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Chengdu’s Ancient Towns

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Huanglongxi is a charming folk village located in Chengdu. Photo by Prince Roy via Flickr.

Huanglongxi is a charming folk village located in Chengdu. Photo by Prince Roy via Flickr.

Chengdu is quickly developing into one of China’s megacities, but its neighboring ancient towns also contribute to a big part of its charm. Huanglongsi and Luodai Ancient Towns are among the most popular, and make a great day trip from central Chengdu.

Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Stone-slabbed streets built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, temples and ancient architecture is what you can expect when you visit Huanglongxi Ancient Town. Along the way, there are many small shops selling local snacks and assorted gifts, as well as teahouses in which you can rest your feet and grab a snack.

You’ll also see houses built on stilts along the Huanglong River, and the Chaoyin Temple, Zhenjiang Temple and Gulong Temple all provide further historical reminders of this quaint town. Try to plan your visit to coincide with annual temple fairs, which are hosted on the ninth day of the sixth and ninth month in the lunar calendar.

The picturesque area is also often used for filming – you may even chance upon a crew making a period film or television show while you’re there!

There is plenty of charm in this town, and this private tour of Huanglongxi will make sure you see all the highlights.

Luodai Ancient Town

Built over 1,000 years ago, Luodai Ancient Town is inhabited by around 20,000 residents, of which over 90% are of Hakka heritage. Because of this, you’ll notice that a different dialect is spoken here. Seven alleys criss-cross from a main road in this town, with prime examples of architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as facades and columns, dotting the streets. Be sure to visit the Hakka museum to learn more about its culture. Teahouses are aplenty, as are residents playing mahjong with friends. Wine shops using Chinese brewing methods produce strong Chinese rice wine, of which are displayed in large vats outside the shop.

While here, try some Hakka dishes like friend goose and cured meats.

Dragons are auspicious creatures in Chinese mythology and are celebrated during two of the biggest festivals in Luodai Ancient Town: The Fire Dragon Festival and the Water Dragon Festival. The former is held on January 15th of the lunar calendar and welcomes in fortune and wealth with dragon dance performances and fireworks as part of the celebrations to ring in Chinese New Year. The latter festival pays homage to the gods and thanks them for the year’s fruitful harvest. Spectators will chase after dragon dancers on the streets, splashing them with water as a sign of wealth.

-Emily Chu

Chengdu’s Ancient Towns from China Things to Do


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