Blue-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls, with small bridges over flowing streams! The most photogenic ancient town around Chengdu, bar none!

Chongzhou Slow Travel: Ancient Town Charm and Mountain Serenity (1 Hour from Chengdu)

Escape the city bustle with just a one-hour drive west, and step into the poetic scenery of Chongzhou, the "Gateway to Sichuan". Here, continuous blue-tiled roofs and meandering streams weave through the town, blending natural landscapes with cultural charm to create a unique Western Sichuan ambiance.

**Day 1: Ancient Town Exploration, Touching Time**
**Jiezi Ancient Town (Top Recommendation):** By the Weijiang River, cobblestone paths whisper tales of millennia. Stroll beneath the "Character Pagoda", explore quaint boutique shops, and venture into "Jiangcheng Street" to savor freshly fried leaf-wrapped rice cakes and spicy tofu strips. As night falls, the lantern-lit ancient streets resemble a galaxy descended to earth.
**Yuantong Ancient Town (A Living 'Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival'):** Where the Wenjing, Wei, and Bo Rivers converge, witness remnants of past prosperity. Wander "Qilin Street", admire the Qing-era "Huang Family Compound", and stand on "Yongli Bridge" to watch the leisurely river flow, experiencing the unspoiled simplicity of local life.

**Day 2: Art Meets Nature, A Soul Retreat**
**Daoming Bamboo Village (Intangible Cultural Heritage Reimagined):** Visit the "Dingzhi Bamboo" workshop for hands-on weaving experiences, and photograph the iconic "Bamboo House" where spiral roofs harmonize with bamboo groves. Sip bamboo-infused coffee amidst this perfect blend of art and countryside.
**Fengqi Mountain/Qimu River Wetland (Forest Therapy):** Hike Fengqi Mountain through ancient trees to discover the millennium-old "Guangyan Buddhist Temple" with its echoing chants. Stroll Qimu River Wetland among towering metasequoias and egrets, or cycle along the "Most Beautiful Country Road" in this natural oxygen bar.

**Chongzhou Flavors:**
**Jiezi Sesame Pastry:** Crispy layers with rich sesame aroma – a must-buy souvenir.
**Chazha Noodles:** Minced pork fine as sand, tossed with chili-oil noodles for addictive spice.
**Catholic Church Chicken Slices:** Crispy-skinned tender meat dressed in secret chili oil – numbing and aromatic.
**Yuantong Tofu Pudding:** Riverside shops serve silken tofu with peppery dipping sauce – authentic Sichuan taste.

**Tips:**
**Transport:** Most convenient by car (~1h from Chengdu); or high-speed rail to Chongzhou Station + taxi/bus.
**Stay:** Waterside B&Bs in Jiezi or design courtyards in Bamboo Village.
**Pace:** Ideal for 2-day immersion or select 1-2 spots for a day trip.

Chongzhou is the warm glow of lanterns in Jiezi's alleys, the silent flow of time at Yuantong's triple rivers, the living heritage of bamboo weaving, and the crisp mountain air of Fengqi. Steal a half-day from life's rush to discover Sichuan's hidden poetry.