Langzhong Ancient City
» Chengdu, Si Chuan

阆中古镇 阆苑仙境 天人合一之古镇

Till now Langzhong still has kept its ancient town of 1.5 square kilometers in good repair. In 1986, the State Council named it a famous historic and cultural city. And in China, Langzhong is one of four old cities.

Langzhong historical buildings

  • The old streets and lanes: The ancient town contains about 90 streets and lanes, one-fifth of which date from the Tang-Song (960-1279) dynasties. There are two buildings from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), four from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and 12 from the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The downtown streets have many ancient houses from the Tang Dynasty that have become an important component in the study of ancient Chinese architecture. Huang Bao Che or the Rickshaw can be found on the old streets often, have a ride on the streets and stop to take photos, visit some ole family courtyard homes, it is a really wonderful and fun way to explore the old city.

  • The ancient courtyards: Langzhong Old City Quarter is one of the largest and best-preserved cities of ancient 'siheyuans' or 'courtyard homes' in China today is literally cupped in a U-shaped bend of the Jialing River (a tributary of the Yangtze). Many have been renovated and opened as accommodation houses of varying quality. Most of these large beautifully restored homes of once prominent wealthy city merchants are also open to the public for a small fee.

  • The BaBa Temple (Mosque) on a small hill beyond the bus station is unusual in that one entrance leads through a cemetery, rather strange and spooky if you visit at dusk and certainly not usual for a Temple to have a cemetery nearby. A closer inspection of the gravestones revealed Arabic text and although the style of buildings were similar to most other temples, this one had a very distinctive bell shaped dome on the roof of the central building. There was also no entrance fee and no admittance into the inner places of worship.

  • The Gong Yuan or Qing Dynasty Imperial Examination Rooms is now a museum and reportedly the best preserved of the only two remaining, intact Gong Yuan is all of China.

  • The Huaguang Tower a city gate by the river affords excellent views across the river and over the gray tiled roofs of the Siheyuans, it's worn steps a testimony of the passage of time and history.

  • Zhangfei Temple dating back 1700years is where this legendary figure is buried with many other tributes to him scattered all over southwest China.

Deep cultural accumulation

Langzhong has deep cultural accumulation. The legend goes that Hua Xu, Fu Xi's mother, was pregnant with Fu Xi in Langzhong who is the ancester of Chinese nation. It is the breeding place of Ba culture and a place where Islamism, Confuciunism, Buddhism, Christianity coexist harmoniously. Langzhong was also the researching center of Fengshui (geomantic omen). In the Tang Dynasty, Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng, two experts on astronomy and Fengshui culture, went to Langzhong, studying astronomy and Fengshui and living in seclusion. They later died and buried here.

Special products

Langzhong has three special products - Baoning vinegar, Zhang Fei beef and sweet steamed buns.

  • Baoning vinegar: Baoning was another name for Langzhong used during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. In Langzhong You will find Langzhong people drink Baoning vinegar as a beverage, tea, and even medicine because it tastes good and contains over 60 elements of traditional Chinese medicine, and 18 kinds of amino acids and trace elements needed by the human body. And also you will find vinegar bar, cafeshop or even footbath with vinegar on some streets. It's worth to take a visit of the Baoning vinegar factory once you visit langzhong.

  • Zhangfei Beef: Dry but not hard, smooth but not soft, black outside while red inside, is not only like the character of Zhangfei who was a general of the Three Kingdoms Period, but also because Zhang Fei was stationed in Langzhong for seven years, and loved by the local people. And the beef has won silver prize of quality products of Texas Industrial Association. Tourists always buy it as gifts to friends.

  • Baoning sweet steamed buns: In Langzhong you can easily find these kind of buns from shops on the streets. Each bun gets a red stamp by hand to prove its authenticity. This should be best simple package food in Langzhong.

From chengdu there are frequent buses to Langzhong everyday at Beimen bus station. In Langzhong you can choose to stay at 'Siheyuan' with courtyard in the ancient part. And in the afternoon maybe you can choose to see the unique Langzhong shadow puppet show.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

  Weather

  1. What about climate in Chengdu?
  2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
  3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

  1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
  2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

  1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

  1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
  2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
  3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
  4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
  5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

    6.   Customs

    1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Other Hints

    1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
    2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

    • What about climate in Chengdu?

      The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

      The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.


    • What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

      The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.


    • Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

      Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

      The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

      The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.


    • What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

      Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

      You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

      You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.


    • What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

      The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.


    • What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

      There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

      Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

      Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

      Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

      All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.


    • What are entertainments in Chengdu?

      The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

      When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!


    • I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

      Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.


    • Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

      Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

      You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

      If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.


    • What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

      There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

      Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.


    • Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

      Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

      At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.


    • What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

      Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

      This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.


    • What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

      The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

      At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

      In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

      And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

      Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

      If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.


    • What's the city code of Chengdu?

      Chengdu's City Code: 028


Situated in the northern Sichuan Basin on the middle reaches of the Jialing River, a branch of the Yangtze, Emperor Qin Hui established Langzhong County in 314 B.C., and it is the only county that has retained its original name.

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