When people think of Huanglongxi Ancient Town, they usually picture crowded streams, water fights, and children running around with water guns during the summer.
But this 1,700-year-old town offers much more than a place to cool off.
Located just one hour from downtown Chengdu, Huanglongxi was an important river port during the Three Kingdoms period. Situated at the confluence of the Jinjiang River and Luxi River, it served as a key transportation and trading hub connecting the Chengdu Plain with surrounding regions.
If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t rush straight to the water-play areas.
The best way to experience Huanglongxi is to spend the morning exploring its ancient wharves, temples, historic streets, and traditional teahouses before enjoying the refreshing streams in the afternoon.
Only then can you truly appreciate both sides of Huanglongxi—its rich history and its lively local atmosphere.
Huanglongxi
Where Is Huanglongxi Ancient Town?
Huanglongxi Ancient Town is located in the southern part of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, approximately 40 kilometers from the city center.
Built along rivers and waterways, it is one of the most famous ancient water towns in western China.
Unlike many other ancient towns near Chengdu, Huanglongxi’s defining feature is water. Streams flow through the old streets, stone bridges span the waterways, and the entire town feels connected to the river.
Entrance Fee
One of the best things about Huanglongxi is that the core scenic area is completely free to visit.
Admission Information
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: Open all day
- Recommended Visit Duration: Half day to one full day
This makes it an excellent destination for budget travelers, students, families, and independent travelers.
How to Get to Huanglongxi from Chengdu
Metro and Bus
The most economical option.
Route:
Metro Line 5 → Huilong Station (Exit H1) → Transfer to Bus S18 or S18K → Huanglongxi Bus Station
Travel Time:
Approximately 1.5 hours
Cost:
Less than RMB 10
Ideal for independent travelers.
Taxi
Take a taxi directly from Huilong Station.
Travel Time:
Around 10 minutes
Fare:
Approximately RMB 15–25
Self-Drive
Driving from downtown Chengdu takes about one hour.
Navigation:
Huanglongxi Ancient Town Parking Lot
Parking Fee:
Around RMB 10–20 per vehicle
Perfect for families and groups.
The Best Huanglongxi Walking Route
Many visitors arrive and immediately head for the water-play zones, missing the town’s most fascinating historical sites.
For a more complete experience, follow this route:
Ancient Wharf → Zhenjiang Temple → Gulong Temple → Three Counties Government Office → Water Streets → Fuxing Teahouse → Huanglongxi Covered Bridge
Spend the morning exploring culture and history.
Save the afternoon for water activities and relaxation.
Huanglongxi
Stop 1: The Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Wharf
Often overlooked by tourists, the Ancient Wharf is one of Huanglongxi’s most meaningful attractions.
During the Three Kingdoms period, this was an important river transportation hub where merchant boats once gathered.
Today, visitors can still experience traditional Sichuan river culture through performances of the famous Chuanjiang Boatmen’s Work Songs.
As veteran boatmen row slowly across the river and sing powerful river chants, the atmosphere transports visitors back centuries.
Many travelers who accidentally stumble upon the performance end up staying much longer than planned.
Highlights of the Ancient Wharf
- Chuanjiang Boatmen’s Work Songs
- River cruises
- Riverside teahouses
- Historical water transport culture
Early morning is the best time for photography, when mist often lingers above the water.
Stop 2: Zhenjiang Temple
A short walk from the Ancient Wharf brings you to Zhenjiang Temple.
This is one of the best viewpoints overlooking the ancient town.
Originally built to protect the area from flooding, the temple now offers panoramic views of traditional rooftops, waterways, and surrounding countryside.
Compared with the bustling water-play zones, the temple remains peaceful and uncrowded.
Stop 3: Gulong Temple
Gulong Temple is the oldest temple in Huanglongxi and one of its most iconic landmarks.
Its most famous features include:
- A thousand-year-old banyan tree
- An ancient opera stage
- Traditional temple architecture
The massive banyan tree has intertwined with the temple structures over centuries, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the town.
Visitors interested in Chinese architecture and cultural photography should not miss this location.
Stop 4: Three Counties Government Office
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Huanglongxi historically connected three administrative regions:
- Huayang
- Renshou
- Pengshan
To manage local water resources and regional affairs, a special government office was established during the Qing Dynasty.
Today, the Three Counties Government Office remains one of the few surviving examples of this unique administrative system.
Its historic buildings and traditional courtyard architecture provide fascinating insight into local history.
Stop 5: The Water Streets
After exploring the cultural landmarks, it’s finally time to experience Huanglongxi’s most famous attraction.
Streams flow directly through the old streets, creating natural play areas that become especially popular during summer.
Children splash through the water with water guns.
Adults roll up their pants and cool off in the shallow streams.
The entire town comes alive with laughter and excitement.
Water Play Essentials
Bring:
- Sandals or water shoes
- A change of clothes
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Sunscreen
During summer, getting wet is almost unavoidable.
Being prepared will make your visit much more enjoyable.
Huanglongxi
Best Photography Spots in Huanglongxi
Huanglongxi Covered Bridge
The town’s most recognizable landmark.
With its elegant traditional architecture stretching across the river, it looks particularly beautiful at sunset.
After dark, the illuminated bridge creates a magical atmosphere.
Ancient Archway
One of the classic photo locations in the town.
Perfect for traditional Chinese-style photography and Hanfu portraits.
Chuanlong Street
Known for its blue fabric decorations hanging above the street.
When sunlight filters through the fabric, it creates unique lighting effects ideal for photography.
Fuxing Teahouse
One of the most authentic old-style teahouses in Huanglongxi.
The second-floor window seats offer excellent views over the old streets and waterways.
A cup of traditional Sichuan tea here is one of the best ways to experience local life.
What to Eat in Huanglongxi
Food is an essential part of the Huanglongxi experience.
One-Strand Noodles
The town’s most famous specialty.
Each bowl contains a single continuous noodle stretched by hand.
Watching the noodle-making performance is part of the experience.
Crispy Pork Knuckle
Crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor make this a local favorite.
Pearl Tofu Pudding
Smooth tofu topped with chili oil, peanuts, and traditional seasonings.
Huanglongxi Tofu Pudding
A classic Sichuan breakfast dish known for its silky texture and bold flavors.
Sesame Cakes and Ding Ding Candy
Traditional local sweets that make excellent souvenirs.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, consider visiting these nearby destinations.
OCT Happy Farm
A family-friendly attraction featuring animals, gardens, and recreational activities.
Ideal for travelers with children.
Invisible Church
One of Chengdu’s most popular photography locations.
Its minimalist architecture makes it especially popular for portrait and wedding photography.
A taxi or private car is recommended.
Recommended One-Day Itinerary
09:00 Arrive at Huanglongxi Ancient Town
09:00–11:00 Explore the Ancient Wharf, Zhenjiang Temple, and Gulong Temple
11:00–12:00 Visit the Three Counties Government Office
12:00–13:30 Enjoy local specialties for lunch
13:30–16:30 Water activities and strolling through the old streets
16:30–17:30 Relax at Fuxing Teahouse
17:30–19:00 Photograph sunset and evening views at the Covered Bridge
Essential Travel Tips
1. Don’t Start with Water Play
Explore the cultural sites first and save the streams for later.
2. Bring Spare Clothes
Getting wet is almost guaranteed during summer.
3. Avoid Buying Snacks at the Entrance
Food prices are generally lower deeper inside the old town.
4. Skip Fish Spa Treatments
Hygiene standards vary and may not be ideal.
5. Choose Traditional Teahouses Over Trendy Cafés
You’ll experience a more authentic side of Sichuan culture.
Huanglongxi
Best Time to Visit Huanglongxi
March to May
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
June to August
Peak water-play season and the most lively time of the year.
September to November
Comfortable weather and excellent conditions for photography.
December to February
A quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists.
For first-time visitors, summer is the most recommended season.
Spend the morning discovering ancient river-port culture, enjoy local food at noon, cool off in the streams during the afternoon, and finish the day watching the sunset from the Covered Bridge.
Only then will you understand that Huanglongxi is much more than a place to splash in the water—it is a living town where over 1,700 years of history continue to flow alongside the river.
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