Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Huanglongxi Ancient Town, a charming water village nestled in Chengdu’s Shuangliu District, is renowned as one of China’s most picturesque historical settlements. Founded during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD) and thriving as a bustling trading hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the town retains its cobblestone streets, ancient temples, and traditional wooden houses. Covering 200,000 square meters, Huanglongxi’s well-preserved architecture and serene riverside scenery attract over 3 million visitors annually, offering a glimpse into Sichuan’s cultural heritage.
HistoricalOverview
Three Kingdoms Era (220–280 AD): Established as a military fortress, later evolving into a commercial center.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): Rebuilt with stone bridges and temples, becoming a key stop on the Southern Silk Road.
Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Flourished as a hub for tea, salt, and silk trade, with 76 ancient streets and 12 temples constructed.
20th Century: Declared a protected historical site in 1983, undergoing restoration to preserve its 17th-century layout.
21st Century: Listed as a 4A-rated tourist attraction in 2005, with ongoing efforts to balance tourism and heritage conservation.
StructuralLayout
The town’s architecture reflects traditional Sichuanese design, with narrow alleys, covered corridors, and riverside pavilions. Key features include:Ancient Streets: Jinlong, Zhenglong, and Xianglong streets, lined with Qing-dynasty shops and tea houses.
Bridges: Five stone arches spanning the Jinjiang River, including the iconic Zhenlong Bridge (1670).
Temples: Zhenjiang Temple (13th century), Longyin Temple (1405), and the 18th-century Sichuan Opera Stage.
Residential Houses: Courtyard homes with carved wooden beams and gray-tiled roofs, showcasing Ming-Qing craftsmanship.
MajorAttractions
Three Ancient Temples: Zhenjiang Temple (Buddhist), Longyin Temple (Taoist), and Chaoyin Temple (Confucian), symbolizing cultural harmony.
Stone Arch Bridges: The 12-meter-high Zhenlong Bridge, adorned with lion statues and dragons, offers panoramic river views.
Ancient Streets: Jinlong Street’s 200-year-old shops sell bamboo crafts, local snacks, and traditional Sichuan opera masks.
Dragon Boat Festival: Annual celebrations featuring dragon boat races, fireworks, and folk performances.
CulturalActivities
Sichuan Opera: Daily performances at the Longyin Temple Stage, showcasing face-changing (bianlian) and fire-spitting arts.
Tea Culture: Riverside tea houses serving jasmine tea and local snacks like dan dan mian (spicy noodles).
Handicraft Workshops: Try bamboo weaving, pottery-making, or traditional Chinese calligraphy.
Folk Music: Listen to erhu (two-stringed fiddle) and pipa (lute) performances in the town square.
LocalCuisine
Snacks: Shuangliu Rabbit Head (spicy rabbit heads), Mao Cai (pickled vegetables), and Tang Hu Lu (candied fruit skewers).
Restaurants: Huanglongxi Laojie serves mapo tofu (spicy tofu) and twice-cooked pork (hui guo rou).
Tea Houses: Wang’s Tea House offers jasmine tea and dian xin (dim sum) with views of the Jinjiang River.
SuggestedItineraries
Half-Day Tour (3–4 Hours):
Morning: Visit Zhenjiang Temple → Stroll Jinlong Street → Watch Sichuan Opera.
Afternoon: Cross Zhenlong Bridge → Explore Longyin Temple → Sample local snacks.
Full-Day Tour (6–8 Hours):Morning: Join a dragon boat race (seasonal) → Visit Chaoyin Temple → Learn bamboo weaving.
Afternoon: Lunch at Huanglongxi Laojie → Tea ceremony at Wang’s Tea House → Evening folk music show.
BestTime&Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays (Tuesdays–Thursdays) or early mornings (8–10 AM).
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures.
Essentials: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets; carry cash for small shops.
Photography: Capture reflections in the Jinjiang River at dawn; avoid flash in temples.
Prohibited Items: No drones, loudspeakers, or commercial filming without permits.
