Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Shannon
May 4
4 min read

Updated: Jul 30

In the Shadow of the Dragon

Founded more than 1700 years ago during the Han Dynasty, Huanglongxi began as a vital Silk Road trade settlement nestled on the banks of the winding Huanglong River in Chengdu. Legend says the town earned its name from a fierce yellow dragon that once guarded the serpentine stream weaving through its cobbled alleyways, a guardian spirit as mysterious and enduring as the town itself. This ancient river town has long been a crossroads where commerce, myth and history collide beneath weathered stones and shadowed eaves.

Traditional Chinese gate adorned with red lanterns, set in a tranquil village street with trees and old buildings. Traditional Chinese writing on the archway.

The ancient town held notable military importance throughout its long history, due to its tactical location along the Fu River, which served as a natural moat. Nestled at the confluence of river routes and mountain passes, Huanglongxi was the perfect strategic hub for controlling trade, troop movement and surveillance through southwest Sichuan. During the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD), the region was a hotbed of conflict. The Kingdom of Shu, led by the legendary warlord Liu Bei, was constantly clashing with rival kingdoms. Huanglongxi, being close to the Shu capital of Chengdu, was part of the outer defensive ring.

The Huanglong Stream also functioned as a critical trade artery connecting inland Sichuan to bigger commercial routes. It operated with merchant guilds, each controlling a different section of the market or a specific trade like silk sellers, herbalists, blacksmiths, carpenters and spice merchants. These guilds were powerful, with their own patron deities, rules and protection systems. If you stole or cheated within Huanglongxi’s bounds, you risked public shaming, banishment or death.

Ancient Chinese architecture with red lanterns, large bronze vessel fountain, and greenery. Water sprays gracefully in a serene setting.

The layout of Huanglongxi shows clear signs of both spiritual intention and military strategy. Rooted in classic Feng Shui principles, the town was designed to harness the qi energy of the surrounding land and water. A stream cuts through the center, not just for trade or aesthetics but to divide the “yin” and “yang” sides of the settlement, maintaining spiritual balance. From this central waterway, narrow alleyways radiate outward like spokes. These stone paved paths were built to withstand the weight of cavalry and supply carts, while their tight, winding structure served a tactical purpose, by confusing invaders and creating natural choke points. Lined with black brick buildings and ancient wooden stilt houses, the maze-like design reflects a town shaped equally by the demands of war and the flow of energy.

Locals whisper about an old execution site at the southern edge of the town, just beyond the main market streets. This flat clearing near the old watchtower was close enough to be seen by townsfolk but lay just outside the sacred boundaries of temples and trade. Public executions weren’t hidden, they were lessons written in flesh. In ancient maps, this area was known as the “Crimson Slope.” It’s said the slope once led to the river and blood from executions would run downhill, washing into the stream and flowing back through the heart of the town. Before facing their fate, prisoners were brought to Chaoyin Temple for final confession and karmic balance. Here, they prayed, repented or cursed the heavens, while monks offered tea laced with herbs to ease their fear or induce visions in their final hours.

Today, Huanglongxi Ancient Town is a vibrant blend of history and modern tourism, offering a unique glimpse into China's rich history. It has evolved into a bustling tourist destination with a variety of tourist shops and food stalls that cater to visitors seeking local snacks and traditional crafts. Due to Its well preserved architecture, picturesque scenery and authentic ambience, it is now often referred to as "China's Hollywood", attracting filmmakers seeking an authentic backdrop for historical dramas and period films.

🗺️ Location

70 Huangjin Road, Huanglongxi County, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

🚆 How to get there

Huanglongxi Old Town is located about 40 km's south of Chengdu, making it a convenient day trip destination for visitors seeking a taste of traditional Sichuan culture away from the city bustle. Regular buses run every 20 minutes from Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Tourist Center between 8am - 5:30pm, offering easy access to the town. Tickets cost just ¥14 per person and the journey takes roughly an hour each way. The well maintained road and frequent service make getting there straightforward, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or family. For those who prefer private transport, taxis and ride hailing apps are also popular options, although they come at a higher cost.

⭐ Attraction Info

There is no entry fee to explore Huanglongxi Old Town, letting visitors freely wander its historic streets and soak in centuries of culture. The town offers a variety of restaurants serving local Sichuan dishes, from spicy hotpots to snacks like dingding sweets and pearl tofu pudding, perfect for food lovers. Numerous shops sell traditional crafts, souvenirs and local specialties. To fully enjoy the town’s charm and architecture, plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring cobblestone alleys, browsing shops and visiting historic temples and riverside teahouses. Evening visits offer a quieter, atmospheric experience with lantern lit streets and occasional Sichuan opera or folk performances.

黄龙溪镇