Sichuan also has its own "Little Jiangnan"

Lizhuang, the "First Ancient Town on the Yangtze River," hides the true Jiangnan charm and resilient spirit
Among the white walls and black tiles on the south bank of the Yangtze River lies a treasured ancient town privately cherished by the people of Yibin—Lizhuang. Here, you can find the graceful elegance of "Three Rivers Jiangnan" and the cultural backbone that endured through the War of Resistance. Visiting during National Day is the only way to truly understand the essence of southern Sichuan.
🚗 Transportation and Tour Routes
- Transportation: About a 30-minute drive from downtown Yibin; you can also take bus routes 39 or 45 to the Lizhuang Ancient Town Tourist Center stop, which is right at the entrance to the scenic area.
- Tour Routes:
1. Morning: Enter the park from the Tourist Center → visit Zhang Family Ancestral Hall (former site of the China Society of Construction, birthplace of Liang Sicheng’s "A History of Chinese Architecture") → visit Dongyue Temple (former site of Tongji Engineering College), to touch the memories of cultural resistance during the war.
2. Afternoon: Stroll along Xizi Alley (bluestone pavement with wooden arcades, full of ancient charm) → walk along Yang Street to the Yangtze River to enjoy the river view → check in at Huiguang Temple to see the "Nine-Dragon Stone Stele."
3. Evening: Take a sampan boat ride on the river to enjoy the night view, or quietly wait for the sunset glow by the riverbank.
🎭 Holiday Exclusive Performance Guide
During holidays, the ancient town hosts immersive performances daily. Thousands of drones light up the night sky with stunning patterns, peace doves are released, and the grass dragon dance ceremony conveys patriotic feelings. There are also scattered performances throughout the streets, including ancient street sword dances, folk music concerts, and cormorant fisherman interactions.
To get the schedule: Follow the official "Lizhuang Ancient Town" mini-program and check the "Performance Program" section to see the daily lineup, so you don’t miss highlights like the "Great River Flows East" light and shadow show at Jiajing Tower.
🍽️ The Flavors of Lizhuang
- Lizhuang White Pork: This ancient town’s signature dish is found in two must-visit restaurants. ① He San White Pork First Cut: A master with over 10 years of experience slices the pork thinly, served with a unique dipping sauce that is savory, fragrant, and leaves a sweet aftertaste that hits the taste buds; ② Qilai Liyan (Lizhuang Ancient Town Scenic Area Branch): Window seats face the small river, allowing diners to enjoy Jiangnan water views and in-house performances, with excellent environment, taste, and service.
- Lizhuang White Cake: Look for Dan’s White Cake, located right next to He San White Pork. The soft rice cake carries a sweet rice fragrance and makes an excellent souvenir while exploring the ancient town.
📜 The Cultural Backbone Hidden in the Ancient Town
Over 80 years ago, this "town you can’t find on the map" opened its arms due to a 16-character telegram, welcoming more than a dozen cultural and educational institutions including National Tongji University and the China Society of Construction. Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin wrote "A History of Chinese Architecture" here by oil lamp light; masters like Fu Sinian and Li Ji persevered in scholarship in ancient residences. More than 12,000 scholars spent six years ensuring the continuation of Chinese cultural heritage amid the flames of war. Walking on the bluestone streets of the ancient town today, you can still feel the sincere spirit of "serving the country through knowledge."
This National Day, come to Lizhuang for a date with Jiangnan scenery and cultural soul, and make the most of your holiday time~

Post by 58Hayes_~Amelia | Oct 22, 2025