Southwest Water Town also has romance! Sichuan Lizhuang Ancient Town: A Complete Guide for Kids & Photos

Southwest Water Town also has romance! Sichuan Lizhuang Ancient Town: A Complete Guide for Kids & Photos 🏯 Stop staring at Wuzhen! Sichuanese also have their own "Southwest Water Town" – Yibin Lizhuang Ancient Town. The renovated ancient town is clean and charming, offering both a rich sense of history and a relaxing experience for the whole family. I spent a full day here with my child and gathered a lot of useful information for you. Why it's worth visiting: - Historical Significance: A cultural hub during the Anti-Japanese War, where Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin once lived. - Water Town Features: Surrounded by Yangtze River tributaries, with flagstone streets and wooden structures, perfect for photos. - Family-Friendly: Slow pace, short routes, plenty of snacks, suitable for strollers or walking with kids. - Food Paradise: Lizhuang White Pork is a must-try, along with various river delicacies and Yibin specialty snacks. How to get there (from Chengdu): - By Car: Approx. 2.5-3 hours, navigate to "Lizhuang Ancient Town Visitor Center", parking is convenient. - By High-Speed Rail: Chengdu East → Yibin West (approx. 1.5 hours), then take a taxi/bus to the ancient town (approx. 30 minutes) from the station. - Tip: During holidays, it's recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds; the ancient town is walkable, wear comfortable shoes. Recommended Itinerary (suggested 4-6 hours): 1. Visitor Center → Ancient Town Entrance Archway (for photo ops) 2. Ming and Qing Old Street → Zhang Family Ancestral Temple → Dongyue Temple (to see ancient architecture and exhibitions) 3. Riverside Walkway → Tongji Memorial Square (to learn about Anti-Japanese War culture) 4. Lizhuang Pier → Overlook the Yangtze River and the panoramic view of the ancient town 5. Return via Old Street → Sample snacks and browse handicraft shops along the way Must-try Food: - Lizhuang White Pork: Paper-thin, fatty but not greasy, amazing with garlic soy sauce. - White Pork Dipping Sauce: Can be bought separately, great for mixing with dishes at home. - Yibin Burning Noodles: Dry, fragrant, spicy, generous portions and affordable. - River Delicacies: Recommend steamed topmouth culter, incredibly fresh. - Snacks: Lianggao (cold rice cake), Huangba (yellow sticky rice cake), Ye'erba (leaf-wrapped sticky rice cake), perfect for cooling down and cutting richness. Recommended Photo Spots: - Ancient Town Archway + Red Lanterns (best at dusk) - Riverside Wooden Boardwalk + Reflections (soft light in the early morning) - Ming and Qing Old Street Flagstone Paths (light-colored clothing or Hanfu looks great) - Zhang Family Ancestral Temple Wood Carvings and Courtyard (rich in cultural atmosphere) - Pier Sunset (golden river surface is stunning at sunset) Family-Friendly Tips: - Stroller-friendly: Main streets are flat, with a few steps that can be bypassed. - Must-have items for kids: Portable fan, sun hat, wet wipes, spare socks. - Plenty of rest stops: Riverside pavilions, tea houses, snack shops for breaks anytime. - Interactive experiences: Try handmade noodle making, rubbings, and other parent-child activities. Practical Tips: - Best Time: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather; in summer, visit in the morning or evening to avoid midday heat. - Admission: The ancient town is free to enter, some exhibition halls require tickets (approx. 20-30 RMB/person). - Opening Hours: Open all day, exhibition halls generally 9:00-17:00. - Accommodation: Guesthouses are available both inside and outside the ancient town; stay overnight if you want to capture night views. - Mosquito and Sun Protection: Many mosquitoes by the river, remember to bring repellent; strong UV rays during the day, pay attention to sun protection. - Spending: Average dining 50-80 RMB per person, overall good value for money. - Safety: The river can be windy, keep an eye on children; watch your step on stairs when taking photos. Summary: Lizhuang Ancient Town is a rare "history + water town" combination near Chengdu, allowing you to experience Sichuan's cultural heritage while easily taking your kids out and snapping photos. A trip here on a weekend or short holiday is definitely worthwhile!