Xituo Ancient Town is located in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The ancient town has distinct features. The "Yunti Street" is its main architectural feature. The street is perpendicular to the Yangtze River and winds upwards in the shape of a dragon, with a total length of about 1.9 kilometers, enjoying the reputation of "the First Street of the Yangtze River for Thousands of Miles". The ancient town covers an area of about 0.5 square kilometers, integrating natural landscapes and cultural landscapes. Most of the buildings are in the Ming and Qing styles, incorporating various cultural elements such as Bayu culture and Tujia culture, showing unique charm.
History and Culture
Xituo Ancient Town has a long history. As early as the Qin and Han dynasties, it was an important salt transportation wharf. The ancient Ba people lived here. Relying on the golden waterway of the Yangtze River and the unique terrain of Yunti Street, it became an important distribution center for materials connecting the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. With the development of history, the ancient town has gone through the changes of various dynasties, and the salt transportation trade has continued to thrive. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the ancient town had a developed commerce, attracting many merchants and immigrants. Tujia culture, Bayu culture, and foreign cultures blended here, forming a unique regional culture. Nowadays, the buildings and street layout of Xituo Ancient Town still retain the ancient style, witnessing the vicissitudes of history and having extremely high historical and cultural value.
Main Attractions
Yunti Street
Yunti Street is the core attraction of Xituo Ancient Town, with a total length of about 1.9 kilometers, 113 steps, and 1124 stone steps. The buildings on both sides of the street are in the Ming and Qing styles, with many shops. There are numerous traditional handicraft stores and snack stalls. Tourists can stroll along the street, feel the historical charm, and admire the unique architectural style.
Xituo Ancient Town Salt Transportation Museum
The Salt Transportation Museum is located in the ancient town. Through a wealth of cultural relics and materials, it shows in detail the history of salt transportation in Xituo Ancient Town. The museum displays ancient salt transportation tools, tickets, contracts, etc., vividly reproducing the prosperous scene of ancient salt transportation, allowing tourists to have an in-depth understanding of the salt transportation culture of the ancient town.
Nanlongyan Well
Nanlongyan Well is an important historical site in the ancient town. The wellhead is circular, and the well water is clear. It is said that this well is connected to the Yangtze River, and the water quality is excellent, which was an important source of domestic water for the residents of the ancient town. Nowadays, Nanlongyan Well still retains its simple style and is a window for tourists to understand the history and life of the ancient town.
Delicacies
Sour Water Tofu
Sour water tofu is a characteristic delicacy of Xituo Ancient Town. It is made from high-quality local soybeans and curdled with sour water. The tofu has a tender and smooth taste, delicious flavor, and rich nutrition. It can be eaten directly or paired with seasonings, and it is a common delicacy on the table of the ancient town.
Tujia Smoked Pork
Tujia smoked pork is a traditional delicacy of the Tujia ethnic group and is also popular in Xituo Ancient Town. It is made from local Tujia pork through multiple processes such as salting and smoking. The smoked pork has a golden color, firm texture, and rich flavor. It can be stir-fried or used to make soup, and it is a must-try delicacy for tourists to taste the Tujia flavor.
Shizhu Brasenia schreberi
Shizhu Brasenia schreberi is a special product of Shizhu County and can also be tasted in Xituo Ancient Town. Brasenia schreberi has a smooth and tender taste, rich nutrition, and contains various vitamins and minerals. Common ways to eat it include Brasenia schreberi soup, and the soup is delicious, which is deeply loved by tourists.
Admission Ticket
Xituo Ancient Town is open to the public for free. Some attractions, such as the Xituo Ancient Town Salt Transportation Museum, may charge a separate fee. Please refer to the announcements of the scenic area for specific fees.
Opening Hours
Xituo Ancient Town is open all day. The opening hours of some attractions may be different. The Xituo Ancient Town Salt Transportation Museum is generally open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is closed on Mondays (except for holidays).
Tour Routes
Tourists can enter the ancient town from the entrance and stroll up along Yunti Street, admiring the Ming and Qing buildings and shops on both sides of the street. Visit the Xituo Ancient Town Salt Transportation Museum to learn about the salt transportation history of the ancient town. After reaching the top of Yunti Street, go to Nanlongyan Well to feel the historical sites of the ancient town. During the tour, tourists can taste the characteristic delicacies of the ancient town and experience the local customs.
Transportation
- By Air: You can first arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, then take a long-distance bus or a taxi to Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, and then transfer to local transportation to Xituo Ancient Town.
- By Rail: Take the train to Shizhu County Station, and after getting off the train, take a bus or a taxi to Xituo Ancient Town.
- By Road: Self-driving tourists can go to Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County via highways such as the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway, and then follow the navigation to Xituo Ancient Town. There are parking lots around the ancient town.
Must-visit Attractions
- Yunti Street: The core attraction of the ancient town, with a unique architectural style and a strong historical atmosphere, is a must-visit place for tourists to understand the ancient town.
- Xituo Ancient Town Salt Transportation Museum: With rich cultural relics and materials, it vividly shows the salt transportation history of the ancient town and has a high cultural value.
- Nanlongyan Well: An important historical site, witnessing the historical changes of the ancient town, allowing tourists to feel the life atmosphere of the ancient town.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stone steps on Yunti Street, which is convenient for sightseeing.
- You can learn about the history and culture of Xituo Ancient Town in advance to better appreciate the attractions and buildings of the ancient town.
- When tasting delicacies, pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants and snack stalls.
- When visiting the Xituo Ancient Town Salt Transportation Museum, comply with the regulations of the museum and take care of the cultural relics.
Precautions
- Comply with the relevant regulations of the ancient town and do not damage the buildings and environment of the ancient town.
- When sightseeing on Yunti Street, pay attention to safety, especially when going up and down the stone steps to avoid slipping.
- Respect the local customs and traditions, especially the cultural traditions of the Tujia ethnic group.
- In case of problems or emergencies, contact the staff of the scenic area in a timely manner.