After visiting Liujiang Ancient Town three times, I finally figured out how to truly enjoy it.

🌟 Must-Do Experiences

1. Strolling Through the Ancient Town

◦ Ancient Bridges & Stilt Houses: The centuries-old bridge spanning the Huaxi River is a testament to history, especially photogenic in the morning mist. The Western Sichuan-style stilt houses along the riverbank reflect beautifully on the water—wear a solid-colored long dress for atmospheric shots.

◦ Zeng Family Garden: A lavish Qing Dynasty estate blending Chinese and Western architecture. Entry fee: ¥20. Enjoy tea and traditional music here, and admire the intricate carvings and the iconic "Cowpea Tree" in the courtyard.

◦ Old Street Vibes: Wander the cobblestone lanes, browse handmade shops, and savor freshly ground tofu pudding or peppercorn duck. Must-tries: Wang Bingzi’s beef-stuffed flatbread and He Bingzi’s crispy brown sugar pancakes—flaky outside, soft inside, and perfectly sweet.

2. Nature Escapes

◦ Yuping Mountain Getaway: Just 20 km from town, hike the forest trails for panoramic views of sea-like clouds and Mount Wawu. Wildflowers bloom in spring.

◦ Huaxi River Activities: Splash in the water or paddle a boat in summer. In autumn, the red leaves paint a stunning scene, while winter offers serene solitude—ideal for unwinding.

🚗 Getting There

• From Chengdu:
◦ Drive: Take the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway → Hongya exit (~2.5 hours). Stop by Caoyutan along the way.
◦ Bus: Direct routes from Xinnanmen/Chadianzi stations (¥50–80, 3 hours)—great for light packers.

• Nearby Trips: Pair with Mount Wawu (1-hour drive) or Yanü Lake (40 minutes) for a day tour of table-mountain clouds and lakeside scenery.

🍜 Foodie Hits

• Crispy-Skin Duck: Golden, sweet-glazed skin with tender meat. Head to the bridgehead’s time-honored spot.
• Ye’erba: Glutinous rice parcels stuffed with red bean paste or minced pork—light, fragrant, and non-sticky. Perfect for breakfast.
• Stone-Ground Tofu Pudding: Silky with a spicy sauce, best paired with bamboo-tube rice and cured meat.

📍 Stay Recommendations

• Riverside B&Bs: Like Libo·Ju or Jingshui Xianju (¥150–300/person)—fall asleep to the sound of the river with views at your window.
• Luxury Retreat: Yuping Mountain Forest Hotel, featuring private hot springs—ideal for families or couples.

⚠️ Pro Tips

1. Best Seasons: Spring & autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov; 15–25°C). Avoid rainy months (Jul–Aug)—slippery stones!
2. Tickets: Town entry is free; Zeng Garden costs ¥20. Small sites like Shengmu Stone Forest are optional.
3. Attire: Summer—bug spray & sun protection; winter—pack a coat. Wear anti-slip shoes for cobblestones.
4. Crowd Hack: Weekends get busy. Visit Mon–Thu for a quieter, deeper experience.

📸 Photo Ops

• Dawn (7:00–8:30 AM): Capture the misty bridge and mirror-like stilt-house reflections.
• Dusk: Golden-hour riverside scenes—locals washing clothes, kids playing in the water.
• Nights: Red lanterns glow. Sip drinks at waterfront bars, soaking in the dreamy "Misty Liujiang" vibe.

✨ Final Note
Liujiang’s charm lies in its weathered white walls, the murmur of Huaxi River, and the hum of old-shop life. Skip the rush—slow down to uncover this millennia-old town’s gentle soul.