Not Jiangnan but Langzhong Ancient City in Sichuan

I. Quick Guide to Core Attractions

1. Landmarks of Three Kingdoms Culture

- Han Huanhou Temple (Zhang Fei Temple): The largest Zhang Fei memorial temple in China, featuring well-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complexes. Visitors can admire Zhang Fei statues, historical stone inscriptions, and Three Kingdoms cultural exhibitions. Ticket: 50 yuan, recommended visit duration: 1.5 hours.

- Zhang Fei Patrol Performance: Held daily at 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM on the main street of the ancient city, featuring armored actors recreating Three Kingdoms scenes. Free to watch.

2. Imperial Examination Culture Experience

- Sichuan Imperial Examination Hall: The most complete ancient imperial examination site in China, offering interactive "Scholar Taking the Exam" experiences and insights into the eight-legged essay exam process. Ticket: 45 yuan, recommended visit duration: 1 hour.

- Zhuangyuan Cave: The study site of Tang Dynasty top scholars Yin Shu and Yin Ji, featuring inscriptions by literati throughout history, showcasing Langzhong's scholarly heritage. Ticket: 16 yuan, recommended visit duration: 40 minutes.

3. Feng Shui and Architectural Aesthetics

- Zhongtian Tower: The feng shui landmark of the ancient city, offering panoramic views of the chessboard-style street layout. Best visited at dusk for photography. Ticket: 15 yuan, open until 6:30 PM.

- Huaguang Tower: A Tang-style pavilion offering the best views of the Jialing River, especially stunning under night lights. Ticket: 15 yuan, open until 8:00 PM.

4. Nature and Culture Integration

- Jinping Mountain: Facing the ancient city across the river, offering panoramic views of the "Langyuan Fairyland." Features Du Fu Temple and a forest of steles. Ticket: 25 yuan, open from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

- Tengwang Pavilion: Built by Tang Dynasty Prince Li Yuanying, overlooking the Jialing River. The garden includes a Ming Dynasty white pagoda. Ticket: 16 yuan, recommended visit duration: 1 hour.

🍽 Dining Recommendations:
II. Food Map and Must-Try Dishes

1. Langzhong's Four Delicacies

- Zhang Fei Beef: Black-skinned with red meat, recommended with braised tendon and Baoning vinegar. Recommended shop: "Zhang Fei Beef Direct Store" on West Street, 80 yuan/jin.

- White Sugar Steamed Buns: A century-old brand "Hagongkui" product, sweet but not cloying, ideal as a gift. 1.5 yuan each, vacuum-packed with a 30-day shelf life.

- Hot Cold Noodles: Cold noodles topped with hot gravy and chives, offering a unique texture. Recommended at "Ancient City Beef Noodles," 6 yuan/bowl.

- Baoning Vinegar: One of China's four famous vinegars, recommended mulberry vinegar (25 yuan/jin) for drinking or salads.

2. Specialty Snack Streets

- Dadong Street Food Alley: Features oil tea with crispy dough (7 yuan), beef-stuffed crispy pancakes (15 yuan), and "heartbreak" jelly noodles (10 yuan). Recommended: "Auntie Chi's Mixed Noodles" with mashed potatoes (16 yuan).

- Binjiang Xintiandi: A night snack hub, recommended "Labula Pig" potato rice (19 yuan) and "Xianzhishuang" fried skewers (2-8 yuan/skewer), paired with Baoning vinegar drinks.

3. Recommended Restaurants

- Li's Kitchen: Specializes in "Langyuan Three Delicacies" (Zhang Fei beef, Baoning vinegar, and white sugar steamed buns in creative dishes), 30 yuan/person, located on Laobei Street.

- Weizheng Garden: A century-old Sichuan restaurant, recommended dishes include Langzhong vinegar fish and spicy chicken, 50 yuan/person, located on Xuedao Street.

Hotels🏨
III. Accommodation Options and Unique Experiences

1. Luxury Resorts

- Langzhong Huajiantang·Langyuan: A renovated century-old Tian family mansion offering Hanfu experiences and intangible cultural heritage activities, 600 yuan/person, located within the ancient city.

- Langzhong Jinyuan Zhang Fei International Hotel: River-view rooms overlooking the Jialing River, a 10-minute walk to the ancient city center, 400 yuan/person, located on Langshui Middle Road.

2. Unique Homestays

- Daotai Di Inn: A renovated Qing Dynasty magistrate's residence with a courtyard, tea room, and book café, 200 yuan/person, located on Xiaxin Street.

- Langzhong Tusheng Money House: A 300-year-old ancient money house offering tea ceremonies and butler services, 300 yuan/person, located on Dadong Street.

3. Budget Options

- City Comfort Inn (Bus Station Branch): Smart facilities, a 15-minute walk to the ancient city, 150 yuan/person, located on Central Sky Street.

- Langzhong Academy (Ancient City Branch): A quiet alley homestay offering duplex LOFT rooms, 180 yuan/person, located within the ancient city.

Three-Day Itinerary🗓
Day 1: Han Huanhou Temple → Zhongtian Tower → Imperial Examination Hall → Chuandao Office → Dinner (Li's Kitchen) → "Guests Come to Langzhong" live show (Huaguang Tower Pier, 8:30 PM show).

Day 2: Huaguang Tower → Langzhong Vinegar Museum → Jinping Mountain → Nanjin Pass Ancient Town ("Shu Dao Shengshi" show, 8:00 PM show) → Binjiang Xintiandi night snacks.

Day 3: Tengwang Pavilion → White Pagoda Mountain → Tianguangyuan Feng Shui Cultural Scenic Area → Departure.

✅ Must-Experience:
V. Night Activities and Cultural Experiences

1. Must-See Shows

- "Guests Come to Langzhong": An immersive live show on the Jialing River, depicting Langzhong culture through five acts: "Rain Comes, Clouds Come, Mountains Come, Water Comes, Wind Comes." Ticket: 180 yuan, recommended to book 1 hour in advance.

- "Shu Dao Shengshi": A grand musical at Nanjin Pass Ancient Town, blending Three Kingdoms, imperial exam, and folk elements. Ticket: 120 yuan, two daily shows (8:00 PM, 9:30 PM).

2. Night Tours

- Lantern Night Tour: Gather at Zhongtian Tower at 7:30 PM daily, wearing Hanfu and carrying lanterns to explore the ancient city, experiencing the "Langyuan Never-Night" atmosphere. Fee: 50 yuan/person.

- Benyuantang Tea Art: A century-old teahouse in the ancient city, offering Baoning vinegar tea and Sichuan opera performances, 30 yuan/person, located on Xiaxin Street.

💰 Average Cost:
VI. Practical Tips and Money-Saving Tricks

1. Ticket Discounts

- Combo tickets save money: Package A (130 yuan) includes 10 attractions like Zhang Fei Temple and Jinping Mountain, saving 40 yuan compared to individual tickets.

- Special discounts: Students and seniors over 60 get half-price; seniors over 70 and children under 1.4 meters enter free.

2. Avoid Pitfalls

- Avoid peak tour group hours: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00 PM–4:00 PM are crowded; visit core attractions during off-peak times.

📝 Note:
Beware of fake Zhang Fei beef: Look for reputable brands like "Langzhou" or "Huazhen," and avoid unlicensed street vendors with poor packaging.