[2024 Xichang Attraction] Travel Guide for Ancient City of Jianchang (Updated Nov)

A century-old ancient city, every brick and tile is history!

🏯Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, was built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was a must-pass place on the ancient "Southern Silk Road" and "Ancient Tea Horse Road." 🏛️The ancient city is centered on the Four Archways, with straight streets and winding alleys. After renovation, it is now home to various 🆕 modern-style inns and tea houses 🍵, but still retains its blue bricks 🧱 and red walls. Every step is a scene, and every photo is a masterpiece 🤳. Find a tea house, brew a pot of tea 🫖, bask in the sun ☀️, and listen to the wind 🌬️, as if it is telling the history of this place. Life can be so pleasant! Standing on the city wall, you can enjoy the entire view of the ancient city. The big trees 🌳 growing from the cracks in the city wall stand firm despite the wind and rain, just like this ancient city, which has withstood the vicissitudes of history and still stands on this land!

A blend of ancient and modern, with dynamic shots | Jianchang Ancient City, Xichang.

Autumn, a season full of poetry and romance, and in this season, Xichang, with its unique scenery and profound culture, became my first choice for a peak-avoiding trip. The main purpose of this trip was to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Qionghai Bay, explore the historic Jianchang Ancient City, and immerse myself in the night view and snacks of Tang Garden. Everything was ready, and with anticipation for the beautiful scenery and delicious food, I embarked on this unforgettable journey. As soon as I entered Xichang, the famous Qionghai Bay came into view. Standing by the bay, surrounded by mountains, the lake water was crystal clear, and the sky was azure and cloudless. This harmonious natural scene was truly refreshing. Qionghai Bay is not only picturesque but also has a profound cultural heritage. Legend has it that the Qiongdu Kingdom was born here, adding a touch of mystery to Qionghai Bay. Leaving Qionghai Bay, we arrived at Jianchang Ancient City, known as the "Millennium Ancient City." This ancient city preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking on the bluestone road, it felt like traveling back to that era. The historical sites within the ancient city, such as the Confucian Temple, the Martial Temple, and the North Gate Tower, all showcase the glory of ancient Chinese civilization. Every brick and tile, every carving, tells a story of the past's glory and vicissitudes. As night fell, we headed to the last stop of our trip - Tang Garden. Tang Garden is famous for its unique architectural style and night view. The Tang-style buildings within the garden are particularly charming under the lights. Strolling through the garden, it felt like being in the prosperous Tang Dynasty a thousand years ago. The night view of Tang Garden is not only visually stunning, but the various traditional snacks are also mouthwatering. From buttered biscuits to spicy hotpot, every dish is a delight, making it a paradise for foodies. This autumn trip to Xichang allowed me to deeply appreciate the wonders of nature and the wisdom of the ancients. Whether it's the natural beauty of Qionghai Bay or the historical heritage of Jianchang Ancient City and Tang Garden, it all left me wanting more. If I have the chance, I will still choose to embark on this unforgettable journey on a beautiful autumn day. Xichang, a place you won't want to leave once you arrive. Autumn, a season full of poetry and romance, is the perfect time for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of nature. Whether it's golden fallen leaves, ripe fruits, or mountains shrouded in mist, all are unique autumn landscapes. Here are some tips for taking photos in autumn, helping you capture the beautiful moments of this season: 1. Choose the right time - Golden hour: Utilize the "golden hour" at sunrise and sunset. The light is soft and colorful, allowing you to take warm and layered photos. - Blue hour: Capture the unique blue tones and serene atmosphere by shooting during the "blue hour" after dusk or before dawn. 2. Look for autumn symbols - Fallen leaves: Look for fallen leaves on the ground, especially colorful maple or oak leaves, which can be used as natural backgrounds or foregrounds. - Fruits and crops: Ripe pumpkins, apples, and other crops, as well as fruits hanging from branches, are all symbols of autumn. - Animal migration: If possible, try to capture the spectacular scene of migratory birds, a major feature of autumn. 3. Utilize composition techniques - Rule of thirds: Divide the frame into nine squares and place the main elements at the intersections or lines to create a more balanced and harmonious photo. - Foreground and background: Use tree branches, rocks, or other objects as foregrounds to add depth to the photo. - Contrast and color: Autumn's colors are strongly contrasting. Try to capture these contrasts, such as yellow leaves against a blue sky. 4. Pay attention to light and shadows - Sidelight: Sidelight can highlight the texture and shape of objects, especially creating light and dark contrasts on leaves, enhancing their three-dimensionality. - Backlight: Backlight can create dreamlike outlines and silhouette effects, especially at sunrise or sunset. 5. Creative shooting - Macro photography: Use a macro lens to capture details of dewdrops, insects, or leaves, showcasing the microscopic world of autumn. - Long exposure: For flowing water or clouds, using long exposure can create a flowing effect, adding artistic flair to the photo. 6. Post-processing - Adjust color saturation: Increase color saturation appropriately to make autumn colors more vibrant. - Contrast and brightness: Adjust contrast and brightness to make the photo's light and shadow effects more prominent. By following these tips, you can take impressive photos in autumn and record the beautiful moments of this season. Remember to try different shooting angles and composition methods to make your work more unique and interesting.

You must visit Jianchang Ancient Town in Xichang.

Jianchang Ancient Town, located in the old town of Xichang, has a history of more than 600 years. It is a typical Ming and Qing building and a national 4A tourist attraction. Jianchang Ancient Town is not only a brilliant pearl on the "South Silk Road", but also a concentrated display of Xichang's cultural heritage. This fan-shaped ancient city, with cross streets as latitude and longitude, city gates and city walls stand tall, carrying the historical mission of "defending the outside and securing the inside". The ancient streets and alleys in the city are crisscrossed, and ancient sites, ancient stone carvings, rock paintings, etc. are dotted like stars. There are more than 2,400 precious cultural relics, and walking in it is like traveling through history. The heavy history and modern prosperity that can be touched are intertwined, making people linger.

Travel Guide for Xichang Jianchang Ancient City and Tang Garden

⛱️Must-visit attractions: Jianchang Ancient City and Tang Garden 🌟Highlights: Local ethnic architecture and ethnic costume experience 🚉Transportation guide: Take bus No. 108, rent an electric bike, or walk ⏳Tour duration: 5/6 hours ✅Must-try experiences: Taking photos in ethnic costumes, Hanfu experience; silver jewelry making; lacquer fan making; the night view is the most spectacular and beautiful 📝Tips: Consider renting ethnic costumes from shops outside the ancient city, as those inside the scenic area are generally more expensive

Beauty is everywhere

Spending the summer in Xichang is a very pleasant experience. The cool and suitable temperature, high-quality air, the beautiful scenery of Qionghai Lake and Tang Garden, the ancient city of Jianchang, and various local delicacies on the streets and alleys... all make people nostalgic and longing. During the days in Xichang, strolling by Qionghai Lake in the morning and evening, everything feels so wonderful. The materials casually captured in the moment, when sorted and reviewed later, still feel particularly intimate and slightly shocking. Beauty is indeed everywhere... A set of photos records the bits and pieces of beauty during the summer in Xichang.

Jianchang Ancient City | Travel Guide

❥ Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, is located on Shifu Street in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was founded in 1387, the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, and has a history of more than 600 years. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The ancient city is located in the northwest of Xichang city area, built on the northwest corner of the Tangxiu State City. The north and west walls completely coincide with the walls of Tangxiu State City, and their direction is the same as that of Tangxiu State City. The southeast corner has been repaired several times due to the disaster of the Donghe River flooding over the generations, and its corners are slightly curved. Therefore, some people describe Jianchang Ancient City as an unfolded folding fan. ❥ Xichang has been an important town on the southwestern border of China since ancient times. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, it has always been the seat of the government for counties, states, and prefectures. Xichang Ancient City began in the Qin and Han dynasties, flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and has been maintained many times, still retaining its integrity. The city gate has been guarding Xikang from ancient times to the present, and is also today's Xichang City. In 2022, the ancient city reorganized Cang Street, and Jianchang has carried the memory of generations of Xichang people, and is an important cultural heritage of Xichang City. Come to Xichang, slow down, follow the footsteps of time, perceive the beauty of Xichang's historical scenery, trace the ancient charm of history, and taste the fireworks of the ancient city. ✔ Travel Guide 【Basic Information】 ☞ Address: Shifu Street, Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. ☞ Ticket Information: Free ☞ Public Transportation: Take bus No. 3 to reach Datong Gate and directly enter the ancient city. ☞ Self-driving Information: Navigate directly to Jianchang Ancient City. There is a parking lot next to the tourist center. It is not recommended to drive on holidays, as it is very congested. Travel Route: City Gate Hole → Datong Gate (entrance requires a ticket, with ancient artillery) → Yongquan Street/Nan Street After entering the ancient city from Datong Gate, the ancient city is divided into two routes, which are interconnected 【Highlights and Activities】 ☞ Sipailou, a square three-story archway with a strong classical style, quaint and elegant. ☞ Nan Street: A place where various specialty foods/entertainment gather. ☞ Yongquan Street Alley, the most characteristic attraction in the ancient city, with a high rate of good photo opportunities. ☞ Yanyu Bookstore: The environment is very elegant, suitable for quietly reading, checking in, and enjoying leisure time. ☞ Other check-in points: Kaiwuzhai/Tangka Museum, Jianchang Scenery Embroidery Museum, Shuxia Art Gallery, Jianchang Academy, Taohong Academy, etc. ☞ Other traditional non-material cultural heritage Yi ethnic jewelry and other items can be purchased at shops such as Qizhiguang, Guyi Yi Show, and Yifeng in the ancient city. 【Food Recommendations】 There are many food choices in the ancient city: such as Bawang Tea Ji, Jiaolou Coffee, Old Street Skewers, Hongchun Tree, Old Mother's Pig's Trotters, Chuzixia Mountain, Xu Guokui, Si Hu Toast, Gao Ma Ruyuan, Li Xiaochang, Yi family cuisine like Shimu, and Tibetan cuisine like Zhiyou Muli, etc.

The ancient city of Jianchang at night

The ancient city of Jianchang, also known as Xichang ancient city, is located on Shifu Street in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was founded in the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1387), and has a history of more than 600 years. In 2021, Xichang comprehensively launched the protection and renewal project of Jianchang ancient city, and promoted the restoration and reconstruction of the ancient city as a whole. It was not until April 29th of this year that the main project of the ancient city was completed. So, in fact, this is a newly built ancient city. In stark contrast to the daytime: at night, the ancient city is brightly lit, glittering with gold, attracting many tourists, and the ancient city seems even more beautiful at night.

Once you arrive, you don't want to leave, the ancient city of Jianchang

Let's briefly talk about the ancient city of Jianchang, also known as Xichang Ancient City, located on Shifu Street in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was founded in the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1387), and has a history of more than 600 years, which is quite a long history, even longer than many countries around the world. First, let's talk about how to get around inside. After entering several times, I found that it's more reliable to enter from the main gate. It feels like discovering a whole new world. Of course, you first have to pass through two gateways, then reach the plaza behind the city wall, and right in front is the tower. If it's your first visit, it's best to walk straight towards the tower to get a full view of the main street. After visiting multiple times, you can start wandering from the side roads off the plaza. Are there many food options? There's an abundance, including Sichuan snacks, various branded milk teas, coffee, Western-style cakes, hot pot, and so on. Just take your time to walk, eat, and look around. Just make sure to bring an umbrella, as I've encountered heavy rain several times, which was quite intense. Without an umbrella, you'll end up squeezed with a crowd of people in the already narrow gateways, feeling the silky sensation of the mountain rain and wind filling the building. Most of the time, the evenings are very comfortable, so there's no need for thick clothes. For those who like taking photos, you can rent Yi ethnic clothing there, which is not very expensive. However, if you want to add makeup, the cost doubles, which really depends on your own makeup skills. For accommodation, I suggest staying nearby, which is more convenient for visiting, and it's not far from places like Tang Garden. I always drive there, which takes about 20 minutes. There's some traffic, but driving is comfortable.

Embark on a journey through time - Jianchang Ancient City

Xichang has been a strategic town on the southwestern frontier of China since ancient times. Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, is located in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Founded in the year 1387 during the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu era, it has a history of over 600 years. The city is centered around the Four Archways, radiating outwards in all directions with North Street, South Street, Warehouse Street, and Government Office Street intersecting in a cross pattern. To the south of the city is Shuncheng Street, to the west is Stone Street, and to the southeast is Yongquan Street. Additionally, 28 alleys connect these streets, creating a crisscrossing network that allows for easy access in all directions. The ancient city is rich in cultural relics, historical sites, ancient architecture, and local cuisine. Jianchang Ancient City carries the memories of generations of Xichang residents, serving as an important cultural heritage of Xichang City and a living home for its citizens.

Xichang Jianchang Ancient City in Sichuan - Simplicity amidst prosperity

Introduction: Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, is located in Xichang, Sichuan Province, and was established in the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1387). During the Ming Dynasty, it was a square shape, with each wall being 1200 meters long, covering an area of about 144 hectares. Despite the current area being reduced to about 130 hectares, it still retains perfect simplicity amidst today's blooming flowers: The city is centered around four archways, with four streets radiating outwards in a cross shape. The north and south are respectively called North Street and South Street, the west is Cang Street, and the east is Fu Street. There are more than 2400 cultural relics distributed within, including ancient sites, tomb clusters, ancient stone carvings, rock paintings, ancient buildings... Ming Dynasty litterateur Yang Sheng'an, Qing Dynasty calligrapher He Shaoji, and modern educator Huang Yanpei, among others, have all left precious inscriptions here. Jianchang Ancient City has a history of more than 600 years to date. It has witnessed the development and prosperity of Xichang and is an important cultural heritage of Xichang City, as well as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Cost: Free, but various eating and drinking projects inside the ancient city walls are not free, haha. Transportation: Multiple buses go directly Suggested visiting time: Half a day Other suggestions: Climbing up the city walls in the early morning, I found it almost deserted, which was exciting because the place is usually crowded with tourists. I took many rare photos (as shown in the photos), and I hope you can also encounter the scenery with no one around - and be as happy as I was.

Exploring Jianchang Ancient City: Old City with a New Flavor, More Beautiful at Night

The story of Jianchang Ancient City dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties, once a famous military and administrative stronghold. Now, despite renovations, the old city walls, gates, and those ancient houses and shops all exude a strong sense of history. The renovated old city may seem a bit messy and increasingly commercialized, but it's still quite interesting. Although some renovations have sparked much debate, if you're looking for a place to take photos and make memories, Jianchang Ancient City is definitely worth a visit. Especially after 10 p.m., when there are fewer people, the scenery is beautiful, and the lighting is good, it's perfect for taking pictures. If you plan to stay overnight in the ancient city, 'Thousand Miles Solo Rider Hotel' is recommended. This niche hotel perfectly integrates with the local style, offering a unique accommodation experience.

The Underrated Ancient City | Xichang Jianchang Ancient City

We love a city because of its history and culture. Jianchang Ancient City is a place with historical connotations, scale, and beauty. It has come from more than six hundred years ago, quiet yet bustling, mundane yet mysterious. Every brick, tile, and wall here is marked with the traces of history, and you will surely grow to love it once you are here. Located in the old town of Xichang, Jianchang Ancient City was an important node on the 'Southern Silk Road' and is a concentration area of the 'ultimate Xichang' elements. The fan-shaped city, built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, is centered on a cross-axis with four gates for defense, 'warding off external threats and ensuring internal security.' Centered around four archways, with straight streets and winding alleys, the roads crisscross each other. The city is dotted with ancient streets, ruins, stone carvings, and buildings, with more than 2,400 cultural relics distributed, earning it the reputation of one of 'China's Top Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Cities.' The ancient city is located in the urban area, with convenient food, accommodation, and transportation, no entrance fee, and particularly beautiful night views in the evening.

A Hidden Gem in Western Sichuan More Beautiful Than Lugu Lake—Xichang

In Sichuan, there is a secret small city known as "Little Spring City," which attracts countless Sichuanese to escape the cold when winter arrives🤩, and that is Xichang!! This place is known as Sichuan's backyard💐, with warm winters and cool summers, spring-like all year round. Come to this treasure of a small city and bask in the sun🕶~ Qionghai Dali has Erhai, and the small city has Qionghai. Qionghai is not a sea, but it has the vastness and gentleness of the sea🌊. On every clear day, the lake is as blue as the sea, the white sandy beaches sparkle, and the dense coconut trees sway in the wind🌴. Whether boating on the lake or cycling around it🚴‍, it's equally pleasant and leisurely. The area is also rich in lake delicacies such as fish, shrimp, and crabs🦀, which you can enjoy at the lakeside restaurants~ 💡When visiting Qionghai, it is recommended to stay overnight, boat on the lake, fish by the shore, eat vegetarian meals in Qinglong Temple, enjoy lake delicacies in the fishing village, and play mahjong to experience the leisurely life of the locals. Lushan Next to Qionghai is Lushan, known as the "Secret of Southern Sichuan," and together with Qionghai, they form one of the major scenic areas in southwestern Sichuan🔥. Lushan is home to more than ten ancient temples built during the Han, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties, belonging to Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism🎞. It is bordered by the mirror-like Qionghai to the east, the winding and beautiful Anning River to the west, the historic city of Xichang to the north, and the towering Luoji Mountain to the south. 💡There are wild monkeys on Lushan, so try not to carry drinks and food in your hands, and it's better to carry a dark-colored backpack~ Luoji Mountain When visiting Xichang in autumn and winter, you must not miss Luoji Mountain⛰. You can come for a hot spring soak or go hiking, and in winter, there will be vast white snow. In addition, Luoji Mountain is also a "Quaternary Ancient Glacier" museum, with ancient glacial relics scattered throughout. Climbing to the top of the mountain to overlook the world's largest ancient glacial trough is a major highlight👍, and along the way, there are strange magma caves, "Immortal's Cave." 💡The only way to visit Luoji Mountain is to take a sightseeing bus at the entrance of the scenic area, then take a cable car directly to Heilongtan🚡, and walk along the lakeside plank road to the opposite shore. Jianchang Ancient City This place encapsulates over 600 years of history, like a unique business card of Xichang📇. During the day, the ancient city bus shuttles between the walls of history; at night, the lights outline the contours of the ancient city, where past and present wonderfully merge✨. When the lights come on, the big red lanterns light up the entire ancient city🏮, the city walls are towering, the old trees are swaying, and the stone roads are uneven, creating a grand and unique atmosphere, as if you are in a time tunnel💫. 💡Sunset and the moment when the lights are first lit are great times for photography! For those who fear the cold, consider picking a weekend to say goodbye to the chill and spend a few lazy days here🎈~

A detailed guide to the explosively popular bus travel routes in Xichang

🔷 Everyone says that taking a taxi in Xichang is expensive, so why not try a combination of bus + sightseeing car + walking? Here's a detailed one-day itinerary (excluding climbing Lushan Mountain) that's all sorted out for you. Grab it now‼️ 👣 Route: Jianchang Ancient City➡️Torch Square➡️Yanyu Luzhou➡️Bird Watching Island➡️Qionghai Park➡️Dashi Ban Village➡️Walnut Village➡️Jinlin Beach➡️Xiaoyu Village➡️Yanyu Luzhou➡️Jianchang Ancient City 🔶 Detailed route explanation: 1⃣️ Jianchang Ancient City➡️Torch Square➡️Yanyu Luzhou ✔️ Jianchang Ancient City➡️Torch Square: 15 minutes by taxi ✔️ Torch Square➡️Yanyu Luzhou: 15 minutes on foot, passing through Tang Garden, you can return to Torch Square and take bus 106 2⃣️ Torch Square➡️Bird Watching Island➡️Qionghai Park➡️Dashi Ban Village➡️Walnut Village ✔️ Take bus 106 for the whole journey, you can get on and off at the corresponding stops, 30 minutes from Torch Square to Bird Watching Island, and 5-10 minutes for each of the remaining stops 3⃣️ Walnut Village➡️Jinlin Beach➡️Xiaoyu Village➡️Yanyu Luzhou ✔️ Sightseeing car for the whole journey, Walnut Village➡️Jinlin Beach 5 minutes 10 yuan; Jinlin Beach➡️Xiaoyu Village 30 minutes 10 yuan, Xiaoyu Village➡️Yanyu Luzhou 15 minutes 10 yuan ‼️ Don't worry about whether to go to the east or west bank first, if you're not climbing Lushan Mountain, one day is enough. In the evening, you can also return to Jianchang Ancient City to see the night view~ 📷 Scenic spot check-in: ✅ Jianchang Ancient City: You can stroll from morning to night in the ancient city, the night view is even more picturesque, and there are fewer people during the day~ ✅ Tang Garden: Experience Xichang's 'Tang Dynasty Never Sleeps City'~ ✅ Qionghai Wetland Park: Walk along the boardwalk from Bird Watching Island Wetland Park around the sea, stroll by the sea~ or have a cup of coffee~ It's really comfortable~ The flocks of seagulls in winter are so beautiful~ ✅ Dashi Ban Village: Ancient village + Lingying Temple, check in for ethnic style photos~ ✅ Jinlin Beach: Watching the sunset here in the evening, feeling the evening breeze, is so romantic~

Jianchang Ancient City - The Chang'an of the Liangshan people

Xichang Travel | Must-visit in Jianchang Ancient Town with travel guide If you travel to Xichang, you must visit Jianchang Ancient City to experience the quaint streets, old-style black tile brick walls, towering ancient trees, and warm courtyards. It's peaceful and comfortable here! Travel Guide South Gate Datong Gate🌿 The entrance to the scenic area is the Great Wall. Climb the city tower to overlook the entire ancient city, but it's a bit hot when you stroll around without shade. Yongquan Street🌊 There is a moment when you feel like you're in Lijiang, you must slow down and stroll around. South Street🍁 During the day, it's the local life atmosphere, and at night, it's brightly lit, like lighting up history. Dining🥤 Chef Down the Mountain The must-order specialty is stir-fried pork, which is stir-fried with piglet meat. The taste is really good. The restaurant is courtyard-style, where you can eat while basking in the sun. Tea Drinking🍵 Go to the "Fruit Fruit Juice" there, which is opened by a Yi girl named Guoguo. The taste and environment are amazing. I was attracted by the courtyard of this shop, because it is easy to find on the roadside of South Street. Enjoying the blue sky and warm sun in the courtyard and drinking your favorite tea is very comfortable~

Jianchang Ancient City in Xichang, Sichuan | An ancient city with a story

🏚️🏚️ Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, is located on Shifu Street, Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was established in the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1387) and has a history of more than 600 years. 🏚️🏚️ Jianchang Ancient City was a square in the Ming Dynasty, each wall was 1200 meters long, covering an area of 144 hectares. There are as many as 2400 cultural relics in the ancient city, and ancient sites, ancient tombs, ancient stone carvings, rock paintings, and ancient buildings are all over Xichang City. 🏚️🏚️ The existing area is about 130 hectares. The city is centered on the four archways, radiating in all directions. The north is called North Street, the south is called South Street, the west is Warehouse Street, and the east is Shifu Street. The four streets form a '十' shape. Ming Dynasty litterateur Yang Shen'an, Qing Dynasty calligrapher He Shaoji, Qing Dynasty Shilang Zha Jiantang, and modern educator Huang Yanpei all left their marks in Jianchang Ancient City. 🏚️🏚️ In 2021, Xichang fully launched the Jianchang Ancient City protection and renewal project, and comprehensively promoted the restoration and construction of Jianchang Ancient City. Jianchang Ancient City carries the memories of generations of Xichang people, is an important cultural heritage of Xichang City, and is also the home of the people of Xichang City. 📍Location: Shifu Street, Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 💷Ticket: Free ⏰Opening hours: All day

Xichang Jianchang Ancient City, taste six hundred years of history

Jianchang Ancient City, known as one of the 'Top Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Cities in China', serves as a historical coordinate of Xichang and an important node of the 'Southern Silk Road'. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the alternation of one era after another. Jianchang Ancient City was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, and it has a history of more than 600 years. In the bricks of the ancient city wall, the era names of several emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties were found. The ancient city has basically maintained the style of the Ming Dynasty to this day, that is, centered on the four archways, radiating in all directions, the north is called North Street, the south is South Street, the west is Warehouse Street, and the east is Mansion Street. The four streets are built in a 'cross' shape; in addition, there is Shuncheng Street in the south of the city, Shita Street, Sanyastreet, and Shizi Street in the west of the city, and Yongquan Street in the southeast of the city. In addition, there are more than 20 small alleys connecting each street, making the streets and alleys crisscrossed, with a network pattern that goes in all directions. There are hundreds of ancient wells from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the city, and the most famous public wells include 'Xiao's Well' and 'Plum Blossom Well' on North Street, 'Bean Sprout Well' on Yongquan Street, 'Big Water Well' on Shita Street, and 'Hu's Well' on Warehouse Street. These ancient wells are well-constructed, with abundant water sources, excellent water quality, and have not declined for hundreds of years, and are still in use today. Entering the ancient city, what you see is the ancient architectural complex, Jianping Gate, Datong Gate, Anding Gate, Four Archways, Ma's Mansion, He's Mansion and other historical architectural attractions are bustling. The scattered Ming and Qing ancient buildings echo the quiet ancient streets and alleys, the profound historical background is everywhere, many people dressed in Hanfu, wandering in the streets and alleys of blue bricks and gray tiles, crossing the past and the present, leaving a beautiful side in the leisurely ancient city. This October, the autumn is high and refreshing, you can take a trip to Jianchang Ancient City.

The Frontier Fortress - Xichang Jianchang Ancient City

Jianchang Ancient City is located in the center of Xichang City, it can be said to be the origin of modern Xichang City. This ancient city, which has been built since the Han Wu Emperor era, has always been a major town in southwestern China due to its prominent transportation location, and Jianchang Ancient City is an important legacy of this southwestern town. Jianchang Ancient City was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Ming Dynasty in China, with a history of more than 600 years. The ancient city as a whole is fan-shaped, extending from northwest to southeast, with the city wall surrounding it. Standing on the city wall, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Qionghai and Lushan, and you can also overlook the old streets crisscrossing. The most important South Gate is called Datong Gate, which is a beautiful city gate with a urn city. Climbing up the tall city tower, you can take in the scenery of the ancient city. If it weren't for some modern buildings, it would really feel like traveling through time. A few towering trees grow from inside the wall on the inner side of Datong Gate, shading the sky and the sun, further deepening the sense of vicissitudes of the ancient city. The ancient city is intersected by two avenues, and a famous bell and drum tower is built at the intersection of the cross street. It can be said to be the symbol of Jianchang Ancient City. The tower is exquisite and gorgeous, with carved beams and painted buildings. It is a fine example of ancient tower architecture, but it is a pity that it cannot be climbed for viewing. At present, the development of the ancient city is mainly in the southeast area of the cross street, and the rest of the area is still being cleared and restored. However, just based on the developed and restored part, Jianchang Ancient City is enough to stand out among the many ancient cities in China.

The essence of Jianchang Ancient City - Yongquan Street

As mentioned before, only the southeastern part of Jianchang Ancient City has been developed, and in this area, Yongquan Street is undoubtedly the biggest highlight and essence. Yongquan Street is about 500 meters long, extending from the East Gate Anding Gate to the South Gate Datong Gate. On one side is the city wall and the garden at the foot of the city wall, and on the other side is the bustling and noisy ancient cultural block. The design is very reasonable, allowing people to constantly switch between business and parks, providing a great tourism experience. The restoration of the buildings on Yongquan Street is very well done, belonging to the kind that is carefully rebuilt, not the "new ancient city" that is crudely made in a uniform way. Plus the decorations dotted around the street corners, it is clear that a lot of effort has been put into it, making it very worthwhile even for taking photos and checking in. What's more valuable about Yongquan Street is that it is a living street. Unlike other imitation ancient streets that are heavily invested in and then deserted, all the shops on Yongquan Street are open for business, bustling with activity. From various food restaurants to local intangible cultural heritage handicraft shops, everything is available. The best part is, there is no 'Lijiangization' here, because basically there are no things that can be found everywhere, such as old yogurt, wolf tooth potatoes, stinky tofu and other heresies. The things sold on the street are all local things from Xichang. Just for this point, it surpasses more than 90% of similar scenic spots in the country.

Strolling in the ancient city in the early morning

Jianchang Ancient City, also known as Xichang Ancient City, is located on Shifu Street, Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was established in the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1387) and has a history of more than 600 years. However, due to natural disasters and wars, it has been severely damaged. In 2021, Xichang fully launched the Jianchang Ancient City protection and renewal project, and comprehensively promoted the restoration and construction of Jianchang Ancient City. Jianchang Ancient City carries the memory of generations of Xichang people, is an important cultural heritage of Xichang City, and is also the home of the people of Xichang City. The ancient city area that has been built and opened has now formed a certain scale and has become an important tourist attraction for tourists to Xichang and a leisure and entertainment place for the citizens. It is especially lively during the holidays, with a booming popularity, especially when the lights are on at night, it is very lively. I, who like quietness, prefer the quiet and peaceful ancient city, which shows the solemnity and tranquility of the ancient city. Strolling in the quiet streets and alleys of the ancient city, strolling on the wide city wall, sketching by the shops decorated with various lanterns and flowers... It seems that the entire ancient city is performing and existing for you. Having a bowl of mutton rice noodles and a marinated egg in a small shop in the ancient city is really comfortable. Although it is winter, the sunshine here can always make you feel extremely warm.

The most loved Mayday, Xichang in May, the whole city is full of this blue-violet beautiful flower, adding a romantic atmosphere. This romantic purple-blue flower is called the blue-flowered bud, and Xichang is also the city that grows the most blue-flowered buds in China.