Guide · Small-town life
Wondering "what's there to do in Gongyi Town" or "which day is market day"? Markets run on even-numbered dates, the author of the famous memorial Chen Qing Biao grew up right here — wander a while, then weigh out some fresh-braised food.
Gongyi is one of the towns of Pengshan District, Meishan City, due south of Chengdu — about 55 km away, roughly a 1-hour drive. It's no over-commercialized tourist town, but a real place where locals live their daily lives: the old street, the market, the teahouses — that's the town's rhythm.
On even-numbered calendar dates (2nd, 4th, 6th…) the town holds its traditional market. The old street packs out with farm produce, seasonal fruit and snack stalls — small-town Sichuan at its most alive. Come in the morning to browse, then buy braised food for lunch.
Li Mi, author of Chen Qing Biao ("Memorial Presenting My Sincere Feelings"), was from Wuyang — today's Pengshan — and served as an official under Shu Han and the Western Jin. In 267 CE, Emperor Wu of Jin summoned him to be tutor to the crown prince; with his grandmother elderly and no one else to care for her, Li Mi declined in a memorial — "Without my grandmother I would not have reached this day; without me she cannot live out her remaining years" — one of the most recited texts in Chinese history. His hometown is in Gongyi Town.
The town's Guanguan Road is a country road lined with fields and orchards — an easy ride for fresh air. Cycle a loop, come back to town, and refuel with braised food.
Gongyi Guoshi Luwei is the town's 20-year-old shop: braised fresh every day and closed once it's sold out. Signature Liangban Pork and Sweet-Skin Duck are what locals always order. Coming from far away? Call ahead and we'll hold yours: 028-37677865.
From Gongyi: Wuhu Sihai Park ~12 km, the Jiangkou Sunken Silver Museum ~13 km (opened early 2026), Mount Pengzu scenic area ~15 km, Huanglongxi Ancient Town ~21 km. In season, Pengshan grapes are a regional specialty, and Gongyi lamb is famous locally.
More guides: Jiangkou Sunken Silver Museum · Road-trip food stop to Leshan · Huanglongxi day trip