Langzhong Ancient City is located in Langzhong City, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, in the northeastern part of Sichuan Province and the middle and upper reaches of the Jialing River. The total area of the scenic spot is 4.59 square kilometers, with a core area of 2 square kilometers, and about 1.78 square kilometers of historical features area is preserved. As one of the four major ancient cities in China, Langzhong Ancient City is also a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Integrating mountains, waters, and the city, its site selection and layout conform to the traditional Chinese feng shui pattern of "Azure Dragon on the left, White Tiger on the right, Vermilion Bird in front, and Black Tortoise behind". It still preserves nearly 2 square kilometers of ancient streets and alleys with the patterns of the Tang and Song dynasties and the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are more than 100 Ming and Qing architectural courtyards and over 90 historical streets such as Dadong Street, Shanghua Street, and Xuedao Street in the ancient city. The architectural style is ancient and simple, retaining the architectural characteristics of northern Sichuan while absorbing the architectural advantages of northern quadrangles and southern gardens, known as the "Treasure House of Ancient Bashu Architecture" and the "Encyclopedia of Chinese Folk Architecture".
History and Culture
Langzhong Ancient City has a history of more than 2,300 years. During the Warring States Period, it served as the capital of the ancient Ba State; from the late Ming to early Qing dynasties, it acted as the capital of Sichuan Province for 20 years. Throughout history, it has been the administrative center of counties, prefectures, and military towns. As early as the Neolithic Age, humans had lived in the Langzhong area. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, this place was the capital of the Peng State. After the Ba State conquered the Peng State, Langzhong belonged to the Ba State. In the Warring States Period, the Ba State moved its capital to Langzhong, making it a political and administrative center. After the Qin State conquered the Ba State, it established counties and prefectures, and the name "Langzhong" was formally established.
During the Tang Gaozong period, Prince Lu Lingkui and Prince Teng Yuanying successively served as the local governors of Langzhong, reconstructed and expanded the government offices, and built many palaces and gardens. In the early Northern Song Dynasty, Baoning Prefecture reconstructed the city site and walls of Langzhong according to feng shui theory, which lasted 28 years and mobilized 200,000 laborers. Since then, the city walls and other structures were repaired and rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Sichuan-Shaanxi-Hubei Border Area Pacification Office and the Bashan Garrison Command were located in Langzhong. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, a protection plan for the ancient city was formulated, and scenic spots were repaired and expanded. In 1986, Langzhong Ancient City was identified as a National Historical and Cultural City by the State Council.
Langzhong Ancient City is rich in cultural resources, including feng shui culture represented by its landscape, whose architectural style and site selection reflect ancient residential feng shui concepts; relics such as Zhang Fei Temple represent the culture of the Three Kingdoms, as Zhang Fei garrisoned Langzhong for seven years; it is also an important carrier of imperial examination culture, with the Chuanbei Dao Gongyuan being the best-preserved imperial examination museum in the country; in addition, Langzhong is the "Hometown of Chinese Spring Festival Culture".
Main Attractions
Han Huanhou Temple (Zhang Fei Temple)
It is a place to commemorate Zhang Fei, a famous general of the Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms Period, who garrisoned Langzhong for seven years. The temple was first built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, and most of the existing buildings were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It consists of the mountain gate, Diwan Tower, left and right memorial archways, east and west wing rooms, main hall, rear hall, tomb pavilion, tomb mound, etc., with a construction area of 2,200 square meters. Visitors can recall Zhang Fei and experience the culture of the Three Kingdoms here.
Chuanbei Dao Gongyuan
It was a place for selecting talents in the imperial examination era and is the best-preserved imperial examination museum in China. First built in the Jiajing period of the Qing Dynasty, it consists of the mountain gate, corridor, examination rooms, main hall, second hall, rear hall, and examinees' dormitories. The existing corridor with a rolled-roof style is more than 50 meters long in total. The wooden railings on both sides of the corridor are equipped with flying fairy chairs, and the examination rooms on both left and right rows are separated from each other and decorated with carvings. Visitors can experience activities such as crossing the Dragon Gate and entering the examination room here to understand the ancient imperial examination system.
Huaguang Tower
Formerly known as Nan Tower, also known as Zhenjiang Tower, it was first built in the Tang Dynasty by Prince Teng Li Yuanying. The tower is 36 meters high and built on a 5-meter-high stone arch, being the first tower in Langzhong. Climbing this tower, visitors can overlook the ancient city, the Jialing River, and the scenery of Jinping Mountain, making it a popular photo spot.
Zhongtian Tower
Also known as Si Pai Tower, it is the feng shui coordinate of Langzhong Ancient City, known as the "First Feng Shui Tower of Langzhong". First built in the Tang Dynasty, it is located in the central area of the ancient city, from which the ancient city developed and expanded. Compared with the Huaguang Tower, its roof and wooden beams have many exquisite carvings, appearing more delicate and simple.
Tengwang Pavilion
Built when Li Yuanying, the 22nd son of Tang Gaozu Li Yuan, served as the governor of Longzhou, it was his recreational place. It is located at a high terrain, surrounded by lush trees, with an ancient and elegant architectural style. Visitors can enjoy Langzhong's beauty from different angles during the climb, and the pavilion displays a large number of historical relics and calligraphy and painting works, showcasing the ancient city's history and culture.
Guanyin Temple
Originally the famous Kaiyuan Temple of the Tang Dynasty, it was built in the early Tang Dynasty. It is mainly composed of the Heavenly Kings Hall, Arhat Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Songhua Well. According to historical records, it remained the largest temple in Langzhong until the Yuan and Ming dynasties, later replacing Kaiyuan Temple as the largest temple in Brazil.
Food
White Sugar Steamed Bun
A characteristic pasta of Langzhong, with a sweet and soft taste, unique flavor, and no added pigments or preservatives. Made by traditional craftsmanship, it is a popular food locally and can be enjoyed as breakfast or a snack.
Zhang Fei Beef
It appears black and red on the outside, with pink meat inside when cut, firm and chewy texture, and mellow taste. Made from high-quality beef through multiple processes such as pickling and smoking. Named after Zhang Fei, a famous general of the Three Kingdoms who garrisoned Langzhong, and because of his deep-rooted image of bravery, this beef has become a must-try food for visitors and is also suitable for purchasing as a specialty to give to relatives and friends.
Baoning Vinegar
One of the four famous vinegars in China, made from high-quality rice, wheat, bran, etc., using traditional solid-state fermentation technology and refined through more than 40 processes. With a brownish-red color, mild acidity, and mellow sweet aftertaste, it can not only be used for cooking and seasoning but also has certain health benefits.
Baoning Yajiu (Pressed Wine)
A low-alcohol nutritious wine, made from high-quality sorghum and using more than 40 kinds of precious Chinese medicinal materials such as Angelica sinensis, Amomum villosum, and Cardamom to make the starter. The wine is golden in color, sweet in taste, and rich in aroma, and moderate consumption is beneficial to health.
Bovine and Ovine Entrails Noodles
Using bovine and ovine entrails as the main ingredient, paired with chewy noodles. The entrails are cleaned without peculiar smells, stewed until soft and tasty, the soup is rich and fragrant, and the noodles absorb the soup for a full flavor, being a satisfying characteristic pasta.
Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles
Made from pea flour, the cold noodles are tender and elastic in texture. With rich seasonings such as red oil, garlic paste, Sichuan pepper powder, and vinegar. They are smooth, spicy, and delicious, being a summer heat-relieving snack and a favorite daily food of locals.
Hot and Cold Noodles
When eaten hot, the noodles are chewy, added with side dishes like bean sprouts, and poured with a special sauce for a rich taste. When eaten cold, the noodles are cooled and paired with cucumber shreds, etc., drizzled with sauce for a refreshing taste. The unique feature is that they can be eaten hot or cold, meeting the taste needs of different diners.
Oil Tea with Sanzi (Fried Dough Twists)
The oil tea is made by frying rice flour or wheat flour and then boiling it into a paste, with crispy sanzi sprinkled on top. The oil tea is rich in aroma, and the sanzi adds a crispy texture. Seasonings such as green onions, salt, and pepper can be added according to personal taste, with a mellow flavor and rich nutrition, often eaten as breakfast.
Tickets
Langzhong Ancient City is free to enter, but separate tickets are required for internal attractions.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "阆中古城景区" on WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Langzhong Ancient City is open 24 hours a day. The opening hours of each attraction in the ancient city vary, generally from 08:00 to 18:30. However, during the tourist peak season, holidays, or special events, the opening hours may be adjusted. Visitors can pay attention to the information released by the official channels of the scenic area in advance and arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Routes
One-day tour route: After entering from the ancient city entrance, first go to Zhongtian Tower, the center and feng shui coordinate of the ancient city, to overlook the entire ancient city from a height. Then visit Han Huanhou Temple to learn about Zhang Fei's deeds and the culture of the Three Kingdoms. After that, go to Chuanbei Dao Gongyuan to experience the imperial examination culture. Have lunch in the ancient city to taste characteristic foods. In the afternoon, visit Huaguang Tower to enjoy the scenery of the Jialing River. Finally, walk through the ancient streets and alleys to feel the charm of the ancient city.
Two-day tour route: On the first day, visit Zhongtian Tower, Han Huanhou Temple, Chuanbei Dao Gongyuan, and Huaguang Tower, and enjoy the night view of the ancient city and taste local characteristic snacks in the evening. On the second day, go to Tengwang Pavilion to feel its ancient and elegant architectural style and climb the mountain to enjoy Langzhong's beauty. Then visit Guanyin Temple to understand its historical changes. In the afternoon, shop freely in the ancient city and choose characteristic souvenirs.
Transportation
- Airplane: You can first arrive at Nanchong Gaoping Airport, about 70 kilometers away from Langzhong Ancient City. There is an airport bus directly to Langzhong Ancient City at the airport, with a fare of about 30 yuan and a journey of about 1.5 hours. You can also take a taxi from the airport, costing about 200 yuan.
- Train: Take the train to Langzhong Station. After exiting the station, you can take bus routes 102, 105, etc., to the ancient city, with a fare of 1-2 yuan and a journey of about 30 minutes. You can also choose to take a taxi, costing about 20-30 yuan.
- Bus: There are long-distance buses from various places to Langzhong Bus Station. After arriving at Langzhong Bus Station, you can take urban buses or taxis to the ancient city. The urban bus fare is generally 1-2 yuan, and the taxi fare is about 10-15 yuan.
- Self-driving: From Chengdu, drive along the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, transfer to the Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway in Nanchong, and exit at Langzhong, with a total distance of about 300 kilometers and a driving time of about 3.5 hours. From Chongqing, drive along the Lanzhou-Haikou Expressway and directly exit at Langzhong, with a total distance of about 280 kilometers and a driving time of about 3 hours.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Han Huanhou Temple: An important representative attraction of Three Kingdoms culture, where you can deeply understand Zhang Fei's deeds and feel the historical atmosphere of the Three Kingdoms period, with a construction area of 2,200 square meters.
- Chuanbei Dao Gongyuan: The best-preserved imperial examination museum in China, where you can experience the ancient imperial examination system and understand the rise and fall of imperial examination culture, with the existing rolled-roof style corridor being more than 50 meters long in total.
- Huaguang Tower: The first tower in Langzhong, 36 meters high and built on a 5-meter-high stone arch, where you can overlook the ancient city and the beautiful scenery of the Jialing River and Jinping Mountain.
Tour Tips
- Understand the historical culture and attraction information of the ancient city in advance to better feel the charm of the ancient city. You can do this by reading books, watching documentaries, etc.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the ancient city is mainly explored on foot, and the roads in the ancient streets and alleys may be uneven.
- Pay attention to food hygiene when tasting food and choose regular shops. You can refer to recommendations from local residents or restaurants with high online reviews.
- Book accommodation in advance during the tourist peak season to avoid delaying your itinerary. You can check and book hotels or homestays in or around the ancient city on major online travel platforms.
- If you are interested in feng shui culture, you can hire a local guide to explain and deeply understand the feng shui layout of the ancient city.
Notes
- Protect the environment of the ancient city, do not spit or litter. Trash cans are widely distributed in the ancient city for convenient waste disposal.
- Take care of ancient buildings and cultural relics, and do not touch or carve them at will. Abide by the relevant regulations on cultural relic protection in the scenic area.
- Understand the price in advance when shopping or consuming in the ancient city to avoid unnecessary disputes. You can bargain appropriately, but pay attention to the way and method.
- If you encounter problems or need help, you can go to the tourist service center of the scenic area for consultation. The staff at the service center can provide attraction introductions, route planning, emergency rescue, and other services.
- Pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures in summer, and carry sunscreen, sun hats, heatstroke prevention medicines, etc. Keep warm in winter and carry thick clothes.