Sanlang Town

Introducing Sanlang Town

Sanlang Town is located in the northwest of Chongzhou City, at the junction of the mountainous area and the dam area. It borders Jiezi Town to the east, Huaiyuan Town to the south, Wanjia Town and Goujia Township to the west, and Lianghe Township of Dujiangyan and Baishi Township of Wenchuan County to the north. It is home to the Jiulonggou Provincial Scenic Area. Sanlang Town is named after the Sanlang Temple located in the town.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical humid monsoon climate in the Sichuan Basin

Sanlang Town has a subtropical humid monsoon climate in the Sichuan Basin, with distinct four seasons, short spring and autumn, long winter and summer, abundant rainfall, and a long frost-free period. The average annual temperature is 15°C, with the hottest month being July with an average temperature of 24°C, and the coldest month being January with an average temperature of 4°C. The average summer temperature is about 2°C lower than that of the Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area. The average annual rainfall is 1,280 mm, with more rainy days and less rainfall in summer. The average annual sunshine is over 1,000 hours, with calm winds being the most frequent. The vegetation coverage rate is over 90%, creating a pleasant climate with "no extreme heat in summer and no severe cold in winter."

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

When traveling, you must visit famous mountains. As the saying goes, "Most of the world's famous mountains are occupied by monks," and "Mountains are the best of the land, and temples are the best of the mountains." Historically, the region has been home to many temples and Taoist temples.

Among the famous scenic spots and historical sites in the area is the Daming Temple (also known as Huacheng Temple), which was built in the Sui Dynasty. Lu You once visited this place when he was the magistrate of Shuzhou and left a poem: "A solitary tower pierces the sky, and two nan trees stand in the summer chill." The two nan trees still exist today.

There is a provincial scenic spot Jiulonggou. Jiulonggou was originally named Longshiyan. It is the western source of Ganwuli River. The two banks are thousands of feet high, lush and green, with waterfalls and springs, which are intoxicating. It is cool in summer, with a temperature difference of more than 5 degrees from the plain more than ten kilometers away. It is an ideal place for summer tourism.

There are also well-preserved cliff carvings on Qianfo Mountain, the carved and painted buildings of Jiulong Temple (formerly known as Jiangjia Temple), and ancient temples deep in the mountains with dense ancient cypresses and the sound of morning bells and evening drums.

Numerous folk legends have added a lot of mysterious background to Sanlang Town, such as the stone tablet left by Xuanzang's journey to the West, the tomb of Yang Guifei in the Tang Dynasty, and the flood control work of Sanlang, the son of Li Bing.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Sanlang Town

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Sanlang Town is a historically rich village in Sichuan, known for its traditional Sichuanese architecture and temples. The town is not only an excellent example of rural Sichuan life but also holds spiritual significance for locals, with ancient temples and shrines that attract both pilgrims and tourists alike.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Sanlang Town is located in the rural areas of Chengdu, Sichuan. To reach there, you can take a bus from Chengdu’s main station or hire a taxi for a more direct route. The town is approximately 30 km from downtown Chengdu, and the journey takes about 40 minutes by car.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Sanlang Town is a public area with no specific opening hours. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding landscape is at its most scenic. Avoid visiting during the summer peak season to avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for Sanlang Town, as it is an open, rural town. You may need to pay for certain activities, such as guided tours or visiting specific temples, but most visits can be done without spending money. Tickets, if necessary, can be purchased on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as the town is free to visit. However, if you plan to take part in organized tours or visit certain temples that may require special arrangements, it’s advisable to book a few days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Sanlang Town, a few hours should suffice. You can spend about 2-3 hours walking around the town, visiting temples, and exploring the local area. If you wish to hike or explore the surrounding countryside, you might want to allocate a full day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include:

• The ancient temples and shrines scattered throughout the town.
• The picturesque town square and traditional Sichuanese architecture.
• The beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for a relaxing walk or hike.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. If you require an English-speaking guide, it’s recommended to book in advance through a local tour operator. Audio guides are not commonly available in this area.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are:

• The views from the hills surrounding the town, offering scenic vistas of the countryside.
• The temples and traditional houses, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit by exploring the town center, where you can admire the architecture and visit the local temples. Then, take a leisurely walk through the surrounding countryside for scenic views. You can also interact with locals and enjoy traditional Sichuan cuisine in one of the small restaurants.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no specific night visits or light shows in Sanlang Town. However, you can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the village in the evening, particularly the tranquil rural life. Special tours may be available through local operators upon request.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Sanlang Town is relatively quiet and not typically crowded. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, particularly in the off-season, outside of major holidays or school vacation periods.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities are available, including public toilets and rest areas. There are a few small local shops selling snacks and drinks, but it’s recommended to bring your own water and food if you plan to spend more time exploring.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The town is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the rural paths leading to the temples or surrounding hills may be challenging for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is widely accepted in Sanlang Town, especially in small shops and eateries. Mobile payments through platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also common, but credit cards are rarely accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few small local restaurants in Sanlang Town that serve traditional Sichuan food, including hotpot and noodle dishes. For more options, you can head to Chengdu, which offers a wider range of dining choices.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the local eateries, especially in the form of vegetable-based dishes. Halal food options are limited, but you can find some in larger towns like Chengdu.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are no major hotels within Sanlang Town, but you can find guesthouses and inns that offer a more authentic, rural experience. For more luxury options, Chengdu is about an hour’s drive away and offers a variety of accommodations.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu, which are easy to visit as part of a day trip. If you’re looking for nature, Mount Qingcheng is also a nearby destination, known for its scenic trails and Taoist temples.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops in Sanlang Town selling traditional handicrafts, such as handwoven textiles, wooden carvings, and Sichuan-style pottery. The most common souvenirs are local food items like pickled vegetables and Sichuan peppercorns.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Sanlang Town, the best way to continue your trip is by taxi or bus to Chengdu. From there, you can explore other parts of Sichuan by train or bus. If you’re traveling to nearby attractions like Mount Qingcheng, hiring a local taxi for a direct route is the most efficient option.