The last Western Sichuan Plain, a well-preserved Qing Dynasty ancient town.
Experience the authentic charm of a Western Sichuan Plain ancient town, stroll along Qing Dynasty streets, and savor local snacks.
If you love ancient towns that remain pristine and undeveloped, Xinchang Ancient Town will surprise you. It lacks the bustle of Lijiang and the crowds of Huanglongxi; it simply retains the most authentic rhythm of life on the western Sichuan plain. Ideal for slow travelers, photographers, and food lovers.
Tickets & Transport
Tickets
- Free
- Yes
Opening Hours
- Opening notes
- The ancient town is open all day with no entrance ticket required. Business hours of individual shops vary, generally 09:00-18:00.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day
- Early morning and evening, with soft light and fewer visitors
- Best day of week
- Weekdays
- Best season
- Spring and autumn
- Avoid times
- Holidays and weekend afternoons
- Avoid days
- National Day, Labor Day, and other statutory holidays
- Crowd level
- Medium
- Crowd peak time
- Weekend afternoons 13:00-16:00
Getting There
In Detail
Xinchang Ancient Town is located in Dayi County, Chengdu. It is one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty ancient towns on the Western Sichuan Plain, known as the “Last Western Sichuan Plain.” The town was first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty and prospered in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It still retains a large number of Western Sichuan residential buildings from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, with blue bricks, black tiles, carved wooden window grilles, and an elegant antique charm. The town is built along the water, surrounded by waterways such as the Xi River and the Chujiang River. Ancient banyan trees tower along the riverbanks, and stilted buildings are arranged in a pleasing scattered pattern, showcasing a classic Western Sichuan water town landscape.
The heart of the town is an ancient street about two kilometers long, lined with shops, teahouses, wine houses, snack stalls, and handicraft workshops, full of lively daily life. It is not overly commercialized, and the local residents' daily routines are tangible. Visitors can stroll along the bluestone-paved streets and feel the relaxed rhythm of slow life on the Western Sichuan Plain. The Leshan Bridge, a seven-arch ancient stone bridge, is the town's landmark. Its bridge body is covered with moss, and the clear river water below mirrors the scenery like a painting.
Xinchang Ancient Town is a paradise not only for architecture lovers but also for food lovers. Authentic Western Sichuan snacks such as fat-intestine blood tofu, Xinchang fried dough twists, and ye'er ba (glutinous rice cakes wrapped in leaves) leave a lasting impression. Surrounding the town are natural attractions like Xiling Snow Mountain and Huashuiwan Hot Spring, making it an ideal destination for a one-day or two-day trip near Chengdu.
What to expect
Visitors can wander along the bluestone ancient street, admire residential architecture, ancient bridges, and old trees from the Qing Dynasty through the Republic of China period, and experience the everyday life of local residents. The town has numerous teahouses, snack stalls, and handicraft shops where you can try specialties such as fat-intestine blood tofu and Xinchang fried dough twists. The town is compact, ideal for leisurely exploring the alleyways and taking photos.
How to visit
It is recommended to start from downtown Chengdu and drive or take public transportation to Xinchang Town, Dayi County. Upon arrival, first explore the main ancient street, then walk along the river to admire the stilted buildings and Leshan Bridge, and finally rest at a riverside teahouse. The visit takes about half a day to a full day, and you can combine it with nearby attractions.
Pros
An original ancient town with low commercialization, few tourists, and a tranquil atmosphere. The buildings are well preserved and great for photography. Local snacks are authentic and affordable.
Cons
It is relatively remote and public transportation is inconvenient. The town is small and the visit can be completed quickly. Some facilities are old.
Highlights
- Well-preserved Qing Dynasty residential buildings in western Sichuan style
- The iconic seven-arch ancient stone bridge, Leshan Bridge
- Stilted buildings and ancient banyan trees along the river
- A lively local atmosphere and a slow-paced lifestyle
- Authentic western Sichuan snacks such as feichang xuewang (pig intestines in spicy blood broth) and Xinchang mahua (fried dough twists)
FAQ
Does Xinchang Ancient Town require a ticket?
The ancient town itself is free to enter; no ticket is required.
How do I get to Xinchang Ancient Town?
Driving is recommended, about 1.5 hours from downtown Chengdu. You can also take a coach or bus to Dayi County and transfer.
What should I eat in Xinchang Ancient Town?
Recommended local western Sichuan snacks include feichang xuewang (pig intestines in spicy blood soup), Xinchang mahua (fried dough twists), ye'er ba (leaf-wrapped glutinous rice cakes), and youtang ya (oil-scalded duck).
Field Tips
Best photo spot
1. Leshan Bridge (seven-arch ancient stone bridge): mossy stones and river reflections, the best spot for photos.
2. Riverfront stilted houses: the row of diaojiaolou along the West River set off beautifully against ancient banyan trees.
3. Main ancient street: flagstone paths and wooden doors and windows, ideal for street-life photography.
4. Memorial archway at the town entrance: the classic angle for a full view of the town and the archway.
Best entrance Ancient Town South Gate (main entrance)
Best exit Ancient Town North Gate (riverside exit)
Location & Nearby
Nearby attractions
- Shu Liquor Culture Park (7.4 km)
- Qionglai Zhuxi Lake Scenic Area (10.7 km)
- Chengdu Yili Dairy Park (16.2 km)
- Chongzhou Museum (16.9 km)
- Chengdu Huashuiwan Hot Spring Resort (16.9 km)