An ancient water town along the Baitiao River, carrying on the centuries-old Dragon Boat Festival race tradition.
Experience the tranquility and antiquity of a Western Sichuan water town and the centuries-old dragon boat culture.
Sandaoyan is a rare free water-town ancient town on the outskirts of Chengdu. Though not as exquisite as the water towns in Jiangnan, it wins with its rustic simplicity. Stroll along the river, admire ancient bridges and flowing water, listen to the creak of oars — it feels like a hidden paradise. If you happen to visit during the Dragon Boat Festival, you can experience authentic dragon boat culture. Ideal for travelers looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle and seek a slow-paced life.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥0
- Child ticket
- ¥0
- Free
- Yes
- Ticket methods
- No ticket required; free entry
- Ticket notes
- The scenic area is free to enter. Boat rides, dining, and other paid activities are charged separately.
Opening Hours
- Opening notes
- The scenic area is an open water town that is accessible at any time, but a daytime visit is recommended.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning and evening, when the light is soft, the crowds are thinner, and the water-town ambience is at its peak.
- Best day of week
- Weekdays
- Best season
- Spring and autumn, with pleasant weather. During the Dragon Boat Festival, you can take part in dragon boat races.
- Avoid times
- Noon on public holidays, when crowds are at their largest and boat queues are long.
- Avoid days
- The Dragon Boat Festival day and the short holiday period, when foot traffic is extremely heavy.
- Crowd level
- Medium
- Crowd peak time
- Weekends and holidays 10:00-15:00
Getting There
- Metro station
- Xipu
- Metro line
- Line 2
- Metro exit
- Exit A
- Metro distance
- 12km
- Metro walk
- Not accessible on foot
In Detail
The Sandaoyan Scenic Area is located in Pidu District, Chengdu, at the confluence of the Baitiao River and Xuyan River. It is an ancient water town with a thousand-year history. Named after the three weirs built to control the river in the past, it has been an important river-and-land wharf and trading town on the Western Sichuan Plain since ancient times. The area is crisscrossed with waterways, with ancient bridges, old trees, and traditional buildings lining the rivers, presenting a classic Western Sichuan water town landscape.
Strolling along the blue-slab-paved streets, you'll see well-preserved Western Sichuan residential houses on both sides—white walls, dark tiles, and upturned eaves—all exuding antiquity and tranquility. The Baitiao River is crystal clear, and black-hooded boats glide by from time to time; the creaking of the boatman's oar blends with the sound of water, creating a leisurely and pleasant waterside atmosphere. The area's most famous event is the Dragon Boat Festival race held every year during the Duanwu Festival. This tradition has continued for centuries, when the river fills with racing dragon boats, gongs and drums resound, and the banks are packed with lively crowds.
Besides the waterside scenery, Sandaoyan is also renowned for its cuisine. The local yellow catfish, river-fresh delicacies, and tofu pudding are authentic Western Sichuan farmhouse dishes. The teahouses and restaurants along the riverbanks are ideal spots for visitors to pause and enjoy tea. The scenic area is compact, perfect for a slow, leisurely visit to savor the unique charm of a Western Sichuan water town.
What to expect
Visitors can stroll along the riverbanks, admiring the harmony of ancient bridges, flowing water, and Western Sichuan dwellings; take a black-hooded boat on the Baitiao River to see the water town from the water; watch the lively dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival; or sit in a riverside teahouse with tea, and enjoy river fish and farmhouse dishes at a farmer's restaurant.
How to visit
Plan for half a day to a full day. From downtown Chengdu, take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then transfer to Bus P22 to reach the scenic area directly. Alternatively, drive via the Chengguan Expressway, exit at Pidu District, and follow the signs for about 10 minutes. The scenic area is free to enter; you can explore on foot or rent a boat for a river tour.
Pros
Free admission and great value; unique water town scenery perfect for photography; rich food options with authentic farmhouse cuisine; the Dragon Boat Festival race is lively and distinctive.
Cons
A bit far from downtown Chengdu, requiring transfers on public transit; crowded on holidays with difficult parking; the area is not highly commercialized and some facilities are old.
Highlights
- Natural water-town scenery where the Baitiao River meets the Xuyan River
- Centuries-old Dragon Boat Festival race tradition
- Well-preserved Western Sichuan folk houses, ancient bridges and old trees
- Authentic Western Sichuan farmhouse dishes and river-fresh cuisine
- Take a black-canopied boat along the river and enjoy the slow pace of water-town life
FAQ
Does Sandaoyan Scenic Area require an admission ticket?
The scenic area is currently free and does not require tickets. However, some activities (such as boat rides) require a separate fee.
How do I get to Sandaoyan from downtown Chengdu?
Take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then transfer to Bus P22 to get there directly. Alternatively, self-drive via the Chengguan Expressway, about 40 minutes.
When exactly is the Dragon Boat Festival dragon boat race?
The dragon boat event is usually held on and around the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (Dragon Boat Festival). Please check local official announcements for exact dates and event schedules.
Field Tips
Best photo spot 1. Ancient Bridge over Baitiao River (Yong'an Bridge): Best for shots of the bluestone bridge, river reflections, and black-awning boats. 2. Riverside Plank Walkway: Sichuan-style houses and green trees reflected in the water, ideal for cultural and panoramic water-town shots. 3. Dragon Boat Viewing Platform (during Dragon Boat Festival): Overlook the spectacular dragon boat races. 4. Old Street Alleyways: Bluestone-paved paths and old residential gates, great for nostalgic portrait photography.
Best entrance Main entrance of the scenic area (next to Water Town Culture Plaza), with a parking lot and visitor center.
Best exit You can leave through the exit on Huili Commercial Street and browse some boutique shops along the way.
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Sandaoyan Qinggangshu Scenic Area (733 m)
- Xinfan East Lake Scenic Area (6.4 km)
- Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum (7.2 km)
- Wangcong Temple (9.2 km)
- Chengdu Florentia Village Scenic Area (12.3 km)