Ancient Towns in Sichuan

Huanglongxi Town

Huanglongxi Town, one of the top ten water towns and ancient towns, is the closest ancient town to the urban area of Chengdu. With a history of over 1,700 years, it boasts a profound historical background and was originally known as "Chishui." Located at the intersection of Jinjiang River and Luxi River, it enjoys a wide river surface and stable water flow, making it a rare natural dock. It was once a golden waterway for external exchanges in Shu Province, especially in Chengdu, and also a material distribution center for the Southern Silk Road.

Nowadays, it is a well-known natural film and photography base. Ancient memorial archways, temples, architectural residences, banyan trees, and cliff tombs blend harmoniously. The cobblestone streets, tiled buildings, exquisitely carved balconies, and window lattices all exude an antique charm. Huanglongxi Town boasts numerous restaurants where the "one noodle," "bean sauce," and "sesame cake" are highly recommended delicacies. Visitors can also enjoy farm cuisine.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 ~ 3 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Location: Zhenlong Street, Huanglongxi Ancient Town, Shuangliu, Chengdu, Sichuan

Luodai Ancient Town

Luodai Ancient Town is located 10 kilometers north of Longquan in Chengdu. It has flourished as a street since the Han dynasty, over 1,800 years ago. Renowned for its large number of Hakka immigrants, this ancient town is hailed as the "No. 1 Hakka Town in Western China." As you stroll along the streets that have stood for over a thousand years, you'll encounter precious historic sites, Hakka folk buildings, delicious Hakka cuisine, the captivating Hakka dialect, splendid traditional performances, and a blend of cultures between the local Sichuan inhabitants and the Hakka people. Moreover, participating in local events such as the Fire Dragon Festival and Water Dragon Festival in summer makes Luodai Ancient Town a lucky and unforgettable memory.

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 ~ 3 hours

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: Free

Location: No.132 Fuxing Street, Luodai Town, Longquanyi District, Chengdu

Jiezi Ancient Town

Jiezi Ancient Town is located in the southwestern part of Sichuan Province, China, specifically in Chongzhou City, near the famous Taoist mountain, Qingcheng, and is approximately 82 kilometers from Chengdu.

With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Jiezi Ancient Town is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural heritage. The town dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing a rich blend of ancient temples, primitive forests, and age-old ginkgo trees. It features an ancient temple traced back to the Jin Dynasty, an ancient stone pagoda, and a well-preserved ancient street.

Jiezi Ancient Town boasts six streets centered around Jiangcheng Street. The streets are lined with old buildings, mostly from the mid to late Qing Dynasty, exhibiting a unique blend of natural scenery and artificial designs. The town's architecture is characterized by single-eaved green tiles, a front shop, and a backyard layout, reflecting simplicity and elegance.

Jiezi Ancient Town is a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience China's rich history and culture. You can explore the town on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming ancient town. The town offers a variety of local delicacies, including spicy Sichuan cuisine and traditional snacks. Street vendors sell these delicacies, allowing you to enjoy them while walking through the narrow streets.

Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 ~ 3 hours

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: Free

Location: Jiezi Ancient Town, Fengqi Mountain, Chongzhou, China

Anren Ancient Town

Anren Ancient Town boasts a history spanning over 1,000 years, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its well-preserved traditional buildings, narrow alleyways, and charming waterways. The town's architecture reflects a blend of ancient and modern styles, with traditional wooden structures adorned with intricate carvings and tiled roofs. As you wander through the town, you'll be immersed in a cultural experience that is truly unique. The streets are lined with shops selling traditional crafts, local delicacies, and souvenirs. You can also visit the ancient temples and pagodas, which are steeped in history and legend.

One of the main attractions is the town's waterway system, which is a network of canals and streams that flow through the town. You can take a leisurely boat ride along the waterways, admiring the beautiful scenery and historic buildings. Other attractions include the Anren Museum, which displays artifacts and relics from the town's history, and the local market, where you can sample delicious Sichuan cuisine and buy unique handicrafts.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day

Opening Hours: All day, but 9:00-17:30 for museums

Ticket Price: Ancient Town is free, some museums and mansions are charged for

Location: Yingbin Road, Dayi County, Chengdu, Sichuan

Shangli Ancient Town

Nestled in the heart of Ya'an city, Shangli Ancient Town is a serene oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Located approximately 140 kilometers southwest of Chengdu's downtown area, this lesser-known gem is a true paradise for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience.

Despite not being as renowned as other famous ancient cities like Langzhong, Shangli Ancient Town boasts a captivating beauty that is truly unparalleled. It has lush mountains, crystal-clear streams, old towers, bridges, springs, and archways. Here, one can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and forget the worries of the outside world.

Moreover, Shangli Ancient Town holds a special place in Chinese history. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Red Army passed through this town, leaving behind a legacy of relics and cultural sites that can still be found today. These remnants serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the past generations.

Best Time to Visit: All year round, but spring and autumn are very beautiful.

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: Free

Location: Yucheng District, Ya’an, Sichuan

Pingle Ancient Town

Pingle Ancient Town has a rich history dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (150 B.C.), evolving into a small market town with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It covers an area of 70 square kilometers, with the downtown area occupying 1.28 square kilometers. It boasts 23.54 square meters of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with a well-preserved rate of 85%. The town features 33 ancient streets, many of which are wooden structures with a typical western Sichuan style.

Pingle Ancient Town is renowned as the "first stop of the South Silk Road" and is celebrated for its "Qin-Han culture and water townscape" of western Sichuan. It is home to various cultural landmarks, including ancient temples, bridges, banyan trees, and water conservancy projects. One of the most notable attractions is Leshan Bridge, the largest existing ancient stone arch bridge in Sichuan.

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: Free

Location: No.139, Xingxin Street, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan

Lizhuang Ancient Town

Lizhuang Ancient Town is nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province, China, situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. With a history stretching back nearly 1,500 years, Lizhuang Ancient Town serves as a living textbook of ancient architecture and culture. Lizhuang Ancient Town offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the region, with its ancient architecture, narrow alleys, and stone bridges.

The town boasts large groups of centuries-old, but well-preserved, residential houses, temples, towers, and pavilions. The architecture is a harmonious blend of Qing Dynasty and Republic of China styles, adorned with intricate wood carvings and ornate stone work. The Huanhou Ancestral Hall, with its grandiose structure, is a prime example of the town's architectural splendor.

Lizhuang Ancient Town is famous for its rich folk culture, including traditional folk performances, local customs, and traditional craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

Recommended Visiting Time: 3 hours

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: CNY20

Location: Lizhuang Town, Cuiping Distritc, Yibin City, Sichuan

Liujiang Ancient Town

Liujiang Ancient Town is a well-preserved ancient town, known for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. It boasts a large number of ancient buildings, including temples, residential houses, and alleys, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. These buildings feature intricate wood carvings, ornate stone work, and a unique architectural style.

Liujiang Ancient Town is a hub of cultural activities, offering visitors a chance to experience local customs, traditions, and folklore. You can stroll through the narrow alleys, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the town.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Liujiang Ancient Town is also known for its beautiful natural scenery. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, rivers, and mountains, providing a picturesque scenery for visitors to enjoy.

Recommended Visiting Time: half a day

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: Free

Location: Liujiang Town, Hongya County, Meishan, Sichuan

Luocheng Ancient Town

The town boasts a distinctive architectural style, particularly its "Boat-shaped Street" design. This unique street, resembling a giant ship, spans over 2,000 meters long and approximately 650 meters wide, with narrower ends and a spacious center, resembling the deck of a boat in the waves. The town is home to numerous ancient buildings and traditional dwellings, primarily constructed of wood, adorned with intricately carved beams and painted eaves.

Luocheng Ancient Town still retains some of the cultural features of old Sichuan culture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a place where seven ethnic groups — Han, Hui, Yi, Manchu, Tibetan, Li, and Miao — coexist harmoniously. On the ship-shaped street, there are several theatrical stages for performances of Sichuan Opera, offering a unique experience unlike any other ancient town in Sichuan. Along the street, locals often gather here to drink liquor, taste tea, enjoy ditties,etc. 

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 ~ 3 hours

Opening Hours: All day

Ticket Price: Free

Location: New Street, Qianwei County, Leshan City, Sichuan, Sichuan