Encountering the Beauty of China, Experiencing Poetry and Distant Lands - Walking the Land of Our Motherland Series 1: Comprehensive Chapter (3) Charm of Ancient Towns

📍 Kunming · 👁 2661 reads

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

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

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town-Night View

Hunan-Xiangxi-Fenghuang-Fenghuang Ancient Town

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

Hunan-Xiangxi-Fenghuang-Fenghuang Ancient Town

Sichuan-Langzhong-Langzhong Ancient Town

Shanxi-Pingyao-Pingyao Ancient Town

Our country is vast and has a long history. To this day, many ancient towns and cities with different ages, styles, scenery, and rich folk customs are preserved throughout the country. Each ancient town has its heavy history, reflecting the continuous development of society and economy, revealing the wisdom of the working people, and presenting ancient charm and unique landscapes.

Since the reform and opening up, the tourism industry of ancient towns in our country has been booming. Many ancient towns have been restored to their original state, rejuvenating with attractive and colorful appearances, attracting countless tourists for sightseeing and leisure vacations. During holidays, they are crowded with visitors, becoming popular travel destinations for Chinese people.

Over the years, I have traveled to dozens of ancient towns across the country, including Lijiang Ancient Town in Yunnan, Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan, Langzhong Ancient Town in Sichuan, and Pingyao Ancient Town in Shanxi. They all have rich natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. Because of their unique architecture, layout, style, and folk customs, they leave a deep impression and are unforgettable. They are great places to experience the rustic charm of ancient towns, appreciate their unique flavor, and enjoy tourism and vacations.

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town-View of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old 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) is located in the ancient city district of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is a famous city with beautiful scenery, a long history, and splendid culture. It is also a rare well-preserved ethnic minority ancient town in China. The ancient town has no city walls, giving an open and inclusive atmosphere. The river water in the ancient town is crystal clear, with more than 300 stone bridges of various sizes. The white-walled and black-tiled houses are arranged in a pleasing disorder. The phrase "small bridges, flowing water, and households" is the most apt description of the scenery of the ancient town. Lijiang Ancient Town is also a famous historical and cultural city in China, a World Cultural Heritage site, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction.

1. Lijiang Ancient Town is a great place to stay for a few days, and it is best to stay in various styles of inns and guesthouses in the ancient town to better experience the local customs.

2. Attractions such as Mufu and Wangu Tower in the ancient town are worth a visit. Around the ancient town, there are distinctive attractions like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Lashi Lake that can be visited together. Plan your itinerary and time in advance.

3. Outside vehicles cannot enter the ancient town. If driving, you need to park at a parking lot outside the town.

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

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town

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

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town-Square Street

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town-Guesthouse

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town-Mufu

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town-Wangu Tower

Yunnan-Lijiang-Lijiang Old Town

Fenghuang Ancient Town is located in Fenghuang County, southwest of Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province. It gets its name from the green mountain behind it that resembles a phoenix spreading its wings to fly. It is a settlement primarily of the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities. The ancient town was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty and became famous due to Shen Congwen's novel "Border Town." It has beautiful scenery, a long history, and many historical sites. The Tuo River runs through the ancient town, and the stilted houses built along the river are well-arranged. The bluestone streets, numerous ancient buildings, and strong folk customs form a unique Xiangxi charm.

1. There are many hotels, inns, and guesthouses both inside and outside the town. Generally, staying outside the town is more convenient and quiet, with lower prices; staying inside the town is convenient for sightseeing, lively on holidays, and slightly more expensive.

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 as a city and was historically a military stronghold of the ancient Ba and Shu states. Langzhong has fertile land, suitable climate, and abundant products. The architectural style of the ancient town reflects the ancient Chinese concept of feng shui for living. The checkerboard-like layout of the ancient town and the architectural complex blending northern and southern styles form distinct architectural groups such as "pin-shaped" and "duo-shaped" patterns, making it a typical example of the ancient Chinese concept of "unity of heaven and man" in city site selection.

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

2. There are inns in the ancient town for accommodation. On holidays, it can be crowded and noisy. Choosing to stay outside the town is also quite convenient for visiting.

Sichuan-Langzhong-Langzhong Ancient Town

Pingyao Ancient Town is located in Pingyao County, central Shanxi Province. It is a famous cultural city with a history of over 2,700 years. The streets, shops, and houses in the ancient town still maintain their traditional layout and style, making it one of the relatively well-preserved ancient towns in China. It was also a financial center of China in the late Qing Dynasty. Walking into this once prosperous ancient town, you can feel the culture of 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. Inside the town, there are inns converted from old courtyards. Book rooms in advance during holidays as prices may increase. Staying inside the town provides a better experience and more convenient sightseeing.

2. Outside vehicles cannot enter the ancient town; you need to park in a parking lot outside the town, and the parking fee is a bit expensive.

3. The ancient town is not large; walking is enough to explore it. If you don't want to walk, you can rent a bicycle or take an electric cart.

Shanxi-Pingyao-Pingyao Ancient Town