Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Huanglongxi, Sichuan, 610220
A riverside town south of Chengdu, Huanglongxi Ancient Town has a history dating back to at least the third century AD. It’s home to three historic temples, seven stone streets lined with old-style buildings, ancient tombs, a small museum, and a wealth of food stalls. Huanglongxi hosts a popular Fire Dragon Festival at Lunar New Year.
The basics
Unlike many Chinese ancient towns, you don’t need a ticket to visit Huanglongxi, one of many factors which makes it a popular destination for local travelers. As with many Chinese ancient towns, the historic buildings and bridges have been extensively rebuilt. Many travelers visit as part of a tour. Huanglongxi is a convenient place to break the journey en route to the Leshan Giant Buddha, while a few tours combine the historic town with the ever-popular Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Things to know before you go
- Huanglongxi Ancient Town will be of interest to photographers and Instagrammers.
- Bring swimwear if you want to join the summer water fights.
- Steps, cobbles, and arched bridges make Huanglongxi a challenging destination for travelers who use wheelchairs.
How to get there
Huanglongxi Ancient Town sits south of metropolitan Chengdu, about a 28-mile (45-kilometer) drive from Tianfu Square. Buses run regularly to and from several Chengdu bus stations but the most central station with the most frequent services is Xinnanmen (also written New Nanmen or New South Gate) on metro Line 3.
When to get there
Huanglongxi Ancient Town can be visited at any time of year but, if you don’t mind crowds, August can be a great time. Farmers sell fresh grapes from the fields, locals enjoy water fights in the river, and the town looks especially photogenic. Try and avoid weekends to beat the worst of the rush.
Ancient Towns Near Chengdu
Huanglongxi Ancient Town is just one of a number of historic settlements around Chengdu. Pingle Ancient Town, southwest of the city, is a characterful wooden town with a history dating over 2,000 years. Luodai Ancient Town, just east of Chengdu, boasts a fascinating Hakka heritage and a model Great Wall, while Liujiang, a good couple of hours from the city, offers tranquil riverside living.
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