Huanglongxi Ancient Town 黄龙溪古镇

About Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Timber-fronted streets, old temples, riverside buildings and large trees give the historic core its character. The main streets are lively with food and souvenir stalls, while quieter edges reveal more of the settlement’s relationship with the water. Its fire-dragon and boatmen’s traditions belong to the town’s cultural history; performances depend on the actual event programme.

The site grew from a wharf and market town established in the Han dynasty, where boats travelling from Chengdu along the Jin River moored overnight at the point where the Luxi River (鹿溪河) joins the wider, calmer Jin River. Originally named Yongxing Chang (永兴场) on the east bank, it was destroyed by fire, also becoming known as Huoshao Chang (火烧场), before relocating to its present site in early Qing. A joint office, the Zongye Yamen (总爷衙门), was later set up at the meeting point of Huayang, Pengshan and Renshou counties to manage disputes, banditry and flooding across the three.

The historic core keeps its layout of seven streets and nine alleys, lined with 76 residences in the West Sichuan style built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Three Buddhist temples, Zhenjiang Temple (镇江寺), Chaoyin Temple (潮音寺) and Gulong Temple (古龙寺), stand along the riverside main street, forming a compact arrangement known as ‘one street, three temples’.

The town has more than 2,100 years of history and was named one of China's Top 100 Cultural Towns in 2023. Its fire-dragon lantern dance, dating from the Southern Song period, is listed as national intangible cultural heritage, as is the Fuhe Haozi boatmen's work chant.

What to look for

• Historic streets and temples preserve the form of a river-trading town.
• The two-river setting and large old trees shape the waterfront walk.

Location & getting there

Getting to Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Navigate to Huanglongxi Ancient Town in Shuangliu District and use a signed visitor entrance or parking area. It is a separate outing from central Chengdu; arrange a return connection and distinguish it from nearby Happy Countryside theme park.