Sichuan, in south-west China, not only famous for its fiery food and beautiful scenery, but also for several thousand-year-old ancient towns. Ancient towns with cobblestone streets, ancient structures and deep historical culture lead people to form a very special impression about ancient China.
The Charms of Sichuan’s Ancient Towns
Sichuan ancient towns bear witness to the millennia-long and legendary history of this region. Most of the ancient towns were built several centuries ago and played crucial roles as important trade hubs, cultural centers or military strongholds. As they have weathered the changing times, they have retained their original architectural style, cleverly combining traditional Chinese design elements with local characteristics. Narrow roads, wooden houses and ancient bridges not only exude a sense of tranquility, but also tell the stories of the people who lived and worked here.
One of the most captivating features of such old towns is that they are richly cultured. Right from local handicrafts to traditional festivals, each old town has its own uniqueness. For example, some old towns are famous for their bamboo products, which are hand-made, while others are famous for colorful folk dance and music shows. These features of culture add depth and reality to the experience of the old town beyond being a visual treat.
Must – Visit Ancient Towns in Sichuan
Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Huanglongxi Ancient Town, about forty kilometers south of Chengdu, is amongst the most famous ancient towns in Sichuan. The town, dating back extra than 1,700 years, is an ancient Sichuan water town. Rivers and canals run via the town, and there are stone streets lined with Ming and Qing dynasty-style architectural structures.
As you stroll through the ancient town, you can visit a teahouse and drink Sichuan-style tea while observing people walking by. Do not miss trying local foods such as spicy tofu and river fish with normal Sichuan spices. Evening time is thrilling too as the ancient town gets illuminated with lanterns, making it heavenly enough for a relaxing stroll.
Langzhong Ancient Town
Langzhong Ancient City is a World Cultural Heritage Site and well known as one of the four of China’s best-preserved ancient cities. It is founded on the Jialing River and it has a history of more than 2,300 years. Langzhong owns architectural styles of different dynasties such as the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and its ancient city walls, temples and courtyards speak witness to its once- prosperous history.
Zhang Fei Temple should not be missed if you go to Langzhong. In memory of Zhang Fei, the famous general of the Three Kingdoms, not only do people construct such a temple but also turn it into a museum where many historical relics are placed on display. You can also take a boat trip along the Jialing River to see the beauty of this ancient city from another perspective.
Luodai Ancient Town
Luodai Ancient Town is also known as “The First Hakka Town”. The Ancient Town is situated in eastern suburbs of Chengdu and is the largest Hakka village in Sichuan Province. The ancient town embodies the distinct Hakka culture in architecture, cuisine and folk customs. Luodai Ancient Town’s main street is lined with traditional Hakka dwellings. Tourists walking along the alleys can hear lovely Hakka folks music very often.
One of the town’s highlights is the Hakka Museum, providing a comprehensive introduction to the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Hakka people. After visiting the museum, do try some of the local Hakka delicacies such as Hakka stuffed tofu and salt-baked chicken.
Tips to Make Your Trip Unforgettable
Transportation
It is not hard to access these ancient towns. You may take a bus or hire a car from Chengdu. Also, most of the ancient towns provide local shuttle buses to transport you to major sights within the town. If you prefer a worry-free and comfortable trip, joining a group tour is a better choice.
Accommodation
Most of the ancient towns have a very good choice of accommodation ranging from inexpensive inns to high-class hotels. A night in an ancient town provides you with an opportunity to enjoy its unique environment when day-trippers are gone. Quite a number of inns are still located in old buildings, providing you with genuine and homely accommodation experience.
Cultural Etiquette
When you go to an ancient town, you must respect local customs and culture. For instance, when you go into a temple or some religious landmark, you must dress modestly and whisper. At the same time, however, you must be sure not to damage the environment and litter the grounds with garbage.
Conclusion
Sichuan’s ancient towns are not just tourist spots; they are living reflections of China’s rich heritage, with stories of the past told in every corner. From the serene waterways of Huanglongxi, to the crumbling walls of Langzhong Ancient City, to the rich Hakka culture of Luodai Ancient Town, each of the ancient towns has penned a different page in the mythological history of this land. A stroll along these antiquated towns is not just an eye feast and a cultural treat, but also a journey which unites the past and present and enriches the soul.
Choosing Chengdu Travel Agency will make this incredible journey easy and memorable. We strive to provide quality services so that you can enjoy to the maximum the charm of Sichuan’s old towns without being concerned with planning and organizational aspects.
