In the Shadow of the Dragon - Exploring Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Founded over 1700 years ago during the hen, Huanglongxi is an ancient Silk Road trade settlement located on the banks of the Huanglong River in Chengdu. The town was originally known as Huanglong, named after the yellow dragon who once guarded the stream which snakes through its cobbled alleyways.

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—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.

Chaoyin Temple served as a place of final confession and karmic balance before executions took place. Prisoners were brought here in their last hours to pray, repent or curse the heavens. Monks offered them tea laced with herbs to ease fear or induce visions

The town’s layout follows classic Feng Shui principles, designed to harness the qi energy of the land and water. The stream cuts through the maze of alleyways lined with weatherworn black-brick buildings and ancient wooden stilt houses. Not just for aesthetics or trade, but to keep the town in spiritual balance, separating the “yin” and “yang” sides of town. The main arteries of Huanglongxi radiate outward from the stream like spokes. They’re narrow, paved with ancient flagstones worn smooth by centuries of feet, hooves and cart wheels. The paths are tight and defensive, built to confuse invaders and protect its residents.

The town layout shows hints of martial planning; narrow alleys and winding roads that act as natural choke points. The stone pathways  were built to handle troop movement, cavalry weight and logistical grind

Locals whisper about an old execution site at the southern edge of the town, just beyond the main market streets. It was a flat clearing near the old watchtower, close enough to be seen by townsfolk but 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 referred to 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.

Each carving has meaning, often related to who lived inside or what trade they practiced. Some of them are coded warnings, protection charms disguised as art

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 atmosphere, 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 of Chengdu, Sichuan Province

How to get there : Huanglongxi Old Town is located 40km's south of Chengdu. There are scheduled buses every 20 minutes from Chengdu Xinnanmen Tourist Center between 8am & 5:30pm everyday. Bus tickets cost 14 yuan per person and the journey will take approximately an hour each way.

Attraction Info : There is no entry fee to wander around this ancient town. There are a heap of restaurants and touristy shops here so allow 2-3 hours to wander around.

黄龙溪镇

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