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Shangli Ancient Town is a renowned historical and cultural town in Sichuan. It was a transit point for the Red Army during the Long March and served as a site on the former Southern Silk Road. Nestled between mountains and water, amidst rural hills and wooden houses, the town still retains many Ming and Qing dynasty-style stilt houses, and is currently used as a filming location for film and television productions.
The ancient town's residential buildings are well-preserved, mostly with blue tiles. A spacious opera house lies in the center of the street, and the original double-eaved hip-and-gable roofed opera building is a rare and ingenious design in central Sichuan. Several stone bridges still exist, the "Erxian Bridge" being a prominent example. Famous attractions include the "Double Filial Piety Festival" archway, the Han Family Courtyard, and the White Horse Spring. Shangli Ancient Town lacks numerous commercial elements, making it relatively quiet and sparsely populated.
Subtropical humid monsoon climate type;
Suitable for all seasons
The ticket price for Baima Spring is RMB 2 per person, and the ticket price for Han Family Courtyard is RMB 1 per person.
All day
Shangli Ancient Town dates back several centuries and was historically an important trade and cultural hub in the Ya’an region. It preserves traditional Sichuan architecture and local customs, making it a significant cultural heritage site that reflects the lifestyle and history of the area.
Shangli Ancient Town is located in Ya’an City, Sichuan Province. Visitors can reach it by:
The town is open to visitors year-round. The best time to visit is spring and autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking, avoiding the hot summer or rainy season.
Entrance fees are typically around CNY 50–80. Tickets can be purchased at the town entrance. Online booking may be available through local travel platforms, but offline purchase is common.
Booking in advance is not usually required, but it is recommended during public holidays or weekends to avoid long lines. A few days ahead is sufficient.
Exploring Shangli Ancient Town thoroughly typically takes 3–5 hours, depending on your interest in historical sites, shops, and photography.
Guided tours may be arranged locally, usually in Chinese. English or other language tours are rare, so hiring a bilingual guide or using a translation app is advisable.
Night visits are generally limited. The town is primarily a daytime attraction. Special tours can be arranged through local guides during festivals.
The town can be crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays and off-peak seasons are the least crowded times to visit.
Facilities include public restrooms, small restaurants and snack stalls, rest areas with benches, and souvenir shops throughout the town.
Most areas are accessible by walking, but uneven cobblestone streets and steps may make it challenging for wheelchair users. Elderly visitors should be cautious on slopes and steps.
Cash is commonly used, but most shops and restaurants also accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Card acceptance may be limited.
Several local restaurants offer Sichuan cuisine inside or near the town. Small tea houses and snack shops are scattered along the main streets.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, often featuring tofu and vegetables. Halal options are limited, so planning ahead is recommended.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, traditional Sichuan snacks, tea, and small bamboo or wooden carvings.
