Anren Ancient Town (安仁古镇) derives its name from the meaning of “finding peace in benevolence.” Established during the Tang Dynasty, the town features many preserved buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China periods, particularly reflecting the peak of the Liu family’s influence during the Republican era. The architectural style blends Eastern and Western elements, showcasing a variety of solemn, elegant, and generous courtyards that contribute to Anren’s unique architectural character, earning it the title of “a cultural gem of Western Sichuan architecture.”
The tranquility of Anren Ancient Town is captivating. In the courtyards, commercial streets, schools, and tea houses built by the Liu family, visitors can observe groups of people engaged in various activities—living, shopping, strolling, enjoying tea, or reading poetry. Surrounding them are the intricately carved beams and green bricks dating back to the 1930s. Each mansion and building holds a fascinating story, and every corner conceals untold historical mysteries, inviting exploration and reflection. Anren Ancient Town offers a serene escape into a rich cultural heritage, making it a captivating destination for those seeking to experience the charm of history.
Travel Information about Anren Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets:
Liu Family Manor Museum: 40 yuan
Jianchuan Museum Complex: 60 yuan (valid for three days).
Opening Hours:
Liu Family Manor Museum: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jianchuan Museum Complex: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Due to the climatic characteristics of Western Sichuan, summer is not suitable for visiting Anren Ancient Town, as it tends to be humid and hot. The best seasons to explore the town are spring and autumn.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
- Location: Yingshan Road, Dayi County, Chengdu.
By Car: Drive from downtown Chengdu along the Chengwen-Qiong Expressway to Dayi County. Exit the highway and continue along XA0751 for approximately 900 meters to reach Anren Ancient Town. Clear road signs will guide you along the way. Alternatively, you can take the expressway to Chongzhou City, then pass through Longxing Town and Qiaochuan Town, driving about 16 kilometers to Anren Ancient Town.
By Bus: Buses depart from Jinsha Bus Station and Shiyangchang Bus Station in Chengdu, with departures approximately every 40 minutes. The journey takes about one hour.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★
- Thrill Level: ★
Highlights of Anren Ancient Town
Liu Family Manor Museum
The Liu Family Manor Museum, also known as “Liu Family Manor,” was the residence of the wealthy landlord Liu Wencai before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Constructed between 1928 and 1942, the manor covers an area of over 70,000 square meters and consists of more than 350 rooms. It is divided into two main architectural groups that face each other: the southern complex, commonly referred to as the “Old Mansion,” and the northern complex, known as the “New Mansion.”
Old Mansion: This was the residence of Liu Wencai and his family. The mansion features high walls and a closed courtyard style, integrating residential spaces with landscaped gardens. The main entrance faces north along the central axis, and the main hall is oriented east-west, comprising several sections such as the grand hall, living room, reception room, accounting room, staff quarters, ladies’ quarters, rent collection area, granary, and water dungeon. The architecture is remarkably luxurious, adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful beams.
New Mansion: Also known as the “Sichuan West Folk Museum,” the New Mansion is located about 300 meters from the Old Mansion. The building is nearly square and consists of two equally sized and roughly identical sections that are connected yet stand independently. This museum houses nearly 2,000 artifacts showcasing the folk culture of Western Sichuan. The first courtyard primarily exhibits local wedding customs, while the second courtyard focuses on agricultural tools and production items used by the people of Western Sichuan. The third courtyard displays local customs and specialty products.
Related Details:
- Rent Collection Courtyard Sculpture: Inside the Old Mansion, visitors can find the “Rent Collection Courtyard” mud sculpture, which features 114 life-sized figures. This vivid portrayal captures the continuous activities of rent collection, including sending, paying, inspecting, coercing, and resisting rent. It powerfully reveals the harsh realities of feudal landlords’ exploitation of peasants, showcasing the struggles and hardships faced by the farming community.
- Convenient Amenities: The roads between the manor’s buildings are lined with shops, restaurants, and teahouses, providing convenience for visitors. Bicycles are available for rent at the entrance of the Old Mansion, allowing guests to explore the area at their leisure. Additionally, electric sightseeing carts circulate around the architectural complex, offering a comfortable way to take in the sights.
- Anhui Li Ancient Street: Approximately 200 meters from the Old Mansion is Anhui Li, an ancient-style street designed to reflect the historical ambiance of the past. Here, teahouses and taverns are furnished in a traditional manner, featuring rustic and sturdy antique furniture. Guests can enjoy performances of Sichuan Opera, local storytelling, and other folk arts in the teahouses, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Republican Era Style Old Street
The Republican Era Style Old Street is primarily located on Yumin Street, Shuren Street, and Hongxing Street, renowned as the famous mansion district. Between 1938 and 1944, the Liu family constructed over 40 mansions, with more than 20 still well-preserved today. Some of these mansions showcase a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, creating a striking landscape in the ancient town.
The tall and ornate mansion gates, fire walls, and Western-style buildings add to the aesthetic charm of the area, enhancing the unique spatial sequence of the town. Notable examples include the Liu Xiang Mansion, Liu Yuanxuan Mansion, Lezineng Mansion, and Tongqing Teahouse.
One distinctive building is located at 84 Tianfu Street, a small courtyard constructed in 1937. Covering an area of approximately 200 square meters, this single-eaved, hanging mountain-style brick and wood structure features two floors and a distinctive railing known as the “Beauty Chair” (also called “Flying Chair”). This architectural style is not native to Sichuan but was imported from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions. It was designed so that the daughters of the family could enjoy the scenery outside without wandering around, thus preserving their modesty and virtue.
Jianchuan Museum Cluster
The Jianchuan Museum Cluster, located to the south of Anren Ancient Town, was funded and established by businessman Fan Jianchuan. Covering approximately 330,000 square meters, it consists of 25 individual museums and houses an impressive collection of 2 million artifacts. This cluster is the largest privately constructed museum in China in terms of scale, exhibition area, and the richness of its collections.
The museum is primarily composed of several series, including the War of Resistance Against Japan Museum series, the Red Era Museum series, the Folk Custom Museum series, and the “5.12” Wenchuan Earthquake Museum.
War of Resistance Against Japan Museum Series: This series features several specialized halls, including the Backbone Hall, the Frontline Battlefield Hall, the Flying Tiger Hall, the United Efforts Hall, and the Traitors’ Hall. It also includes the Chinese Veterans’ Handprint Square and the Group Sculpture Square of Chinese Heroes.
Red Era Museum Series: This series includes the Porcelain Exhibition Hall, Daily Necessities Exhibition Hall, Propaganda Poster Exhibition Hall, Ticket Exhibition Hall, Mirror and Reflection Exhibition Hall, and Audiovisual Products Exhibition Hall, showcasing artifacts from the revolutionary period.
Folk Custom Museum Series: Within this series, you can find the Old Mansion Furniture Hall, a Hall of Century-Old Photographs, a Hall of Wedding Culture, a Hall of Exquisite Penholders, a Hall of Vintage Smoking and Gambling Implements, a Hall of Three-Inch Golden Lotus Artifacts, and a Hall of Traditional Professions.
“5.12” Wenchuan Earthquake Museum: This museum is divided into sections such as “Shocking 5.12—6.12 Diary,” Earthquake Artworks Hall, and Earthquake Science Museum. It powerfully recounts moving stories from the earthquake relief efforts through photographs and rescue artifacts.
National Defense Weapons Museum: This museum is notable for having one of the largest collections of firearms outside of Beijing, serving as a national defense education base. It features over 300 classic firearms from the past century, as well as modern artillery, anti-tank missiles, and air-to-air missiles.
“Chinese Heroes” Sculpture Square: At the front of the museum, there is a prominent sculpture group known as “Chinese Heroes.” The statues are arranged in a striking “V” shape within a recessed area, creating a dramatic and engaging visual impact. The walls of the recess are adorned with red granite shadow carvings, enhancing the emotional resonance of the display.
Visitor Guide for Anren Ancient Town
Transportation Within Anren Ancient Town
Tram System: In early 2011, Anren Town established the first tram system in Southwest China. The tram starts from the Visitor Center and passes key tourist attractions, including the Republican Era Cultural Street, Liu Xiang Mansion, Liu Wenhui Mansion, and Liu Family Manor. The tram line spans 1.8 kilometers, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 20 yuan.
Rickshaws: Traditional human-powered rickshaws are available for visitors to explore the ancient town. Passengers can enjoy a guided tour of the scenic spots while being transported by local rickshaw drivers.
Accommodation in Anren Ancient Town
Anren Ancient Town offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from cozy guesthouses to higher-end hotels and rustic farm stays. Here are a couple of recommended places:
Dayi Yinshe Yizhai Hotel (大邑隐奢一宅酒店): Located on Yingbin Road in Anren Town, this hotel features independent courtyards with beautiful landscaping. The rooms are well-equipped, and guests can enjoy delicious meals in the on-site Chinese restaurant. There is also a bar where visitors can relax with a drink during their leisure time.
Daiyi Puyun Inn (大邑璞韵客栈): Situated in the Jinguang Community of Anren Town, this inn boasts convenient access to major attractions, including the Anren Cultural Walking Street, Liu Wencai Manor, and the Jianchuan Museum. The meticulously decorated suites showcase the owner’s thoughtful selection of furnishings. Tea enthusiasts will appreciate the owner’s passion for tea, making it a perfect place to chat and enjoy a cup of tea.
Culinary Delights in Anren Ancient Town
Anren Ancient Town is renowned for its unique and flavorful dishes. The most famous specialty is the pickled food, which includes a variety of options like pickled chicken feet, pig ears, and large white cabbage. There are also innovative pickled varieties such as pickled bananas, apples, and fish. These dishes provide a delightful combination of fruity and pickled flavors, making them both chewy and refreshing.
For a taste of these specialties, visitors can head to Zhangji Ancient Town Old Restaurant (张记古镇老酒家) located on Jixiang Street or Fengji Ancient Town Restaurant (冯记古镇饭店), also on Jixiang Street, where traditional dishes are served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Shopping in Anren Ancient Town
Tangchang Fermented Tofu (唐场豆腐乳): Renowned since the Qing Dynasty’s Xianfeng era, Tangchang fermented tofu is celebrated as one of the “Four Great Delicacies of Sichuan.” Made using high-quality spring water from “Xianggujing” in Tangchang Town, this tofu is crafted through a traditional secret recipe combined with modern brewing techniques. It is a purely natural and environmentally friendly food product known for its rich aroma, delicate texture, and ability to enhance appetite.
Wild Wolf Liquor (野人狼酒): Produced by a local distillery adjacent to the Liu Family Manor, Wild Wolf liquor is a popular alcoholic beverage in the region. Utilizing traditional brewing methods blended with modern technology, this liquor features a unique flavor profile. It is known for its strong aroma with hints of soy sauce, making it an exceptional choice among Sichuan liquors, celebrated for its smoothness, richness, and balanced character.
Things to Do in Anren Ancient Town
Each year during the Spring Festival, Anren Ancient Town hosts a variety of local and culturally rich events:
Tongqing Restaurant Zongzi Contest: Join the fun in a zongzi (rice dumpling) making competition at Tongqing Restaurant.
Mingxuan Bookstore Exhibitions: Explore cultural exhibitions at Mingxuan Bookstore, showcasing traditional and contemporary art.
Dragon Year Embroidery Ball Competition: Participate in the traditional embroidery ball competition, a unique local custom for good luck.
Traditional Wedding Experience: Experience traditional wedding customs, including sitting in a flower sedan chair, tossing embroidery balls, and performing traditional rituals like worshiping heaven and earth and entering the bridal chamber.
Nine Dishes Feast: Enjoy a traditional feast featuring nine different dishes, a customary celebration meal during the Spring Festival.