Huanglongxi Ancient Town is located in the southwest of Shuangliu County, about 40 kilometers away from downtown Chengdu. It has a history of more than 1,700 years.
There are ancient bluestone streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties in the town, which are integrated with ancient memorial archways, ancient temples, and ancient residential buildings.
The traditional folk activity of “Burning Fire Dragon” in the town has a grand scene, and Huanglongxi is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Fire Dragon”.
The ancient town is located at the confluence of two rivers, with the charm of a “water town”. A stream runs through the town, and the roads on both sides are paved with bluestone.
Most of the buildings on both sides of the road date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. They are built by the water, with wooden pillars and green tile pavilions and houses, and exquisitely carved railings, presenting a peaceful and simple appearance.
Today, the ancient town is a filming location for many movies and TV series. Films like “Hibiscus Town” and TV series like “Master Haideng” have been filmed here.
There are three ancient temples on the main street, namely Zhenjiang Temple, Chaoyin Temple, and Gulong Temple. Inside Gulong Temple, there is a thousand-year-old Ficus virens tree and a Qing Dynasty opera stage.
In addition, there is a unique “Three-County Yamen”. Historically, Huanglongxi Town was located at the junction of three counties, known as “one step across three counties”, so the three counties established this institution here.
The snacks in Huanglongxi Ancient Town are also well-known. Dishes like One Strand Noodles, Crispy Skin Pig Elbow, Pearl Tofu Pudding, and Braised Pelteobagrus fulvidraco are all worth tasting and can be found in most restaurants in the ancient town.
The folk customs in Huanglongxi are rich, especially the “Burning Fire Dragon” activity from the second day to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The “fire dragon” is vivid, and every household prepares fireworks. When the dragon lantern arrives at the door, fireworks are fired at the dragon body. After the performance, people burn the dragon body and scatter the ashes into the river to pray for good weather in the year.
When visiting Huanglongxi Ancient Town, you can make a day trip from Chengdu or stay overnight in the town. There are many accommodation options in the new town at the entrance of the ancient town. There is a “Dayuanba” in the center of the ancient town, which is a Western Sichuan courtyard and also provides accommodation.
Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day throughout the year.
