2026 Hejiang Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Recently, the adorable giant panda "Fubao" has shown a super interesting side, and related footage has sparked heated discussions online. Although the location was not explicitly mentioned, Fubao's cute appearance has deeply touched people's hearts. The highlight of "Fubao" lies in his little ears. While eating, his small ears constantly press against the entrance of his den, as if trying hard to catch the "gossip" outside. Even with delicious food in front of him, he can't resist his inner craving for "gossip," creating a uniquely charming contrast. If visitors get to see this scene in person, they will surely be filled with surprise and joy, laughing heartily at Fubao's adorable behavior and feeling the lively and fun nature of the giant panda. Come follow "Fubao," and maybe next time you'll catch more cute moments of him enjoying his meal while “eating melon,” sharing in this pure happiness together!

🌟 Luzhou 3-Day, 2-Night Tipsy Tour (Budget: 4000 CNY) 🌟 Suitable for: Couples/Friends/Wine Culture Enthusiasts Theme: Wine City Exploration + Yangtze River Charm + Ancient Town Slow Life + Southern Sichuan Cuisine 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Luzhou → Luzhou Laojiao Scenic Area → Bell and Drum Tower → Binjiang Road Night Tour Day 2: Yaoba Ancient Town → Zhangba Longan Forest → Wine City Paradise Night Market Day 3: Fangshan Scenic Area → Return Journey 💰 Budget Allocation (2 people) | Item | Cost (CNY) | Notes | |---|---|---| | Transportation (Round trip) | 600-1200 | High-speed rail/Self-drive (1h by HSR from Chongqing, 2h from Chengdu) | | Accommodation (2 nights) | 500-800 | River view hotel + characteristic B&B | | Dining | 500-700 | Gulin Spicy Chicken, Huangba, River Delicacies | | Tickets + Experiences | 300-500 | Laojiao Scenic Area, Fangshan Cable Car, etc. | | Others | 200-400 | Souvenirs/Wine tasting experience | | **Total** | **3500-4000** | **Value for money choice** | 🚗 Detailed Itinerary Day 1: First Taste of Wine City Morning Arrive in Luzhou, recommended to take high-speed rail to Luzhou Station (1h from Chongqing/2h from Chengdu) Recommended accommodation: Luzhou Fengzeyuan Hotel (river view room) or Wine City Impression B&B Noon Lunch: Luzhou White Cake (Xiaoxiangzi Old Shop, 15 CNY/person) + Gulin Spicy Chicken Afternoon Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area (Ticket: 35 CNY/person): Visit the 1573 National Treasure Cellar Pits, experience raw liquor tasting (included in ticket) Check in at the giant wine jar of "World's First Wine Dao Field" Evening Bell and Drum Tower (Free): Climb the tower to overlook the confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers Stroll along Binjiang Road: Watch the sunset along the Yangtze River embankment, check in at "Luzhou Bund" Night Dinner: Hejiang Grilled Fish King (Tofu Pudding Grilled Fish + Lychee Wine, 60 CNY/person) Yangtze River Night Cruise (Optional, boat ticket 68 CNY/person) Day 2: Ancient Town and Nature Morning Charter a car to Yaoba Ancient Town (1h drive, approx. 150 CNY round trip): Southern Sichuan Film and Television Base (filming location for "The Great Hong Rice Shop") Must-eat: Yaoba Red Soup Lamb + Huangba Afternoon Zhangba Longan Forest (Free): Stroll through the century-old longan forest (harvesting available in September) Take photos at the Yangtze River Observation Deck Night Return to the city, Dinner: Luzhou Wuweixuan Restaurant (specialty Chinese cuisine, 50 CNY/person) Wine City Paradise Night Market: Experience local nightlife, try the Yibin Burning Noodles branch Day 3: Mountain and Water Finale Morning Fangshan Scenic Area (Ticket: 30 CNY/person, one-way cable car 40 CNY): Visit the Millennium Black-faced Guanyin Temple Overlook the Yangtze River from the Sea of Clouds Observation Deck Noon Lunch: Luzhou Tofu Pudding Hotpot (40 CNY/person) Afternoon Flexible arrangements based on return time: Visit Luzhou Museum (Free, bronze ware exhibition) Buy souvenirs at Bao'en Pagoda Commercial Area High-speed rail/Self-drive return 🍜 Must-Eat Food List | Category | Recommended Shop/Dish | Per Person | |---|---|---| | Breakfast | Luzhou White Cake (Xiaoxiangzi Shop) | 10 | | Snacks | Gulin Spicy Chicken + Huangba | 30 | | River Delicacies | Hejiang Grilled Fish King | 60 | | Hotpot | Luzhou Tofu Pudding Hotpot | 40 | | Alcoholic Beverages | Guojiao 1573 Tasting Set | 50 | 📌 Travel Tips Transportation: Taxis are cheap within the city, chartering a car is recommended for Yaoba Ancient Town (public transport requires transfers) Accommodation: Prioritize hotels along the Tuo River/Yangtze River for better night views Wine Culture: Do not drive after tasting wine at the Laojiao Scenic Area Souvenirs: Luzhou Laojiao mini bottles, Zhangba dried longans, Gulin Spicy Chicken vacuum-packed 🎯 Itinerary Highlights ✅ Rich Wine Aroma: An immersive experience from national treasure cellar pits to street-side wine shops ✅ Twin Rivers Reflecting: The unique urban landscape where the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers converge ✅ Ancient Town Time: Yaoba's unspoiled, original ecological Southern Sichuan dwellings ✅ Taste Memories: Spicy and fresh Gulin flavors and Yangtze River delicacies A budget of 4000 CNY can easily cover a comfortable trip for 2 people; if traveling solo, you can upgrade to a luxury hotel! Let me know if you need any adjustments! 🍶🌉

Help 🆘 This hidden gem at the junction of Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing is incredible! ✨ If I hadn’t almost been trapped in the mountains, I wouldn’t want to share this secret spot with you~ This is Hejiang County, Luzhou, where the Chishui River flows gently by 🏞️ Unlike those artificial, overhyped tourist spots this is truly wild scenery ⛰️ With authentic ancient towns and temples every view tells a story 🌈 Travel tips: A must-know!! Be sure to descend before dark❗ I was so caught up in taking photos that I almost got stuck in the mountains that day (luckily a local helped me 🤦‍♀️) This place isn’t a polished tourist site There’s no sign of commercialization just the most genuine mountain adventures Every visit brings new surprises 💫 📸 Must-visit spots: Sunset by the Chishui River Ancient town’s cobblestone streets Old temples deep in the mountains Every shot looks like a painting! Friendly reminder: Bring mosquito repellent spray 👌🏻 Wear comfortable hiking shoes 🥾 Pack some snacks and water And don’t forget to plan your return time in advance!

Tags: 4A Free Ancient Town | Film and Television Location | Intangible Cultural Heritage Oil-Paper Umbrella | Original Ecological Fireworks Ancient Town | Sichuan-Guizhou Ancient Road I. Admission Tickets & Opening Hours [2026 Latest] The main street of the ancient town is free to enter, no entrance fee, no reservation required, open all day. Small attractions within the town (separate tickets available): Dahong Rice Shop 10 RMB, Wang Chaowen's Former Residence 15 RMB, Ling Zifeng Exhibition Hall 10 RMB Exhibition Hall Opening Hours: 09:00–17:30, last entry at 17:30; Old Street Shops 8:00–19:30 Parking: Scenic Area Parking Lot 5 RMB/day, ample parking spaces II. Transportation Guide ✅By Car Chengdu → Yaoba: Chengdu-Chongqing Ring Expressway, approximately 3.5 hours, 260km Chongqing → Yaoba: Chongqing-Luzhou Expressway, approximately 2.5 hours, 180km Luzhou City → Yaoba: G321 National Highway 30 Minutes, 22km, search "Yaoba Ancient Town Scenic Area" on navigation. ✅Public Transportation: Direct bus from Luzhou Passenger Transport Center Station, every 30 minutes, 15 yuan/person, 40-minute journey; Shuttle bus from Hejiang Bus Station, 35-minute direct journey. III. 6 Must-Visit Photo Spots (Aim along the way, avoid backtracking, visit from south to north) Martial Arts Scholar Archway Ancient Town Entrance Archway Zhou Entry Residence 1. Martial Arts Scholar Archway (Landmark of the South Gate of the Ancient Town, Cover Photo Spot) A Qing Dynasty Jiaqing-era imperial stone archway, a rare example of a stone archway in southern Sichuan depicting imperial examinations. The intricate carvings and the view of the archway against the blue sky make it a landmark location for stunning photos of the ancient town. 2. **800-meter-long ancient cobblestone street (the soul of the entire ancient town)** This 800-meter-long Ming and Qing dynasty street features traditional wooden stilted buildings with gray tiles and red lanterns. Original residents still live along the street, and bamboo chair teahouses and traditional handicraft shops abound. After rain, the puddles on the cobblestones reflect the eaves, making it an excellent location for modern Chinese style/Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) photography. 3. **Da Hong Rice Shop | Classic Movie Location** The original filming location for movies like *Da Hong Rice Shop* and *Madness*, this all-wooden courtyard house features a traditional mortise and tenon structure. The first floor has an old teahouse where you can enjoy 5-yuan covered bowls of tea. From the second-floor windows, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire ancient street – perfect for capturing vintage-style photos. 4. **Wang Chaowen's Former Residence** The former residence of a master of Chinese aesthetics, this traditional Sichuan-style courtyard house features exquisitely carved wooden windows. A cultural landmark, the tranquil courtyard is ideal for slow-paced portrait photography. 5. Dongyue Temple & Ciyun Temple (Highest Point in the Ancient Town): A five-story Ming Dynasty temple nestled against the mountain, combining Buddhist and Taoist architecture. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the entire ancient town with its blue-tiled roofs and distant mountains. The old banyan tree in front is adorned with red silk ribbons for blessings, creating a strong atmosphere. 6. Intangible Cultural Heritage Oiled Paper Umbrella Workshop: Experience the intangible cultural heritage of Fenshui oiled paper umbrellas. Handmade oiled paper umbrellas are available for rent as props for photos. Stroll through the alleys with an umbrella for a uniquely charming, traditional experience. Off-the-beaten-path attractions: Zhou Mansion (a grand Qing Dynasty residence with exquisite wood carvings), Ling Zifeng Film and Television Museum (historical materials from old films) IV. Relaxed One-Day Itinerary (Suitable for departures from Chengdu/Chongqing) 08:30 Departure → 11:00 Arrive at the ancient town, check in at the archway before entering the street 11:30 Lunch in the old street: red-broth mutton 13:00 Visit the former residence, Dahong Rice Shop, and oil-paper umbrella workshop in sequence 15. 30 Climb Ciyun Temple for a panoramic view of the ancient town 16. 30 Stroll through the old teahouse and buy yellow rice cakes as souvenirs 17. 30 Return trip V. Must-Try Local Delicacies Red-broth mutton + yellow rice cakes Yaoba Red-broth Mutton Yaoba Red-broth Mutton (Signature TOP1): Local black goat, simmered with local mint, the red oil is fragrant and not gamey. Zhouji Mutton, a long-established shop, small portion 58 yuan, a Tianfu intangible cultural heritage food. Yaoba Yellow Rice Cake (Intangible Cultural Heritage): Glutinous rice wrapped in galangal leaves and brown sugar, 3-5 yuan each, soft, sweet, and a good souvenir. Well Water Tofu Pudding: 10 yuan for all you can eat, authentic red oil dipping sauce; handmade sweet potato noodles and spicy pickled radish are street snacks. VI. Travel Photography & Travel Tips Best time for photos: 9:00 AM with soft lighting, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM with sunset, warm light casting a beautiful atmosphere on the eaves; on rainy days, the reflections in the puddles on the stone slabs are stunning. Outfit: Light colors, modern Chinese style, Hanfu (traditional Han clothing); oil-paper umbrellas can be rented in the ancient town. The stone slabs are slippery, wear non-slip flat shoes; some old shops only accept cash, so have some small change. On holidays, there are traditional Sichuan folk wedding parades in the morning, from the archway to Dahong Rice Shop, excellent for folk photography.

3-Day Spring Break Self-Drive Trip from Chengdu You can follow this easy, direct route to check in at an ancient town, flower sea, and karst cave all in one go, perfectly suited for spring break and Qingming holidays. Day 1: Chengdu → Yaoba Ancient Town → Dafang County · Itinerary: Drive about 3.5 hours from Chengdu to Yaoba Ancient Town. After visiting, drive another 3 hours to Dafang County. · Activities: Yaoba Ancient Town is a free 4A-level scenic spot, known as the "Living Fossil of Southern Sichuan Residences." You can stroll along the bluestone-paved ancient street, visit the Jinshi Archway, Dahong Rice Shop, and also experience the artistic atmosphere at the Wang Chaowen Former Residence—great for taking vintage-style photos. Don’t miss the intangible cultural heritage foods like Huangba and spicy mutton soup; tofu pudding rice is also worth trying. · Accommodation: Stay in a hotel in Dafang County, which offers great value and convenient access to Baili Azalea the next day. Day 2: Dafang County → Baili Azalea → Zhijin County · Itinerary: About a 40-minute drive from Dafang County to Baili Azalea. After visiting, drive 2 hours to Zhijin County. · Activities: The Baili Azalea ticket costs 130 RMB plus 70 RMB for the sightseeing bus (mandatory). It’s recommended to visit early to avoid crowds. Walk along the Jinpo Soma Flower Bridge to Pudi Shuhua Peak, where azaleas bloom all over the hillsides, making it the ultimate spring flower sea. The peak bloom period is from March 20 to April 20, so be sure to book tickets and accommodation in advance. · Accommodation: Stay in Zhijin County, close to Zhijin Cave, to reduce travel time the next day. Day 3: Zhijin County → Zhijin Cave → Chengdu · Itinerary: About a 20-minute drive from Zhijin County to Zhijin Cave. After touring, drive about 6.5 hours back to Chengdu, arriving home by evening. · Activities: During peak season, the Zhijin Cave ticket plus sightseeing bus costs 140 RMB, parking is 10 RMB per time (prices for reference only, please check actual prices). The park opens at 8:30 AM; it’s best to arrive early to avoid lines. The cave tour is one-way and takes about 2 hours, where you can see unique stalactites like the Overlord Helmet and Silver Rain Tree. The cave temperature is a constant 16°C, so remember to wear a light jacket. Tips · The entire route has good highway conditions, no pressure for sedans. · There is a lot of walking in the ancient town and cave, so comfortable shoes are recommended. · Yaoba Ancient Town can be quite hot in summer; if visiting in other seasons, early morning or evening tours are more comfortable.

Who understands! Nowadays, many ancient towns are all the same, crowded with trendy shops and noisy crowds, and after visiting many, you really get aesthetic fatigue😮‍💨 But the Yao Ba Ancient Town in Luzhou, Sichuan that I discovered is a breath of fresh air! No overdevelopment, no artificial scenery, the streets are full of local residents, brimming with vibrant everyday life~ The ancient street gently unfolds along the hilly terrain🏞️ Rows of blue-tiled wooden buildings, typical of southern Sichuan architecture, perfectly blend with the green mountains and clear waters Walking on the uneven bluestone pavement, the weight of a thousand years of history hits you Elderly vendors on the street, neighbors leisurely drinking tea, residents carrying baskets to buy groceries A glance up, a turn around, it feels like stepping into a Qing Dynasty market life painting, real and healing✨ This is Yao Ba Ancient Town hidden in Luzhou It has the unique charm of southern Sichuan ancient architecture and the deep historical heritage of a thousand years Quiet and niche, stunningly beautiful, a must-visit even with your eyes closed! 🌟Must-check highlights of the ancient town 1️⃣ Thousand-year-old ancient road post station, full of stories This was once a key post station on the Sichuan-Guizhou ancient road, bustling with merchants back in the day Today, many old buildings remain, each brick and tile telling tales of past prosperity 2️⃣ Authentic Ming and Qing dynasty ancient buildings🏠 Flourishing since the Song and Yuan dynasties, peaking in Ming and Qing, the existing buildings retain their original Ming and Qing style Wooden beam structures, small blue tiles, gable roofs, combined with the uneven mountain terrain Every corner hides the unique aesthetics of southern Sichuan ancient towns ✅ Dahong Rice Shop: A Qing Dynasty old business, fully preserving its original look, very historic ✅ Li Family Ancestral Hall: Flying eaves and upturned corners, a living fossil of southern Sichuan clan culture ✅ Ciyun Temple: The oldest temple in the town, with carved beams and painted rafters in the opera stage, exquisite craftsmanship Also ancient opera stages and century-old residences, every stroll is full of surprises 3️⃣ Extremely low commercialization, full of rustic charm No uniformly renovated fake ancient town facades Only a few local small shops scattered around, preserving the original appearance to the greatest extent Quiet and simple, a truly “living” ancient town 4️⃣ Every snapshot is a cinematic masterpiece📸 Continuous blue tiles, winding ancient roads, weathered old walls, wooden doors and windows A natural filming location, many productions have been shot here No need to deliberately find angles, every shot naturally exudes a vintage cinematic vibe 5️⃣ Peaceful and leisurely, enjoy the slow time☕ Few tourists, no noisy crowds Find an old teahouse, order a bowl of covered bowl tea, and sit quietly all afternoon Feel the breeze, daydream, watch the old street’s comings and goings, healing all fatigue 📍Practical guide 📍Address: Yao Ba Ancient Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou 🎫Tickets: Free admission 🚗Transportation: Direct navigation or take a shuttle bus from Hejiang County town 🅿️Parking: Dedicated parking area at the entrance 🗓️2 days 1 night treasure route Day 1: Depart from Luzhou/Chongqing → Yao Ba Ancient Town → Hejiang County town Day 2: Hejiang → Fubao Ancient Town → Fawang Temple → Return trip 🏨Accommodation & Food 🏡Accommodation: Preferably stay in Hejiang County town, more options and cost-effective 🍜Food: Must-try Heshuibao Dou at the north gate of Hejiang Tender tofu pudding, stir-fried pig liver with blood skin vegetables, spicy fried pork intestines Full of local flavor, delicious and affordable, one bite and you’re hooked!

Tired of the same old internet-famous ancient towns? No over-commercialization, no noisy cultural streets, Only green-tiled wooden buildings, winding ancient alleys, and locals still living life at their own pace. This is what an ancient town should be—alive and full of everyday life. 📍Yao Ba Ancient Town, Luzhou, Sichuan A secret southern Sichuan gem gently preserved by time. The ancient street stretches slowly along the hills, Green-tiled wooden buildings stretch continuously, blending the southern Sichuan ancient architecture with the landscape. Stepping on the bluestone slabs worn smooth by time, The weight of history hits you, No deliberately renovated faux-ancient walls, Only the mottled and gentle marks left by time. There are no clusters of trendy shops in town, Most are local residents running their own small stores, Setting up stalls, drinking tea, going to markets, carrying baskets to buy groceries... Look up, turn around, It feels like stepping into a flowing Qing Dynasty urban scroll. It’s not noisy, not crowded, not forced, Quiet as if forgotten by the world, Yet vibrantly living its own millennium. ✅ Reasons to visit 1|A thousand-year-old post road hiding half the history of Sichuan and Guizhou Yao Ba was once a crucial post station on the Sichuan-Guizhou ancient road, Tea and salt trade flourished, merchants gathered, thriving in its heyday. Today, the streets remain, every brick and tile telling the story of past prosperity. 2|Authentic Ming and Qing dynasty ancient buildings Thriving since Song and Yuan, flourishing in Ming and Qing, Wooden beam structures, suspended gable roofs, small green tiles, stone slab roads, Form the most authentic southern Sichuan mountain ancient town texture. Houses built along the mountain, layered one upon another, Called by experts a **“living fossil of southern Sichuan ancient residences.”** ▪️ Dahong Rice Shop|Qing dynasty old business, film location, full of ancient charm ▪️ Li Family Ancestral Hall|Flying eaves and upturned corners hiding the clan’s southern Sichuan history ▪️ Ciyun Temple|Ancient temple and opera stage with carved beams and painted rafters, incense burning for centuries ▪️ Ancient opera stage, celebrity former residences|Every step a scene, everywhere a story 3|Low commercialization, preserving the most authentic simplicity No uniformly painted trendy walls, Small shops full of local life atmosphere, Simple, genuine, not deliberately catering to tourists. 4|Natural photo studio, every shot feels cinematic Green-tiled roofs, mottled old walls, long ancient alleys, This is the filming location for dozens of movies and TV shows, No filters, no posing, Just snap a photo and it’s full of vintage atmosphere. 5|Few people and peaceful, slowing down is the real travel No crowds, only peaceful time. Find an old teahouse, order a bowl of covered bowl tea, Sit all afternoon, feel the breeze, daydream, listen to stories, Live life in slow motion. 📌 Practical guide 📍Address: Yao Ba Ancient Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou, Sichuan 🎫Tickets: Free admission 🚗Transportation: Navigate directly to “Yao Ba Ancient Town,” buses available from Luzhou/Hejiang 🅿️Parking: Dedicated parking area at the entrance 📅 2 days 1 night off-the-beaten-path itinerary Day 1: Depart from Luzhou/Chongqing → Yao Ba Ancient Town → Stay in Hejiang County town Day 2: Hejiang → Fubao Ancient Town → Fawang Temple → Return trip 🍜 Local food recommendations Hejiang North Gate Riverside Bean Rice Tender tofu pudding, stir-fried pig liver with blood skin vegetables, spicy fried pork intestines, Authentic southern Sichuan flavors, full of local life vibe, great value for money. Don’t go where the crowds are, just come for the authentic everyday life. This quiet southern Sichuan ancient town, silent for a thousand years, Is worth a special visit just for it.

The 2026 New Year's Day holiday is approaching. Luzhou's cultural and tourism sector has prepared a grand feast, inviting visitors from all directions to join the New Year's Eve celebration. Yesterday, we recommended the "Enjoy Luzhou · Jiucheng Nine Benefits" discount measures. · Today, let's look at the "Most Beautiful Luzhou · Jiucheng Welcomes the New Year" activities: ↓↓↓ · 👉【New Year's Eve Carnival · Shop Freely for the New Year】 On December 31, 2025, Jiucheng Amusement Park will host the "Starry Sky New Year's Eve Party," featuring an electronic music carnival to ignite passion, endless fun from amusement rides, a free feast to satisfy your appetite, and a rock band performing alongside Sichuan opera face-changing, blending tradition with modern excitement. Wanxianghui Business District will kick off a New Year's Eve concert with energetic band performances and a countdown to welcome the new year together. Luzhou High-tech Aegean Shopping Center will hold a New Year's Eve bonfire carnival party, where thousands will enjoy a fireworks feast, unlocking Luzhou's unique New Year's ritual. You can also attend a free New Year's concert featuring local celebrities singing to open the new year's chapter with their voices. The small concert at Zhonggulou · Jiangyangli will be accompanied by a Taiwanese food festival, allowing you to celebrate the new year with music and cuisine. · 👉【Artistic Feast · Opening a New Chapter】 During the 2026 New Year's Day, Huanlehui will become a hall of arts. The 15th Luzhou City Mass Cultural Tourism Art Exhibition will be spectacularly staged. The "Jiucheng Night · Wonderful Music for You" mass singing competition and the "Next Stop Luzhou" mass art performance will allow art lovers to fully showcase Luzhou's cultural charm and the integration of culture and tourism through dance, singing, and drama performances, celebrating the development of the new era. Xuyong Chunqiu Temple Square and Yongninghui Square will also simultaneously hold art performances, bringing a series of audiovisual feasts to citizens. · 👉【Integration of Culture, Tourism, and Commerce · Lighting Up the New Year's Night】 Longmatan District Beibin Park will host the "Enjoy Jiucheng New Year's Night · Culture, Tourism, and Commerce Carnival" New Year's Eve event. Based on Luzhou's thousand-year-old liquor culture, rich intangible cultural heritage resources, and mature commercial carriers, the event focuses on cultural empowerment, creating highlights, and improving consumption scenarios. It will feature city treasure hunts, New Year's Eve performances, fireworks markets, and more, helping to enhance Luzhou's city influence and attractiveness, allowing you to experience Luzhou's unique charm in joy. · 👉【Passionate Arena · New Year's Boxing】 Longmatan District Olympic Park Gymnasium will welcome "Drunken Jiucheng Vol.1 · 2026 New Year's Boxing Night," featuring two intercontinental championship belt peak matches and six high-level CPBA ranking matches, creating a passionate fighting feast for boxing fans from Sichuan, Chongqing, and nationwide to celebrate the new year. At the same time, Naxi District Sunrise Plaza will hold the "New Year's Cup" basketball game open to all, and the hiking challenge in Yong'an Eleven Alley will also start. Participants can earn rewards by completing check-in tasks, paying tribute to the new year with agile postures and good physical condition. · 👉【Dreamlike Light and Shadow · Celebrate the New Year Together】 During the 2026 New Year's Day, Naxi District Shanhe Mingyue · Drunken Jiucheng will hold New Year's Eve activities and a drone show, bringing you a visual feast perfectly combining technology and art. Hejiang County Longguashan will host the "2026 Shining Longguashan · New Year's Eve Fireworks Show," with NPC interactions and fun park activities that will captivate you. Yaoba Ancient Town will hold the "Starry New Year's Day · Adventure New Year's Eve — 2026 Yaoba Post Lantern and Fireworks Carnival," where Tang Palace-themed content blends with modern dance performances, acrobatics, flying shows, and more. It integrates traditional folk customs and national trendy elements. Fireworks waterfall shows and bonfire carnivals create immersive visual feasts and interactive experiences. Thousands of eco-friendly wishing Kongming lanterns will be released collectively, allowing you to write new year wishes and complete blessing rituals in a romantic atmosphere. · 👉【Scenic Area Collaboration · Boosting Consumption】 Fubao Yulan Mountain Scenic Area launches the "Year of the Pig Soup" promotion, with activities like tea brewing by the stove, Hanfu experience, and free fishing at Qinwa Lake Outer Lake, letting you enjoy the tranquility and comfort of the countryside. Daheidong Scenic Area offers Miao ethnic door-blocking wine welcoming ceremonies, fun games with prize draws, Miao-style sticky rice pounding, drum competitions, costume shows, bamboo pole dances, blindfolded circle walking contests, and other Miao folk cultural activities. There is also a Miao long table banquet with mountain stream ambiance and free admission to the Miao Museum by reservation, allowing you to deeply experience Miao culture. Yanjinghe Scenic Area hosts bonfire carnivals, midnight blessing ceremonies, exclusive New Year's Day benefits, and small group exclusive discounts. In Huali Countryside Scenic Area, fluently reciting the "Letter to All Red Commanders" lets you take home 10 jin of rice or cooking oil. Reading aloud also has rewards, with options of fridge magnets or small packages of rice and oil. Gulin County Baima Qingxi Scenic Area offers countryside chicken-catching contests, New Year's Eve hiking at Xiangsi Cliff, and homestay courtyard tea brewing, letting you enjoy the fun of New Year's Eve in nature. · 👉【Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances · Showcasing Charm】 The 2025 National "Four Seasons Village Evening" Winter Demonstration and Luzhou County Longmenzhen End-of-Month Theater event will be lively on December 30 (Tuesday) at 3:00 PM at Yuchan Street Shuizhulin New Village. (Accessible by bus 608). The event will feature intangible cultural heritage performances such as "Baihe Lotus Spear Dance," "Awakening Lion," the song "A Nest of Winter Vegetables," and Xuantan's "Rice Transplanting Song," as well as charming township competitions, showcasing the unique style of Luzhou County's rural intangible cultural heritage and reflecting traditional rural cultural characteristics. While enjoying the wonderful performances, you will also feel the profound cultural heritage of the countryside. · Source | Luzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Image Source | Luzhou Media Center, Chuanjiang Metropolis Daily, Hejiang Media, Yulan Mountain Scenic Area, etc. Article Source | Wenlv Luzhou Official Account ·

Yaoba Ancient Town, Luzhou Yaoba is one of Luzhou's most prominent tourist attractions, and it's easily accessible, located about 20 kilometers from Luzhou. The Sichuan-Guizhou Expressway is nearby, and its pristine natural environment remains largely intact. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Yaoba's inhabitants were primarily Yao people, and the area was called Yaojiaba, its ancient name being "Yaoba." With the migration of Han Chinese, the Yao people gradually moved towards the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Due to the high regard in which Yao and Shun were held by the Han people, "Yao" eventually became "Yao." Yaoba is situated at a crucial transportation hub between southern Sichuan and northern Guizhou, about 20 kilometers from Chishui in Guizhou. It marks the junction of the Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and was a major ancient passage between Sichuan and Guizhou, known as the "Sichuan-Guizhou Corridor" and the "Ancient Tea and Salt Road." Beyond Yaoba lay the exit from Sichuan; merchants and bandits would rest and recuperate before embarking on a longer and more arduous journey. In the Sichuan-Chongqing region, trading towns were called "chang" (场), water and land transportation hubs were called "shuimatou" (水码头), and land transportation hubs were called "dummatou" (旱томам). Yaoba, as the last stop before leaving Sichuan and entering Guizhou, was a bustling market with merchants gathering there. Main Attractions: The ancient street and residential complex, mainly dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, is centered around the Dongyue Temple and evolved from the ancient post road that passed through the village. It is divided into upper and lower streets. The upper street is built along the mountainside, with undulating terrain; the lower street has a continuous roof with tiled roofs. The street runs north-south, with the north street built by the Zhou family and the south street by the Li family. It extends in a winding, slightly S-shaped pattern, with a total length of over 1000 meters and a width of 5 meters. The street is paved with bluestone slabs, and wooden shops line both sides of the street. Behind the shops are courtyard-style residential buildings, totaling over 2000 small blue-tiled houses. The Jinshi Archway, located at the southern end of the ancient street, was built in the 15th year of the Jiaqing Emperor's reign (1808) by imperial decree by Li Yuelong, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the military field. Unique to southern Sichuan, it faces southeast, featuring a three-tiered, hipped-roof structure with a northwest-southeast orientation. The Dongyue Temple, commonly known as the Fire God Temple, is built against Jiulong Jubao Mountain. Originally constructed during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it was rebuilt during the Kangxi and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty. Following the mountain's contours, it ascends in stages to the summit, a hipped-roof wooden and stone structure comprising five halls. With a total depth of 84 meters, it is a typical folk religious building of southern Sichuan. The first hall, named the Celebration Opera Stage (commonly known as the Wannian Stage), is a single-tiered, hipped-roof wooden and stone structure, covering an area of ​​210 square meters. The stage and its surrounding gardens are decorated with numerous exquisite deep-relief wooden carvings depicting theatrical scenes. The layout of the stage and gardens is unique to southern Sichuan. The second hall is the Kui Xing Tower, the third the City God Hall, the fourth the Donghuang Hall, and the fifth the Confucius Hall. Zhou Mansion, originally built in 1806 by Zhou Qibin, a military officer who passed the imperial examination, was a renowned philanthropist and highly respected figure. Renovated in 2005, it now serves as an important site showcasing the history and culture of Yaoba Ancient Town. Wang Chaowen, originally named Zhaowen, was a native of Yaoba. He was a Chinese literary theorist, aesthetician, sculptor, and art educator, and one of the pioneers and founders of Marxist literary theory and aesthetics in New China. Wang Chaowen's Former Residence (Tianshou Hall), located below the Jinshi Archway in the ancient town, is a typical southern Sichuan courtyard house with a wooden structure. Covering an area of ​​500 square meters, the residence features a central courtyard, an ancient well from the Ming Dynasty, and three side buildings adorned with exquisite wood carvings. The residence is divided into a stage, main hall, living room, bedrooms, courtyard, and side rooms. Ling Zifeng, a renowned third-generation Chinese film director, was born in Beijing but always considered Yaoba his spiritual home. His family roots and childhood memories are deeply ingrained there, and he specifically chose his hometown as a filming location for his movie *Madness*, residing there for over a month. In his later years, he returned to his ancestral home, incorporating Yaoba into several classic films. Ling Zifeng's former residence, a four-room building, showcases his life and artistic achievements. His film and television exhibition hall, built on the site of his grandfather's former residence, adopts the style of southern Sichuan folk houses, primarily using wooden mortise and tenon structures, preserving traditional architectural techniques. The former residences of Wang and Ling are only a few meters apart, suggesting a possible familial connection. They met in Yan'an and later collaborated. Dahong Rice Shop, a landmark building in the ancient town, was built by Li Yuelong, a military scholar during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. Well-preserved, it faces west, featuring a full wooden mortise and tenon structure, a courtyard layout, two stories, and a building area of ​​nearly 2,000 square meters. The upper railings are intricately carved, while the lower corridors are exquisitely elegant. These remnants of an important grain trading center between Sichuan and Guizhou serve as crucial material evidence for the study of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The film *The Big Rice Shop* was filmed against this backdrop. In Sichuan and Chongqing, towns or settlements with a richer history or economy than their neighbors generally exhibit greater confidence and pride among their residents. Their development follows certain patterns or commonalities: first, a large influx of people; second, renowned local cuisine; and third, a pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and cultural development. Yaoba possesses all these characteristics: its status as a commercial hub and transportation center has led to a better economy than its neighbors; its cuisine includes mutton soup and yellow rice cakes; its spiritual heritage includes the Dongyue Temple; and its culture has nurtured notable figures such as Wang Chaowen and Ling Kefeng. Compared to other ancient towns in Shanxi, Yaoba Ancient Town, especially in terms of history and architecture, is incomparable. It's not a grand, aristocratic residence, but rather a modestly charming village girl, more like a down-to-earth, everyday girl from a well-to-do family. From this perspective, it has a more vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere. As a relatively well-preserved late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era architectural complex, it still has original inhabitants. Here, you can clearly see the shadows of the ancient Sichuanese people's market days and the merchants' trade along the Tea Horse Road 100 years, or even hundreds of years ago. It's a living fossil of dwellings, market days, and post stations—something unique to this place. A visit here feels like stepping back in time! Luzhou Yaoba Ancient Town Yaoba is one of Luzhou's few notable tourist attractions, and it's easily accessible, located about 20 kilometers from Luzhou, with the Sichuan-Guizhou Expressway nearby. Its pristine natural environment is well-preserved. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the residents of Yaoba were mainly Yao people, and the area was called Yaojiaba, formerly known as "Yaoba." With the migration of Han people, the Yao gradually moved towards the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Due to the high regard in which Yao and Shun were held by the Han people, "Yao" eventually became "Yao." Yaoba is located at a key transportation route between southern Sichuan and northern Guizhou, about 20 kilometers from Chishui in Guizhou. It is the junction of the Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and was a major passage from Sichuan to Guizhou in ancient times, known as the "Sichuan-Guizhou Corridor" and the "Ancient Tea and Salt Road." Beyond Yaoba lay the exit from Sichuan, where merchants and bandits would rest and recuperate before facing a longer and more arduous journey. Trading towns in the Sichuan-Chongqing region were called "chang," with waterway and land transportation hubs called "water docks" and land transportation hubs called "dry docks." Yaoba, as the last stop before leaving Sichuan and entering Guizhou, was a bustling market with numerous merchants. Main attractions: The ancient street and residential complex, mainly dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, is centered around the Dongyue Temple and evolved from the ancient post road that runs through the village. It is divided into Upper Street and Lower Street. Upper Street is built along the mountainside, with undulating terrain; Lower Street has a continuous roof with tiled roofs. The streets run north-south, with the North Street built by the Zhou family and the South Street by the Li family. They meander and extend in a slightly S-shape, totaling over 1000 meters in length and 5 meters in width. The street is paved with bluestone slabs, and wooden shops line both sides, behind which are courtyard-style residential buildings, totaling over 2000 small blue-tiled houses. The Jinshi Archway, located at the southern end of the ancient street, was built by Li Yuelong, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the 15th year of the Jiaqing Emperor's reign (1806). Unique to southern Sichuan, it faces southeast, featuring a wood-and-stone imitation structure, a triple-eaved hip roof, and three bays with four pillars. Dongyue Temple, commonly known as the Fire God Temple, is built against Jiulong Jubao Mountain. Originally constructed during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it was rebuilt during the Kangxi and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty. Following the mountain's contours, it ascends in stages to the summit, a hip-roofed wooden and stone structure comprising five halls. With a total depth of 84 meters, it is a typical folk religious building of southern Sichuan. The first hall, named the Celebration Opera Stage, commonly known as the Wannian Stage, is a single-eaved hip-roofed wooden and stone structure, covering an area of ​​210 square meters. The stage and its surrounding railings are carved with numerous exquisite deep-relief wooden carvings depicting theatrical scenes. The layout of the stage and garden is unique to southern Sichuan. The second hall is the Kui Xing Tower, the third is the City God Hall, the fourth is the Donghuang Hall, and the fifth is the Confucius Hall. Zhou Mansion was initially built in the 25th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty by Zhou Qibin, a martial arts graduate. Zhou was known for his philanthropy and high prestige. Renovated in 2005, it is now an important site showcasing the history and culture of Yaoba Ancient Town. Wang Chaowen, originally named Zhaowen, was a native of Yaoba. He was a Chinese literary theorist, aesthetician, sculptor, and art educator, and one of the pioneers and founders of Marxist literary theory and aesthetics in New China. Wang Chaowen's former residence (Tianshou Hall) is located below the Jinshi Archway in the ancient town. It is a typical courtyard house in southern Sichuan, with a wooden structure covering an area of ​​500 square meters. The courtyard includes a central courtyard, an ancient well from the Ming Dynasty, and three side buildings with exquisite wood carvings. The residence is divided into a stage, main hall, living room, bedrooms, courtyard, and side rooms. Ling Zifeng, a renowned third-generation Chinese film director, was originally from Yaoba. Although born in Beijing, he always regarded Yaoba as his spiritual hometown. His family roots and childhood memories are deeply rooted there. He specifically chose his hometown as a filming location for his movie *Madness*, staying there for over a month. In his later years, he returned to his ancestral home, incorporating Yaoba into many classic films. The former residence of Ling Zifeng, a four-room house, showcases his life and artistic achievements. His film and television exhibition hall, built on the site of his grandfather's former residence, adopts the style of southern Sichuan folk houses, primarily featuring a wooden mortise-and-tenon structure and preserving traditional architectural techniques. The former residences of Wang and Ling are only a few meters apart, suggesting a possible distant familial relationship. They met in Yan'an and later collaborated. The Da Hong Rice Shop, a landmark building of the ancient town, was built by Li Yuelong, a military scholar during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. Well-preserved, it faces west, featuring a full wooden mortise-and-tenon structure in a courtyard layout. The two-story building covers nearly 2,000 square meters. The upper-level railings are intricately carved, while the lower-level corridors are exquisitely elegant. A remnant of an important distribution center for grain trade between Sichuan and Guizhou, it is crucial material for studying the Tea Horse Road. The film "Da Hong Rice Shop" was filmed against this backdrop. In Sichuan and Chongqing, towns or settlements with a richer history or economy than their neighbors generally possess a more confident and proud population. Their development follows certain patterns or commonalities: first, a large influx of people; second, renowned local cuisine; and third, a pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and cultural development. Yaoba possesses all these elements. Its status as a commercial hub and transportation center has led to a better economy than its neighbors. Its cuisine includes dishes like red-broth mutton and yellow rice cakes. It boasts the Dongyue Temple and has nurtured notable figures like Wang Chaowen and Ling Kefeng. Compared to ancient towns in Shanxi, especially in terms of history and architecture, Yaoba Ancient Town cannot compare. It's not a grand, aristocratic town, but rather a more down-to-earth, everyday place. From this perspective, it has a more vibrant, relatable atmosphere. As a relatively well-preserved late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era architectural complex, it still retains its original inhabitants. Here, you can clearly see the traces of Sichuan and Chongqing's early inhabitants "going to the market" and the merchants traveling along the Tea Horse Road 100 years, or even hundreds of years ago. It's a living fossil of residences, market days, and post stations—something unique to Yaoba. Visiting this place feels like traveling through time!

Just returned from Luzhou and speaking honestly! This southern Sichuan liquor city is warm and inviting, rich in culture. The old streets, river views, mountains, and food are all outstanding. The atmosphere in autumn and winter is especially charming. But July and August are not recommended for regular travelers. It’s not that the attractions aren’t beautiful, but the summer climate and travel challenges can ruin the whole trip, making it a painful waste of money. The real reason to avoid it | Not a bad experience, just a seasonal issue Luzhou sits in a low-lying area where two rivers meet in southern Sichuan. July and August are the toughest months of the year. Unlike the dry heat in northern China, here it’s a high-temperature, high-humidity sauna. Daily temperatures range from 35℃ to 38℃, feeling like 40℃, with humidity over 80%. After just five minutes outside, you’ll be sticky and sweaty, clothes cling and don’t dry, hair gets flat, makeup melts, and walking feels exhausting. Worse, frequent afternoon thunderstorms make the weather unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain, ruining outdoor plans at any time. Plus, there are tons of mosquitoes by the river. In the evening, the riverside road and old street green areas swarm with bugs, making walks and sightseeing uncomfortable. Summer travel also has clear drawbacks: it’s extremely hard to get a taxi near popular riverside spots and attractions, with long lines of dozens of people under the scorching sun or rain, ruining the experience. Summer spots you can barely enjoy | Only these few avoid the pitfalls If summer vacation is your only option, don’t blindly visit popular outdoor spots. Stick to these few summer-friendly places to avoid sunburn and rain: Luzhou Laojiao tourist area Fully indoors with shaded corridors, unaffected by heat or rain. Explore century-old fermentation pits, learn about the intangible heritage of baijiu production, enjoy free tastings, and check out the city’s iconic landmarks. Cool and educational, it’s the top summer choice in the city. Tianxiandong scenic area A natural cool spot with over 90% forest coverage. The mountains shield you from the sun, and temperatures are over 5℃ cooler than downtown. With flowing streams and lush greenery, it’s perfect for oxygen-rich heat relief. Just watch out for slippery moss on the boardwalk during the rainy season and wear non-slip shoes. Bao’en Tower + old town alleys Avoid midday heat by strolling in the early morning or evening. The ancient Southern Song dynasty tower is picturesque, the old streets are lively, and local snacks cluster here. Walking and eating in the cool evening breeze is comfortable and relaxing. Summer spots to absolutely avoid | Places you must not go Huangjing old forest and Fangshan Rainy season makes mountain paths wet and muddy, with moss-covered boardwalks that are slippery and prone to small landslides. Hiking here is a terrible experience and totally unsuitable for summer travel. Yaoba ancient town outdoors The old town has many open-air streets with little shade. Midday sun is scorching, and some small shops only accept cash. Summer visits are hot and inconvenient, offering very poor value. 2-day, 1-night summer survival itinerary Day 1: Focus on indoor cooling. Morning at Luzhou Laojiao scenic area to explore liquor culture. Afternoon shelter from rain and sun at city malls and old town food streets. Evening stroll along the riverside road after the temperature drops to enjoy the sunset and night views of the two rivers, easy and refreshing. Day 2: Cool mountain and forest walk. Morning trip to Tianxiandong for fresh air and riverside coolness. Return early afternoon to avoid thunderstorms and heat. No rushing or long walks, perfectly suited for summer weather. Hard-earned tips | Complete summer travel advice 1. Clothing tips: Don’t wear jeans or thick-soled shoes! Wear breathable short sleeves, quick-dry pants, and non-slip sandals. Always carry mosquito repellent and a dual-purpose sun and rain umbrella. 2. Shopping tips: Don’t buy loose baijiu at attraction entrances; quality varies. Choose souvenirs from official city stores for reliability. 3. Travel tips: Avoid hiking or entering mountains in the afternoon. Stay away from forests and rivers during thunderstorms. Take taxis early in the evening to avoid peak demand. 4. Food tips: Luzhou cuisine is spicy. If you can’t eat spicy food, tell the restaurant in advance. Pair dishes with local iced jelly or cold cakes to cool down and balance flavors. Sincere advice: Regular travelers should visit Luzhou from September to December or March to April! The climate is cool and dry with little rain. The river views are gentle, and the old streets are pleasant. You can leisurely explore all attractions and fully enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere without suffering through the heat and humidity. Choosing the right season is key to truly appreciating Luzhou’s beauty. Avoid summer unless necessary to prevent wasting money and suffering through the heat!

Friends! Luzhou is not just about liquor🍶 Many movies have been filmed here over the years Today we’ve put together a “Travel Luzhou with movies” checklist Simple and straightforward, save it and go!👇 🎬 "Four Crossings" — immersive tour of the red historic town Liu Ye starred in "Four Crossings," which was filmed on location in Taiping ancient town, Gulin, for more than 20 days. Taiping ancient town: a thousand-year-old town by the Chishui River, with layered bluestone paths and stilted buildings ✨Must visit: Four Crossings Chishui Taiping Ferry exhibition hall, former headquarters, Red Army Street bluestone alley, Taiping Ferry memorial 💡Show your "Four Crossings" movie ticket stub (June–August 2026) for discounts on Taiping ancient town exhibition tours and 50%–80% off admission to Huangjing old forest and other attractions 🎬 "Wild Child" — Wang Junkai’s city check-in spots Wang Junkai starred in "Wild Child," which was filmed in Luzhou for over five months, with locations all around the city. Bell and drum towers: landmark of the main urban area, showing old and new Luzhou East gate city tower: one of old Luzhou’s eight scenic spots, river views by day, lights by night Lotus community: recreated old neighborhood from the movie, full of nostalgia Nanjizi: lively city spot to experience local life 🎬 "Madness" and "Da Hong Rice Shop" — time travel tour of Yaoba ancient town Yaoba ancient town is known as the “Sichuan version of Furong Town” and a “living ancient town” More than 30 films and TV shows, including "Madness," "Da Hong Rice Shop," and "Deep Wine Alley," were filmed here. Yaoba ancient town (Hejiang County, 22 km from Luzhou) ✨Must check in: Da Hong Rice Shop: filming location of the movie "Da Hong Rice Shop," a Qing dynasty all-wood building now a teahouse Wu Jinshi archway: classic scene from "Madness," featuring Emperor Jiaqing’s calligraphy “Awarded Jinshi Degree” One-kilometer bluestone old street: over 200 Ming and Qing dynasty residences on both sides, authentic and not overly commercialized

City nights never feel quiet enough 🎑 The sound of traffic, the hum of air conditioners, the neighbor’s TV... Lights off, but your ears can’t shut out these noises At some point, getting a good night's sleep became something you have to actively seek. So why not find some free time and throw yourself into an ancient town in Luzhou where the night has no neon lights, only moonlight spreading over green tiles. The wind passing through the old street carries the dampness of the river and the fresh scent of plants. Lying in bed, you finally hear your breath slow and deepen— 🏯 Yaoba ancient town | sleep in the “living fossil of southern Sichuan’s ancient residences” Address: Yaoba Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City, 37 km from Hejiang, 22 km from Luzhou Yaoba ancient town dates back to the Northern Song dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was a key route from ancient Jiangyang to the Yelang Kingdom, known as the “Sichuan-Guizhou corridor” and the “ancient tea and salt road.” Chen Zhihua, an ancient architecture expert from Tsinghua University, called it the “living fossil of southern Sichuan’s ancient residences,” and scholar Yu Dan described it as a “living ancient town.” The existing buildings are extremely well preserved, mostly from the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China era. A 1,000-meter-long ancient street runs north to south, with over 2,000 small green-tiled houses forming a rhythmic and harmonious residential cluster. The town centers around Dongyue Temple (now Ciyun Temple), built in 1573, nestled against the mountain with tiered halls and flying eaves peeking through green trees. At the southern end of the town stands a grand imperial examination archway built in the 15th year of the Jiaqing reign (1810). The entire blue stone plaque is carved with the four imperial characters “Awarded the title of successful candidate,” still clearly visible. 🌙 Good night: After dark, when the tourists leave, the old street returns to its original state. The wooden doors of the old houses creak shut, and the ancient town closes like an old book. Moonlight filters through carved window lattices, falling on the quilt corner—this sleep is as deep as falling into a well. 🏔️ Fubao ancient town | sleep in the “model of western China’s mountain architecture” Address: On the banks of the Dacao River, 42 km southeast of Hejiang County, Luzhou City Founded in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, it developed into the political, economic, and cultural center of the river basin by the late Ming and early Qing. The town is built on a mountain with ups and downs, praised by experts at home and abroad as the “essence and model of western China’s mountain architecture.” The existing Huilong Street is 450 meters long, including five alleys such as Jiulong Lane. The street is paved with blue stones, and the buildings use a beam-frame and gable roof structure, creating a mountain landscape of stilted buildings and cantilevered corridors. The town has the Three Palaces and Eight Temples, including Qingyuan Palace, Wanshou Palace, and Tianhou Palace. Large areas of Ming dynasty wooden structures remain well preserved. This pattern of temples embedded within residences originated from the early Qing migration wave known as “Huguang filling Sichuan,” when immigrants built ancestral temples to remember their homelands. The town also preserves 13 intangible cultural heritage items, including the Fubao suona, gongs and drums, and Gaoqiang mountain songs. 🌙 Good night: Fubao’s night begins with the sound of the Dacao River. After dark, only a few dim lanterns hang from the eaves. The creek beneath the stilted buildings flows gently all night like a wordless lullaby. The air is full of the moist scent of plants and the coolness of river water—you’ll realize it’s been a long time since you felt sleepy before it was completely dark. 🔴 Taiping ancient town | sleep in the “red memory of the small mountain city” Address: Taiping Town, Gulin County, Luzhou City, located at the confluence of the Gulin and Chishui rivers With a history of over 1,500 years, the town is built on a mountain, rising layer upon layer along the slope. The streets are stepped, earning it the nicknames “small mountain city” and “pearl of the Chishui River.” Most existing buildings date from the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring ancient dry-lantern and stilted building structures, showing a unique style of terraces, stilts, staggered layers, cantilevers, spindles, and supports. In the late Ming and early Qing, due to salt trade from Sichuan to Guizhou, Taiping became an important water transport hub and border trade town. The town preserves a four-story ancient building standing by the Chishui River, built by a wealthy merchant in the late Qing and early Republic era as an embroidery tower for his daughter. It was also a core battlefield of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army’s four crossings of the Chishui River. There are 256 nationally protected key cultural relics here. 🌙 Good night: Taiping’s night has a unique layered feeling—after dark, the lights go out one by one from the foot to the top of the mountain, as if someone is drawing curtains layer by layer. The river breeze from the Chishui River valley carries a faint smell of water vapor and earth. The stone steps glow faintly under the moonlight, and the whole town is so quiet you can hear frogs croaking across the river—this night, even your dreams are peaceful. 🌿 Ledao ancient town | sleep in the “most beautiful village” by the Yongning River Address: Yongning River, Tianxian Town, Naxi District, Luzhou City Ledao ancient town began in the Three Kingdoms period and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The name “Ledao” comes from the attitude “enjoying the mountains and water leads to enjoying the way of life.” It was once the eastern main road from Sichuan to Yunnan and Guizhou, with three docks. At its peak, over 200 wooden boats loaded and unloaded goods daily, earning it the title “the largest dock on the Yongning River.” The town has nearly 300 existing Ming and Qing residential buildings. The main street is 300 meters long, shaped like an S, paved with blue stone slabs and long stones. Houses are three to five rooms deep, with walls mostly made of simple wooden boards or bamboo-woven walls. In 2010, the town was recognized as an outstanding example of Chinese ethnic architecture, selected as one of Sichuan’s most beautiful villages in 2011, and listed as a traditional Chinese village in 2014. 🌙 Good night: Ledao is the most “oxygen-rich” of the four ancient towns. After dark, the whole town is surrounded by bamboo and mountain forests, and the air tastes sweet. The sound of the Yongning River is soft like a whisper. Night comes early here; by 7 PM the streets are empty, with only the yellow kapok trees silently standing in the dusk. Opening the window reveals a sea of dark green mountain shadows—the feeling of being wrapped in nature lets you fall into a deep, sweet sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. 📝 Tips for a good night’s sleep in ancient towns ✅ Stay in old houses: wooden floors creak and soundproofing is poor—but that’s exactly what lets you hear the town’s most authentic night ✅ Take an evening walk: stroll through empty alleys before dark to let your body remember the scent and temperature of the blue stone slabs ✅ Turn off your phone: in places without nightlife, your eyes adjust to the dark and sleep comes naturally ✅ Book in advance: some guesthouses have limited rooms, so it’s best to confirm availability early Choose a free moment and throw yourself into an ancient town in Luzhou. Let the green tiles, flowing water, and moonlight give you a long-awaited deep sleep

Friends, don’t want to squeeze into crowded Chengdu or Chongqing? This small city filled with the aroma of wine and with taxi starting fares as low as 10 yuan is truly a hidden travel gem! 4,000 yuan for two people can cover good accommodation and even better food, focusing on a “slow and friendly” vibe~ · -- 📅 Day 1: Wine aroma tour, experience the national treasure charm of 1573 · 🚄 Transport: High-speed train direct to Luzhou station. The square in front of the station features a huge “Cheers” sculpture, perfect for photos. About 1.5 hours from Chengdu. Ticket price 127 yuan. · 🏨 Accommodation: Choose near Wanxianghui or Shuijinggou business districts. Bozhou Hotel is about 167 yuan/night, very convenient for transport. · 🍶 Itinerary: · Head straight to Luzhou Laojiao tourist area (admission 35 yuan) to see the 1573 national treasure cellar group, the air filled with the scent of wine! Your ticket also includes a tasting of 68-degree original brew, worth the price. · Walk to Dongmenkou - Guanyi Mouth to watch the magnificent sunset where the Tuojiang and Yangtze rivers meet. · Check in at Bao’en Tower and the Bell and Drum Towers. These landmark buildings are great for photos. The Bell and Drum Towers have a light show starting at 7:30 PM. · 🍢 Dinner: Rush to Zhuzijie (Shuijinggou) night market! Barbecue, spicy hot pot, pig’s trotters soup… the top choice for late-night snacks, all under 100 yuan per person to eat until full. · -- 📅 Day 2: Artsy photo day, visit Guiyuan forest + vintage neighborhoods · 🌳 Morning: Go to Zhangba Guiyuan forest, home to over 10,000 century-old longan trees. Cycling along the riverside greenway is super healing, and every shot looks like a forest-themed photo. · ☕ Afternoon: Check out Jiayu Road, a hub for artsy coffee shops to enjoy a slow pace. Then visit the “There Is Light” cultural tourism street, where the retro red wall with big characters is perfect for photos! · 🌉 Evening: Qicao Riverside Road, with open lawns and the Yangtze River Bridge as a backdrop. The atmosphere peaks at sunset. · -- 📅 Day 3: Explore the ancient town, experience intangible cultural heritage and local life · 🏯 All day: Take a taxi or rent a car to Hejiang Yaoba ancient town (about 1 hour drive). This is an ancient Sichuan-Guizhou post station, not overly commercialized, full of authentic local life. · Must experience: Stroll the old streets and alleys, see the intangible cultural heritage oil-paper umbrellas (if you like them, you can mail them home; the tung oil umbrella surface is not allowed on high-speed trains). · 🥘 Food: Must try Yaoba red soup lamb, fresh broth and tender meat! Follow it with a bowl of soy sauce mixed rice, irresistibly fragrant. · -- 📅 Day 4: Return fully loaded, bring the “taste of Luzhou” home · 🎁 Shopping: Must stock up on local specialties—Gulin spicy chicken (secret recipe chili oil is amazing), Huangba (vacuum-packed, lasts 10–20 days), and white rice cakes. · ✈️ Return bonus: Next to Yunlong Airport parking lot is a 15.73-meter-tall giant “wine jar” that lights up at night. Don’t miss it when passing by! · -- 💰 Budget for two people traveling with 4,000 yuan · Transport: Round-trip high-speed train about 500 yuan + local taxi/rental 400 yuan = 900 yuan · Accommodation: 3 nights in quality hotels, average 200 yuan = 600 yuan · Tickets: Luzhou Laojiao scenic area 70 yuan + other ancient towns free = 70 yuan · Food: Eat until you can’t walk, about 300 yuan per day, 4 days about 1,200 yuan · Total budget: About 2,770 yuan (remaining budget can buy two bottles of 1573 to take home🍶) · -- 💡 Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Don’t try to bring oil-paper umbrellas on the high-speed train. The tung oil won’t pass security. Mailing them is the easiest. 2. The city isn’t big. Taxi fares basically start at 10 yuan. It’s very convenient to get between attractions, so renting a car isn’t necessary. 3. Luzhou Laojiao scenic area isn’t large. It’s recommended to reserve 1.5–2 hours. Don’t miss the “8,888 yuan original brew” tasting experience.

In July, daytime temperatures hit 37℃+ with a feels-like of at least 40℃, humidity around 80%. Taking a few steps feels like stepping into a steam room, and your makeup will be ruined beyond recognition. But! When the evening river breeze blows, it’s incredibly relaxing. So the right way to enjoy it is: stay indoors or in the forest during the day, and enjoy the river views and night markets in the early morning and evening. 📅 Lazy 3-day itinerary (no intense sun version) Day 1 old town and liquor aroma | go out after 5 PM Luzhou Laojiao scenic area (national treasure cellar pits, strong aroma of distiller’s grains, ticket 35) → Binjiang Road to catch the Yangtze River sunset → Shuijinggou / Zhuzijie night market (grilled brain, ice jelly, Gulin spicy chicken, piggy cake) Day 2 shade + ancient town | get the shade before 9 AM Zhangba longan forest (century-old longan trees blocking the sun, arrive before 9) → afternoon private car to Yaoba ancient town (old street with bluestone slabs + old teahouse, red soup lamb is not greasy) → return to city for Zhonggulou night view Day 3 real summer escape | head to the mountains Huangjing old forest / Xuyong Xiancao Lake / Luohan forest (7–8℃ cooler than downtown, primeval forest + waterfalls, Xiancao Lake summer average about 25℃) → evening city air-raid shelter cooling spots to enjoy free air conditioning (Luzhou has opened 236 public cooling spots) 🍜 Don’t miss these flavors Luzhou white cake, tofu pudding rice, Hejiang grilled fish, piggy cake, cold jelly and cold shrimp, iced mung bean drink, pomelo vinegar (Hejiang Zhenlong pomelo cold brew, a summer must-have) 🎒 Essential gear Light-colored quick-dry shirt + linen shorts, black umbrella (UV index 7–9 is no joke), neck fan, mosquito repellent (mosquitoes by the river are relentless), switch between sandals + sneakers, sun and rain umbrella (showers come suddenly) ⚠️ Honest tips · Don’t tough it out outdoors at noon. Museums (closed Mondays), libraries, and air-raid shelters are your best bet · For real summer relief, head straight to Gulin / Xuyong highland lakes. Don’t stubbornly stay in Jiangyang District · High-speed train from Chengdu / Chongqing takes 1 hour. Taxi starts at 6 yuan in the city. Shared electric scooters make old street tours super convenient Summary: Going to Luzhou in summer means trading daytime suffering for romantic evenings in the liquor city. Only those who avoid the sun can truly enjoy the river breeze and local nightlife🌙

📍A hidden gem for self-driving trips near Luzhou is here~ 🚗 Only 1 hour from downtown. The top choice to escape the crowds this May Day🏃‍♀️ ✨Drive slowly from the city noise into a green fairyland 🌳Lush greenery everywhere, fresh air instantly refreshes the tired worker 📸Perfect photo spots: 1. Fawang Temple complex Use the ancient-style temple buildings as a backdrop for a set of classical photos 2. Longgua Mountain trail A tree-lined path where every shot looks like a forest-themed portrait 3. Summit viewing platform Overlook the mountains. The sunrise and sunset views are breathtaking😭 💡Tips: ▫️Best to go in the morning when the light is soft and ideal for photos ▫️Wear light-colored clothes for better shots ▫️Bring snacks and drinks to recharge during breaks ▫️Don’t forget to apply sunscreen

Yao Ba ancient town | A “living” secret in southern Sichuan, no tourists, only life When Wuzhen and Xitang are crowded with tour groups holding little flags, and Lijiang’s bar street is still bustling late at night, deep in the mountains at the junction of southern Sichuan and northern Guizhou, there is a millennium-old town praised by Tsinghua University experts as the “living fossil of southern Sichuan ancient residences.” It waits with its more than 1,000-meter-long bluestone street, over 2,000 small blue-tile houses, and the daily life of its residents for anyone who doesn’t want to join the crowd. It’s not Lijiang, with its flashy bar street; it’s not Wuzhen, with its refined commercial souvenir shops; it’s not even Zhouzhuang, with its nighttime boat rides under lantern light. There is no noise made to please tourists here, only old houses inhabited for generations, the century-old aroma of mutton soup drifting from alleyways, and locals sitting on doorsteps soaking up the sun. Scholar Yu Dan calls it a “living ancient town”: “Many ancient towns are restored for tourism, but Yao Ba’s residents still live real lives without change. It’s original and natural. The town is alive.” 📍 Must save before departure | Yao Ba ancient town core overview Yao Ba ancient town is located at the junction of southern Sichuan and northern Guizhou. Founded in the Northern Song dynasty and flourishing in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a necessary route from ancient Jiangyang to the Yelang Kingdom, known as the “Sichuan-Guizhou corridor” and the “tea-salt ancient road.” The core area is a bluestone street over 1,000 meters long, flanked by more than 2,000 small blue-tile houses, mostly southern Sichuan courtyard residences from the Qing and Republic periods. · 🎫 Admission: The ancient town is free and open 24 hours a day (some sources mention a 30 yuan combo ticket) · 🌡️ Summer feel: The mountain climate in southern Sichuan is mild and cooler than the city, ideal for slow travel · ⏰ Best season: October to May offers the most pleasant weather · ⏳ Suggested visit: Half a day to 1 day (no rush, immersive slow travel) · 🏷️ Core tags: Living fossil of southern Sichuan ancient residences | living ancient town | tea-salt ancient road | western film base | red mutton soup 🏛️ Must-visit checklist | Missing one is a wasted trip 1. Martial scholar archway | The only “facade” left in southern Sichuan Built in the 15th year of the Jiaqing reign (1810) for martial scholar Li Yuelong, it is the only surviving martial scholar archway in southern Sichuan. It features a triple-eaved Xieshan-style roof with a plaque inscribed “Awarded scholar.” Morning is the best time for photos when the sunlight casts beautiful shadows. 2. Da Hong rice shop | Yao Ba’s landmark, a “time travel” movie set This is Yao Ba’s most iconic spot, located at the highest point of the ancient town. It was originally the residence of martial scholar Li Yuelong — the scholar’s mansion — and was preserved due to filming the movie Da Hong rice shop. Today it is a teahouse converted from an old granary. You can order a gaiwan tea and sit by the second-floor wooden window, listening to the owner’s old stories — the window frames a southern Sichuan scene of black tiles and flying eaves. Nearly 30 films and TV shows, including Da Hong rice shop, Mad, and Heroes Without Borders, were shot here. Walking into the courtyard, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a story. On holidays, free wedding procession performances are held here. 3. Wang Chaowen’s former residence | The home of an aesthetics master Wang Chaowen was a Chinese literary theorist and aesthetician, one of the pioneers and founders of Marxist literary theory and aesthetics in new China. His former residence preserves the living scenes of his time. The second-floor flower window is a perfect photo frame; wearing Hanfu here instantly turns your photo into a drama still. 4. Ciyun Temple (Dongyue Temple) | Layer upon layer of Ming dynasty architecture Originally named Dongyue Temple, built in the first year of the Wanli reign (1573), it is the largest building complex in the ancient town. Built on the mountainside, the layered halls peek through green trees with flying eaves. Visitors can burn incense and pray for their families. 5. Yao Ba ancient street | A 1,000-meter-long “living folk museum” The ancient street stretches over 1,000 meters, flanked by more than 2,000 small blue-tile houses with shops in front and residences behind. Every home has alleys and courtyards, and wooden buildings. Walking on the bluestone, you’ll see elders eating lunch at doorways, women washing clothes by the river, and children chasing each other in alleys. The drying sweet potato noodles and bamboo crafts are all authentic daily life. 6. Ling Zifeng film exhibition hall & Zhou mansion Ling Zifeng was a famous film director. His former residence is now a film exhibition hall. Zhou mansion is another ancient building worth exploring in the town. 🍜 Taste of Yao Ba | The scent of life and intangible cultural heritage food What captivates most in Yao Ba is the enticing aroma that drifts straight to your nose in the alleys. The food here isn’t made for tourists but is the daily life of locals. · 🔥 Red mutton soup (must eat!): A Tianfu culinary specialty, the soup is red but not spicy, the mutton firm and free of gamey taste. The broth is bright red with mild heat, doubled in flavor when dipped in chili sauce. Recommended: He San red mutton soup, a 40-year-old shop; the mutton restaurant opposite Da Hong rice shop is also highly rated. · 🍚 Yao Ba yellow rice cake (must eat!): A provincial intangible cultural heritage food, soft, glutinous, and sweet, tender and smooth in texture, with a yellow and bright red color. Recommended: “Zhou Yao yellow rice cake,” with a very enthusiastic owner. · 🥕 Yao Ba dried radish: An intangible cultural heritage food, crunchy with layers of numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant flavors, known as the “soul mate of rice eaters.” · 🧈 Yao Ba red tofu: An intangible cultural heritage food that melts in your mouth, salty and slightly spicy with rich wine and bean aromas. · 🍬 Sweet potato silk candy: A traditional artisanal product made mainly from red-heart sweet potatoes, crafted through dozens of steps, fragrant, crispy, and crunchy. · 🍲 Other recommendations: countryside drunken goose (spicy and fresh), Wang’s chicken soup (intangible cultural heritage flavor), cold noodles, cold jelly, tofu pudding. 🛍️ Artisan crafts | Take Yao Ba’s time home · Oil-paper umbrellas: full of ancient town atmosphere, great for photos · Bamboo handicrafts: bamboo baskets, bamboo bags, practical and beautiful, full of craftsmanship · Straw sandals, wheat sauce, pickled vegetables: handmade by locals, unique souvenirs 🗺️ Recommended tour route | 1,000-meter ancient street, walk slowly Martial scholar archway (entrance check-in) → Wang Chaowen’s former residence → Ling Zifeng film exhibition hall → Ciyun Temple (Dongyue Temple) → Da Hong rice shop (core spot, tea and stories) → stroll Yao Ba ancient street (see local life) → Zhou mansion About 2–3 hours total, no rush, immersive slow travel. 🚗 Transportation | Drive or shuttle, go whenever you want · 🚗 Drive: Navigate to “Hejiang Yao Ba town government” for accuracy. About 22 km from Luzhou, fast via highway · 🚌 Shuttle: Direct minibus from Luzhou Huilongwan Tuojiang bus station to Yao Ba ancient town starts at 7:10 AM, every half hour, fare 15.5 yuan per person 🏠 Accommodation recommendations | Stay under blue-tile roofs at night · Luzhou Zhuangyuan inn: windows open to blue-tile roofs, old street downstairs, about 168 yuan/night · Yao Ba inn: very distinctive and affordable · Hejiang Qinyuan hotel: next to the tourist reception center, newly renovated 💡 Insider tips | We’ve avoided these pitfalls for you 1. Yao Ba is not a “scenic spot,” it’s “life”: no hawking, no cookie-cutter souvenir shops, only locals living day after day. You can walk through in 20 minutes if you hurry, but to truly understand it, slow down, sit down, and eat a bowl of mutton soup. 2. Wear flat shoes: the ancient town has uneven bluestone roads. 3. Don’t enter the wrong navigation: searching “Yao Ba ancient town” may lead to a newly built area outside. It’s better to search “Hejiang Yao Ba town government.” 4. Red mutton soup is best early: the mutton restaurant opposite Da Hong rice shop is highly rated but try to go early to avoid sellout. 5. Free wedding procession performances on holidays: the town hosts free wedding processions from the archway to Da Hong rice shop. 6. Nearby attractions: if you have time, visit Shiji soy sauce Chishui River Manor (about 30 minutes by car) to experience the “natural soy sauce museum” and try soy sauce rice and soy sauce ice cream. When the 1,000-meter bluestone street unfolds in the afternoon light and shadow, when the aroma of red mutton soup drifts into the old teahouse window, when bamboo artisans focus on weaving and the sweet scent of yellow rice cake rises from the kitchen — you’ll understand there is a kind of ancient town called Yao Ba. It charges no admission, doesn’t rush tourists, and simply lays out the thousand-year-old tea-salt ancient road, the southern Sichuan life atmosphere, and the daily life of locals deep in the mountains at the Sichuan-Guizhou border, waiting for anyone who wants to slow down and savor it. Navigate to “Hejiang Yao Ba town government” for a date with the “living ancient town.” 🏮🍜

In summer, Luzhou is a city where the river breeze carries the aroma of wine, the thousand-year-old lychee orchards are laden with fruit, and the ancient alleys are filled with the smoke of cooking fires. This wine city in southern Sichuan is perfect for slowing down and spending a whole day immersed in its old streets, the aroma of wine, and the fruits of its harvest. 【🍷 Savor a Thousand Years of Wine Charm, Explore City Landmarks】 Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area Step into the 1573 National Treasure Fermentation Cellars and inhale the rich aroma of a thousand years. These cellars have been fermenting continuously since their construction in the Ming Dynasty, and the microorganisms in the cellar mud have been at work for over 450 years. Standing by the cellars, you can smell the warm, mellow aroma of fermenting grains—the very essence of this city. Confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers At dusk, the river breeze blows from the confluence of the two rivers, carrying away the daytime heat. Here, the river waters create distinct color contrasts, and the lights on both banks gradually illuminate, reflecting the entire city on the water's surface. The riverside promenade is a favorite among locals for a stroll; you can easily find a bench to sit on and watch cargo ships slowly pass by. 【🍒Enjoy a Summer Lychee Rendezvous and Savor the Delicacies of Southern Sichuan】 Hejiang Lychee Orchard Summer is the peak season for Hejiang lychees. Lychees are the "city card" of Hejiang, Luzhou, especially renowned for their late-ripening varieties. In the thousand-year-old lychee orchard, ancient trees are lush and laden with fruit. Here, you can pick your own lychees, ensuring every fruit is the freshest and sweetest from the tree. Impression Hejiang Specialty Shopping Street After picking lychees, head to the Impression Hejiang Specialty Shopping Street. The street features a cultural and creative experience area selling lychee-themed handicrafts and unique souvenirs. During the lychee cultural tourism season, a cultural and creative market will also be held, where you can choose unique items to take home. 【🏘️Exploring Ancient Alleys and Appreciating Cultural Heritage】 Yaoba Ancient Town Yaoba Ancient Town is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in southern Sichuan. Walking along the cobblestone streets lined with old wooden shops, time seems to flow slowly. The town is small and uncrowded, perfect for a leisurely stroll, stopping whenever you find a shop that interests you. Shenbi City This ancient city, standing on the banks of the Yangtze River for over 700 years, retains the remains of its Southern Song Dynasty city walls and artillery fortifications. Strategically located and surrounded by water on three sides, standing on the remaining city walls and gazing into the distance, the river breeze blows in your face, a blend of historical weight and natural expanse. Luzhou Museum The museum's collection tells the story of southern Sichuan's millennia-long history. If you want to understand the pulse of Luzhou from ancient times to the present, this is the best place to visit. Plus, the cool indoor environment is perfect for escaping the summer afternoon heat. 【🍜Unlock the Flavors of Luzhou in One Stop】 1️⃣Luzhou Pig's Ear Cake: Soft, glutinous, and savory, with a glutinous rice skin wrapped around a fresh meat filling—perfect for breakfast or a snack. 2️⃣Yaoba Red Soup Lamb: A signature dish of Yaoba Ancient Town, featuring a bright red broth and tender lamb. 3️⃣Hejiang Grilled Fish: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a variety of side dishes—ideal for a dinner with friends. 4️⃣Lychee Desserts: Various desserts made with fresh Hejiang lychees, refreshing and sweet—a summer-limited taste memory. Every mountain and river is a scenic view; every street and alley tells a story. This summer, come to Luzhou for a journey through the aroma of wine and the vibrant atmosphere of local life!

“If you’re tired of the commercialized ‘ancient town street,’ keep this guide handy. In Sichuan, I’ve discovered three truly soulful old towns—where you can hear echoes of love from a thousand years ago or step into the water to see the dreamlike reflection of stilted buildings. No need for detailed planning. Just follow this list to experience the most captivating local life.” When it comes to Sichuan’s “underrated romantic ancient towns,” there’s more than one, each with its own unique charm. I’ve put together three ancient towns with very different styles, so you can choose based on the vibe you prefer: 🏮 Qionglai ancient city: the most classic poetic romance If you love timeless love stories of talented scholars and beautiful women, this is your top pick. Known as “Lin Qiong” in ancient times, it’s the birthplace of the love story between Zhuo Wenjun and Sima Xiangru, carrying a natural romantic aura. · Transportation: The fastest high-speed train from Chengdu takes 26 minutes. · Must-see: Visit Wenjun Well to feel the ancient love site; stroll Lin Qiong old street on the bluestone path; watch the sunset at Nanhe greenway in the evening. · Food: Milk soup noodles with spicy chicken skewers, plus Ye’erba and hot oil duck, all for about 20–30 yuan per person to eat your fill. · Tip: The ancient city is free to enter. Wearing light-colored or traditional Chinese-style clothes makes for great photos. 🌉 Liujiang ancient town: the most misty rain romance If you want to experience the misty, rainy “Little Jiangnan of Sichuan,” Liujiang won’t disappoint. Known as “Misty Rain Liujiang,” the atmosphere on rainy days perfectly matches the “sky blue waiting for the misty rain” mood. · Transportation: About 1.5 hours by car from Chengdu; or take a bus to Hongya then transfer to bus 306. · Must-see: See the 800-year-old stilted buildings of western Sichuan; walk the stone pier bridge (gravity dam) to capture the S-shaped water scene; stroll the bluestone old street to soak in local life. · Tip: Wear sandals for wading in the water. Stay overnight to enjoy the night view for a more comfortable experience. 🏔️ Fubao ancient town: the most authentic time romance If you want to see the most original, uncommercialized Ming and Qing architecture, Fubao is the “beauty peak of Sichuan ancient towns.” Hidden in the deep mountains at the Sichuan-Guizhou border, the whole town is built along the mountain and is recognized by China National Geography. · Transportation: Best reached by car. Navigate to Fubao ancient town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City. · Must-see: Walk the 450-meter-long Huilong Street to see bluestone paths and Ming-Qing stilted buildings; visit Wanshou Palace and other “three palaces and eight temples”; admire exquisite carvings at the Xizi Pavilion. · Food: Local specialties include tofu pudding rice and Fubao dried tofu. · Tip: Free to enter, but with many mountain roads, flat shoes are recommended. Additionally, Luocheng ancient town (mountaintop boat-shaped street) and Wangyu ancient town (Tea Horse Road post station) are also very distinctive. If you have more time, Langzhong ancient city (a mountain and water town surrounded by the Jialing River) is another option. Among these three ancient towns, Qionglai is the most convenient, Liujiang the most poetic, and Fubao the most authentic. Which vibe moves you the most? Tell me your preference, and I’ll help you customize a personalized travel route~

Forget those cookie-cutter, commercialized ancient towns! Discover a pristine hidden gem nestled deep in the mountains bordering Sichuan and Guizhou – Luzhou Fubao Ancient Town. Certified by *Chinese National Geography* as "the pinnacle of Sichuan's ancient town beauty," it's free year-round, less crowded, and incredibly scenic – a perfect weekend getaway! Why You Absolutely Must Visit Founded in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, Fubao Ancient Town was once a vital transportation route for Zigong well salt to Guizhou. Now a national key cultural relics protection unit, what touched me most was its "imperfections" – cracked cobblestones, insect-eaten wood carvings, peeling paint on the stage – but it's precisely these marks of time that give it warmth. No trendy souvenir shops, no noisy vendors, just the authentic, vibrant atmosphere of southern Sichuan. Must-Visit Spots Huilong Street: Stretching 450 meters, winding like a dragon's spine, its "one street, five alleys" (Jiulong Alley, Liujia Alley, Baoqing Alley, Chaishi Alley, and Jishi Alley) layout is still well-preserved. The traditional wooden stilted buildings, built against the mountainside, still retain traces of tea drinkers sitting on the "beauty's rest" railings of the second-floor verandas. Wanshou Palace Stage: A Jiangxi merchant guild hall, its most remarkable feature is the stage's coffered ceiling—composed of 108 mortise and tenon joints, fitting together perfectly without a single nail. The copper bells on the upturned eaves tinkle gently in the wind, as if the Eight Immortals might descend on clouds at any moment. Xizi Pavilion: Built in the 55th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign, this six-story, octagonal pavilion, 8 meters high, is designed in the style of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). Each floor features unique deep relief carvings, serving as a "word repository" for burning written paper. Huilong Bridge: Built in the 20th year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign, this 25-meter-long bridge features dragon carvings and a suspended sword, spanning the Dacao River. Standing on the bridge and watching the flowing water creates a truly picturesque scene. How to Get There Easiest · By Car (Highly Recommended): Approximately 1.5 hours from Luzhou, 1 hour from Hejiang County, and 2.5 hours from Chongqing city center. Navigate to "Fubao Ancient Town." Free parking is available in the new town outside the ancient town. · Public Transportation: First, go to Hejiang County Bus Station, then transfer to a rural bus directly to Fubao Town. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes, the journey takes about 1 hour, and the fare is approximately 10-15 yuan. · Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, no entrance fee. What to Eat Without Disappointing · Fubao Tofu: A Luzhou Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage. Made with local soybeans and spring water, it undergoes 15 processes of braising and then is charcoal-baked. It has a dark yellow, glossy appearance, a chewy texture, and a slightly smoky flavor. A plate costs around 5 yuan. - Meat-filled Tofu Pudding: Highly recommend Sister Li's Old-Style Meat-Filled Tofu Pudding by the Da Cao River at the entrance of the ancient town. It's 20 yuan per person all-you-can-eat. The milky white broth comes with tofu pudding, thinly sliced ​​cured pork, crispy pork, and oyster mushrooms. The dipping sauce has over twenty kinds of seasonings including ginger, garlic, chili, and houttuynia cordata. The aroma of tofu mingled with the meat is absolutely divine. · Covered Bowl Tea: Watch the owner perform "Phoenix Three Nods" with a long-spouted copper kettle in the old teahouse. A cup of jasmine tea costs 5 yuan, and you can sit there all afternoon with a plate of melon seeds. · Other Must-Try Dishes: Bamboo shoots stir-fried with cured pork, yellow rice cakes (3 yuan each), Fu Bao crispy cakes, and Hejiang early-morning tofu pudding with vegetable oil and chili dipping sauce. Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: · Wear non-slip flat shoes! The cobblestone streets are sloping and extremely slippery in the rain. · The best time for taking photos is in the early morning mist or at sunset. Backlighting the silhouettes of the stilted buildings creates stunning photos; the reflections on the cobblestones in the rain also create a beautiful atmosphere. - The ancient town isn't large; 1-2 hours is sufficient, but a leisurely stroll could easily take half a day. It's recommended to combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Fubao Forest Park (with its vast bamboo forest of Yulan Mountain) for a refreshing escape from the heat. · Accommodation options include guesthouses converted from century-old houses within the ancient town (80-150 yuan/night), or staying in Hejiang County (more choices and a wider variety of food). · Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather; summer's lush greenery provides a cool respite, so remember to bring a light jacket and sunscreen/insect repellent. Fubao Ancient Town isn't the kind of place that immediately wows you, but when you sit on the stone steps of Huilong Street, watching the sunlight filter through the gaps in the wooden buildings and dapple the moss-covered earthen walls, listening to the gentle creaking of the timber frame in the wind, you'll suddenly understand what it means to be "gently treated by time." No crowds, no entrance fees—just leisurely while away an afternoon is truly therapeutic. Have you ever been to Fubao Ancient Town? Or perhaps you'd like to learn about other lesser-known ancient towns in southern Sichuan? Let's chat in the comments! Fubao Ancient Town

--- Really, when you think of Luzhou, don’t just think about the liquor These three spots are the real hidden gems Come see what you’ve been missing 🏮 Yaoba ancient town A living glimpse of old southern Sichuan This isn’t the usual cookie-cutter commercial ancient town The bluestone streets are polished smooth from wear Bamboo chairs creak in the old teahouses Grandmas sit at the door weaving bamboo crafts Time seems to slow down here The charm is in the details The Dahong rice shop is a must-see, a Qing dynasty granary converted into a wooden building The carved woodwork is breathtaking The Dongyue temple’s stage is remarkably well preserved Standing below, you can imagine the lively sound of drums and gongs back then The former residence of Wang Chaowen is also worth a visit The old gentleman’s childhood was spent in this ancient town The town is small and can be explored in 2 hours But it’s best to stay until dusk The sunset casts a golden glow on the eaves The whole street looks like a movie scene in any photo What to eat You must buy the yellow sticky rice cake, sweet and chewy The red soup lamb at the ancient town entrance has a rich broth you’ll want to lick the bowl clean Pair it with a bowl of tofu pudding rice for pure comfort Tips for visiting Free admission, open all day Some small attractions require separate tickets, around 10 yuan each About 40 minutes by car from downtown Luzhou Just search for Yaoba ancient town on your GPS 🌿 Tianxiandong The name is well deserved Danxia landforms combined with primeval forest Streams flow through caves, the water sounds like nature’s music Visiting in summer feels like a natural air-conditioned room The main attraction is the cave group Tianxian cave is the most spectacular, with an underground river inside Take a small boat to drift through, with all kinds of stalactites overhead Bats occasionally fly by, thrilling but not scary The twelve caves connect in a chain, walking the full route takes about 1.5 hours Each cave entrance offers a different view A paradise for hikers The trails are well maintained, about 5 km total Follow the stream, surrounded by greenery The high negative ion count makes your lungs feel refreshed Wear non-slip shoes, as the stone steps can be slippery when wet Food recommendations There’s a farmhouse restaurant at the entrance Smoked pork stir-fried with garlic sprouts smells irresistible Bamboo shoot chicken stew is so flavorful you’ll want three bowls of soup Prices are reasonable, about 50–60 yuan per person for a full meal Tips for visiting Tickets cost 58 yuan, open 8:30 AM–5:30 PM Morning visits are best for good lighting and photos About an hour’s drive from downtown The cave temperature is cool, bring a light jacket Which of these places excites you the most? Grab your friends and head out soon~✨

July in Luzhou is really a city where you have to outsmart the sun 🌡️. The heat index often shoots above 40℃. Makeup melting is the least of your worries—heatstroke is a real risk. But in the evenings, when the river breeze blows, that slow, relaxed vibe of the liquor city instantly pulls you back—so my strategy is to avoid the sun during the day and explore the sights fully in the early morning and evening. 📸 Photo spots to bookmark first The east entrance of Binjiang Road is a must-visit spot. The Yangtze River sunset paired with the confluence of two rivers, shooting side profiles from the battlement of the ancient city gate—photos come out ready to post straight from the camera. Get to Zhangba longan forest before 9 AM. Over 10,000 century-old trees create a canopy that blocks the sun. Walk the riverside path in a light dress against the backlight. The longans aren’t ripe yet (they fruit in August), but the dappled shadows are more than enough 🌳. The main street of Yaoba ancient town with its bluestone slabs has the softest light after 4 PM. After shooting the Wujinshi archway from that angle, head to the oil-paper umbrella workshop entrance for a shot that instantly gives off a heritage vibe. Don’t miss the stone relief wall at Guojiao Square. Use the characters “Guobao” from the 1573 national treasure cellar group as the foreground, step back a bit, and you’ve got an official liquor city photo. ⚠️ Lessons learned the hard way July in Luzhou has about 80% humidity, and you’ll sweat just walking a few steps. Leave dark jeans and thick-soled boots at home—they’re pure torture. Mosquitoes by the river can drive you crazy. Don’t skimp on mosquito repellent—keep some in your bag. Some small shops in Yaoba ancient town only accept cash, so bring some change. Luzhou cuisine is generally spicy. If you can’t handle spice, say so before ordering, or the dipping sauce for Gulin spicy chicken will have you hopping on the spot. From 11 AM to 4 PM, the UV index is 7–9. Avoid being outdoors unless necessary. Indoor spots like the Laojiao scenic area are better for midday visits. There’s a small rain window around July 17 and 22, with temperatures dropping to just over 30℃. Flights and hotels might loosen up a bit then, so keep an eye on Trip.com. 🥘 Food you can’t stop eating Start your breakfast on Charity Road with Hongqiao piggy cake, Luzhou white cake, and Xuyong bean soup noodles. The piggy cake has a thin crust and a savory filling that’s unbeatable. Eat the white cake hot for a fragrant rice flavor with a hint of osmanthus sweetness. For lunch, head to Shuijinggou. Lao Luo’s Gulin spicy chicken is marinated with over 20 spices. Dip it in the red oil sauce for a fresh, spicy kick straight to the head 🍗. If you want tofu pudding, go to Fuchun Tofu Pudding or Jiangmen meaty tofu pudding. The broth is made from pork bone soup with crispy pork. The tofu pudding is so tender it falls apart at the touch of a spoon. Halfway through Yaoba ancient town, try the red soup lamb. The broth is rich and not gamey, paired with a bowl of yellow cake—glutinous rice wrapped in galangal leaves and steamed, then pan-fried for extra aroma. Save your late-night snack for grilled brain at Shuijinggou and ice jelly, or barbecue at Lantian old street. The tofu pudding grilled fish is topped with houttuynia and litsea cubeba oil—this flavor can’t be replicated outside the region. 🗺️ A relaxed itinerary Day 1: Drop your bags at the hotel after arrival, then head out at 5:30 PM. Luzhou Laojiao scenic area tickets are 35 yuan on Trip.com, including the national treasure cellar, museum, and original brew tasting. The moment the liquor aroma hits your face, half the heat melts away 🍶. Walk to Binjiang Road for the sunset, then explore Shuijinggou night market. Day 2: Rush to Zhangba longan forest before 9 AM. Free entry, sightseeing bus costs 20 yuan. You can bike or walk along the river. Then drive 40 minutes to Yaoba ancient town. The old street is free, and a combined ticket for the former residence is 30 yuan. Have red soup lamb on the main street before heading back. If you have an extra day, choose between Fangshan or Huangjing old forest. The former is closer, the latter cooler. It depends on whether you want to hike or escape into a primeval forest. Bring a black vinyl umbrella, a neck fan, and a light jacket (it gets windy by the river in the evening). With these three, you can basically enjoy Luzhou in July. The slow pace of the liquor city only kicks in after you’ve endured the heat.

Chishui riverside | complete one-day tour guide to Xianshi old street The Chishui River winds gently, and the ancient salt route has shaped the original ecological old street of southern Sichuan, Xianshi. Without noisy trendy shops, the bluestone slabs have been polished smooth by centuries of horses’ hooves and pedestrians. The wooden stilt houses with mortise and tenon joints stretch along the riverbank in layers, accompanied by the rich aroma of soy sauce filling the town, perfectly preserving the old times of the Ming and Qing salt transport docks. Here you’ll find the craftsmanship heritage of the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage Xianshi soy sauce, as well as the authentic local street life. It’s the top choice for a slow cultural trip around Luzhou. 1. Basic travel information 📍Address: Xianshi old street, Xianshi town, Hejiang county, Luzhou, Sichuan 🎫Admission: Entire old street is free; free visits to the Xianshi soy sauce brewing workshops with scheduled free guided tours ⏰Opening hours: Old street open all day; soy sauce estate 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) ⏱Total visit time: 5–6 hours Transportation options Self-driving (best option) 47 km from Luzhou city center, about 1 hour; 22 km from Hejiang county seat, 30 minutes direct drive, free parking at the estate entrance. About 3 hours from Chengdu by car, with the option to visit Yaoba ancient town and Chishui scenic area along the way. Public transport Take the urban-rural bus from Hejiang bus station to Xianshi town, fare 8 yuan, 50 minutes to the town entrance, then 5 minutes on foot to the old street. 2. Full-day precise roaming itinerary (old street + intangible cultural heritage soy sauce main route) 9:00 AM Morning stroll in the old street | immersive local early morning atmosphere Start from the main entrance of the old street. Early morning is quiet, with old wooden plaques hanging on blue-tiled houses. Traditional tea houses along the street open to welcome guests. Century-old Deng Tingshou tea house Serving 1 yuan clear tea for over 30 years, frequented daily by local elders. Bamboo chairs and wooden tables create an authentic southern Sichuan morning tea vibe. Sit down for a cup of clear tea and experience the locals’ slow-paced life. Ancient salt transport stone steps dock At the end of the old street is the ancient Chishui salt dock. The stone steps are deeply worn. This dock was a must-stop on the old salt horse road between Sichuan and Guizhou, where merchant ships, porters, and horse caravans once stopped. Standing by the river watching the Chishui flow slowly reveals the origins of the ancient town. 3. Deep alley exploration Avoid the crowds on the main street and slip into the narrow side alleys. Here are clusters of southern Sichuan wooden stilt houses with mortise and tenon joints. The wooden walls are weathered, courtyards scattered, preserving many late Qing dynasty residences in their original state, untouched and authentic. 11. 00 AM Visit the former residence of Wang Chaowen A cultural landmark inside the old street, the former home of literary theorist Wang Chaowen. The wooden old house layout is intact, with life records and manuscripts preserved inside. Quiet and less crowded, it’s ideal for cultural study to understand the modern literary heritage of the town. 12. 00 PM Ancient town lunch, savor southern Sichuan local flavors Xianshi tofu pudding: stone-milled soft tofu pudding dipped in secret Xianshi soy sauce dipping sauce, silky and fresh, a signature dish in every local shop. Yang’s handmade yellow rice cake: steamed glutinous rice with brown sugar, soft and sweet, best enjoyed hot from street-side steaming. Xianshi pickled mustard greens with pork: locally traditionally pickled mustard greens, savory and flavorful, a classic home-style dish of the town. 4. Intangible cultural heritage exclusive soy sauce mixed rice: a must-try at the estate, three-year aged traditional soy sauce mixed with rice, the rice soaked in rich soy aroma, unlimited refills; adventurous option: sweet and salty soy sauce ice cream, a niche choice that won’t disappoint. 1:30 PM Main highlight | Xianshi soy sauce intangible cultural heritage brewing workshop cluster A nationally protected cultural site and a dual national intangible cultural heritage treasure, known as a living fossil of traditional Chinese soy sauce brewing. Built in the 19th year of Guangxu (1893), continuously brewing on the original site for over 130 years. Hillside thousand-jar sun-drying yard An 800-meter-long hillside drying yard with over 6,000 ceramic jars neatly arranged, backed by the Chishui River. Following ancient methods of sun drying and night dew fermentation, naturally fermenting for three years. The jar group under the sunlight is grand and impressive, a top photo spot. Qing dynasty old workshop buildings Typical southern Sichuan mortise and tenon wooden courtyard, ancient stilt house style. Visit the old stove room, fermentation rooms, and old fermentation pools to see the complete thirteen-step traditional handmade brewing process. Sanguan temple A century-old wooden temple supporting the workshop. In ancient times, craftsmen would offer sacrifices here when preparing ingredients and extracting oil. It’s a unique tradition in the soy sauce industry. 4. Free guided tours: fixed tours at 10 AM/11 AM and 2 PM/3 PM, covering the thousand-year history of soy sauce development and explaining the craftsmen’s seasonal cycle of “spring fermentation, summer brewing, autumn oil extraction.” 3. 30 PM Leisurely stroll along the Chishui riverside Walk along the riverside path outside the workshop. The river is wide, and the breeze carries a mix of soy sauce aroma and river air. If timed right, you can watch local villagers fishing. The soft evening light on the river creates a perfect atmosphere. 4. 30 PM Choose souvenirs and head back Local shops in the ancient town offer Xianshi soy sauce of different vintages, traditional fermented bean curd, and Xianshi pickled mustard greens. All are authentic local specialties with great value and no markup. 3. Iconic photo spots & outfit guide Five must-shoot locations Sun-drying yard panorama: with the Chishui River as the backdrop, shoot the rows of soy sauce jars in vertical composition for a grand cultural shot. Ancient salt dock: stone steps + Chishui river surface + distant riverbank forest, full of salt transport road atmosphere. 3. Deep alleys of the old street: narrow bluestone alleys, wooden old houses with depth, rainy days add reflective charm to the pavement. 4. Tea house bamboo chair close-up: candid shots of old tea drinkers, capturing local street culture. 5. Stilt house riverside shot: eye-level photo of wooden houses framed with the Chishui River, showcasing the water town vibe of southern Sichuan. Outfit suggestions Solid color cotton-linen, new Chinese style, and simple casual wear work best. The old street has many stone slabs and some alleys with steep steps, so be sure to wear non-slip flat shoes. 4. Unique folk customs & market day tips Xianshi holds market days on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th days of the lunar calendar. Local villagers gather to set up stalls, creating a strong rural market atmosphere. You can buy wild vegetables, handmade pickles, and local products. To experience the rural market, plan your visit around these lunar market days. 5. Practical tips to avoid pitfalls The soy sauce workshops have a strong aroma. If you are sensitive to smells, take a light stroll. Do not touch the century-old ceramic soy sauce jars to protect these cultural relic brewing tools. The old street is minimally commercialized, and shops close early. Most small shops close after 6 PM, so it’s best to finish your visit during the day. There are many mosquitoes along the riverside path in summer, so bring insect repellent. No mandatory purchases throughout the trip. Guided tours are free and voluntary. Buy souvenirs as you wish. One-day trip combo: Xianshi old street → Yaoba ancient town (40-minute drive), check in two original ecological ancient towns of southern Sichuan in one day. Social media caption ideas The Chishui flows gently, the soy sauce aroma lingers long. Touch the century-old salt route history in Xianshi old street. A thousand jars sun-drying under the sun and moon, one soy sauce carries a century of tradition. Southern Sichuan’s intangible cultural heritage slow town hidden by the riverside. Bluestone slabs record the salt transport years, wooden stilt houses embrace the evening breeze of the Chishui. Xianshi hides both local life and craftsmanship in its alleys.

✈️Luzhou is back | July–August is the ultimate chill season in the liquor city! The aroma of wine and lush greenery heal the entire summer🍶 I’ve discovered a little paradise to escape the summer heat during the dog days! In July and August, there’s no need to rush your itinerary in Luzhou. Enjoy shade under ancient trees covering thousands of acres, stroll slowly through the thousand-year-old wine aroma, feel the evening breeze by the river with late-night snacks, and focus on waking up naturally and wandering freely. The relaxation level is maxed out, so comfortable you won’t want to leave😭 🌤 Travel tips for a lazy, laid-back trip ▫️ Transportation guide Take the high-speed train to Luzhou station! Don’t buy tickets to Luzhou East station—it’s far from downtown. Getting around downtown by taxi or shared electric scooter is very cost-effective. For short trips to mountain and countryside spots, self-driving is recommended for freedom to stop and play by the water. ▫️ Must-have outfits Breathable short sleeves, a light sun-protective shirt, non-slip sandals (for water activities), a sun hat, a portable fan, and a thin jacket for mountain cooling. ▫️ Relaxed sightseeing pace No boot camp! Outdoor sightseeing from 8 to 10 AM, indoor museums or forest cooling from 11 AM to 5 PM, evening walks at sunset, and late-night snacks. Perfectly avoid the midday heat. 📅 3-day 2-night relaxed itinerary (easy on the feet, purely healing) Day 1 Old town wine charm route | Slow life with the glow of the three rivers🏮 Take it slow all day, no need to rush or check in at specific times. Morning | Sleep in and start with a bowl of Xuyong bean soup noodles, soft Luzhou white cake with dipping sauce, a local breakfast staple, satisfying for just a few bucks. Head straight to the Luzhou Laojiao tourist area, where the 400-year-old 1573 national treasure cellar pools create an immersive atmosphere. The indoor area is air-conditioned all day, filled with the scent of wine. You can also try hand-mixing cocktails—an off-the-beaten-path experience perfect for photos. Noon | Check in at an old town restaurant for Gulin spicy chicken, fragrant with red oil and tender, getting better with every bite. Afternoon | Escape the heat at the Luzhou Museum, free admission, quiet and peaceful, explore the thousand-year history of southern Sichuan, a perfect refuge from the heatwave. Evening | Stroll along the ancient city wall at East Gate, overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Tuo Rivers. The sunset on the water is incredibly gentle. Relax by the riverside road, enjoying the breeze and daydreaming. Late-night snacks | Hit the Baizhaopai night market! Try Hejiang grilled fish, cold shrimp, cold rice cake, and Hongqiao pig’s cake one by one. The evening breeze and snacks create pure happiness. Recommended stay: Shuigou / Jiangyang district old town guesthouses 140–260 RMB, with snacks downstairs and zero travel hassle. Day 2 Zhangba longan forest + Yaoba ancient town | Forest oxygen and vintage wandering🌳 Luzhou’s natural summer air conditioning feels 6°C cooler than downtown. The greenery wrapped in a cool breeze is super healing. Leave before 8 AM to visit Zhangba longan forest, Asia’s largest century-old longan tree group. Over 10,000 old trees form a green canopy. Wander freely along the wooden boardwalk, Guishui Lake, and riverside bike path. The dense shade keeps you cool. Spread a picnic blanket on the lawn and relax while listening to cicadas in the forest—it’s so stress-relieving. At noon, drive to Yaoba ancient town, an almost untouched Ming and Qing dynasty street with little commercialization. The cool bluestone pavement, the Wu Jinshi archway, and old-style teahouses create a full atmosphere. Order a cup of covered bowl tea and spend the afternoon chatting with locals. Must-try in the ancient town: well water tofu pudding, red soup lamb, and experience making traditional oil-paper umbrellas. Rent a Republic of China-era outfit for 20 RMB and take vintage-style photos. Return by the river at dusk, enjoy the evening breeze and city lights, ending a healing day. Day 3 Mountain and countryside summer retreat | 21°C natural oxygen bar for total relaxation💚 For deep summer cooling, head straight to Huangjing old forest, where the average summer temperature is only 21°C. Surrounded by primeval forest, waterfalls, and streams, you can step in mountain springs, listen to waterfall sounds, and lounge on big rocks by the creek. All worries melt away. If you don’t want to go far, choose nearby Fangshan, the southern Sichuan little Emei. The mountain cold springs are sweet and refreshing, with thousand-year-old camphor trees providing shade. Meditate at the mid-mountain Zen temple and breathe deeply. Light hiking is effortless. At noon, enjoy local mountain farmhouse dishes like cured meat and fresh bamboo shoots that are incredibly fresh. In the afternoon, pack up slowly and head home, carrying the scent of grass, wood, and wine, saying goodbye to the summer heat. 🏡 Accommodation recommendations by category, choose as needed ▫️ Lazy foodies | Jiangyang district old town chain hotels/guesthouses 140–260 RMB, covering all business areas, with snacks and breakfast downstairs. ▫️ Forest healing | Huangjing old forest mountain guesthouses 220–360 RMB, step outside to forest and streams, wake up to birdsong. ▫️ Riverside light luxury | Riverside road view hotels 300–420 RMB, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the three rivers at night, perfect for evening breeze. 🥘 Luzhou must-try food list, local favorites with no risk ▪️ Breakfast essentials: Xuyong bean soup noodles, Luzhou white cake, Huangba, butter cake ▪️ Signature dishes: Gulin spicy chicken, Yaoba red soup lamb, Hejiang grilled fish, sour soup river fish ▪️ Sticky snacks: Hongqiao pig’s cake (both savory and sweet flavors) ▪️ Summer coolers: handmade cold shrimp, brown sugar cold rice cake, iced jelly with fermented glutinous rice ▪️ Special flavors: wine lees snacks, local rice wine 💡 July–August exclusive tips for relaxing 1. Avoid outdoor sightseeing during the midday heat. Prioritize museums, Laojiao scenic spots, and mountain forests for cooling. 2. Huangjing old forest and Fangshan mountain have big temperature differences. Always bring a thin jacket and raincoat for frequent mountain showers. 3. Zhangba longan forest is free to enter. Early morning has fewer people and perfect lighting for photos. 4. Luzhou flavors tend to be spicy and numbing. If you don’t eat spicy food, ask the restaurant to reduce the spice. Pair with cold shrimp for a perfect balance. 5. The small city is affordable, with about 700 RMB per person for a comfortable 3-day trip, enjoying both food and scenery. 6. Few tourists on weekdays, no crowds, and plenty of space to enjoy solitude anytime. 🏷️ Topics

The river breeze carries the scent of millennia-old wine across both banks, and the summer greenery is infused with the vibrant life of southern Sichuan. Luzhou's gentle charm and passionate spirit are truly worth experiencing firsthand 🌿. Day 1: In-depth city wine culture tour · First encounter with the Wine City Morning Head straight to the Luzhou Laojiao Tourist Area and step into the 1573 National Treasure Cellar Pools, where brewing has continued uninterrupted for over 400 years. The entire street is filled with the rich aroma of fermented grains. Visit the Wine Culture Museum, watch the intangible cultural heritage ancient brewing process, and enjoy a free tasting of original liquor. Immerse yourself in Luzhou's thousand-year-old brewing heritage. While you're there, check out the nearby Bao'en White Pagoda and Bell and Drum Tower, which perfectly capture the blend of ancient and modern in the old city. After exploring the scenic area, wander into the surrounding old streets to try the soft, sweet Luzhou white cake and chewy 'zhuerba' (piglet-shaped dumplings), discovering local breakfast snacks. Afternoon Head to Zhangba Longan Forest, where centuries-old trees form a natural shaded oxygen bar. Avoid the midday sun and take a stroll along the Yangtze River promenade, enjoying the breeze. The vast forest blocks out the heat, and the sparkling river water is incredibly soothing. You can sit anywhere in the forest to rest and cool off. Evening Stroll along Tuojiang Riverside Road. Wait for the sunset to cool down, enjoy the river breeze, and admire the lights on both banks. Afterward, head to Shuijinggou Night Market to eat and shop. You'll find everything from Gulin spicy chicken and ice jelly to grilled pig trotters, experiencing Luzhou's lively and vibrant nightlife. Day 2: Ancient town cultural tour · Discovering old southern Sichuan Morning Depart for Yaoba Ancient Town. The original ecological Ming and Qing dynasty old streets are minimally commercialized, with well-preserved bluestone paths and stilt houses. Visit the filming location for "The Rice Shop," step into an intangible cultural heritage oil-paper umbrella workshop to experience hand-painting an oil-paper umbrella, and visit the former residence of Ling Zifeng and the Jinshi Archway. Slowly soak in the quiet and rustic charm of the small town. At noon, enjoy local specialties like red soup lamb and Yaoba yellow cake at a small restaurant in the ancient town, savoring the authentic flavors of southern Sichuan. Afternoon Return to the city and visit the Luzhou Museum. The museum maintains a cool temperature year-round, making it an excellent indoor attraction for summer. Examine the Han dynasty stone coffins, the museum's prized Qilin wine warmer, and Jiang Zhaohe's paintings and calligraphy to gain a comprehensive understanding of Luzhou's history, wine culture, and revolutionary stories. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. In the evening, wander through the Jiangyangli Cultural and Creative Street, browse the small shops, and pick out unique cultural and creative souvenirs from the Wine City. Day 3: Relaxing mountain and river escape · Enjoying the laid-back pace of a small city Morning Head to Dongyunba Umbrella Village Scenic Area. The continuous fields offer a refreshing and healing experience, and the various oil-paper umbrella installations are perfect for photos. Learn about the complete production process of oil-paper umbrellas. The fields are lush with vegetation, the air is fresh, and it's a great escape from city noise. Afternoon Visit Zhongshan Park, known as Luzhou's "Little Jiangnan." It features ancient trees, serene lotus ponds, and gentle mountain trails that are easy to walk. Sit quietly in the forest to relax. Finally, purchase local souvenirs such as longans, liquor, and yellow cake to conclude your trip. Important notes 💡 1. Climate and heatstroke prevention: Southern Sichuan in July is extremely hot and humid, with sudden thunderstorms often occurring in the afternoon. Try to avoid outdoor attractions during midday and prioritize indoor venues like museums and the Laojiao scenic area. Prepare high-SPF sunscreen, an umbrella, a neck fan, and Huoxiang Zhengqi water (a traditional Chinese medicine for heatstroke). Quick-drying, breathable clothing is ideal; avoid heavy denim. 2. Mosquito protection: Mosquitoes are abundant by the river, in ancient towns, and in forests. Carry strong mosquito repellent spray, especially when strolling along the riverside in the evening. 3. Transportation: For short distances within the city, ride-hailing services or regular buses are recommended. Unlicensed taxis at scenic spots may overcharge. Be cautious when riding shared electric bikes in the rain, as wet roads can be slippery and lead to falls. 4. Dietary reminders: Local cuisine tends to be spicy and numbing. If you have a sensitive stomach in hot and humid weather, avoid overeating. Do not drive after tasting liquor; only sample a small amount. 5. Avoiding tourist traps: Do not buy souvenir liquor from small stalls in ancient towns or at scenic area entrances, as quality is not guaranteed. Choose reputable stores in the city instead. If a heavy rain warning is issued while you are hiking in the mountains, turn back immediately. Mountain roads can be slippery, and there is a risk of landslides. Do not play in the water on wild beaches by the river. 6. Venue reservations: Both the Luzhou Laojiao Scenic Area and the City Museum require advance online reservations. Tourists from Sichuan and Chongqing can enjoy free admission to the Laojiao scenic area, and students have exclusive discounts during the summer.

In July, the summer breeze drifts across both banks of the Tuojiang River. The whole city is filled with the aroma of wine wrapped in lush greenery. The cicadas, evening breeze, and the lively scenes of ancient alleys blend into a romantic picture unique to the wine city. Stroll slowly through the streets and landscapes to embrace a whole month of coolness and gentleness in Luzhou✨ Itinerary Day 1 Wine city core | Immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old wine city🍶 🏺 Morning: Check in at Luzhou Laojiao tourist area Step into the park that houses over 400 years of national treasure cellar pits. The rich scent of fermented grains fills the air. Walk through the wine culture museum to see ancient brewing tools from different eras, watch intangible cultural heritage traditional brewing techniques up close, and enjoy free tastings of original brewed baijiu. Afterward, visit the old city alleys nearby. 🏯 Noon: Leisurely tour of old city landmarks Walk to the Southern Song Dynasty Bao’en Pagoda and the Bell and Drum Towers. The ancient pagoda is nestled in a bustling market area, creating a strong contrast between old and new. The surrounding old streets are full of local classic snacks. Find a small shop to try tofu pudding rice and Luzhou white cake to experience authentic southern Sichuan home-style flavors. 🌿 Afternoon: Escape the heat indoors at Luzhou Museum The museum is cool and quiet, featuring Han Dynasty stone coffins and the prized qilin wine warmer. It offers a complete overview of Luzhou’s thousand-year history and wine culture. Avoid the midday heat and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. 🌙 Evening to night: Zhangba longan forest + Binjiang Road river view A large area of century-old longan trees forms a natural green oxygen bar. Walk or bike along the Yangtze River trail as the river breeze dispels the heat. As night falls, head to Tuojiang Binjiang Road to enjoy the evening breeze and riverside lights. Street vendors selling iced jelly and grilled skewers fill the night with lively local atmosphere. Day 2 Ancient charm town | Escape the city bustle and enjoy authentic local life🏮 🪷 Morning: Leisurely stroll through Yaoba ancient town An original Ming and Qing dynasty street with very low commercialization. The old street is paved with bluestone, featuring the scholar’s archway and traditional stilted buildings well preserved. Visit a handmade oil-paper umbrella workshop where you can try painting your own umbrella. Sit in a century-old teahouse and order a covered bowl tea while quietly watching locals go about their day. 🍲 Noon: Simple local lunch in the ancient town Eat red soup lamb and farmhouse tofu pudding at an old street shop. The ingredients are simple and fresh, and prices are affordable. After lunch, wander through the alleys to find filming locations from TV shows for photos. ⛰ Afternoon: Cool off and hike at Fangshan scenic area Known as the “Little Emei of southern Sichuan,” the mountain is densely forested and cooler than the city. A Tang Dynasty temple is hidden in the mountains. Take the cable car for an easy ascent, enjoy Danxia mountain views along the way, and relax in the quiet forest shade, avoiding direct sunlight. 🍢 Night: Explore and eat at Zhuzijie night market Luzhou’s night snack hub, with the entire street lined with specialty snacks. Try spicy chicken from Gulin, pig’s rice cake, and Hejiang grilled fish in rotation. The spicy and fresh flavors attract many locals, creating a vibrant night market atmosphere. Day 3 Intangible heritage healing | Leisurely stroll and a pleasant finish🎐 🎨 Morning: Dongyunba umbrella village scenic area The national intangible heritage birthplace of oil-paper umbrellas. Colorful oil-paper umbrellas are displayed everywhere. Watch master craftsmen hand-make umbrellas from start to finish. If you enjoy crafts, you can DIY an oil-paper umbrella as a travel souvenir. The park is lush with greenery, perfect for fresh and photogenic shots. 🌳 Afternoon: Relax and unwind at Zhongshan Park A classic city garden with lotus ponds, ancient trees, and pavilions scattered throughout. Known as Luzhou’s little Jiangnan, the forest trails are gentle for walking and breathing fresh air. The park is quiet and less crowded, ideal for strolling and resting while reflecting on your trip. Notes 🔥 July in Luzhou is hot and humid, with high perceived temperatures. Avoid outdoor activities at noon and plan to go out early and return late. ☂️ It’s the end of the rainy season with frequent showers. Carry a sun and rain umbrella to protect against sun and sudden rain. 🦟 Mosquitoes are abundant by the river, in the forest, and in the longan groves. Bring strong mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream. Wear lightweight long pants outdoors. 👕 Choose quick-dry, light-colored, breathable clothing. Avoid heavy denim. After rain, the ancient town’s stone streets can be slippery, so wear non-slip flat shoes. 🧴 Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a small fan, and cooling wipes. Long outdoor walks can easily cause heatstroke. Carry Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid for relief. 🚫 Don’t trust low-priced tours or loose baijiu sales at scenic entrances. Buy wine and local specialties from official stores in the city. 🍜 Local snacks tend to be spicy. If you don’t eat spicy food, ask the shop to reduce the spice. Summer food spoils easily, so choose busy, well-established street vendors. 🍄 Wild mushrooms grow abundantly in July. Do not pick or buy unknown wild mushrooms from the roadside to avoid poisoning.

A nearly untouched thousand-year-old Zen temple hides in the south of Luzhou city! Free admission + free parking, stunning mountain and river views 8-meter giant gilded dragon head trending on social media, spring and summer covered in hydrangeas A place to calm your mind and pray, and capture stunning traditional-style photos. A local hidden healing spot✨ 📌Basic travel info 📍Address: Binjiang Village, Lantian Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou. Search “Jinlong Temple” for direct navigation 🎫Admission: free all day, no reservation needed 🅿Parking: free parking at the mountain gate and base. The road up is narrow, arrive early on holidays to secure a spot ⏰Hours: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM. Recommended to visit after 3:00 PM for beautiful sunset river views ⏱Duration: easy visit 1.5h; in-depth photo shoot + prayer and panoramic views about 3h 🚗Getting there ▫️By car (recommended) 20–30 minutes from Jiangyang city center. Smooth roads with many curves, slow down on bends Only 12 km from the high-speed rail station, 30 minutes direct drive, perfect for families ▫️Public transit Bus lines 3/18/128 to “Liangli Village stop,” then 5–10 minutes walk up stone steps If mobility is limited, take a taxi to the mountain gate for convenience ✨Five must-visit highlights|Best photo spots fully listed 1. Temple landmark · giant gilded dragon head 🐉 8 meters tall, the golden dragon coils on the cliff, surrounded by the Nine Dragons Pool’s clear water. Dragon scales shimmer in the sunlight Photo spots: ① Rooftop of the vegetarian dining hall for overhead shots of the dragon head and full temple panorama ② From below looking up at the dragon head against the sky for a dramatic composition At sunset, the golden light edges the dragon, creating an incredible atmosphere. Dragon zodiac friends must come to pray 2. Mid-mountain hydrangea sea trail (May–July only) Over 10,000 pink, blue, purple, and white hydrangeas line the stone steps, with red walls and green tiles complementing the blooms Soft light from 9:00–11:00 AM avoids harsh midday sun. Wear hanfu or light-colored long dresses for perfect natural shots Includes small monk stone sculptures and red wish ribbons, the ultimate setting for traditional-style portraits 3. Colorful glazed corridor 🌈 Sunlight filters through the glazed roof, casting colorful shadows on the ground Stand at the corridor entrance for depth shots, capture dynamic ethereal photos while walking. Great for cloudy days too 4. Summit viewing platform|overlooking the Yangtze River and city The temple’s highest point offers unobstructed views of the winding Yangtze and full Luzhou cityscape At sunset, the sky glows over the river. Enjoy the quiet breeze and let your worries fade 5. Zen meditation and prayer area ▪️ Sutra copying pavilion: free paper and pen to copy the Heart Sutra, mountain breeze and wind chimes create a relaxing vibe ▪️ Red wall wish tree: write your wish on a red ribbon for 10 yuan and hang it, a gentle atmosphere ▪️ Thousand-year cliff sleeping Buddha, Dizang Hall, Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, peaceful and quiet with incense but no noise 📝Two easy routes with no backtracking Short 1.5h (family/time-limited) Mountain gate red wall → colorful glazed corridor → giant dragon head → return the same way. Covers all popular spots with minimal climbing Long 3h (photo and prayer deep tour) Mountain gate hydrangea trail → colorful corridor → dragon head and Nine Dragons Pool → main hall/Guanyin hall → sutra copying pavilion → summit Dizang temple viewing platform → descend 🍜Food and drink|affordable and reliable 1. Temple vegetarian meals (Wuguan Hall) Open 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, donation 10–20 yuan, light tofu and vegetables, filling and comfortable 2. Summit tea room Vegetarian tea 8 yuan per cup, window seats with Yangtze River views 3. Base snacks Rice cakes, sesame vegetarian cakes, cold noodles, spicy and sour noodles, average 5–10 yuan, affordable and filling 4. Recommended food after descent On the way back, visit Lantian Old Street for tofu pudding rice, San San spicy noodles, and Tuobei dumplings, authentic Luzhou local flavors 💡Insider tips to avoid pitfalls 1. The entire route is stone steps and mountain paths. Wear flat sports shoes. High heels are impossible 2. Many mosquitoes in the mountains. Bring mosquito repellent, sun hats, and sunscreen in summer 3. The temple is minimally commercialized with no forced spending. Free incense is available. Lighting candles and hanging red ribbons are voluntary 4. No photos facing Buddha statues inside the main hall. Do not step on thresholds. Keep quiet and respect temple etiquette 5. Best visiting season: May–July hydrangea bloom; spring and autumn are cool; summer is less crowded for escaping heat 6. Weekends are less crowded. On weekdays, you can almost have the entire ancient temple to yourself for photos without people One-day itinerary Jinlong Temple prayer and photos → Yao Ba ancient town food tour → return to city for Luzhou hot pot Question for you: Are you coming for the giant dragon or waiting for the hydrangea bloom to check out the flower sea?

Fubao ancient town: Luzhou’s 600-year-old salt transport town, where the stilted buildings hold moments more fragrant than dried tofu Driving from Hejiang county into the mountains, the concrete road winds around the hillside, suddenly revealing a cluster of dark rooftops—the stilted buildings perch like birds resting on the mountain, wooden floors stacked layer upon layer climbing toward the peak. The bluestone path twists through the buildings. At the steepest spots, you have to hold the wall to walk. For a moment, it feels like you can hear the salt merchants’ horse caravans descending the stone steps, copper bells ringing through the valley. “This building breathes wood,” said Grandma Chen, who sells dried tofu on the corner, pressing a freshly marinated piece into my hand. The salty aroma mixed with Sichuan pepper tingled on my tongue. Walking up the bluestone path, I didn’t see any signs saying “ancient town specialties,” but I did spot an old man in a blue cloth shirt drying corn on the stilted building’s railing. Golden kernels rolled into the wooden gaps. A wooden door creaked open, and a little girl with braided hair peeked out, holding a malt sugar block. Sugar crumbs fell on the stone slabs, sticking to a seven-spot ladybug. The best part was the morning mist drifting through the wooden cracks, swelling the shadows of the stilted buildings. From afar came a few rooster crows, as if floating in from 600 years ago. 🏘 The bones of the stilted buildings: wooden memories of the salt route The “danger” of Half-Street. Looking up from the foot of the mountain, the stilted buildings on Half-Street are the most breathtaking—wooden pillars half embedded in rock, half suspended over the valley. The eaves of the buildings almost touch each other. Moss on the green tiles drips down the seams. “The salt caravans used to rest right under here,” Grandma Chen pointed to the stone pier beneath the building. “The wooden pillars had to be made from hard mixed wood from the mountains, soaked in tung oil to resist rot. Look at the pillar bases—they’re black and shiny, worn by time.” One railing on a stilted building was missing a wooden plank, revealing the valley below. Brave kids leaned over the gap to look down, making Grandma shout from above, “Slow down.” The “slippery” bluestone path. The main street’s bluestone slabs are deeply grooved by salt carriers’ poles. On rainy days, they’re as slippery as if oiled, so you have to step on the moss in the cracks to stay steady. “The deep grooves were worn by salt carriers’ poles, the shallow ones by pedestrians,” Grandma Chen demonstrated with her foot. “Salt carriers used to run barefoot on these stones, their shoulders bent under the salt poles. Sweat drops fell on the stones and disappeared instantly.” A crack in one slab had a small grass sprouting, its roots gripping the stone tightly. “This grass is tougher than people. No matter how hard the stone, it can find a crack and survive.” The “old” salt shop. Halfway up the mountain, the “Yuxing Salt Shop” was once the largest salt store. The copper ring on the wooden door was polished shiny from being touched. When pushed open, it creaked like an old man coughing. The counter inside was still there, with accounts carved into the wood. “This was how they kept records back then,” the elderly caretaker pointed to the marks. “One stroke meant one load, ten strokes a bundle. More reliable than pen and ink.” In the corner were several salt jars made of rough pottery, with salt residue still stuck to the bottom. “They used to be filled to the brim with salt. Now they’re empty and have become a hiding spot for kids playing hide-and-seek.” 🧂 The flavors of the salt route: time hidden in dried tofu The “aroma” of dried tofu. Grandma Chen’s dried tofu stall is set under the eaves of the stilted buildings. The bamboo basket holds neatly stacked dried tofu, shiny with sauce. “First, soak the soybeans in well water, grind them with a stone mill, and the brining depends on the weather,” she said, flipping the drying tofu. “The marinade has star anise, cinnamon, and local aged dark tea. It’s brined for three days and nights, fragrant enough to lure mountain sparrows.” Regular customers don’t even have to say a word; Grandma Chen knows to give them the “chewy” kind—dried tofu with some bean fibers for extra bite. “Salt carriers used to carry a few pieces in their pockets while traveling. When hungry, they’d chew on them. The salty aroma kept them full longer than meat.” The “sweetness” of fermented rice wine. At the end of the street, the fermented rice wine shop smells of alcohol. The wine in the earthenware jar is milky white. The owner scooped a spoonful with a wooden ladle, the juice flowing down the edge. “We use local glutinous rice, ferment it with yeast for three days. It has to dry in the stilted buildings where the humidity is high for good fermentation,” she said, handing over a small bowl. “Sweet with a hint of sourness. Salt merchants’ wives used to stew eggs with this wine, saying it replenishes blood and energy.” The bowl was rough porcelain with a small chip on the rim, making the wine look even whiter, like mountain moonlight. 🐔 Life in the stilted buildings: smoke mingling with mist The “leisure” of the old teahouse. At the mountain top, the “Wangxi Teahouse” has eight-immortal tables set crookedly. Tea drinkers tuck their smoking pipes into their waists. The tea is local aged dark tea, bitter with a hint of sweetness. “Five yuan for a day’s tea, refills are free,” the owner said, pouring water from a copper kettle. “Everyone here is an old neighbor, chatting and watching the mountains and water. That’s how the day passes.” Outside the window, the stilted buildings stack layer upon layer. When the mist clears, you can see bamboo groves in the distance. A tile clatters in the wind, but the tea drinkers don’t even blink—in this place, time is lighter than the tea. The “vibrance” of autumn drying. Autumn is the most beautiful season for the stilted buildings. Every household hangs corn, chili peppers, and soybeans on their railings. The gold and red look like a floral sash tied around the wooden buildings. “The corn has to be plump, and the chili peppers are local facing-up peppers,” said an old woman turning the corn. “It used to be for storing grain, but now it’s for decoration. Tourists love to take photos and call it the stilted buildings’ makeup.” A calico cat napped on the corn pile, its tail brushing the chili peppers, making the old woman shout, “Don’t knock them off.” 🚗 Town guide: bring a pair of non-slip shoes for sure · How to get there: Drive and navigate to “Fubao ancient town.” It’s 2 hours from Luzhou city center, 1 hour from Hejiang county. There’s free parking at the town entrance. Hejiang county has shuttle buses to Fubao town, 15 yuan per ticket. Get off and walk 10 minutes to enter the town. · What to do: Take photos of the misty stilted buildings early morning (7–9 AM is best, Half-Street is the best spot). Visit the salt shop to see old items in the morning. Have Grandma Chen’s dried tofu (5 yuan per serving) with fermented rice wine (3 yuan per bowl) at noon. In the afternoon, climb the bluestone path to the mountaintop teahouse to see the whole town’s stilted buildings stacked in the mountains. Don’t use an umbrella on rainy days; walk slowly under the eaves and listen to the rain hitting the green tiles. · What to bring: Non-slip shoes (the stones are very slippery when wet), a jacket (it’s cool in the mountains early and late), an empty bag (to carry dried tofu; 20 yuan can buy a big bag), a camera (the light and shadows on the stilted buildings are very photogenic). · What to watch out for: The wooden stairs of the stilted buildings are steep, go slowly up and down. Don’t carve on the salt shop’s counter. Don’t waste dried tofu; Grandma Chen says, “Wasting food is disrespectful to the ancestors of the salt carriers.” When leaving, Grandma Chen stuffed a bag of dried tofu into my bag. “Eat it on the road. The more you chew, the better it tastes. Remember the good of Fubao.” As the car drove out of the mountain, I looked back. The stilted buildings became silhouettes in the sunset, the green tile roofs glowing gold. The moss on the bluestone path swayed gently in the wind, as if saying, “Walk slowly. We’re still here guarding the stories of the salt route.” Suddenly I understood the charm of this ancient town—it doesn’t use “salt transport” as a selling point. It just lets the stilted buildings keep standing, the bluestone path keep lying there, Grandma Chen’s dried tofu keep smelling good, and every visitor who walks in can, on some morning or evening, hear the footsteps of salt carriers and meet the time from 600 years ago, quietly nestled in the wooden cracks of the stilted buildings.

Hey ladies! Here’s a 3-day travel guide for Yibin - Nanjing - Luzhou. You can visit Shihai, Lizhuang Ancient Town, Cuiping Mountain, Guanying Ancient Street, and Jiajing Tower. Everything about eating, staying, and playing is sorted for you! · ------- 🗺️ Route overview: Day 1: Hejiang Gate – Guanying Ancient Street – Lizhuang Ancient Town Check in at Yibin Sanjiangkou landmark, stroll the ancient street to soak up local life, and explore Lizhuang Ancient Town to dive into its rich history. Day 2: Cuiping Mountain – Xingwen Shihai Climb Cuiping Mountain for city views, then explore the karst wonders of Shihai. Day 3: Wuliangye Distillery – Yaoba Ancient Town Visit the holy land of baijiu culture, then wander Yaoba Ancient Town to experience the charm of southern Sichuan’s old residences. · ------- Must-visit attractions: Lizhuang Tourist Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lizhuang Town, Cuiping District, Yibin City, Sichuan Province Open all day Recommended visit time: 1 day A historic town rich in culture, now featuring lotus and sunflower fields plus many exciting performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere! Xingwen Shihai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Meiling, Shihai Town, Xingwen County, Yibin City Open April 1–October 31, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM Recommended visit time: 3–5 hours A world geopark where you can see the rolling stone sea, a giant sinkhole over 200 meters deep, and stunning multi-level caves. Hiking here, as seen on variety shows, is super fun! Yaoba Ancient Town ⭐⭐⭐ Xingyao Road East, Yaoba Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province Open all day Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours Well-preserved ancient residences. A leisurely walk lets you feel the peaceful and harmonious vibe of this old town. · ------- ✈️ Before you go: 👔 July is hot in all three places. Bring lightweight, breathable short sleeves, sun-protective clothing, and a thin jacket for indoor air conditioning. 🪪 Bring your ID and student ID (for discounts). Save electronic copies of your documents in advance in case of loss. 🧴 Don’t forget sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. You’ll also need them for water activities in Luzhou and Yibin. 💊 Pack Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid and stomach medicine. July’s humid heat can cause heatstroke and stomach issues. Also bring some band-aids for emergencies. 🎒 Use a lightweight backpack for your essentials. You’ll walk a lot visiting Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing and Shunan Bamboo Sea in Yibin, so keep it comfortable. 💧 Bring a portable folding water bottle and wet wipes. There’s limited drinking water at attractions in these three places, so these help with hand cleaning and hydration. · ------- This Yibin - Nanjing - Luzhou group tour is totally worth it—worry-free and fun. If you’re ready, go ahead and book it!