Huanglongxi Ancient Town Day Trip from Chengdu: A 1,000-Year Poem of Water and Daily Life
While Venice is famous for its gondolas on the Adriatic Sea, the Chengdu Plain has its own water town shaped by three rivers and a thousand years of everyday life. Huanglongxi Ancient Town, located just south of Chengdu, blends flowing waterways, ancient banyan trees, and temple-lined streets into a place where history feels lived-in rather than preserved behind glass.
For travelers looking for a slow and meaningful day trip from Chengdu, Huanglongxi ancient town offers something rare: a town where local life and ancient scenery still move at the same gentle pace.
Why Visit Huanglongxi Ancient Town on a Day Trip from Chengdu
- Easy access within 1 hour from downtown Chengdu
- A true water town with rivers, boats, and old piers
- Free entry and walkable streets
- Local food, teahouses, and daily life—not staged performances
It’s an ideal escape if you want to experience traditional Sichuan life without traveling far.
Things to Do in Huanglongxi Ancient Town
1. Where Three Rivers Meet
Huanglongxi ancient town sits at the meeting point of the Jinjiang, Luxi, and Fu Rivers. At the river junction, visitors often notice a striking contrast between clear and muddy waters—locals like to compare it to a living Tai Chi symbol, shaped by nature itself.
Experience tip:
Take a traditional wooden canopy boat (Wupeng) early in the morning. As white egrets glide above the water and the town slowly wakes up, the atmosphere feels calm even to travelers familiar with Europe’s famous water cities.
2. The Ancient Tea-Horse Pier
Stone steps lead down to the old pier, where Qing Dynasty stilt houses still stand along the riverbank. This was once a busy stop along regional trade routes connecting Sichuan to the outside world.
Tea culture highlight:
Local teahouses showcase the “Long Xing 18 Styles” tea performance—a dramatic pouring technique that blends rhythm, movement, and precision. It is recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in China.
Hidden activity:
Visit the Old Pier Market on Saturdays. Buying handmade bamboo crafts with traditional scales feels far removed from modern city shopping.
Temples, Architecture, and Local History
3. Three Temples on One Street
Along Huanglongxi ancient town’s main street, three historic temples—Gulong Temple, Zhenjiang Temple, and Chaoyin Temple—stand within a short walk of one another.
Cultural detail to notice:
Inside Gulong Temple grows a 1,000-year-old banyan tree. Its massive roots form a hollow space that shelters a small shrine, quietly blending nature and belief.
Nearby, visitors can write wishes with a brush and place them on the Blessing Wall, continuing a tradition shared by generations.
4. A Glimpse of Modern History
On the eastern edge of town, the Red Army Memorial Hall documents the Long March of 1935. Through models and digital displays, it tells how soldiers and villagers worked together to build floating bridges across the rivers—an unexpected but meaningful stop during your visit.
What to Eat in Huanglongxi Ancient Town
One-Strand Noodles
This local specialty turns cooking into a performance. A single piece of dough is stretched into an incredibly long noodle without breaking, then served with spicy red oil sauce. It’s often described as a uniquely Sichuan take on culinary theater.
Crispy Pork Hock (Jiaopi Zhouzi)
Once everyday food for dock workers, this dish is now widely praised. The skin is crisp and golden, while the meat inside remains tender. Pair it with sweet osmanthus wine for a classic local combination.
Festivals and Evening Experiences
- Water Lantern Festival
Held on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month, thousands of lotus-shaped lanterns float along the river, turning the water into a moving sea of light. - Sichuan Opera & Face-Changing Shows
At Shu Yun Theater, traditional face-changing performances are presented with modern stage design, making them especially popular with younger audiences.
Practical Guide: How to Visit Huanglongxi Ancient Town from Chengdu
Getting There
- By Car:
About 1 hour from downtown Chengdu via Tianfu Avenue. - Public Transport:
Take Metro Line 5 to Huilong Station (Exit H2), then transfer to Bus S18 (¥2, ~30 minutes).
Direct shuttle buses also run from Xinnanmen Station (¥15, departures every hour).
Travel Tips
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time to Visit:
March–May for fresh greenery, or September–November for cooler weather and festivals - Stay Overnight:
Boutique guesthouses like Xi Pan Ju offer riverside views and rooms themed around China’s 24 solar terms.
Conclusion: A Slow Day by the Water
As sunset light falls on the riverside stage and teahouse laughter drifts through the air, Huanglongxi ancient town reveals the quieter side of Chengdu life. There are no forced spectacles—only flowing water, worn stone paths, and the rhythm of a town that has never rushed. Furthermore, to explore more highlights of a Sichuan journey, don’t miss our page on Chengdu Tourist Attractions!
As one Italian visitor wrote in the guestbook: “In Huanglongxi, I touched the past and future of China at the same time.” Bring your camera, linger by the river, and let this gentle water town stay with you long after you return to the city.
