The Ancient Water Towns of Western Sichuan Near Chengdu | So Beautiful!

Last week, I finally visited this hidden gem of a water town in Western Sichuan—my bestie and I didn’t want to leave!
This foolproof local guide even impressed our homestay owner. Here’s how to make the most of your trip👇

📍Tea-Horse Road Legacy | The thousand-year-old stone paths whisper tales of caravan traders. Visit at dawn for cinematic photos with fewer crowds📸
📍Three Bridges Over One River | Admire panoramic views from Wanfu Bridge, "walk on water" at Yongshou Bridge, and soak up the ancient market vibes at Qingyuan Bridge🌉
📍Vast Tea Fields | Pick tea leaves with bamboo baskets, learn tea roasting, and take home your handmade spring tea as a special souvenir🍵
📍Floating Market | Glide on rowboats to shop for trinkets, join Hanfu parades for an immersive vibe, and even "catch fish" to keep your prizes🐟

🏨Stay Recommendation: Tongqu Jiaguangli Hot Spring Retreat
This homestay was a delightful surprise!
Western Sichuan’s rammed-earth walls and blue-tiled roofs frame views of emerald tea fields and distant mountains—on clear days, you can even spot snow-capped peaks🏔
My private hot spring room had a Marriott-grade mattress + 5-star bedding, plus a Panasonic hairdryer.
Soaking in the tub by floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic views? Pure bliss.💆‍♀
The property also has public hot springs, a gym, and mahjong rooms.
Sip coffee by the lobby’s water feature at dusk, then stargaze in the open-air hot springs—pure magic✨

🍜Food Picks:
Must-try: Liu’s Savory Rice Balls! Only open on market days (3rd, 6th, 9th of the lunar month). Tender glutinous wrappers hug juicy meat fillings—umami explosion!
The homestay’s breakfast Zheng’s steamed buns are divine. Luo’s Braised Intestines and Jiaguan’s "Four Wonders" (smoked pork, river-crossing chicken, silky tofu) are all no-fail orders😋

🚗Transport: 1.5h drive from Chengdu (navigate to "Tongqu Jiaguangli"). Free parking🅿
🎒Packing: Mosquito repellent, sun hat, comfy shoes, and a light jacket for cool evenings

Jiaguan Ancient Town stole my heart—a serene water world where time slows, and the air carries the scent of tea and woodsmoke.