My Unforgettable Day at Shiwuli Fishing Garden, Chengdu’s Hidden Gem
Last weekend, I was craving a break from Chengdu’s busy streets and decided to check out a local fishing spot I’d heard about—Shiwuli Fishing Garden. As someone who’s fished at dozens of ponds around the city, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this place totally exceeded my expectations. Let me walk you through why it’s now my go-to fishing spot in Chengdu.
First Impressions: Location & Environment
Getting to Shiwuli Fishing Garden was a breeze—its prime location meant I didn’t have to drive too far from downtown Chengdu. As soon as I pulled up, I was struck by how clean and well-maintained the area was. The pond is surrounded by lush greenery, and there’s none of the messy, overcrowded chaos you find at some popular fishing spots. It felt like a little oasis right on the edge of the city.
Facility Breakdown: Pond Size, Depth & Fishing Spots
Let’s get into the details that matter for anglers:
- Pond size: 18 acres—plenty of space to spread out so you don’t feel cramped next to other fishermen
- Water depth: Ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters. This mix is perfect because different fish species hang out at different depths, giving you more chances to catch something
- Fishing spots: Over 80 designated positions. I arrived around 7 a.m., and there were still plenty of spots left—no rushing to claim a spot before sunrise!
Fish Variety: A Mixed Pond for Every Angler
Shiwuli Fishing Garden is a big mixed pond, which is great for both casual fishermen and those chasing specific catches. Here’s what I saw (and caught!):
- Grass carp: I hooked a decent-sized one around mid-morning—they love the aquatic plants near the shallow edges
- Crucian carp: These little guys were biting consistently all day, perfect for keeping you busy
- Common carp: A few anglers next to me reeled in some big carp—they tend to hang out in the deeper 3-meter areas
- Black carp: I didn’t catch one, but a guy a few spots over landed a huge black carp—definitely a target for my next visit
- Silver carp & bighead carp: They were jumping near the surface in the afternoon, so I switched to a float rig and got a couple
- Largemouth bass: A fun surprise! I caught a small bass around noon—they add an extra thrill to the day
- Juvenile carp: These were more of a nuisance, but they’re easy to release and get back to targeting bigger fish
Affordable Pricing for All Budgets
One of the best things about Shiwuli Fishing Garden is its fair pricing:
- Regular fishing (zheng diao): 80 yuan for 8 hours. This is for when the pond is freshly stocked (usually weekends), so you have higher chances of catching big fish
- Off-peak fishing (jian lou): 60 yuan for 8 hours. I went on a weekday, so I got this rate. Even though it’s off-peak, there were still tons of fish biting—total value for money
Pro tip: If you’re not in a hurry to chase freshly stocked fish, the off-peak rate is a steal. You still get the same great environment and fish variety.
Final Thoughts & A Little Tip
I spent 8 hours at Shiwuli Fishing Garden, and I didn’t want to leave. The quiet, the fresh air, and the constant bites made it the perfect day trip. If you’re planning to go, bring a hat and sunscreen—the sun can get strong around noon. Also, try using different baits: I used corn for carp and worms for crucian carp, and both worked great. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just want to try fishing for the first time, this spot is worth checking out. I’m already planning my next visit—maybe I’ll finally land that big black carp!