Lian Erli Market in Chengdu: Where Two Counties Meet

Departing from Wenjiang District, follow the picturesque Jinma River north along the riverside scenic road until you reach Huangjiadu. There, a road stretches westward. Not far from the entrance, an intricately designed "Jinma Biji Tai" gate stands in the middle of the road. Continue west for about 400 meters through the gate, and you'll encounter a tall stone archway. "Lian Erli Market" is inscribed in cursive script above the archway. Passing through the archway brings you into the scenic area. Lian Erli Market, with a history of over 200 years, is the birthplace of the "Nine Bowls" feast in the Western Sichuan Plain. "Nine Bowls," also known as "Dam Dam Feast" or formally as "Three Steamed Nine Braised Dishes," is a traditional Sichuan rural banquet for weddings and funerals. It gets its name from the nine main dishes and originated in the Qing Dynasty. Currently, chefs with surnames Yang, Wang, and Zhou in Lian Erli Market can prepare the Nine Bowls according to traditional culinary methods. Capitalizing on the Nine Bowls concept, a "Nine Bowls and Nine Wines Estate" has been established in Lian Erli Market, featuring 99 old cellars from different wineries across the Western Sichuan Plain. Lian Erli Market is an ancient town located at the junction of Wenjiang District and Chongzhou City in Chengdu, renowned for its long history and unique Western Sichuan countryside scenery. Free from bustling crowds and large commercial establishments, it exudes tranquility and harmony. Main Attractions in Lian Erli Market: Chongjiang Bridge: This historic covered bridge, initially built in the 21st year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty and renovated several times since, spans the river bordering Wenjiang District and Chongzhou City. Constructed with blue bricks and featuring upturned eaves, it serves as a significant historical relic for studying Western Sichuan's commercial, trade, and folk culture. Ancient Streets and Alleys: Lian Erli Market consists of a small street about 300 meters long. The houses lining the street boast exquisitely decorated exterior walls. Alley names like "Stone Drum Alley" and "Waterway Alley" add to the town's subtle and profound charm. Lian Erli Market is a AA-rated scenic spot, a designated historical and cultural village of Chengdu, and the only Linpan market in the Western Sichuan Plain. Centered around the bridge, this compact and exquisite village showcases the idyllic scenery of Western Sichuan. With its fertile fields, beautiful ponds, slender bamboos, small bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses, it embodies the ancient poem's depiction of a picturesque rural landscape: "Fishing fires flicker across the market, village doors half-closed with firewood. Lodging by the stream at night, dreams already soar in the high study." Address: Chongjiang Old Site, Shanghe Village, Yongsheng Town, Wenjiang District. Transportation: As there is no public transportation to Lian Erli Market, self-driving or taking a long-distance bus to Wenjiang District is recommended. From there, consult local guides or residents for the best route to Lian Erli Market. A day trip from Chengdu is feasible.