Mianyang has a subtropical monsoon climate, and the weather is relatively mild with an average annual temperature of 19-21℃ (66.2-69.8℉). Mianyang also has four distinct seasons, but its winters are relatively milder. The area is suitable for visiting all year round, especially in May and October.

Mianyang is located in the northwest of Sichuan Province in the middle and upper reaches of the Fujiang River. It neighbors Nanchong, Suining, Deyang, and Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefectures in the province, and borders Gansu Province to the north. Mianyang serves as an important military industry and scientific research production base in China with 18 national research institutions. Mianyang is known for the famous Chinese romantic poet Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) who was born here. There are various buildings, statues, and monument forests related to Li Bai in the Libai Monument Forest. In addition, visitors can go here to experience the strong Qiang folk customs and culture, look for wild animal footprints while enjoying the beautiful scenery in the nature reserve, wander around the streets and alleys to experience the local leisure and comfortable living atmosphere, and taste various delicious Sichuan cuisine.

The best time to visit Mianyang is from April to October. Mianyang is located in the north of Sichuan, so it is a bit cooler than Chengdu. The average temperature is around 15C. Every year in the first week of the second and eighth months of the Chinese Lunar calendar, there will be a big celebration at Qiqushan Temple. And on the first day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar, there will be Qiang New Year. The recommended duration of visit if you want to come here is 2 - 3 days.

There are many ways to get to Mianyang. First, you can take a bus from Chengdu. There are many schedules available at almost every major bus station in Chengdu. It costs around 50 yuan per person. You can also take a train to get to Mianyang from Chengdu. At Chengdu East Railway Station and Chengdu South Railway Station, you can find a high-speed train to Mianyang almost every 2 hours which costs around 45 minutes and around 50 yuan.

Regional specialties include Guoguodian-filled buns, Xi Liang Fen (cold jelly), Guan Guan Tang (pot soup), Cai Dou Hua (soft tofu with special sauce), Pian Fen (noodles made from green beans), and crispy cakes from Zitong Region.