Three Days in Langzhong: Experience the Laid-back Lifestyle of a Hidden Gem in Sichuan

Langzhong is a county-level city in Nanchong, Sichuan, located in the hidden hinterland of Sichuan. Surrounded by water on three sides and mountains on all sides, the Jialing River makes a beautiful U-shaped bend here. A single glance at an aerial view of Langzhong is enough to make people yearn to visit. 👍️Recommended reasons: Langzhong is known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich history and culture. Some highlights include: [One] Birthplace of the Lunar New Year. With the successful inscription of the Lunar New Year on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, Langzhong has gained widespread attention as the origin of the Lunar New Year. [Two] Profound cultural heritage. The Temple of Marquis Huan of Han is significant to the Three Kingdoms culture, the Sichuan Imperial Examination Hall of the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the imperial examination culture, the Chuanbei Provincial Administration Office to the administrative culture, and the Tiangongyuan Temple to Feng Shui culture. These sites hold great influence nationwide. [Three] Strong "authentic" flavor. Langzhong has many historical sites and protected buildings. Even ordinary residential houses retain much of their original state, offering a completely different charm compared to imitation ancient buildings. 📅Travel guide: Drinking tea, chatting, hot pot, and mahjong are all part of the traditionally slow-paced Sichuan lifestyle, and remote Langzhong is even more suitable for experiencing this laid-back way of life. It is recommended to spend at least three days in Langzhong: Day 1: Nanjin Pass Ancient Town (Lianfeng Tower), Jinping Mountain Scenic Area (Stargazing Tower), White Pagoda Park (White Pagoda), and Langzhong Tengwang Pavilion. These attractions are all located outside the ancient city and are free of charge. The Stargazing Tower was built to commemorate the Western Han Dynasty astronomer, Luoxia Hong. His Taichu Calendar was the first to propose the concept of "the first month," which is considered the origin of the Lunar New Year. White Pagoda Park offers the best panoramic view of Langzhong. Other attractions outside the city include Aosheng Sacred Realm (50 yuan/person), which mainly consists of man-made attractions and is suitable for those interested in Taoism. Tiangongyuan Temple (40 yuan/person) is recommended for those interested in Feng Shui. I didn't go to either of these. Day 2 and 3: Langzhong Ancient City (pedestrian street), Temple of Marquis Huan of Han (Zhang Fei Temple), Qing Dynasty Sichuan Imperial Examination Hall, Chuanbei Provincial Administration Office, Langzhong Confucian Temple, Zhongtian Tower, Huaguang Tower, and South Gate Tower (including the city wall). Spending two days exploring the ancient city allows for a better experience of the slow-paced lifestyle. You can try activities like ear cleaning and vinegar foot soaks. The ancient city pedestrian street and South Gate Tower are free to enter, while most other attractions within the ancient city require tickets. The ancient city tickets are affordable, with a "one-ticket pass" costing 110 yuan/person and valid for three days, allowing you to explore at a leisurely pace. 🍜Food guide: The most famous foods in Langzhong are Zhang Fei Beef, Baoning Vinegar, and steamed buns with white sugar. Zhang Fei Beef has a tight texture, is moderately soft and hard, and is easy to chew without being sticky. Baoning Vinegar is one of the four most famous vinegars in China. It is a medicinal vinegar with certain nourishing effects. 🏨Accommodation guide: Accommodation within the ancient city mainly consists of homestays, while hotels are generally located outside the ancient city. Choose according to your preference. I prefer newer hotels, so I chose the Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel (Langzhong Ancient City High-Speed Railway Station), which offers new facilities, good service, and reasonable prices. 💗Other tips: According to statistics, Langzhong ranked second in popularity among county-level cities nationwide during the 2025 Lunar New Year period, which is commendable.