[2025 Zizhong Attraction] Travel Guide for Luoquan Ancient Town (Updated May)

Friends, today I want to share with you a hidden gem of a small city—Neijiang, Sichuan! It's like a pearl nestled between Chengdu and Chongqing, unassuming yet full of surprising charm. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave! 👍Recommended Reasons When it comes to Neijiang, the title of "Sweet City" must be mentioned. It has a profound sugar culture, and it is said that even the air is filled with a sweet aroma. This is also the hometown of the renowned Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian. Strolling through the city, you might just stumble upon an artistic feast. Of course, for us foodies, Neijiang is a paradise. From the unique snacks in the streets and alleys to the mouth-watering feasts, every bite is an extreme temptation for the taste buds. This city, full of the vibrancy of life, is truly worth a visit! 🌹Location Neijiang is located in the southeastern part of the Sichuan Basin, in the middle reaches of the Tuojiang River, at the heart of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone. This geographical location is simply perfect, making it easy to travel anywhere. There are many interesting places here, such as the artistic Daqian Garden, located near Gongyuan Street in Shizhong District, where you can easily immerse yourself in art; the Lonchang Stone Archways are located in Jine Street, Lonchang City, each archway telling an ancient story; and the picturesque Guyu Lake, located in Guhu Street, Lonchang City, is very close to the city center, perfect for a leisurely stroll and admiring the lake view; the historic Luoquan Ancient Town is hidden in the corner of time, waiting for people to unveil its mysterious veil. 🚴Transportation Guide External Transportation - Airplane: If you choose to fly, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport are both good transit options. After landing, transfer to a high-speed train or long-distance bus to Neijiang. The fastest high-speed train from Chengdu to Neijiang takes about 1 hour, and from Chongqing to Neijiang, it only takes a little over 1 hour. Enjoy a smooth journey to start your Neijiang trip. - Train: Neijiang has a well-developed transportation hub, with multiple stations such as Neijiang North Station and Neijiang Station, connecting to various cities across the country. Many cities have direct trains to Neijiang, making spontaneous trips a reality. Internal Transportation - Bus: Neijiang's bus network covers every corner of the city, and the fares are super affordable. A few yuan can take you through the streets and alleys of the city, reaching most attractions and urban areas. It's incredibly convenient. - Taxi/Ride-hailing: If you're tired of walking or in a hurry, you can easily hail a taxi with a reasonable starting price. If you're used to using your phone to book a ride, ride-hailing services are also readily available, so you don't have to worry about transportation at all. 🏞️Must-See Attractions - Daqian Garden: This garden was built in memory of the Chinese painting master Zhang Daqian. Inside the garden, buildings such as the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall and the Zhang Daqian Museum are scattered throughout. Here, you can admire many of the master's original calligraphy and paintings up close, experiencing the artistic charm flowing between the brush and ink. Each painting is like a mysterious world waiting for you to explore. - Lonchang Stone Archways: There are 17 stone archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties preserved here, standing silently like guardians. These archways are exquisitely shaped and carved with amazing craftsmanship. Each one carries a touching or legendary historical story, as if traveling through time, taking you back to that ancient era. They are precious living fossils for studying the history and culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. - Guyu Lake: The vast Guyu Lake has crystal-clear water, shimmering under the sunlight. The surrounding ecological environment is impeccable, a true gift from nature. Stroll or cycle along the lake, enjoying the breeze and the scenery. From time to time, you can see flocks of migratory birds soaring in the sky. The harmony between humans and nature is truly healing. - Luoquan Ancient Town: With a thousand years of history, Luoquan Ancient Town is like a time-worn elder, quietly telling stories of the past. The ancient town preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with winding ancient streets and alleys. Walking on the bluestone roads, you can almost hear the echoes of time. Historical sites such as the Salt God Temple and the Luoquan Meeting Site bear witness to the town's past glory and prosperity. Every corner exudes a unique historical charm. 🏷️Ticket Prices - Daqian Garden: Some exhibition halls are free to the public, allowing everyone to experience the charm of art up close. However, some special exhibitions may charge a fee, generally between 20 and 50 yuan, which is still quite affordable. - Lonchang Stone Archways: Visiting this precious group of stone archways is free of charge. You can freely explore and immerse yourself in the profound history. - Guyu Lake: Free to visitors. You can enjoy such beautiful lake scenery without spending a penny. It's a great place for leisure and relaxation. - Luoquan Ancient Town: The ancient town itself is free to visit. Some attractions, such as the Salt God Temple, may charge a small entrance fee, usually no more than 10 yuan, offering excellent value. 🍜Food Recommendations - Neijiang Beef Noodles: This is a flagship dish of Neijiang cuisine. The noodles are firm, the beef is stewed until tender and flavorful, and then topped with a spicy and satisfying broth. One bite will ignite your taste buds, leaving you craving more. - Banbanqiao Fried Cake: The outer layer is fried until golden and crispy, making a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. The filling is soft, sweet, and glutinous, with various flavors such as red bean paste, sugar, and peanuts. Each one is sweet to the heart and unforgettable. - Lonchang Dried Tofu Sticks: With a rich bean aroma and unique texture, it can be perfectly adapted to cold dishes, stir-fries, or soups. It has a distinct flavor and is an essential delicacy on the Neijiang dining table. - Zizhong Rabbit Noodles: Tender rabbit meat paired with smooth noodles, plus spicy and savory seasonings. The combination of noodles and meat is simply amazing. It's a favorite breakfast and late-night snack for Neijiang locals. A bowl of this will keep you energized all day long. 🛍️Shopping - Daqian Food Street: This is a paradise for food and shopping. Not only can you taste various Neijiang specialties, but you can also buy all kinds of snacks and souvenirs. Sweet Neijiang preserves and crispy handmade sesame candies are great gifts for friends and family. - Metro City Plaza: Located in the city center, this is a comprehensive shopping mall where you can not only meet your daily shopping needs but also find many local specialties and handicrafts. When you're tired of shopping, you can find a place to sit down and have a cup of coffee. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations - City Center Area: Neijiang Binjiang Holiday Inn is recommended. It has an excellent location with convenient transportation and is surrounded by restaurants and shopping areas. Whether you're going out for food or a stroll in the evening, it's extremely convenient, making it an ideal choice for travel. - Lonchang City Area: If you plan to visit the Lonchang Stone Archways and Guyu Lake, Lonchang Vienna International Hotel is a good choice. It offers a comfortable environment and a prime location, allowing you to have a good night's sleep after a day of sightseeing. ❤️Other Tips - Neijiang can get quite hot in the summer, so remember to take precautions against sun and heat. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid getting sunburned. Winters are relatively mild, but the temperature difference between day and night can be significant, so pack a warm coat. - The Neijiang dialect is quite unique. If you encounter anything you don't understand during communication, don't be shy to politely ask the locals. They are very welcoming and will patiently explain things to you. They might even share some interesting stories about Neijiang. - Neijiang cuisine is generally spicy. Remember to tell the waiter your spice tolerance level beforehand, or you might not be able to enjoy the food if it's too spicy. However, for those who can handle spice, Neijiang cuisine is definitely a feast for the taste buds.

| Mid-Autumn Parent-Child Fun Trip. Today, Hongxiu especially wants to introduce a very niche tourist spot to everyone, Zizhong! Zizhong, this charming small town, is waiting for you and your child to have an unforgettable Mid-Autumn trip. When you step into Zizhong, the first place you must visit is Chonglong Mountain to feel its unique charm. Chonglong Mountain is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a provincial-level scenic spot. It stands majestically in Zizhong County, located by the Tuojiang River. The river, city, and mountain reflect each other, forming a unique "boat city landscape." The Yifei Temple on the mountain seems to be telling ancient stories, standing tall over the city. Climbing the mountain, you can take in the entire view of the river, mountains, and city. Yongqing Temple, Laihe Pavilion, Inner City Wall, Chonglong Pavilion, Shouyin Pavilion, Junzi Spring, Cliff Carvings, and Fish Calling Pool are scattered around. Among them, Yongqing Temple has inscriptions and writings from famous people since the Tang Dynasty, with over 1,700 existing collections. Huang Tingjian's "Ode to the Orchid" stele is a rare treasure. The magnificent Hundred Steps Cloud Ladder leads to the famous "Chonglong Pavilion," a six-story building standing high on the mountain top. From the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, with the urban landscape in front and pastoral scenery on the sides and back. Next, head to Luoquan Ancient Town, which is like a pearl embedded between mountains and rivers. Luoquan Ancient Town is located in the canyon along the Zhuxi River, a tributary of the Tuojiang River, resembling a "flood dragon" lying between the mountains and waters. The ancient town retains its old street appearance, with long streets and alleys full of human warmth. Walking on the long street paved with bluestone slabs, about 4 meters wide and 2.5 kilometers long, you can see wooden lattice windows and small wooden buildings on both sides. The old pillars and walls have turned red over time, full of charm. The ancient town has many attractions, such as the "Four Big Wells"—Osmanthus Well, Dam Well, Garden Well, and Guanyin Well, which carry historical memories. There is also the Salt God Temple, built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, standing quietly in a corner of the ancient town. The temple is exquisitely carved and painted, a sacred place for worshiping the Salt God, witnessing the rise and fall of Luoquan Ancient Town. The City God Temple is also unique, with ancient trees and sandalwood, like an ink painting. There are often intangible cultural heritage performances here, showcasing traditional culture and folk wisdom through exquisite puppet manipulation and vivid storytelling. The Luoquan Conference Site, as the meeting place of the Railway Protection Movement, witnessed the great chapter of the Sichuan people's struggle for autonomy. The deep courtyards with blue bricks and black tiles seem to echo the stirring history. Of course, there are other places worth exploring in Zizhong. For example, on Dadong Street in the county town, you can truly feel the past's lively atmosphere. It is said that film crews have even shot scenes here, making it a genuine general store. There is also the Zizhong Martial Temple, built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, formerly known as the Guan Gong Temple. Additionally, the Zizhong Wen Temple, built in the Northern Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, has a ginkgo tree over 130 years old. In autumn, the ginkgo leaves fall, covering the ground in gold, creating a beautiful scene. Inside the Wen Temple, there is a painting depicting Confucius's life story, and the walls are filled with the names of scholars and successful candidates, allowing you to deeply feel Zizhong's cultural heritage. This Mid-Autumn Festival, bring your child to Zizhong. Wander through these attractions, taste local specialties such as catfish, rabbit head, and tofu feast, and stay in comfortable hotels or homestays. Spend a wonderful and unforgettable time together, making the Zizhong trip a precious memory.

In Sichuan, there is such a place, it is the thousand-year-old ancient town in Sichuan that 'straddles three counties with one step', with understated beauty and no admission fee. Have you ever been there? Curious friends might ask, where exactly is this Sichuan ancient town that 'straddles three counties with one step'? What different sceneries does it offer? With these questions and curiosities, let's talk today about the stories of Luoquan Ancient Town. Luoquan Town is located at the junction of Zizhong, Renshou, and Weiyuan counties. Luoquan, also known as 'Luoquan Well', was approved as a historical and cultural town of Sichuan Province as early as 1992. In 2008, it was listed by the State Council as a national historical and cultural town. Luoquan Ancient Town is also one of the 100 millennium ancient towns in China, founded during the Qin Dynasty. According to the 'Zizhong County Annals', Luoquan Ancient Town has a history of over 1700 years. The gurgling springs are exactly where the town, known for its tender tofu, is located -- Luoquan Ancient Town. This sentence has already summarized the two characteristics of Luoquan Ancient Town: cool springs and water in summer, and a small reputation for fragrant tofu. As an ancient town located at the junction of Zizhong and Renshou, two large agricultural counties, Luoquan has been a place of prosperous trade since ancient times. It is said that Zhuge Liang once dug wells for water here during his southern campaign against Meng Huo.

Luoquan Ancient Town, this long-standing city has a history of thousands of years, witnessing the crystallization of the brilliant civilization of the ancient Shu Kingdom. Despite the wars and changes of the times, the ancient town still stands tall, radiating new vitality. The narrow winding bluestone road, the old courtyard houses, the unfathomable Luoquan, and the rich and colorful folk culture all make tourists linger. Every stone slab and every section of the city wall in the ancient town are telling the imprint of history. Mr. Lin leads tourists to taste the historical imprint of the ancient town, displays the relics left by the ancestors, and is full of pride and joy. Luoquan, this clear and icy ancient spring, is the 'Mother River' of the townspeople, nurturing the unique temperament of the ancient town. The folk culture of Luoquan Ancient Town is rich and colorful, and traditional festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Spring Festival temple fair are all eye-catching. Tourists can participate in these ancient and full of life atmosphere, feel the unique charm of Bashu culture. On the edge of the ancient town, the mountain basin, the green mountains and rivers and the architectural style of the ancient town complement each other, forming a delicate paradise. This trip to the ancient town allows tourists to have a deeper understanding of Luoquan Ancient Town, and also get to know the hospitable Mr. Lin. Luoquan Ancient Town, this historical and cultural treasure, is worth more excavation and exploration.