Jiezi Ancient Town (街子古镇), established over a thousand years ago during the Five Dynasties period as the seat of the county government in Yongkang, is a historically rich town that once flourished as a trade hub connecting ethnic minorities to the fertile plains of western Sichuan.
Today, the town features a labyrinth of ancient streets lined with simple yet charming buildings that reflect the typical architecture of southwestern towns. Its long history has left behind numerous remarkable relics, including Ziku Tower, Tang Gong Temple, and Guangyan Zen Temple, each telling stories of the past.
Surrounded by mountains, Jiezi is traversed by the Weijiang River, creating a picturesque landscape where mountains and water complement each other beautifully. The natural scenery captivates visitors, inviting them to linger and explore.
The town is also renowned for its abundant orchids, with the streets and residences adorned by these delicate flowers, filling the air with their subtle fragrance. Each January, Jiezi hosts a grand Orchid Festival, showcasing various orchid species alongside vibrant cultural performances, making it a delightful time for visitors to experience the local culture and floral beauty.
Travel Information about Jiezi Ancient Town
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission: Free entry.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to experience Jiezi Ancient Town is in May when the town celebrates the Xichuan Shengshui Festival, honoring the great poet Qu Yuan. After the ceremonial events, visitors can enjoy lively street water-splashing festivities.
Getting to the Scenic Area
- Location: Jiezi Ancient Town, Chongzhou City, Chengdu.
Bus: Take a bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to Chongzhou City, then transfer to a local bus to the ancient town.
Driving: From Chengdu West Gate, take the Chengwenqiong Expressway and exit at Chongzhou. Then follow signs through Jinjiang and Yuantong Town to Jiezi Town. Alternatively, you can access Jiezi via the Chengguan Expressway or the “Chengdu to Qingcheng Mountain” fast track, passing through Daguan Town.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Recreation: ★★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Jiezi Ancient Town
Ginkgo Square
Ginkgo Square is the starting point for exploring Jiezi Ancient Town, located at its center. Although the square is not large, it serves as the main venue for large events in the town and is a significant gathering place for visitors.
The square features numerous ecological benches for tourists to rest and displays a comprehensive map of the town, making it easy for visitors to understand the layout of Jiezi. On the west side of the square, there is a “5.12” Earthquake Memorial Hall, where visitors can learn about the town before and after the earthquake, as well as the resilience of the people of Chongzhou in the face of disaster.
The square is named after five precious ginkgo trees. The four central trees, each with a diameter of about 1 meter and over 20 meters tall, stand majestically in a row, creating a stunning sight. In the southeast corner, there is another ginkgo tree next to an ancient-style archway, known for its graceful posture and weathered charm. These five ancient ginkgo trees are over a thousand years old, and it is said that they were personally planted by the famous poet Tang Qiu, known as the “One Scoop Poet” in Jiezi’s history. The trees produce a large number of fruits each year, but to protect this ancient heritage, the townspeople never harvest the ginkgo nuts.
Ziku Tower
Ziku Tower is a dedicated structure for storing and burning paper used for writing, reflecting the ancient Chinese tradition of “respecting and cherishing written materials.” Built in the second year of the Xianfeng era (1852) during the Qing Dynasty, the tower features a hexagonal, five-tiered design with a pointed roof, standing at 20 meters tall with a hollow brick and stone structure.
The exterior walls are adorned with intricate relief carvings depicting scenes from traditional Chinese operas, such as excerpts from “The Legend of the White Snake,” along with motifs of landscapes and flowers. Ziku Tower is the only surviving exquisite structure of its kind in the Sichuan region, making it a landmark of Jiezi Ancient Town.
Tang Gong Temple
Tang Gong Temple was built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty to commemorate the famous Tang Dynasty poet Tang Qiu. At the entrance, a stone tablet inscribed with “Hometown of the Poet Tang Qiu” recounts his life story, featuring powerful and vigorous calligraphy. Beside it stands a statue of Tang Qiu, depicted holding his poetry gourd and gazing out over the river, as if reciting the timeless verses of his poetry.
Known as the “One Gourd Poet” in the history of Chinese poetry, Tang Qiu had a unique habit of tossing his completed poems into a gourd he carried with him. Unfortunately, in his later years, while bedridden, he threw his poetry gourd into the Weijiang River, where it was recovered by local residents. Sadly, only thirty-five incomplete poems survived, as the others were ruined by the water. These thirty-five fragments were compiled in Volume 724 of the Complete Tang Poems, preserving his legacy in a separate collection.
Weijiang Scenic Area
The Weijiang Scenic Area is located along the banks of the Weijiang River in the ancient town, facing the majestic Bijia Mountain. This area spans from the Yulong Bridge down to the ancient wharf and features four themed attractions: the Ancient Music Park, Lu You Poetry Garden, Southwestern Farming Garden, and Shuimu Leisure Garden. These sites are cleverly designed to reflect the unique topography and cultural stories of the region.
The entire Weijiang Scenic Area seamlessly blends nature with thematic elements, creating a harmonious and well-structured environment. The layout is balanced, with a combination of lively and tranquil spaces that integrate folk culture with historical significance. Towering bamboo forests and ancient trees surround the area, while the gentle waves of the river enhance the old-world charm, accompanied by the sounds of cicadas and birds. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with both mountains and water, embracing nature while engaging in various recreational activities.
Fengqi Mountain Scenic Area
Fengqi Mountain Scenic Area is renowned for its serene environment and lush forests, where the melodious sounds of various birds create an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of phoenixes singing. The area is home to the esteemed Guangyan Zen Temple, which is notable for its connection to the Ming Dynasty emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and houses the rare treasure “Hongwu Southern Collection,” earning it the title of “The First Heaven of Xichuan.”
The scenic area encompasses a vast ancient forest and the Meihua Village. Deep within the forest, visitors can find traces of the poet Tang Qiu, who is said to have composed poetry while riding a bull. The towering ancient trees—cypress, nanmu, fir, and ginkgo – create a majestic canopy overhead. In the Meihua Village area, the fragrance of various plum blossoms – red, black, green, and waxy – wafts through the air, evoking the sentiments of the famous poet Lu You, who expressed his love for plums. The village features European-style buildings and charming villas that enhance the picturesque setting among the blooming plum blossoms.
Winding through the heart of Fengqi Mountain is the Kangdao, a scenic green corridor measuring 2.1 meters wide and approximately 6.5 kilometers long. It begins at the Shengdeng Square and leads to the Guangyan Zen Temple nestled within the lush mountains. Along the way, there are eight arches, six pavilions, eight small bridges, one long corridor, and four service stations, all designed to enhance the visitor experience. Strolling along the Kangdao, one is surrounded by vibrant greenery, swaying bamboo, and rich forests, complemented by flourishing farmlands that create a diverse and layered landscape.
Visitor Guide for Jiezi Ancient Town
Jiezi Ancient Town, nestled between mountains and rivers, boasts stunning natural scenery with intersecting ancient paths. The streets are lined with a variety of hotels that offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of nature up close. There are options ranging from upscale hotels to simple and charming homestays.
Qingcheng Garden Hotel (青城园酒店): Built to four-star standards, this hotel combines tourism, business meetings, training, and dining entertainment. It offers a higher-end experience with modern amenities and services.
Huifeng Boutique Resort Hotel (惠丰精品度假酒店): This four-star international resort covers over 10,000 square meters, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. It features a variety of uniquely styled rooms and a range of entertainment facilities, including luxurious KTV rooms, high-end gaming lounges, and a tropical-themed waterside café.
Local Specialties of Jiezi Ancient Town
Jiezi Ancient Town offers a variety of local specialties and artisanal products that reflect its rich cultural heritage:
Spicy Sauce Series (香辣酱系列): One of Jiezi’s signature products, known for its refined taste and prominent spicy flavor. Made from premium ingredients like yellow soybeans, pure vegetable oil, peanuts, walnuts, sesame seeds, and yak meat, this sauce is crafted using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Available in various flavors including spicy, five-spice, beef, numbing, peanut, and green pepper, it’s a great addition to meals or as a gift.
“One Scoop of Poetry and Wine” (一瓢诗酒): A series of fine wines produced using high-quality grains and traditional brewing methods. This product won a gold medal at the 1983 China Poetry and Wine Expo, praised for its unique style. The renowned figure Qin Hanzhang honored it with a poem, highlighting its esteemed place in Chinese liquor culture.
Notable Restaurants in Jiezi Ancient Town
Jiezi Ancient Town is home to several renowned restaurants offering a variety of local specialties. Here are some must-visit dining spots:
Gujing Old Stove (古井老灶): Located on the walking street, this popular restaurant specializes in unique dishes and has been awarded “Most Popular Specialty Restaurant.” Notable menu items include Crispy Tofu Flower (脆皮豆花), Massage Eel (按摩士鳝鱼), Fragrant Pork Knuckle (古井飘香肘子), and Misty Flower (雾里看花).
Huixiangge (回香阁): Situated next to the ancient theater, this restaurant is known for its authentic Sichuan flavors. Recommended dishes include Three-Harmony Mud (三合泥), Huixiang Signature Pork (回香一品肘), Crispy Tofu Flower, Stone Sprayed Kidney (石喷腰花), and Wildflower Fish (沙沟野花鱼).
Weijiangwei Hotel (味江味酒店): Located at 158 Jinyu Street, this well-known restaurant is famous for its mountain delicacies and wild vegetables. A standout dish is the Bai Guo Mountain Treasure Stewed Chicken (白果山珍炖鸡), made with free-range chickens and pig bones fed with corn, slow-cooked with secret ingredients.
Chunmei Restaurant (春梅饭店): Found in the heart of the ancient town at 109-111 Jiangcheng Street, this restaurant offers a scenic view by the riverside, making it a delightful dining spot. Their specialties include Stone Ground Tofu Flower (石磨豆花), Wild Mountain Vegetables (山乡野菜), Free-Range Chicken (跑山鸡), and Cured Pork (老腊肉).
Things to Do in Jiezi Ancient Town
Xichuan Holy Water Festival: Held every May, this festival involves monks drawing spring water from a thousand-year-old well, which is transported down the mountain in porcelain bottles by a horse team. The oldest local elder pours the “holy water” into a large stone vat, followed by the “holy maidens” performing a sacred dance before distributing the water into wooden basins along the streets. The ceremony concludes with the water being poured into the Weijiang River to honor the great poet Qu Yuan. After the rituals, a lively water-splashing celebration takes place.
Stroll Through the Ancient Streets: The ancient town features several cobblestone streets lined with shops that retain their original charm. Visitors can explore a variety of local snacks and specialty products. For a more leisurely experience, you can enter a tea house and enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the ambiance.
Experience Intangible Cultural Heritage: On Chaoyang Road, you can witness various intangible cultural heritage crafts from across the country, such as the craftsmanship of Gong fans from Zigong, clay sculpture techniques from Suining, sandware production from Yingjing, and Yi silver jewelry making from Liangshan.
Visit the Market: On designated market days, people from the surrounding areas gather to sell homegrown produce, handmade crafts, and other goods along the streets. It’s a vibrant scene where visitors can observe local trade and community life.
Watch Traditional Theatre: The ancient town features a stunning traditional theater with a unique nine-ridge roof and intricately carved stone walls. Daily performances showcase classic dramas, with shows held at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM.
Enjoy the Bar Street: Jiezi Ancient Town boasts a charming riverside bar street, lined with cafes, bookstores, and bars housed in traditional pavilions. This picturesque area offers a serene atmosphere, free from loud music, where you can enjoy melodious songs and the unique cultural vibe of the town.