The Misty Distant Mountains of Xichang

Xichang: A Millennia-Old City Cradled in Clouds

Standing on the streets of Xichang, one can see distant mountains gently lifted by soft mist, resembling an unfinished ink wash painting. This small city in southwestern Sichuan has always been shrouded in an air of mystery. As the birthplace of the "Qiongdu Yi" people, Xichang was already an important frontier town during the Western Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, serving as a crucial stop along the Southern Silk Road.

Wandering through the ancient city, traces of history can be found everywhere. The Xichang Ancient City Wall, built during the Yuan Dynasty, still stands quietly, its blue bricks covered with the wrinkles of time. The lattice windows, stone carvings, and upturned eaves from the Ming and Qing dynasties silently recount past glories. Most astonishingly, this small city preserves over 400 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods. Strolling among them, one can almost hear the echoes of history.

On Lushan Mountain in the suburbs, hidden within swirling clouds and mist, lies China's largest and oldest Yi ethnic settlement. From the mountaintop, the Yi people's rammed-earth houses built along the slopes appear and disappear in the mist like a fairyland. The Yi Ethnic History and Culture Museum here houses more than 3,000 precious Yi artifacts, with the oldest dating back over 2,000 years.

When night falls, Xichang reveals another facet of its character. As a famous "Space City," it is home to one of China's most important aerospace bases. On cool evenings, gazing at the starry sky, one can often see satellites streaking across the heavens. It was here that Qian Xueshen once guided scientific research, laying important foundations for China's aerospace industry.

The distant mountains are like dark eyebrows, veiled in ethereal mist. Every day in Xichang offers an experience of perfect harmony between history and modernity. This small city cradled in clouds possesses both profound historical depth and the glitter of technological advancement, making it utterly captivating.

Post by Turner Grace24Grace | Jul 28, 2025