Chengdu to Zigong: Essential Road Trip Guide

For centuries, the route from Chengdu to Zigong was a vital artery for Sichuan's salt trade, with Zigong's brine wells feeding a vast inland economy.

Today, the G85 Expressway covers the 210-kilometer route in about 2.5 hours, but the old National Road 348 offers a slower, winding alternative through rice terraces and tea hills.

The G85 is well-maintained with clear signage, but watch for sudden weather changes; fog in the morning and heavy rain in summer reduce visibility.

Designated rest areas every 30-40 km on the expressway are perfect for stretching and refueling – both for you and the car.

For families, the Jingyan rest stop offers a playground and clean facilities, while the Zigong Dinosaur Museum (great for kids) is worth a detour.

Pets are generally welcome at all rest stops, but many indoor attractions, like the salt museum, do not allow animals.

Fuel along the G85 is plentiful: Sinopec and PetroChina stations cluster around the Renshou and Jingyan exits, roughly every 40-50 km.

Expect to pay about ¥7.80 per liter for 92-octane, a total fuel cost of around ¥180-200 for the one-way trip.

Tolls on the G85 total ¥85 each way, payable by ETC or cash.

• Fastest route: G85 Expressway
• Scenic option: G348 via Renshou
• Heavy truck traffic on G348

Leaving Chengdu, the landscape quickly transitions from the Chengdu Plain's agricultural patchwork to rolling hills and lush bamboo groves.

Just off the G348, the Renshou area offers a glimpse of the 'green sea' bamboo forests, a sharp contrast to the urban sprawl.

Zigong itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible salt-making heritage, particularly the Ziliujing salt well and the Zigong Dinosaur Museum.

Along the route, small vendors sell local specialties like Renshou pears and Zigong's famous mian (noodles) – a spicy delight for culinary adventurers.