You may have never heard of it, but there is a hidden gem of a Republican-era ancient town developed in Chengdu

In history, Qionglai was known for 'Ping, Gu, and Jiaguan,' referring to the three major towns of Pingle, Guyi, and Jiaguan. Gu is the ancient town of Guyi that we are introducing today. Guyi has a history of over a thousand years, and the famous Sichuan opera was actually born here. Before visiting, I had never heard of this niche ancient town in Chengdu because it is so obscure. 🫖 Drinking Sanhua under the old banyan tree: By the river in the ancient town, there is an old teahouse, originally named Wu Family Teahouse, which is said to have existed since the Qing Dynasty. Looking at the old items inside the teahouse, you can tell it's well-established. The teahouse is filled with local elderly people, a bowl of Sanhua costs 5 yuan, and the most expensive Piaoxue costs 8 yuan. You can entertain yourself for an afternoon for 10 yuan. Sitting under the old banyan tree by the Nanhe River, drinking a bowl of tea, feeling the river breeze, and relaxing, it's very leisurely. 📸 Checking in at the century-old original Republican-era old street: Compared to other ancient towns in Chengdu, this place is not commercialized and has almost no tourists. Such a large area of old streets like Guyi is rare in Chengdu's towns. Currently, there are thirteen old streets with their original appearance. The main streets are Shanghe Street and Zheng Street, with smaller streets like Caishi Street, Xinjie, Dajingkan Street, and Yushi Street connecting them. Walking through these streets, in front of rows of wooden houses, it feels like stepping back into the last century. The entrance to Shanghe Street is right next to the front door of the Guyi Old Teahouse. 🎭 Famous hometown of Sichuan opera: This is the birthplace of the Sichuan opera master 'Kang Zhilin,' who is also the founder of the Sichuan opera 'face-changing' technique. Therefore, Guyi is known as the 'hometown of Sichuan opera.' Every year in the second month of the lunar calendar, Guyi holds the Chuntai Festival, which is said to have a history of over 400 years. Now, the 'Zhilin Square' in the town has a stage and corridor, where special performances are held from time to time. There is also a place called Taiziba on the old street in the town (see picture 1), which is probably where performances were held in the past. 🐤 Eating traditional sweet-skinned duck: Guyi is most famous for its sweet-skinned duck, made in a traditional way. Several old restaurants in the town serve it, and they all taste good. I tried Chen Duck, which had crispy skin and tender meat without a gamey taste, well-prepared. Zhilin Square also has many local snacks. 🚗 How to get there: ❶ Self-driving: Navigate directly to 'Guyi Old Teahouse,' and the entrance to the old street is right next to the front door of the teahouse. ❷ Metro + Bus/Taxi: Take Chengdu Metro Line 10 to Xinping Station. From there, take the express bus to Qionglai to Guyi, which is only four stops away, or take a taxi. ❸ High-speed rail + Minibus/Taxi: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Qionglai Station, where there is a bus station with minibuses to Guyi, or you can take a taxi. 🥾 Nearby attractions: 1. Around Qionglai City (visit Qiong Kiln at the museum, see grottoes at Huazhi Temple and Qingtou Temple, go for a light hike at Baihe Mountain) 2. Visit ancient towns: Xilai Ancient Town and Anren Ancient Town are within a half-hour drive 3. Xinjin direction: Guanyin Temple, Laojun Mountain, and back to Chengdu along the way.