.

Situated between the south subtropical and north temperate zones, Panzhihua weather is complex and varied with a longer summer. Its four seasons tend to blur, but there are clear wet and dry seasons. Generally, early June to October is the rainy season and November to May is the dry season. The hottest weather usually appears in May, and the temperature varies greatly between day and night. While most of cities in North China are locked in freezing winter, Panzhihua maintains a sunny climate. In fact more than ninety-four percent of the winter days are sunny. Average monthly temperatures are 7-13℃ (45-55℉) that is higher than its nearby cities, such as Chengdu, Chongqing and Kunming. It is definitely a winter resort. 

 History: The Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) first established the counties and shires of this area. Its territory was initially formed by the ascription of five counties from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. In 1965, Panzhihua was renamed from a special zone into Dukou City, and gained its present name in 1987.   

 Physical Features: The terrain of this region slopes downwards from the northwest to the southeast. It has an interleaving distribution of mountains, forming highlands and ravines and valleys and basins. The city has many rivers, belonging to the Yangtze River system. 

 Local Highlights: Panzhihua International Yangtze River Rafting Festival at Jinshajiang River Rafting Base (Nov.-Dec.)

 Special Local Products: Juque Inkstone, tuckahoe