Luodai Ancient Town: A Hakka Cultural Journey Just Outside Chengdu
Just 30 minutes from downtown Chengdu, Luodai Ancient Town offers a refreshing escape into rich Hakka heritage, preserved streets, and lush mountain scenery. It’s an easy day trip for travelers who want something more local than big-city attractions, but still full of color, culture, and great food.
1. Natural Scenery of Luodai Ancient Town : Green Hills, Quiet Streams, Easy Walks
Luodai sits along the Longquan Mountain Range, surrounded by rolling hills that stay green year-round. Each season feels different—spring flowers, summer shade, golden autumn leaves, and occasional winter snow.
A small stream runs through the old town. The water is clear, and walking along it is a simple, relaxing way to start your visit.
Jinlong Great Wall (Golden Dragon Great Wall)
A short ride from the town, this 1.6-km wall winds along the mountain ridge. It’s one of Luodai’s most scenic spots, with cool forests, viewpoints, and plenty of space for photos. If you like light hiking with great views, this is the place.
2. Cultural Heritage of Luodai Ancient Town : Hakka History in Western China
Luodai is one of the largest Hakka communities in western China and is often called the “No. 1 Hakka Town in Western China.”
The Hakka people migrated from central China centuries ago. Their traditions still shape the town’s daily life—architecture, dialect, festivals, and food.
What you’ll notice most:
- Traditional Houses: Ming–Qing style wooden homes with tiled roofs and narrow lanes.
- Hakka Dialect: Many locals still speak it; it adds charm as you walk around.
- Folk Culture: Dragon dances, folk songs, and community festivals take place throughout the year.
3. Top Things to See & Do
Boke Tower + Western China Hakka Museum
The four-story Boke Tower is Luodai’s most recognizable landmark. Inside, the museum gives a clear and engaging introduction to Hakka migration, traditions, and crafts.
Five Phoenix Tower (Wufeng Lou)
Climb to the top for the best panoramic view of Luodai and the surrounding hills.
Huguang Guild Hall
Once a community center for Hakka migrants, the hall is known for its detailed wood, brick, and stone carvings. It’s worth a slow walk to appreciate the craftsmanship.
Jinlong Great Wall
The wall features five watchtowers and ends at Jinlong Temple, where locals pray for peace and good fortune. The hike is easy to moderate and very photogenic.
4. What to Eat in Luodai Ancient Town
Luodai is packed with street food. Here are the highlights:
- “Sad” Cold Noodles (Shangxin Liangfen): Spicy, numbing, refreshing—and delicious.
- Oil-Seared Goose (Youtang E): Crispy skin, tender meat, full flavor.
- Hakka Nine-Bowl Feast: A traditional celebration meal with nine dishes symbolizing reunion and prosperity.
5. Local Activities & Fun Experiences
- Hakka Folk Song Performances: Often held outdoors; great for photos and cultural insight.
- Hakka Dragon Dance: Usually seen during festivals.
- Adventure Activities on Jinlong Great Wall:
- Paragliding
- Mountain roller coaster
- Long jungle slide
- Glass water rafting (summer must-try)
These are optional, but they add fun to a family or group trip.
6. Visitor Guide
🚗 How to Get Luodai Ancient Town (From Chengdu)
- Metro Line 2 → Longquanyi Station → Bus 850
- Direct Bus L022 to Luodai Ancient Town
- To the Great Wall: transfer to Bus 853A
Driving from central Chengdu takes about 30 minutes.
🎟️ Tickets
- Luodai Ancient Town: Free
- Hakka Museum (inside Boke Tower): 20 RMB
- Jinlong Great Wall: 30 RMB (includes shuttle one way)
⏰ Opening Hours
- Ancient Town: All day
- Hakka Museum: 9:00–17:00
- Jinlong Great Wall: 9:00–17:00
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn.
For cultural experiences, come during the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival.
💡 Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Great Wall.
- Weekends can be crowded.
- Pick your spice level carefully—Luodai food is famous for heat!
Conclusion
Luodai Ancient Town blends nature, history, and living Hakka traditions into an easy, meaningful day trip from Chengdu. Whether you want culture, local food, light hiking, or colorful street scenes, Luodai Ancient Town delivers a memorable travel experience without the big-city crowds. Furthermore, to explore more highlights of a Sichuan journey, don’t miss our page on Chengdu Tourist Attractions!
