White Deer Town (白鹿镇, Bailu Town) is located in the northern mountainous region of Pengzhou, surrounded by lush greenery and flowing waters. A river divides the town into two halves, enhancing its picturesque landscape.
The town was heavily impacted by the Wenchuan earthquake but has since been rebuilt. In addition to preserving numerous geological relics, it features the only Sino-French traditional style town in the Chengdu Plain, constructed on the ruins left by the disaster.
Surrounded by verdant mountains and meandering streams, White Deer Town is adorned with fairy-tale-like European architecture, showcasing a charming French romantic atmosphere. Notable attractions include the Earthquake Ruins Park, the Chengdu Seismic Disaster Reduction Education Base – Bailu Pavilion, and Champagne Town, each offering a unique glimpse into the town’s history and culture.
Travel Information about White Deer Town
Admission and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Access to the Scenic Area
- Location: White Deer Town, Pengzhou City, Chengdu.
Bus: Take a bus from Wukuai Stone Bus Station in Chengdu to Pengzhou City, then transfer to a dedicated bus at Pengzhou Passenger Transport Center to White Deer Town.
Self-Driving: From the North Third Ring Road in Chengdu, take the Dafeng Interchange onto the Cheng-Peng Expressway and exit at Pengzhou Toll Station. Then follow Mudan Avenue, Jinpeng Avenue, Chaoyang North Road, and Xiaofu Road to reach White Deer Town.
Scenic Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Culture: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of White Deer Town
Earthquake Ruins Park
Earthquake Ruins Park is a memorial park established to commemorate the Wenchuan earthquake. The number “2” in its name symbolizes “love” in Chinese, reflecting the spirit of compassion and remembrance associated with the site. The park is home to several earthquake relics that vividly showcase the devastating scenes of the May 12 earthquake. Key features include the Sino-French Friendship Bridge, the “Singapore” Earthquake Site, and the Earthquake School Site.
The Sino-French Friendship Bridge, built in 1893, is a brick and stone double-arch bridge measuring 30.8 meters in length, with its surface paved in bluestone. Its ancient elegance and exquisite craftsmanship were tragically compromised when the bridge partially collapsed during the earthquake. Today, it stands as a historical heritage site, preserving the memory of the disaster for future generations.
During the May 12 Wenchuan Earthquake, nearly all the buildings surrounding Bailu Town Middle School collapsed, with only two classroom buildings remaining standing. Remarkably, seismic waves passed between these two structures, causing the left building to rise nearly 3 meters higher than the right one in an instant. This incredible phenomenon earned the school the nickname “the most resilient school in history” among the public
Chengdu Seismic Disaster Reduction Education Base – Bailu Pavilion
The Chengdu Seismic Disaster Reduction Education Base – Bailu Pavilion was established to commemorate the Wenchuan Earthquake. This educational facility is divided into five main areas: the Science Hall, Image Hall, Comprehensive Hall, Ruins Area, and Square Area, featuring a total of 36 functional zones related to various themes. It incorporates over twenty multimedia systems using sound, light, and electricity to enhance the interpretation, experience, and educational outreach.
Today, the Bailu Museum serves as an essential platform for citizens and tourists to learn about disaster prevention and reduction. One of its highlights is the expansive 4D cinema, where visitors can experience the sensation of an earthquake. The magnitude can be adjusted based on visitor preferences, providing a customized experience. To create a more immersive atmosphere, the experience hall employs advanced 4D technology to simulate the flashing lights and chaotic sounds of a crowd during an earthquake, offering a realistic depiction of the environment.
Sino-French Cultural Town
Sino-French Cultural Town is celebrated as the “century-old birthplace of Sino-French friendship.” Established in 1868 by the French missionary Hong Guanghua, the town features a monastery and schools built with the aim of spreading Christian teachings. Following this, friends from countries such as England, France, and Germany constructed summer villas in Bailu, enriching the town’s exotic atmosphere.
After the devastation of the Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12, a new French-style cultural town was built atop the ruins. This charming village is filled with European-style homes that exude a fairy-tale romance. Unique features such as sloping terrains, grassy areas, squares, streets, and roofs reflect the distinct romantic spirit of the French people. Visitors can admire the thick city walls, colorful pointed roofs, and intricately designed decorative patterns, all of which radiate the essence of French romance.
The town features a variety of cafes, bakeries, dance halls, and art studios, along with shops selling French crafts such as perfume, wine, and lavender. As visitors stroll through the charming streets, they are immersed in the authentic elements of French literature, film, and art. The ambiance exudes genuine French flair, inviting guests to pause and savor the enchanting moments that seem to shimmer like drops of gold.
Bailu Upper Academy
Bailu Upper Academy is a historic site that served as a center for training advanced clergy in Southwest China before the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It was established by missionaries and is the oldest Catholic seminary in the region.
This authentic French-style church features a blend of typical European Romanesque and Gothic architectural characteristics, alongside the traditional Chinese courtyard layout. Inside the academy, colorful stained glass, marble, and high-quality wood – all transported from France – adorn the space. The white columns and gray-black roof tiles showcase the unique architectural style of the academy, making it a remarkable cultural landmark.
White Deer Forest Park
White Deer Forest Park (Bailu Forest Park) covers an area of 34 square kilometers, featuring rugged peaks and a variety of landscapes. The park is characterized by steep and winding canyons, and lush greenery blankets the mountains. This area is rich in biodiversity, hosting a wide range of plant and animal species. Notably, it is home to rare prehistoric plants such as the dove tree, metasequoia, and ginkgo. Scattered throughout the forest are several limestone caves, each showcasing unique formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone flowers.
Among these, Wulong Cave stands at an elevation of 1,200 meters, with an entrance approximately 10 meters high and a depth of around 200 meters. The cave features an underground river, hidden chambers, and distinctive stalactites, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the natural beauty of this enchanting landscape.
Visitor Guide for White Deer Town
Accommodation Recommendation
Located to the northeast of the Upper Academy (上书院), Alsace Castle is renowned as a “mini honeymoon paradise.” Inspired by a town in France’s Alsace region, this castle is a high-end resort that combines dining, entertainment, relaxation, and sightseeing.
The castle offers various themed dinners tailored for couples, including engagements, wedding anniversaries, and golden anniversaries, allowing each visiting pair to enjoy a unique romantic gathering and experience a taste of a French honeymoon without leaving the country.
Inside the castle, there are several stylish themed clubs, such as a game salon, cigar salon, artistic salon, and wine salon. Visitors can choose clubs based on their interests, immersing themselves in a luxurious atmosphere and enjoying a distinctive high-end experience.
Cuisine Recommendations
Visiting White Deer Town offers the opportunity to enjoy authentic Western cuisine in Champagne Town. Choose a French restaurant, order a bottle of red wine, and savor a romantic dinner in candlelight, creating an intimate atmosphere for two.
Alternatively, you can dine at local farmhouse inns along the roadsides, where you can taste homemade dishes made from natural ingredients. The locals creatively incorporate medicinal herbs into their farm cuisine, resulting in a unique series of medicinal dishes. They also utilize natural ingredients like poultry, wild vegetables, mushrooms, and ferns to create characteristic farmhouse-style restaurants, ensuring an authentic and nourishing culinary experience.