Feng Shui Layout—A Model City of Heaven-Earth Harmony
The essence of Langzhong Ancient City lies first in its visually discernible, perfect feng shui layout.
- Topographical Features: Nestled at the convergence of the Daba Mountains, Jianmen Mountains, and the Jialing River system, the ancient city embodies the ideal feng shui model of “dragon (mountain range), sand (hills),穴 (city site), water (river), and orientation (facing direction).” Panlong Mountain to the north serves as the “guardian mountain,” while Jinsheng Mountain to the south acts as the “desk mountain.” The Jialing River encircles the city, creating a “golden city embraced by water” formation that forms a natural landscape painting and defensive barrier. Ascending Jinsheng Mountain or White Pagoda Mountain offers a panoramic view that reveals the marvel of this layout.
- Street Layout: The internal street network of the ancient city also holds hidden significance. Centered on Zhongtian Tower, four main thoroughfares extend outward in cardinal directions. Secondary streets and alleys radiate from these axes in a layered, chessboard-like pattern, symbolizing the “Ten Paths of Heaven's Heart.” This layout not only facilitates transportation and defense but also embodies the philosophical concept of “unity between heaven and humanity.” Zhongtian Tower itself is regarded as the feng shui focal point of the ancient city.
Architectural Code—A “String-of-Pearls” Museum of Ming-Qing Residential Architecture
The city preserves 1.78 square kilometers of ancient buildings, including hundreds of Ming and Qing courtyard residences. Together, they form a rare “string-of-pearls” pattern of ancient architecture in China.
- Ancient Streets and Courtyards: Strolling along cobblestone streets like Wumiao Street, Xuedao Street, and Xianxin Street, one encounters continuous rows of timber-framed courtyard houses. Most were built by wealthy merchants and officials during the Ming and Qing dynasties, characterized by “front shops, rear residences” and multi-courtyard layouts. Notable examples include the Hu Family Courtyard (showcasing northern Sichuan wedding customs), the Kong Family Grand Courtyard, and the Zhang Family Small Courtyard. Their blue-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls are complemented by carved doors and windows, with the most exquisite being the openwork window carvings. These feature motifs of fortune, rank, longevity, and happiness, alongside floral, animal, and bird designs—each window a work of art.
- Zhongtian Tower: Located at the heart of the ancient city, this three-story wooden pavilion was originally built during the Tang Dynasty but features Ming and Qing architectural styles. Ascending the tower offers panoramic views of the entire ancient city, with its four main streets clearly visible—the best vantage point to appreciate the city's grid-like layout.
- Huaguang Tower: Standing majestically by the Jialing River, this tower is hailed as the “First Tower of Langyuan” and serves as the city's iconic landmark. From its heights, the sweeping vistas of the Jialing River blend with the layered roofs of the ancient city, creating a truly magnificent panorama.
Cultural Heritage Sites—Layers of Diverse Historical Fusion
- Han Huanhou Temple (Zhang Fei Temple): A nationally protected cultural relic. This grand temple complex includes a mountain gate, the Defend Ten Thousand Tower, main hall, rear hall, and houses a statue of Zhang Fei alongside historical steles. Its most distinctive feature is the “Zhang Fei Tomb” within the temple grounds, surrounded by towering ancient trees in solemn reverence, marking the final resting place of this mighty warrior.
- Northern Sichuan Provincial Examination Hall: One of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty provincial examination halls in China. Here, visitors can explore the rigorous procedures of ancient imperial examinations and even participate in an immersive “time-travel” exam experience, feeling the hardships and glory of “ten years of arduous study.”
- Mosque and Gospel Hall: The ancient city also coexists with Baba Mosque (a holy site of Islam's Ghadiriyyah sect) and Gospel Hall (a Western-style building), reflecting the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures throughout history.
> Photography Tips:
The optimal panoramic vantage points are on Jinping Mountain or White Pagoda Hill opposite the ancient city, offering sweeping views of the cityscape, the Jialing River's great bend, and distant mountains.
Huaguang Tower serves as an exceptional vantage point for capturing the layered architecture of the ancient city against the river backdrop, particularly at sunset.
Early morning in the ancient city's alleys, where light filters through ancient wooden windows onto cobblestone pavements, offers an ideal time for documentary-style photography.
Zhongtian Tower provides a perfect perspective for capturing the depth and symmetrical beauty of the four main streets.
