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Stroll through the ancient streets of Qingxi Ancient Town to explore its traditional architecture and charming old houses. Visit the local temples, try local snacks, and enjoy the serene atmosphere by the river. You can also experience the town's history through small museums and cultural exhibitions.
Qingxi Ancient Town is a renowned historical and cultural town in China, one of Sichuan's famous ancient towns, and renowned as the "Hometown of Jasmine." It lies on the banks of the Mabian River, southwest of Qianwei County. The town is well-preserved, with numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings remaining. The original layout of 22 ancient streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties is preserved, covering approximately 0.5 square kilometers. The town boasts numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, including the residences of Jinshi Wen Chaofu and Ning Tingbi, the former residences of Ning Zhicun, Nanhua Palace, and the old city wall.
The ancient street district still retains over 150 old courtyard houses, parts of the ancient city walls, old docks, ancient temples, antique decorations, antique furniture, ancient trees, and old memorial archways. Numerous cultural relics and historical sites have been preserved, with over 50 historical and cultural relics within the town, including 38 temples and shrines.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
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Chastity Arch
The Chenxi Filial Piety Archway was built in 1802, the seventh year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty. Construction took eight years, and it was completed in the mid-winter of 1810, the Gengwu year of the Jiaqing reign. With a history of over 200 years, the archway features four pillars and three doors. The four pillars and three bays are 7.99 meters wide, with three eaves and five stories, and a total height of 11.25 meters. The stone base is 11.92 meters long, 8.1 meters wide, and 0.6 meters high.
Ningzhicun Historic Residence
Ning Zhicun was a well-known financial industrialist in southern Sichuan. As a major shareholder, he was elected as the supervisor of the Jiayang Coal Mine at the first shareholders' meeting in December 1938. The Jiayang train, which has become a popular tourist attraction, was designed by him. The former residence of Ning Zhicun is called "Tongmenkan" by locals.
Guanyin Temple
Located in Ganhe'er, Tongche Village, it was built in 1920 and is commonly known as the Prince Temple. It has one main hall, which has been destroyed. It was rebuilt on the original site between 1996 and 2000, covering an area of about 1 mu.
Yuguan Temple
Located at the junction of the third and fourth groups of Yanping Village, it was newly built on the site of the former Ming Yuhuang Temple from 1993 to 2006, covering an area of 5,336 square meters and a construction area of 3,500 square meters. It has the Main Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Guanyin Hall and other ancillary reception facilities.
It is recommended to play for 3 to 4 hours
free
All day
Qingxi Ancient Town has a history dating back over a thousand years, serving as a hub for trade and culture. The town is famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture and its role in the region's development during various dynasties. It offers a glimpse into ancient Sichuan life.
Qingxi Ancient Town is located in Leshan, Sichuan, about 45 minutes from the city center by car or bus. You can take a taxi directly, or use public transport from Leshan's main bus terminal to reach the town.
The town is open year-round, with the best times to visit being in the morning and late afternoon to avoid crowds. It’s especially pleasant in the spring and autumn, with mild weather and beautiful scenery.
Entry to the town itself is free, but some attractions such as temples or cultural sites may charge an entrance fee. Tickets for these can be purchased at the entrances or online in advance.
For the general town, no ticket booking is required in advance. However, for special tours or specific events, it's recommended to book tickets online at least a few days in advance.
To explore the main streets and attractions of Qingxi Ancient Town, 2-3 hours is sufficient. If you plan to visit specific cultural sites or take a longer walk along the river, you may want to allocate 4-5 hours.
Must-see highlights include the traditional wooden houses, the ancient temples, the riverfront, and the stone bridges. Don't miss the local museums that provide insight into the town's history and culture.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer services in English. Audio guides are also available at certain sites within the town in multiple languages.
The best viewpoints are along the riverbanks, where you can capture the traditional houses with the scenic backdrop. The old stone bridges and the temple courtyards also offer great photo opportunities.
Start by exploring the main streets of Qingxi Ancient Town, visit the temples and cultural sites, then take a stroll along the river. A leisurely walk through the old streets will give you the full experience of the town’s charm.
There are no special night light shows, but the town is beautifully lit in the evenings, providing a tranquil atmosphere for a walk. Some cultural performances may be scheduled in the evening.
The town can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The best times to visit are early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak season (spring and autumn).
There are public toilets available throughout the town. Local shops offer souvenirs, and there are various food vendors selling traditional snacks. Rest areas are scattered along the riverfront and within the town’s main attractions.
The town's streets are mostly flat, but some areas, especially around the river, may have uneven paths. It is generally accessible for children and elderly visitors, though some assistance may be needed for those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash, so it's advisable to carry some with you.
There are several local Sichuan restaurants offering hotpot and traditional dishes. Cafés serving tea and snacks are also available along the river and in the town’s main areas.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in local restaurants serving Sichuan cuisine. Halal food can be found in the nearby Muslim Quarter or specialized restaurants.
There are several guesthouses and hotels near Qingxi Ancient Town. Options range from budget stays to more comfortable accommodations in the vicinity of the town center.
Nearby attractions include Leshan Giant Buddha, which is about 30 minutes away by car. You can also visit the Mount Emei Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a short drive from Qingxi Ancient Town.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops in the town selling traditional handicrafts, silk products, local teas, and antiques. Items such as wooden carvings and embroidered fabrics are popular choices.
From Qingxi Ancient Town, taxis are the most convenient option to continue your journey to nearby attractions like the Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Emei. Public buses are also available for further travel.
