Jiezi Ancient Town (街子古镇) is located at the foot of the mountains in the northwest of Chongzhou City, Sichuan Province. It is known as the “Water Town of Western Sichuan” and referred to as the “Back Garden of Qingcheng.” With over 1,000 years of history, Jiezi was known as “Hengqu Town,” “Sijie Town,” and “Yongkang County” during the Five Dynasties.
The town is rich in unique cultural heritage, showcasing the agricultural culture of Western Sichuan, the 4,000-year-old Shuanghe Ruins (also known as Shuanghe Ancient City or Xiamang City), and significant religious influences, including Buddhist culture represented by the ancient Guangyan Temple from the Jin Dynasty, Daoist culture exemplified by the Shangyuan Palace, and poetry culture associated with the Tang Dynasty poet Tang Qiu, known as the “Poet with a Ladle.”
The ancient street area features six streets centered around Jiangcheng Street, with well-preserved ancient architecture covering 68,000 square meters. The buildings primarily date from the mid to late Qing Dynasty, and the town retains historical sites such as the Ziku Tower built during the Daoguang era, a Ming Dynasty well, and the former residence of Tang Qiu. Jiezi Ancient Town offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural depth of the region, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in historical and cultural exploration.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of jiezi Ancient Town
- Tour Tips
- Other Attractions in Suburb of Chengdu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-82289555 0086-028-82289556 |
Location and Transportation
Jiezi Ancient Town is located in the western part of Sichuan Province, China. Situated approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Chengdu, the provincial capital, it is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Qingcheng Back Mountains. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Express Coach: There are express coaches from Jinshan Bus Station (金沙车站) in Chengdu to Jiezi Ancient Town. They generally depart every 40 minutes and need 1.5 hours to complete the journey.
Train + Bus: Alternatively, you can first take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Dujiangyan, and then transfer to bus 102 to get to Jiezi Ancient Town. This allows you to combine these two attractions together.
Highlights of jiezi Ancient Town
Guangyan Zen Temple
Guangyan Zen Temple, originally established during the Sui Dynasty and known as “Changle Temple,” was bestowed with the plaque “Guangda Yanming” by Emperor Wen of Sui. It was destroyed during the reign of Emperor Wuzong of the Tang Dynasty but was rebuilt in the fifth year of the Xiantong era (864 AD) by the monk Shansi. In the Song Dynasty, it was renamed “Cuiwei Temple” before reverting to “Changle Temple” until the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. To avoid the taboo associated with the word “Le” (meaning “joy”), the Shu Prince Zhu Chun requested a new name, and the temple was officially named “Guangyan Zen Temple.” By the Ming Dynasty, it had expanded to include both Upper and Lower Ancient Temples, a name that has been used ever since. Nestled among the lush peaks of Fengqi Mountain, Guangyan Zen Temple embodies the serene atmosphere of “where winding paths lead to tranquil retreats, and the Zen room is deep among the flowers and trees.” In the Ming Dynasty, it was a prominent royal temple and became one of the holy sites of Buddhism in Sichuan.
Tang Gong Ancestral Hall
Jiezi Ancient Town is the hometown of the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Tang Qiu, and the Tang Gong Ancestral Hall serves as a place for people to pay their respects to this “Poet with a Ladle.” Outside the hall stands a stone tablet erected during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, inscribed with “Hometown of the Tang Poet Tang Qiu.” Additionally, a statue of Tang Qiu holding a poetic ladle stands by the river, commemorating his contributions to poetry.
Tea Culture
Jiezi Ancient Town is renowned for its vibrant tea culture, offering a delightful experience for tea enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush tea plantations, the town is a hub for high-quality tea production. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of tea by visiting local tea houses, participating in tea tasting sessions, and learning about the traditional tea-making process. The town’s teahouses provide a serene and relaxed setting to savor a variety of teas while engaging in tea ceremonies. From aromatic green tea to fragrant jasmine tea, Jiezi Ancient Town allows visitors to appreciate the artistry and rituals associated with tea, providing a tranquil respite amidst the town’s historical charm.
Ziku Tower
Ziku Tower is a facility for storing and burning paper with characters, designed in the basic structure of a Buddhist stupa with a hollow brick-and-stone design. Its exterior features relief carvings depicting scenes from “The Legend of the White Snake” and floral and landscape motifs. The Ziku Tower in Jiezi is the only exquisite example of its kind remaining in the western Sichuan region. The tower that stands today was restored in 2009. In ancient times, there was a cultural belief in “valuing and cherishing written paper,” reflecting a spiritual pursuit of cultural elegance among the people of Jiezi, evident in the construction and maintenance of the Ziku Tower.
Festivals and Performances
Jiezi Ancient Town comes alive with vibrant festivals and captivating performances, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. During traditional festivals, the town bursts with energy as colorful parades wind through the streets, showcasing traditional costumes, music, and dance. Visitors can witness lively folk performances that celebrate local customs and traditions. From dragon and lion dances to traditional opera shows, the festivals provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the lively atmosphere and experience the cultural essence of Jiezi Ancient Town. These festive occasions create a sense of community and offer a memorable and immersive cultural experience for all who visit.
Tour Tips
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Jiezi Ancient Town is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant.
Duration of Stay: Plan for at least a half-day visit to explore the town’s highlights. If you want a more leisurely experience and wish to explore the surrounding attractions, consider staying overnight.
Local Cuisine: Jiezi Ancient Town is known for its delicious Sichuan cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties such as spicy hotpot, Mapo tofu, and Kung Pao chicken. Explore local teahouses and indulge in the traditional tea culture.
Nearby Attractions: If time permits, consider visiting nearby attractions like Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Qingcheng Mountain to enrich your trip with additional cultural and natural experiences.
