An ancient town in Sichuan that's deeply hidden! No trendy vibe, just pure everyday life

Honestly, before coming to Enyang Ancient Town, I didn't have high expectations. I just wanted to find a quiet place to relax, but I ended up loving it so much I want to visit again!

The best thing about this place is its "authenticity." The bluestone roads are polished from foot traffic, and the Ming and Qing dynasty houses on both sides aren't those fake refurbished antiques. Elderly people often sit at the door shelling peas, vegetables are hung under the eaves to dry, and just a few steps away you can smell the spicy hot pot broth—it's exactly how life should be. Unlike some ancient towns full of Yiwu small commodities, the shops here are either long-established brands with decades of history or small local eateries. Even the street vendors' calls sound genuine.

Foodies will go crazy here! You must try the malt sugar sesame cake fresh off the stove—crispy and crumbly, with malt sugar sweetness that's just right and not overwhelming. I packed three bags to share with friends before leaving. Hidden in Yuanjia Village Snack Street are surprises: tofu pudding topped with chili oil and sprinkled with crispy fried dough sticks, soft and delicious in every bite; fermented glutinous rice wine with a fragrant aroma, perfect for warming up on a cold day. If you're in a group, definitely order the Enyang Ten Bowls—a full table of old Eastern Sichuan flavors with meat dishes layered over vegetables. It's said this is the standard for local wedding banquets.

The attractions here really understand what tourists want. During the day, you can rent a Hanfu outfit to stroll through the Dream of Splendor street area, watch the Song Dynasty style parade and shadow puppetry—it really feels like time travel. When tired, sit at a tea house by the Enyang River, order a cup of Eagle Tea with sesame cake, and across the river enjoy Sichuan opera performances. Spending a slow afternoon here is incredibly relaxing. Don’t miss the evening show "Enyang Boat Story"—the lights reflecting on the river are stunning, plus there’s a drone formation performance that will have your phone nonstop snapping photos.

What touched me most was the service here. When I asked for directions, a volunteer personally walked me half a street. Sanitation workers constantly pick up trash to keep the streets clean, and even the market regulators are very friendly. There’s no feeling of being treated as an "outsider." For accommodation, I recommend hotels near the ancient town where you can hear the river’s water in the morning and watch the sunset turn the Qifeng Lang Bridge golden in the evening—this experience is worth every penny.

The only thing to note is that popular restaurants get crowded during holidays, so it’s best to check with the owner in advance. But overall, this is a town that lets you slow down, free from over-commercialized hustle, filled only with the warmth hidden in everyday life. I sincerely suggest friends wanting to avoid tourist traps in Sichuan not to just focus on big-name spots. Spend two days in Enyang, and you’ll find all the flavors of old Eastern Sichuan right here!

Post by williamhiking | Oct 25, 2025