Southwest Water Town also has romance! Sichuan Lizhuang Ancient Town: A Complete Guide for Kids & Photos

Southwest Water Town also has romance! Sichuan Lizhuang Ancient Town: A Complete Guide for Kids & Photos 🏯

Stop staring at Wuzhen! Sichuanese also have their own "Southwest Water Town" – Yibin Lizhuang Ancient Town. The renovated ancient town is clean and charming, offering both a rich sense of history and a relaxing experience for the whole family. I spent a full day here with my child and gathered a lot of useful information for you.

Why it's worth visiting:

- Historical Significance: A cultural hub during the Anti-Japanese War, where Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin once lived.
- Water Town Features: Surrounded by Yangtze River tributaries, with flagstone streets and wooden structures, perfect for photos.
- Family-Friendly: Slow pace, short routes, plenty of snacks, suitable for strollers or walking with kids.
- Food Paradise: Lizhuang White Pork is a must-try, along with various river delicacies and Yibin specialty snacks.

How to get there (from Chengdu):

- By Car: Approx. 2.5-3 hours, navigate to "Lizhuang Ancient Town Visitor Center", parking is convenient.
- By High-Speed Rail: Chengdu East → Yibin West (approx. 1.5 hours), then take a taxi/bus to the ancient town (approx. 30 minutes) from the station.
- Tip: During holidays, it's recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds; the ancient town is walkable, wear comfortable shoes.

Recommended Itinerary (suggested 4-6 hours):

1. Visitor Center → Ancient Town Entrance Archway (for photo ops)
2. Ming and Qing Old Street → Zhang Family Ancestral Temple → Dongyue Temple (to see ancient architecture and exhibitions)
3. Riverside Walkway → Tongji Memorial Square (to learn about Anti-Japanese War culture)
4. Lizhuang Pier → Overlook the Yangtze River and the panoramic view of the ancient town
5. Return via Old Street → Sample snacks and browse handicraft shops along the way

Must-try Food:

- Lizhuang White Pork: Paper-thin, fatty but not greasy, amazing with garlic soy sauce.
- White Pork Dipping Sauce: Can be bought separately, great for mixing with dishes at home.
- Yibin Burning Noodles: Dry, fragrant, spicy, generous portions and affordable.
- River Delicacies: Recommend steamed topmouth culter, incredibly fresh.
- Snacks: Lianggao (cold rice cake), Huangba (yellow sticky rice cake), Ye'erba (leaf-wrapped sticky rice cake), perfect for cooling down and cutting richness.

Recommended Photo Spots:

- Ancient Town Archway + Red Lanterns (best at dusk)
- Riverside Wooden Boardwalk + Reflections (soft light in the early morning)
- Ming and Qing Old Street Flagstone Paths (light-colored clothing or Hanfu looks great)
- Zhang Family Ancestral Temple Wood Carvings and Courtyard (rich in cultural atmosphere)
- Pier Sunset (golden river surface is stunning at sunset)

Family-Friendly Tips:

- Stroller-friendly: Main streets are flat, with a few steps that can be bypassed.
- Must-have items for kids: Portable fan, sun hat, wet wipes, spare socks.
- Plenty of rest stops: Riverside pavilions, tea houses, snack shops for breaks anytime.
- Interactive experiences: Try handmade noodle making, rubbings, and other parent-child activities.

Practical Tips:

- Best Time: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather; in summer, visit in the morning or evening to avoid midday heat.
- Admission: The ancient town is free to enter, some exhibition halls require tickets (approx. 20-30 RMB/person).
- Opening Hours: Open all day, exhibition halls generally 9:00-17:00.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses are available both inside and outside the ancient town; stay overnight if you want to capture night views.
- Mosquito and Sun Protection: Many mosquitoes by the river, remember to bring repellent; strong UV rays during the day, pay attention to sun protection.
- Spending: Average dining 50-80 RMB per person, overall good value for money.
- Safety: The river can be windy, keep an eye on children; watch your step on stairs when taking photos.

Summary:
Lizhuang Ancient Town is a rare "history + water town" combination near Chengdu, allowing you to experience Sichuan's cultural heritage while easily taking your kids out and snapping photos. A trip here on a weekend or short holiday is definitely worthwhile!