Huanglongxi Ancient Town: A Lively Journey from The Three Kingdoms Wharf to the Water Town of Tianfu

The name of the Yellow Dragon - an imprint from myth to geography
The name "Huanglongxi" is filled with the interwoven colors of myth and geography. There are two mainstream legends: One is that at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, a yellow dragon was seen in the Chishui River (now Luxi River) in Wuyang. It left after nine days and was regarded as an auspicious sign. Thus, the "Yellow Dragon Stream" got its name. Secondly, during the Shu Han period, Zhuge Liang stationed his troops here during his southern campaign. In his dream, he saw a yellow dragon ascending to the sky, which foretold auspiciousness. No matter what kind of legend it is, it is closely linked to "water" and "auspiciousness", laying the foundation for the charming and elegant tone of the ancient town. The real geographical cause of this is that the Luxi River, which originates from Longquan Mountain, flows into the Fu River (Jinjiang) here. The water is a deep yellow and meanders like a dragon, hence the name.

The Road to Prosperity - The Thousand-Year Splendor of Water Transport Hubs
The historical context of Huanglongxi clearly sketches a picture of trade in Sichuan that flourished because of water:
- Military Origin (Three Kingdoms Period) : As the southern gateway to Chengdu, Zhuge Liang once stationed his troops here, made bows and arrows, and trained his naval forces, thus giving it an initial strategic position.
The water transport flourished (from the Song and Yuan Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties) : Relying on the natural advantage of the confluence of the two rivers, Huanglongxi gradually developed into an important water port connecting Meishan and Leshan in the Chengdu Plain and leading to the Yangtze River. Boats and masts came and went like a forest, making it a distribution center for wood, coal, salt and mountain products. For a time, merchants gathered in large numbers and the streets were bustling. "At dawn, a thousand people bow their hands; at night, ten thousand lamps come."
The prosperity and tranquility of the market: The port economy has given rise to a complete layout of the ancient town: seven old streets, including the main street, the Cross Street, and the Fuxing Street, are spread along the river. Six thousand-year-old banyan trees guard the four directions. Temples, guild halls, government offices, and residences are lined up in close succession. Even after the rise of modern land transportation and the decline of water transport functions, Huanglongxi has become a living fossil of local culture due to its well-preserved ancient town appearance and strong sense of daily life.
- Cultural and Tourism Rebirth: With its unique water resources and complete ancient architectural complex, Huanglongxi has transformed and developed into the most popular leisure and tourism ancient town in the suburbs of Chengdu. It perfectly blends historical heritage with the pleasures of the common people, serving as an excellent window to interpret the dock culture of western Sichuan and experience the leisurely life of Chengdu.

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Ancient Waterfront Towns in China >> [Wuzhen, Zhejiang] [Furong Town, Hunan]

Nature's creation - the dynamic water flowing through the town
The soul of Huanglong Stream lies in that stream that can be touched and played with.
A stream runs through the town, refreshing the world
- Core water system: A clear stream (drawing water from the Jinjiang River through modern engineering) runs from west to east through the entire core area of the ancient town. The stream is not deep and has a smooth pebble riverbed. This is not only a scenic spot but also the largest playground in the ancient town. Whether young or old, people can roll up their trouser legs and step into the cool stream to play and have water fights. This is the unique charm of Huanglongxi that sets it apart from any other ancient town.
- Ancient banyan trees provide shade: Along both banks of the stream, there are six banyan tree (banyan trees) over a thousand years old, with luxuriant branches and leaves, like huge umbrellas blocking out the sky and the sun. Among them, the most famous one is the banyan tree beside the "Dragon Neck Waterfall" at the entrance of the ancient town. They hold up patches of cool green sky by the stream, and tea houses are set up under the trees, forming a classic scene of "drinking tea under the trees and playing in the stream".

Humanistic Craftsmanship - The Life Theater on the Ancient Pier
The buildings and scenes here all tell the stories of the common people born out of water transportation.
- Three County Yamen: A peculiar site of an official office from the Qing Dynasty. Historically, Huanglongxi was located at the junction of Huayang, Renshou and Pengshan counties, where civil disputes occurred frequently. Therefore, this "Three-County Government Office" was established to jointly manage it, demonstrating unique administrative wisdom. Today, it is an important historical witness of the ancient town.
- Ancient Wharf and Ship Culture: Walk down the stone steps to the riverside near Zhenjiang Temple and Gulong Temple, and you can see the remains of the ancient wharf. Imagine the bustling scene of ships docking here for loading and unloading in the past, with the boatmen's chants resounding across the river. In the ancient town, there are still old sites such as boat teams and escort agencies, silently telling the commercial legends of the past.
- Old streets and Residences: Old streets such as Zhengjie and Fuxing Street wind and twist, with wooden structures and blue-tiled houses in the Ming and Qing styles on both sides. Each house has one floor and one ground floor, with shops in the front and residences at the back. Most of the buildings feature "bow-shaped" firewalls, which are quite distinctive. The street is lined with shops selling all kinds of local specialties and snacks, bustling with activity.
Temples and shrines: The ancient town is well-equipped with temples, shrines, palaces and halls. The Zhenjiang Temple (dedicated to the Zhenjiang King to ensure the safety of shipping), Chaoyin Temple (Buddhism), and Gulong Temple (with a stage and a thousand-year-old banyan tree inside) coexist harmoniously, reflecting the diverse spiritual beliefs of the local people.

Photography Secrets:
The middle section of the stream (especially where there are stone piers and waterwheels) is an excellent spot for taking pictures of people playing in the water and the dynamic water scenery.
The tea house under the ancient banyan tree is suitable for shooting the leisurely scenes full of the flavor of life in western Sichuan.
The "Dragon Neck Waterfall" at the entrance of the ancient town, framed together with the ancient banyan tree, is a landmark sight.
The depth of the old street and the buildings on both sides, when the lanterns are lit up in the evening, can capture a warm and lively street scene full of the flavor of daily life.

Five must-do things to unlock a Complete Ancient Town Tour
1. Go down the stream to "play in the water" and relive the joy of childhood
- Experience: This is a "compulsory course" in Huanglongxi! Put on sandals or go barefoot and step into the stream that runs through the whole town to feel the coolness of the spring water. Playing water fights and treading water with family and friends is the greatest pleasure in summer. Don't forget to bring a water gun!
2. Have a cup of covered bowl tea under the banyan tree
- Experience: Under the thick shade of the thousand-year-old banyan tree, find a bamboo chair to sit on, order a cup of covered bowl tea (usually 10 to 15 yuan), watch the tourists playing in the stream, and listen to the casual chats around you. This is the essence of experiencing the slow-paced life in Chengdu.
3. Try a bowl of authentic stone-ground tofu pudding
- Signature must-try: The stone-ground tofu pudding from Huanglongxi is delicate and fragrant. Paired with the spicy and fresh dipping sauce, it is the top dish of the ancient town's cuisine. In addition, one piece of ramen (performance ramen), sesame cake and cat fish (fried small fish) are also worth a try.
4. Watch a folk performance of "Burning the Fire Dragon"
- Time: Traditionally, it is held during major festivals such as the Spring Festival. For specific details, please refer to the announcements of the scenic area.
- Experience: This is a national intangible cultural heritage of Huanglongxi. Under the night sky, the dragon dancers, bare-chested, used molten iron to create a dazzling array of steel flowers. The dragons flit and dance through the sea of flames, presenting a thrilling and spectacular scene with a strong visual impact.
5. Take a stroll through the bustling old street night market
- Experience: In the evening, the old street is illuminated by lights, and various snack stalls and handicraft stalls become even more lively. Buy a handmade lantern and take a night tour of the ancient town with it. It has a unique charm.

Suggested tour route
One-day "Essence Leisure" Tour (Suitable for the vast majority of weekend tourists)
Arrive at 10 a.m. and enter through the main entrance of the scenic area. First, enjoy the Dragon Neck Waterfall and the ancient banyan tree. Then, start strolling and eating along the main street, tasting snacks like tofu pudding and one-strand noodles (1 hour). Walk to the middle section of the stream and play in the water (1-1.5 hours, please pay attention to safety). Choose a tea house by the stream or under the ancient banyan tree. Drink covered bowl tea and relax (1 hour) → Have lunch in the ancient town and you can try river delicacies or local Sichuan cuisine → In the afternoon, visit the government office of the Three counties, Gulong Temple or Zhenjiang Temple (1 hour) → Continue to wander around the alleys such as Fuxing Street and purchase local specialties like sesame cake and fermented bean curd (1 hour) → In the evening, have dinner in the ancient town and then enjoy the night view → End the trip Return to Chengdu.
IntoTravelChina Tips: This itinerary is relaxing and enjoyable, with a focus on water proximity and leisure. There are a lot of tourists on summer weekends. It is recommended to arrive early or go on weekdays. Be sure to bring a change of clothes and sandals.

Two-day "Deep Culture" Joint Tour (Recommended for tourists who prefer a slower pace or a joint tour of nearby areas)
Day 1: Arrive at Huanglongxi at noon and check in (at a characteristic inn in the ancient town or its surrounding areas) → In the afternoon, leisurely stroll around the ancient town, focusing on visiting cultural attractions (the government offices of the three counties and temples), and have a deep experience at a teahouse by the stream → After dinner, enjoy the night view of the ancient town. If there is a festival, you can watch the "Burning Fire Dragon" performance.
Day 2: Enjoy the peaceful morning view of the ancient town in the early morning → After breakfast, you can drive to nearby Happy Garden (a modern rural complex suitable for families) or Maojiawan Forest Park (for leisure hiking) for a visit (from morning to noon) → Return to the urban area of Chengdu in the afternoon, or continue to visit scenic spots such as Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley.
This itinerary combines the leisure of the ancient town in Huanglongxi with modern entertainment in the surrounding areas or cultural Tours in the urban area of Chengdu, making it more diverse.
IntoTravelChina Advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary for cultural and leisure theme Tours around Chengdu, connecting Huanglongxi Ancient Town with Anren Ancient Town (Laoyongguan Cluster), Jiezi Ancient Town (along the Weijiang River), or the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. Led by guides familiar with the culture of western Sichuan, you can experience the diverse charm of Sichuan. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
The ancient town of Huanglongxi is very close to the urban area of Chengdu, and there are various transportation options.
- Public transportation (economic choice) : At Chengdu Xin Nanmen Bus Station, Chadianzi Bus Station or Dongzhan Bus Station, take a direct tourist bus to Huanglongxi. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing/self-driving (the most flexible) : It takes about 50 to 70 minutes to drive from the center of Chengdu (such as Tianfu Square). Navigate to "Huanglongxi Ancient Town Parking Lot". There are several large parking lots around the ancient town, making parking convenient.
- Internal transportation: The core area of the ancient town is a pedestrian street, which needs to be explored on foot.

Best visiting time
The ancient town of Huanglongxi is beautiful all year round, but its charm varies. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn.
- Summer (June to September) : Golden visiting season. The temperature is high at this time, making the experience of playing by water the best. The ancient town is shaded by green trees and very cool. But it is also the season with the most tourists, especially on weekends when it is crowded with people.
- Spring and autumn (March to May, October to November) : The climate is pleasant and there are relatively fewer tourists, allowing you to stroll around the ancient town, enjoy tea and take photos more leisurely. However, the water temperature is relatively low and it is not suitable for playing in the water for a long time.
- Winter (December to February) : The weather is cold and there are few tourists. You can enjoy the tranquility of the ancient town. Some waterside activities cannot be carried out, but folk activities such as "burning the Fire Dragon" during the Spring Festival are a major highlight.

Accommodation options
- Waterside Inn in the Ancient Town (Special Experience) :
- Experience: Mostly renovated from old houses, when you open the window, you can see a small stream flowing. It's quiet at night and you can feel the atmosphere of the ancient town at different times of the day.
Suitable for: Tourists who wish to deeply experience and capture the scenery at dawn and dusk. Prices increase during holidays and advance booking is required.
- New hotels/homestays on the periphery of the Ancient Town (cost-effective options) :
- Experience: The facilities are relatively new, parking is more convenient, and the cost performance is relatively high. It only takes a few minutes to walk to the core area of the ancient town.
Suitable for: family tourists, self-driving tourists.
- Hotels in Chengdu urban area (Mainstream choices) :
- Experience: As a classic destination for one-day Tours in Chengdu, the vast majority of tourists choose to make an easy round trip on the same day. Living in Chengdu offers a wider range of dining and nightlife options.
Suitable for: The vast majority of tourists, flexible and convenient.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
During summer weekends and holidays, accommodation in the ancient town is in high demand. By booking through us, you can not only lock in a well-located inn in advance, but also be recommended based on your needs (whether you must be by the water, whether you need a family room, and whether you prefer tranquility), and assist in planning the most reasonable transportation connection plan. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

The story of the ancient town of Huanglongxi is about the vitality of the stream, the hustle and bustle of the docks, the shade of the banyan trees and the leisure of the teahouses. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your interests and time, we design a perfect route that includes Huanglongxi, the surrounding areas of Chengdu, and even the entire Sichuan Province, balancing cultural, leisure and culinary experiences.
One-stop service: Handling accommodation, transportation, information and reservations for special events, as well as recommendations for local delicacies.
Exclusive Experience: Reserve the best viewing spots for festival activities, exchange with intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and enjoy meals at private restaurants, etc.

Let your trip to Huanglongxi be more than just playing in the water and strolling around, but a carefree journey that delves into the texture of the urban life in western Sichuan and allows you to experience the "comfortable" lifestyle philosophy of the Land of Abundance.
Start planning your journey right away
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