Discovery the Past: Top Ancient Towns around Chengdu

When talking about Chengdu, what come to our mind are giant pandas, many historic sites and leisure life. Surely they feature Chengdu. Yet in this ancient and modern city, Chengdu also has characteristic ancient towns to get you back to the past in modern-day life. This article is to help visitors uncover the veil of these old towns.

Huanglongxi Ancient Town 黄龙溪古镇

Located in Shuangliu County，30 miles southeast of Chengdu, Huanglongxi Ancient Town has a history of over 1700 years. Buildings built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties are everywhere and preserved well. The many old temples and the six, 1000-year-old banyan trees have fascinating stories to tell. Stone-milled Douhua (soft tofu) is the specialty of Huanglongxi.

However, it is teahouses that make this ancient town unique. Set along the streets, river banks or even under stands of bamboo the small bamboo tables, bamboo chairs and colorful sunshine umbrella have become an attractive sight. Spend 3 Yuan per bowl to taste the tea and enjoy a tea break.

Getting there

Yuelai Ancient Town 悦来古镇

Situated in Heming Town of Dayi County, Yuelai ancient Town is a classical ancient town of western Sichuan area. It is not big with only 4 streets. The ancient architecture is mainly in Yuelai Main Street and Heba Street and built between late Qing Dynasty and Republic period. Residential houses that combine Chinese and western architectural influences can be seen here and there and this makes it different from other ancient towns.

The site of the former Palace of Chuangwang, NO 309 Yuelai Street, the Temple of Dr. Zhang in Heba Street and the Tunicoides Bridge built in 1920 are main attractions in Yuelai Ancient Town.

Mutton soup, spicy mutton, steamed dish and mushroom are dishes that are well worth sampling form this area.

Getting there

Huaiyuan Ancient Town 怀远古镇

This ancient town is only 1 sq mile in area but has a history of over 1600 years. Though small, it is full of silk shops, teahouses, bamboo weaving stores, oil shops and pharmacy sitting in over 20 streets.

Every odd-numbered day is market day and the town come to life. The most famous produsts in Huaiyuan are rattan plaited articles, bamboo woven and palm fibre woven products most made by old people in the town. Do not miss the delicious food— Ye’r cake(叶儿粑) when visiting.

Getting there

Jiezichang Ancient Town 街子场古镇

Jiezichang sits at the foot of Fengqi Mountain and is home to 32 old temples. Jiezichang Ancient Town is a site combining natural scenery with cultural sights.

In this old town more than 20 relic sites including Guangyan Buddha Hall, Fengqi Shan Scenic Area, Original Forests, the 1000-year-old ginkgo trees, Shanggu Temple and an ancient tower from the Qing Dynasty. The beauty of the town can be seen from Yulong Bridge. Legend has it that Zhu Yunwen, the son of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, lived in Shanggu Temple during his mysterious disappearance period.

The most famous local dish is stewed black-bone chicken with yam and stewed pork with yam.

Getting there

Shangli Ancient Town 上里古镇

Situated in Yucheng District of Ya’an City, Shangli Ancient Town was a stop along the southern Silk Road and a key courier station when entering Ya’an. It is known as a good place to get wealthy money because it was located the intersection of 2 rivers.

Arriving in Shangli, the first is a memorial archway to filial piety which is the Confucian teaching of showing respect to parents and relatives. The stories praise 2 widows who show filial respect for their parents and parents-in-law throughout their life. It witnesses women's unfair position in Chinese feudality.

The ancient bridges and exquisite buildings are a feature of this old town. Do not forget to check out White Horse Fountain. It sprays water from a stone dragon several times every day at a temperature of 15℃. The most well-known dish is stewed black-bone with yam.

Getting there

Pingle Ancient Town 平乐古镇

Southwest of Qionglai City, Pingle Ancient Town was born than 2000 years ago. Old Banyan trees, the Baimo River, bluestone-paved street and the bamboo forests make Pingle an attractive and fascinating place to visit.

A highlight of the town is Leshan Bridge built in 1863, which is also known as the first Bridge of Qiongnan. It’s peach-shaped, which is rare in western Sichuan. It is also noted for papermaking workshops. Built along the mountains, there are 74 relic sites of papermaking workshops.

Mutton soup, mushroom, fish and fried chicken with bamboo shoots are main local dishes that worth trying.

Getting there

Anren Ancient Town 安仁古镇

People go to Anren Ancient Town for the special architect which is regarded as Cultural Essence of Architecture in Western Sichuan.

Liushi Mansion is the best-preserved landlord’s mansion in China having area of over 70,000 sq meters. The old mansion is now called Dayi Liushi Zhuangyuan Museum.

Tongqing Tea Houses combine Chinese and western style while the spectacular Mansion of Liu Yuan Wang Xuan and the grand Mansion of Liuxiang are also highlights.

Wencai Ribs, Wenqing Duck webs, fish and stone-milled douhua are all notable local dishes.

Getting there

Xilai Ancient Town 西来古镇

The town is located in Pujiang County. Along the 200 meters long streets are wooden houses with tile-roofs which are unique in western Sichuan. A most attractive thing in this old town is the eleven, 1000-year-old banyan trees along the river banks, which makes the river banks a gathering place for local people.

The Wenfeng Tower built during the Qing Dynasty stands on a street corner. The tower is surrounded by rare opera sculpture with the seal scripts. During festivals, the opera stage is still very busy and attracts locals to visit.

Stone-milled douhua, braised pig trotters and braised pigs' large intestines are popular foods among locals.

Getting there

Yuantong Ancient Town 元通古镇

This is and old and quiet town has witnessed the rise and decline during past 1600 years. On most days, the streets are rather quiet and you can hear your own footsteps clearly. This is very different from other famous ancient towns. Gothic architecture at the street corners of the street tells that this was once a thriving place.

Yang Douhua, Huang Douhua and smoked meat are cheap specialties of local food.

Getting there

Luodai Ancient Town 洛带古镇

Luodai Ancient Town was established during the Three Kingdoms Period and located 10 miles north of Longquan Town. Hakka people make up 90% of the residents and therefore it is called the No.1 Hakka Town in Western China. Most residents are descendents of Cantonese people. They maintain some of their Hakka culture illustrated in their food, dress and other cultural activities.

The highlights of the town are its Hakka Assembly Halls with the most famous being Guangdong Hakka Assembly Hall and Jiangxi Hakka Assembly Hall. Other scenic spots like the church, Yanxia Cave and Yudai Lake are also popular.

Local food of the town is Hakka dish style. The most notable are Salt Roasted Chicken and Stuffed Bean Curd.

Getting there

Luodai Town is just 20 miles away from Chengdu City. Take bus at Wugui Coach Station to Longquan, the leave every few minutes at ticket fare of 5 Yuan/person. Then transfer to Luodai at 3 Yuan/person. Luodai Town is just 30 minutes driving time away from Chengdu City.

Liujiang Ancient Town柳江古镇

Located on the river banks of Liujiang, southwest Hongya County, Liujiang Ancient Town was established during 1140. It is a small old town with rich cultural atmosphere.

Like most ancient towns in western Sichuan, old banyan trees and stilts are the main point of interest along the river. The main attractions in this town are residential gardens like Mansion of Zeng’s family and Mansion of the Wang’s Family, Laojunshan Rock Caving and Guanyin Rock Carving.

Mutton soup, dried pork slices and cakes wrapped in leaves are the local specialties.

Getting there