Huanglongxi Ancient Town was the second half of the Klook “Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town One-Day Tour.” Since the main purpose of my trip was to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Leshan Giant Buddha, I initially assumed Huanglongxi Ancient Town would be less memorable. However, after visiting, I felt this historic town, deeply connected to Zhuge Liang, was definitely worth writing about. (Anyone else here a fan of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series like me?)
➤ Sichuan ◦ Leshan｜Leshan Giant Buddha
Contents
◦ Chengdu Travel Guide
🎫 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Ticket
🙏 Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old Town Full-Day Tour
🙏 1-Day Tour of Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha
◦ Huanglongxi Ancient Town
The ancient name of Huanglongxi was “Chishui.” During the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang supported Liu Bei in ascending the throne under the prophecy known as “The Yellow Dragon Appears over Wuyang Chishui for Nine Days.” This event later became the origin of the town’s name, Huanglongxi. At the time, Zhuge Liang stationed troops and raised warhorses here, making Huanglongxi an important hub for both land and water transportation.
In modern times, however, land transportation gradually replaced river shipping, and Huanglongxi slowly declined into a quieter outlying town. Located around 40 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, it has now transformed into a tourist destination where visitors can experience elements of the Three Kingdoms culture. Personally, I found the area to be quite commercialized. The town itself is fairly large, and if you take your time walking around and exploring, you will probably need around two hours to fully enjoy the area.
01｜Longtan Plaza
As you enter the main gate, you’ll immediately see a large fountain in the center of the plaza. During the summer, this area becomes a popular spot where locals from Chengdu come to cool off and play in the water.
02｜Xizhai Gate
Behind Xizhai Gate runs a small stream where many visitors enjoy playing in the water.
On both sides of the stream is a lively shopping street filled with the kinds of snack stalls and souvenir shops commonly found in tourist areas. However, if you look carefully, you can still discover a few charming specialty stores with unique character, along with talented street performers who are great at creating a fun atmosphere.
03｜Jingguan Bridge
After crossing Jingguan Bridge, you’ll come across the old pier and sightseeing boats. Back when river transportation was the primary way of traveling, people could depart from Chengdu at dawn and arrive in Huanglongxi Ancient Town by noon by following the river downstream. Travelers who left at midday would often stay overnight here, which greatly contributed to the town’s prosperity. Later, as land transportation gradually replaced river shipping, Huanglongxi Ancient Town slowly transformed from a thriving riverside trading town into a quieter outlying settlement.
04｜East Fortress Gate
This area feels even more reminiscent of an ancient Shu Han town from the Three Kingdoms period, and you can also find Chengdu’s famous ear-cleaning services here.
Upon arriving at the East Fortress Gate — also known as Kongming Tower — you’ll see a statue of Zhuge Liang standing above the gate, highlighting the town’s historical role as an important military stronghold of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms era. Visitors can pay an admission fee to enter the tower. Besides enjoying a panoramic view from above, you can also explore displays and historical materials related to the Three Kingdoms period inside.
05｜Ancient Wharf of Huanglongxi
Boat rides are also available at the Ancient Wharf. The river here is the Jinjiang River, also known as the Fu River, which connects directly to Chengdu. Traditional residences line both sides of the riverbank, and personally, I felt this area captured the atmosphere of the old riverside town most beautifully.
🙏 Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old Town Full-Day Tour