Chengdu's only mountain ancient town set between hills and river, stretching along the Tuo River. Known as 'Half Mountain, Half River, Half Town,' its five ancient streets are named after the Golden Phoenix, Blue Phoenix, Jade Phoenix, White Phoenix, and Little Phoenix.
A rare mountain-and-river ancient town in Chengdu, with a layered landscape that photographs beautifully. It's also a convenient stop to visit Jintang's rural orchards on the way.
Wufengxi Ancient Town is a rare, well-preserved mountain ancient town on the outskirts of Chengdu, blending natural scenery with traditional architecture. Quieter than famous ancient towns like Huanglongxi and Luodai, it suits travelers who love slow travel and photography. Transportation is a bit inconvenient, so self-driving is recommended.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Adult ticket
- ¥0
- Child ticket
- ¥0
- Free
- Yes
- Reservation required
- No
- Ticket methods
- No ticket required; the ancient town is free to enter. Some attractions and boat tours can be ticketed on site.
- Ticket notes
- The ancient town is free to enter, but some internal attractions such as Guansheng Temple and Nanhua Temple may charge a small maintenance fee (about ¥10–20); boat rides are extra.
Opening Hours
- Opening notes
- Some platforms list 08:00–18:00; hours may be extended on holidays. Please refer to official notices.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning and dusk, when the light is soft, the river is misty, and there are few visitors.
- Best day of week
- Weekdays
- Best season
- Spring and autumn are best
- Avoid times
- Holidays and weekends are crowded; it's best to avoid them.
- Avoid days
- National Day, May Day, and other statutory holidays
- Crowd level
- Low
- Crowd peak time
- 11:00–15:00 on weekends and holidays
Getting There
- Metro station
- Xihe Station (Metro Line 4, over 20 km from the scenic area, requires a bus transfer)
- Metro line
- Line 4
In Detail
Wufengxi Ancient Town is built on a hillside beside the Tuo River. Five ancient streets climb upward in layers with the terrain—half mountain, half river. The town's architecture is primarily Ming and Qing. Take a boat trip on the Tuo River and enjoy distant views of the Longquan Mountains.
What to expect
In Wufengxi, you can stroll along five ancient streets, admire stilted houses and Ming-Qing buildings tucked into the hillside, take a boat on the Tuo River to feel the river breeze, and explore guildhall relics such as Guansheng Palace and Nanhua Palace. The town is filled with teahouses and snack stalls where you can sit down and try local dishes. The old town is compact, ideal for a slow visit—about half a day to cover the main sights.
How to visit
Wufengxi Ancient Town is ideal for a day trip. Leave Chengdu in the morning, explore the ancient streets and buildings upon arrival, try local food at noon, take a boat trip on the Tuo River in the afternoon, and return in the evening. If time permits, stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful nights.
Pros
1. Nestled between hills and river, unique scenery
2. Few tourists, peaceful and quiet
3. Well-preserved ancient architecture, unspoiled
4. Affordable prices
Cons
1. Inconvenient transport; self-driving or transfers required
2. The town is small, with limited attractions
3. Some ancient buildings are under renovation and may be closed to visitors
Highlights
- Five ancient streets (Jinfeng, Qingfeng, Yufeng, Baifeng, Xiaofeng) climb the hillside in a layered, staggered layout
- Boat along the Tuo River with views of the Longquan Mountains, where hills and waters mirror each other
- Ming and Qing dynasty architecture clusters, including stilted buildings, guild halls, and ancient bridges
- Fewer crowds, a peaceful atmosphere, low commercialization, and well-preserved original ecology
- Local specialties such as Wufengxi yellow-wrapped eggs and Tuo River fish
FAQ
Does Wufengxi Ancient Town require an admission ticket?
Entry to the ancient town is free, but some internal attractions or boat rides may charge a fee.
How do I get to Wufengxi Ancient Town?
From downtown Chengdu, it's about a 1-hour drive via the Chengnan Expressway or Chengyu Expressway; alternatively, take a tourist shuttle or scheduled bus from Chengdu East Railway Station to Wufengxi.
How long should I spend at Wufengxi Ancient Town?
We recommend spending half a day to a full day here; if you're not staying overnight, half a day is enough to cover the main attractions.
Field Tips
Best photo spot
1. Wufengxi Wharf: where the Tuo River meets the ancient town; capture reflections on the river and stilted buildings.
2. Jinfeng Street: the old street is built along the hillside; cobblestone paths and wooden houses are great for street photography.
3. Guansheng Temple: an ancient building with richly painted beams and carvings; perfect for architectural details.
4. Tuo River cruise: shoot the mountain views on both banks and the panoramic view of the ancient town from the boat.
5. Hilltop viewing platform: overlook the five ancient streets and the Tuo River, and capture the whole town.
Best entrance Enter through the east entrance of the ancient town to directly reach the main street, Jinfeng Street.
Best exit Exit through the west gate to reach the cruise boat dock.
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Jinlong Great Wall Scenic Area (12.3 km)
- Luodai Ancient Town Scenic Area (15.2 km)
- Hakka Apricot Blossom Village (16.3 km)
- Weiran Flower Sea (16.5 km)
- Peach Blossom Hometown Tourist Area (16.6 km)