The Best Chengdu-Area Ancient Towns for Foreign Travelers: Skip the Fake Streets, Find the Real Charm
- cometodolphinunion
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
“Should I visit an ancient town near Chengdu?”Great question—if you have extra time, yes. But not all “ancient towns” are real.
My Canadian friend once spent half a day in Kuanzhai Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi, 宽窄巷子), thinking it was a historic village. “It’s just shops and crowds,” he said. “Where are the old houses? The quiet lanes?”
Here’s the truth: Chengdu’s real ancient towns are 30–90 minutes outside the city. They have cobblestone streets, 300-year-old teahouses, and zero panda souvenirs.
This guide cuts through the noise. I’ll show you which towns are worth your time, how to get there, what to eat, and—most importantly—which ones still feel authentic.
Anren Ancient Town (Anren Guzhen, 安仁古镇)
Anren is not your typical “ancient” town—it’s a 1930s time capsule. Located in Dayi County, it’s famous for 27 Western-Chinese mansions and 55 museums, including the massive Jianchuan Museum Cluster.
A UK traveler told me: “I rode the ‘Dangdang’ tram past old post offices and felt like I was in a Chinese period film.” Entry is free, but museums cost ¥30–80 each. The tram ride is ¥10.
Take Metro Line 4 to Wansheng Station, then a 40-minute bus (¥8) to Anren. Spend half a day. Don’t miss the Liu’s Manor—it shows how warlords lived. Eat “Anren rice noodles” (¥12) at street stalls near the tram stop.
Huanglongxi Ancient Town (Huanglongxi Guzhen, 黄龙溪古镇)
This riverside town in Shuangliu District has 10 “ancient” elements: old streets, banyan trees, temples, docks, and more. At night, they perform fire dragon dances—a national intangible heritage.
But beware: weekends = crowds. A Brazilian friend said, “It felt like a theme park until 5 p.m. After that, locals came out, and it got real.”
From Chengdu, take Bus 808 from Xinnanmen Station (¥5, 1 hour). Entry is free. Stay 4–6 hours. Try “river snails in chili oil” (¥25) and watch boatmen sing Fuhao work songs. Skip the overpriced “dragon cookies” (¥35 for 3).
Ping Le Ancient Town (Ping Le Guzhen, 平乐古镇)
Nestled in Qionglai, Ping Le is called “Heaven’s Backyard.” Its 100-year-old Leshan Bridge spans the Baomo River. You can float downriver on a bamboo raft (¥40, 20 mins).
Unlike commercial towns, Ping Le still has farmers drying tea leaves on bamboo mats. A German couple told me: “We drank tea in a 200-year-old courtyard. No English menu—but the owner smiled and brought us the best cup.”
Take a direct bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Station (¥16, 1.5 hours). Entry: free. Spend 5–7 hours. Eat “smoked duck” (¥38) and “cold jelly noodles” (¥10). Avoid the “ancient costume photo” stalls—they charge ¥120 for 5 minutes.
Luodai Ancient Town (Luodai Guzhen, 洛带古镇)
This is Chengdu’s Hakka cultural hub. Most residents are Hakka people who migrated from Guangdong 300 years ago. The Five-Phoenix Tower and Bokelou Tulou (inspired by Big Fish & Begonia) are must-sees.
A US student said: “I ate Hakka stuffed tofu and joined a lion dance rehearsal. Felt like I stepped into another China.”
Metro Line 4 to Xipu → Bus 850 (¥3, 40 mins). Entry: free. Stay half a day. Must-try: “Hakka rice wine” (¥8/cup) and “stuffed tofu” (¥22). Skip the fake “Tulou hotel”—it’s just a photo set.
Jiezi Ancient Town (Jiezi Guzhen, 街子古镇)
Tucked under Qingcheng Mountain in Chongzhou, Jiezi is the “Orchid Village.” Its Ruilong Bridge has a covered walkway perfect for rainy days. Visit the Tang Qiu Memorial House—he was a famous Tang Dynasty poet.
It’s quiet on weekdays. A French reader wrote: “I sat by the river, drank orchid tea, and no one tried to sell me anything.”
Bus from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Station (¥12, 1 hour). Entry: free. Spend 4–5 hours. Eat “black glutinous rice cake” (¥6) and “wild herb tofu” (¥18). Don’t climb the mountain unless you love hiking—it’s steep!
Yuantong Ancient Town (Yuantong Guzhen, 元通古镇)
Known as “Little Chengdu,” Yuantong was a busy river port in the Qing Dynasty. Its Huang Family Courtyard and Roman-style Catholic Church stand side by side—a rare mix.
Every April, the Yuantong Spring Fair fills the streets with opera, snacks, and folk games. But off-season? Peaceful.
Take a bus from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Station to Chongzhou (¥15), then a taxi (¥20). Entry: free. Stay 3–4 hours. Try “braised river fish” (¥45). Skip the “antique shop”—most items are made last week.
Xin Chang Ancient Town (Xin Chang Guzhen, 新场古镇)
On the old Tea Horse Road, Xin Chang has Ming-Qing architecture and the lively Bishan Temple. It’s less touristy than others.
A Japanese solo traveler told me: “I walked for 2 hours and saw only 3 other foreigners. Found a teahouse where the owner taught me to brew jasmine tea.”
Bus from Chengdu to Dayi (¥14), then taxi (¥15). Entry: free. Spend half a day. Eat “spicy beef noodles” (¥20). Avoid weekends—locals hold weddings, and streets get packed.
Sandao Yan Ancient Town (Sandao Yan Guzhen, 三道堰古镇)
This “Water Town of Tianfu” sits between two rivers from Dujiangyan. Walk the 1-km riverside corridor, cross Yongding Bridge, and see stilted houses.
It’s family-friendly. A Canadian mom said: “My kids fed fish from the bridge while I ate hotpot made with fresh river fish.”
Metro Line 6 to Xipu → Bus 720 (¥2, 30 mins). Entry: free. Stay 3–5 hours. Must-try: “Miaomiao Fish Hotpot” (¥68/person). Skip the “water park”—it’s closed half the year.
Tang Chang Ancient Town (Tang Chang Guzhen, 唐昌古镇)
With 1,300 years of history, Tang Chang feels like “Little Jiangnan.” Its Chongning Park has lotus ponds and curved bridges. Climb the old city wall for views.
Few foreigners come here. That’s a good thing.
Take Bus 720 from Chengdu (¥5, 50 mins). Entry: free. Spend 3 hours. Eat “Tang Chang tofu pudding” (¥5). Don’t miss Dachun Alley—full of old courtyards.
Xi Lai Ancient Town (Xi Lai Guzhen, 西来古镇)
The oldest on this list (1,700 years!), Xi Lai has 12 giant banyan trees and untouched Ming-Qing houses. Locals still play mahjong in century-old teahouses.
A Swiss hiker said: “I sat under a 1,000-year-old tree, drank tea, and watched rain fall on tiled roofs. Pure magic.”
Bus from Chengdu to Pujiang (¥18), then taxi (¥25). Entry: free. Stay 4+ hours. Eat “steamed rice cake with brown sugar” (¥8). No souvenir shops—just real life.
Why Trust This List? （best ancient towns near Chengdu for foreign travelers）
I’ve visited all 10 towns—many times. I’ve seen which ones added fake “ancient” signs, which raised food prices for tourists, and which still serve tea in clay pots.
A reader from the Netherlands followed this guide last spring. She emailed: “I skipped Kuanzhai Alleys. Went to Ping Le and Xi Lai instead. Felt like I saw the soul of Sichuan.”
Want my “96-hour Chengdu Travel Itinerary”? It includes:
The Ultimate Panda Guide: 3 Major Panda Bases Compared: Chengdu Research Base, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, and China Panda Park—with best cub-viewing times & crowd-avoiding routes.
30+ Authentic Food Spots (Locals-Approved!): From SHUYANFU Summer Banquet (a high-class Sichuan opera dinner) to Luoma Clay Pot (Tāngbǎ Street’s best-kept secret).
Where to Stay? Chunxi Road area—walking distance to metro & sightseeing buses.
Just click below!
And don’t forget my Chengdu food guide—it pairs perfectly with these day trips.
Real history. Real tea. Real Chengdu.
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