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Wangyu Ancient Town offers a variety of activities such as exploring traditional Sichuan architecture, walking along the ancient streets, and visiting local temples and historic buildings. You can also enjoy local snacks, experience the culture through folk performances, and shop for handmade crafts. The town’s peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for photography and relaxing walks.
Wangyu Township is located in the upper reaches of Zhougong River, 35 kilometers south of Ya'an City, adjacent to Wawushan Town, Hongya County. It was formed as a market town because there was a post station here on the ancient Tea-Horse Road.
Wangyu Old Street
Wangyu Old Street is a narrow, straight-line street, traversed by a bluestone pavement, its surface polished to a faint luster by time. Strolling along it evokes memories of the merchants and caravans that once plied the ancient Tea-Horse Road. The streets are lined with wooden, blue-tiled houses and stilt houses. The intricate carvings on the tiled roofs, wall corners, window lattices, and pillar foundations reveal a prosperous past. These buildings once served as government offices, silver shops, pawnshops, pharmacies, embroidery houses, inns, restaurants, teahouses, and theaters, though most are now residential. Long stone stairways, with gates at each end, led to the river and connected to the new street. To enter the old street, one must ascend the mountainside, demonstrating its defensive nature, a necessity for the ancient market town's defense against bandits and swarms. This terrain was both easily defended and difficult to attack.
Sky leak
Due to its topographical constraints, Wangyu Old Street is long and narrow. Its buildings, arranged along a long street, often feature shops below and residences above, or courtyards separating different functions from front and back, giving it a complex character. The facades of the houses are typically composed of door panels, runners, and hinges. The floors vary in height, and some entrances feature several stone steps connected to the street surface through various patterned holes, forming a comprehensive drainage system. Ya'an, known in ancient times as "Sky Leak," experiences frequent rainfall, and the residences are often built in the Sihetou style, also known as the "Four Waters Returning to the Pool" style. These eaves connect the four sides, allowing pedestrians to walk under them during rain. Walking up the hill from the old street, one can see some houses built into the hillside. Compared to the residential buildings on the old street, these courtyards are more grandiose and feature numerous exquisite wood and stone carvings. Wangyu Ancient Town later served as a filming location for the film "The Accused Shan Gang Ye."
Fish-Watching Stone
In the upper reaches of the Zhougong River in Ya'an, there's a village called "Wangyu Stone," or simply "Wangyu." High on the riverbank, a cat-shaped boulder sits, seemingly gazing intently and with longing at the glittering silver fish swimming in the water. This is how the name "Wangyu Stone" came to be. Another theory explains the origin of the place's name: Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, the fierce Shu Han general Zhang Fei passed by during a battle and saw the silvery glow of silver fish feeding in the river. He took a moment to rest his gaze from a boulder by the river, thus earning the name "Wangyu Stone."
Other attractions
Besides the Old Street, Wangyu also boasts attractions such as the Reception Courtyard Temple, the Haizi Small Heavenly Pond, the Yanxigou Waterfall, the Xiangou Waterfall, and the Jiangjunpo Reservoir. Reception Courtyard, 5 kilometers from Wangyu Old Street, is a temple built in the Ming Dynasty and boasts many well-preserved, exquisite stone reliefs. The Haizi Small Heavenly Pond, 500 meters south of the Reception Courtyard, is a small pond surrounded by bamboo and trees, with rippling water in the center. The Yanxigou Waterfall, 6 kilometers from Wangyu Old Street, is 20 meters high and approximately 10 meters wide, with two tiers and deep pools, creating a tranquil retreat. The Xiangou Waterfall, 3 kilometers from Wangyu Old Street, cascades down a cliff, forming a "line of sky" between two peaks, creating a magical curtain of water. The Jiangjunpo Reservoir is located just below Wangyu Old Street. The dam diverts the waters of the Zhougong River into a 5-kilometer-long and 60-meter-wide lake. The turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and forests, and a peninsula in the middle of the lake makes for a popular recreational spot.
Surrounding scenery: Haizi Mountain, Tianhe Mountain, Wawu Mountain
free
All day
Wangyu Ancient Town is a historic town in Ya'an, Sichuan, with a history spanning several centuries. The town played an important role in trade and culture during ancient times, with many of its buildings and streets maintaining traditional Sichuanese architecture. It offers a glimpse into the local way of life and the region's rich cultural heritage.
Wangyu Ancient Town is located in Ya'an, Sichuan Province. It is accessible by taxi or private car from Ya'an city center, which takes around 30 minutes. There are also buses that connect Ya'an to nearby areas, but direct public transportation to the town may be limited. Walking is an option once you are within the town itself.
The town is open year-round, with no specific opening hours for the streets or public spaces. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded. Avoid the summer and national holidays for a more peaceful experience.
There is no entrance fee to walk through the town or explore its streets. However, some specific attractions, such as temples or museums, may have a small entry fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance of these attractions.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary for visiting the town itself. For specific attractions or if you are visiting during a busy period, it’s advisable to book tickets a few days in advance.
A visit to Wangyu Ancient Town can take around 2 to 3 hours if you're exploring the main streets, temples, and landmarks. If you plan to leisurely enjoy the atmosphere and visit museums or exhibitions, you may want to spend more time.
Must-see highlights include the ancient streets, the Wangyu Temple, and the traditional courtyards that reflect the architecture of the region. The town is also known for its local handicrafts and art, which make great souvenirs.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but a local guide can provide insights into the town’s history and landmarks. If you're a non-Mandarin speaker, it may be helpful to arrange a tour in advance or hire a bilingual guide.
The best photography spots are around the ancient streets, where the architecture and scenic surroundings create picturesque views. The local temples and the nearby mountains also offer great viewpoints for capturing the beauty of the area.
Start by exploring the main street of the town, which leads to several temples and historic buildings. Next, visit the Wangyu Temple, followed by a stroll through the local markets for handicrafts and traditional snacks. End your visit with a relaxing walk along the riverside or in the town's peaceful courtyards.
Night visits are not typically available in Wangyu Ancient Town. However, some special cultural performances may take place during certain festivals. It’s best to check local event calendars for any night-time events or tours during your visit.
Wangyu Ancient Town can be busy on weekends and public holidays, especially during the peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times are weekdays and early mornings on non-holiday periods. Visiting during the off-season will also ensure a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water fountains are available throughout the town. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts. Rest areas can be found near temples and in the town's courtyards where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Wangyu Ancient Town has cobblestone streets and may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. Some areas, particularly the temples and narrow lanes, may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility challenges. However, children will enjoy the open spaces and the town's cultural atmosphere.
Cash is commonly accepted throughout the town, but mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are also widely used. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when purchasing from small local vendors.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes offering Sichuan cuisine, such as hotpot and noodles. Many of the town's eateries serve traditional Sichuan snacks and tea. These establishments are perfect for taking a break during your exploration.
Vegetarian options are available in many of the local restaurants, though vegan and halal options may be more limited. It’s best to inquire with the restaurant staff about specific dietary needs.
There are several guesthouses and boutique hotels in Ya'an, which is about 30 minutes away from Wangyu Ancient Town. For more luxury options, visitors can stay in Chengdu, around 2 hours away by car.
Nearby attractions include the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base, which is a popular wildlife destination, and Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its natural beauty and Buddhist monasteries. Both can be easily combined with a visit to Wangyu Ancient Town.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops in the town selling traditional crafts such as bamboo products, local tea, and handmade jewelry. These make great mementos of your visit to Wangyu Ancient Town.
After visiting Wangyu Ancient Town, the best transportation options are taxis or buses back to Ya'an city or Chengdu. If you're heading to nearby attractions like Mount Emei, private transportation or a guided tour is ideal for convenience.
