Nestled at the confluence of the Jinsha, Minjiang, and Yangtze rivers, Yibin in southwest China's Sichuan Province has long been celebrated as the 'First City of the Yangtze.' This historic gateway to the Southern Silk Road now prepares to captivate national attention as a sub-venue for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, blending its 2,200-year-old heritage with contemporary dynamism.
Visitors to Yibin encounter living history along Ming Dynasty-era streets and Buddhist temples, while natural wonders like the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea – a 120-sq-km forest of swaying emerald stalks – underscore its ecological significance. The city's White Tower Mountain offers panoramic views of the Yangtze's eastward journey, symbolizing Yibin's role as both cultural guardian and modern transportation hub.
Economic analysts note Yibin's strategic position along the Yangtze Economic Belt continues attracting overseas investment, particularly in renewable energy and smart manufacturing. The upcoming Gala spotlight is expected to boost tourism, with hotel bookings already rising 18% year-on-year ahead of the event.
For diaspora communities and travelers, Yibin's culinary traditions remain a draw, from its fiery Sichuan hotpot to the globally sought-after Wuliangye liquor distilled from local grains. As the city finalizes preparations for its national television debut, residents express pride in sharing their home's unique fusion of waterway vitality and mountain serenity.
