Encountering the Magnificent Beauty of China: Experiencing Poetry and Distant Lands - A Series on Traveling Across Our Motherland, Part 1: Comprehensive Edition (3) – The Splendor of Ancient Towns

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Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Black Dragon Pool Park

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Overlooking the Old Town

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Night View

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town - Stilt Houses at Night

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town

Sichuan - Langzhong - Langzhong Ancient Town

Shanxi - Pingyao - Pingyao Ancient Town

China is a vast country with a long history. To this day, numerous ancient towns and cities with different ages, styles, landscapes, and folk customs are still preserved across the nation. Each ancient town carries a rich history, reflecting ongoing socioeconomic development and the wisdom of the working people, showcasing unique antique charm and distinctive scenery.

Since the reform and opening-up, tourism in China's ancient towns and cities has been thriving. Many ancient towns have been restored to their original state, radiating an attractive beauty and diverse charm, drawing countless visitors for sightseeing, leisure, and vacations. On holidays, they are bustling with crowds, becoming popular tourist destinations for Chinese people.

Over the years, I have traveled to dozens of ancient towns across the country. Among them, Lijiang Ancient Town in Yunnan, Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan, Langzhong Ancient Town in Sichuan, and Pingyao Ancient Town in Shanxi stand out with their abundant natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. Their unique architecture, layout, style, and folk customs leave a deep impression and are unforgettable, making them ideal places to experience the ancient charm and distinctive allure while vacationing.

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Distant View of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Bar Street Night View

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town - Night View

Sichuan - Langzhong - Langzhong Ancient Town

Shanxi - Pingyao - Pingyao Ancient Town

Lijiang Ancient Town (also known as Dayan Ancient Town), located in the Old Town District of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, is a famous city with beautiful scenery, a long history, and splendid culture. It is also one of China's rare well-preserved ancient towns of ethnic minorities. The town has no city walls, giving a sense of openness and inclusiveness. The river water in the town is crystal clear, with over 300 stone bridges of various sizes. The white-walled and black-tiled residential houses are arranged in a picturesque disorder, perfectly described by the phrase "small bridges, flowing water, and houses." Lijiang Ancient Town is also a famous historical city in China, a World Cultural Heritage site, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction.

1. Lijiang Ancient Town is an ideal place for a short stay of a few days, and it is best to stay in one of the various inns and guesthouses inside the town to better experience the local customs.

2. Attractions such as Mu's Residence and Wangulou Tower within the town are worth visiting. Around the town, distinctive spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Lashihai Lake can be visited together, and itinerary and time arrangements should be planned in advance.

3. Outside vehicles cannot enter the ancient town; for self-driving tours, you need to park at the parking lots outside the town.

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Black Dragon Pool Park

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Overlooking the Old Town

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Sifang Street (Square Street)

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Guesthouse

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Mu's Residence

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town - Wangulou Tower

Yunnan - Lijiang - Lijiang Ancient Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town, located in Fenghuang County in the southwestern part of Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province, is named after the green mountain behind it that resembles a flying phoenix. It is a settlement mainly inhabited by the Miao and Tujia ethnic groups. The town was built during the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi period and became famous worldwide through Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town." With beautiful scenery, a long history, and numerous historical sites, the Tuojiang River runs through the town, and stilt houses built along the river are arranged in picturesque disorder. The bluestone streets within the town, many ancient buildings, and rich customs create a unique Xiangxi charm.

1. The town, both inside and outside, is filled with hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Generally, staying outside the town offers convenient transportation and a quieter environment at a lower price; staying inside makes it easier to visit attractions and is livelier during holidays, but costs slightly more.

2. The night view of the ancient town is very distinctive and beautiful; do not miss it.

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town

Hunan - Xiangxi - Fenghuang - Fenghuang Ancient Town - Night View

Langzhong Ancient Town is the birthplace of Chinese Spring Festival and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Located in Langzhong City, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, it has a history of over 2,300 years and has always been a strategic military town of the ancient Ba and Shu kingdoms. Langzhong has fertile soil, a suitable climate, and abundant products. The architectural style of the town reflects ancient Chinese feng shui concepts for dwelling. The checkerboard layout of the ancient town and the architectural complex blending northern and southern styles form distinct groups such as "pin-shaped" and "multi-character-shaped," making it a typical example of the ancient Chinese city planning principle of "harmony between heaven and man."

1. Langzhong Ancient Town is not very large; half a day is enough for a stroll. From Jinping Mountain opposite, you can overlook the entire ancient town.

2. There are inns within the town for accommodation, but during holidays, the crowds make it noisy. Choosing to stay outside the town and visiting is also quite convenient.

Sichuan - Langzhong - Langzhong Ancient Town

Pingyao Ancient Town, located in Pingyao County in central Shanxi Province, is a famous cultural city with a history of over 2,700 years. The streets, shops, and residences within the town still maintain a traditional layout and style, making it one of China's well-preserved ancient towns. It was also China's financial center during the late Qing Dynasty. Walking through this once-prosperous town, you can feel the culture of the Shanxi merchants everywhere. It is one of only two ancient towns in China that successfully applied for World Cultural Heritage status as a whole (the other being Lijiang Ancient Town).

1. The inns inside the town are converted from old courtyards. During holidays, rooms need to be booked in advance and may be pricier. Staying inside offers a better experience and more convenience for tours.

2. Outside vehicles cannot enter the town; you must park at the parking lots outside, and the parking fee is a bit expensive.

3. The town is not large and can be explored on foot. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or take an electric cart.

Shanxi - Pingyao - Pingyao Ancient Town