Pingle Ancient Town (平乐古镇), located in Qionglai City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, is historically known as “Pingluo.” During the prehistoric period of King Kaiming of Shu, this green basin has been a settlement because of the development of water conservation and agriculture. It formally evolved into a town during the Western Han Dynasty, around 150 B.C.
Today, the town is renowned for its ecological beauty, traditional western Sichuan architecture, and rustic local customs. The ancient town is crisscrossed by the Bailuo River, with thousand-year-old banyan trees along the riverbank, traditional stilted houses, waterside docks, cobblestone streets, and the “Le Shan Bridge” spanning the Bailuo River – all showcasing the charm of Pingle Ancient Town.
Tea boats often dock along the river in the town, offering a unique experience for visitors. For a fee of 50 RMB per hour, these boats provide a leisurely cruise with complimentary tea service. The town also offers various nearby attractions. To the west, the Jinji Valley Outdoor Sports Base provides opportunities for activities such as rock climbing and rappelling. Additionally, the town’s western outskirts feature a vast bamboo sea and a reconstructed ancient paper mill, where visitors can witness the traditional art of papermaking. These attractions are conveniently close to the ancient town, making it possible to explore them in just half a day.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Pingle Ancient Town
- Vlog about pingle Ancient Town
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Other Attractions in the Suburb of Chengdu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
| Telephone Number | 0086- 028-88783717 |
Location and Transportation
Pingle Ancient Town is situated in the southwest region of China, specifically in the Sichuan province. It is located in the Qionglai Mountains, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan.
Tourists from Chengdu can first take a coach at Jinsha Bus Station (金沙车站) and then transfer to a taxi at Qionglai City to cover the remaining 17 kilometers. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs about 50 RMB.
Alternatively, you can also take the high-speed train to Qionglai Railway Station (邛崃火车站) and then transfer to the express coach to Pingle Ancient Town, which costs 6 RMB.
Highlights of Pingle Ancient Town
Folk Custom Courtyard
The Folk Custom Courtyard in Pingle Ancient Town offers a glimpse into traditional rural life with features like farmland and a mini dam. Visitors can actively participate in farming activities or enjoy folk cultural performances. The main structure within the courtyard is the Wang Family Courtyard. Originally, the patriarch of the Wang family, Wang Zhitong, served as a judge in Hebei Province during the Qing Dynasty. His descendants later relocated to Hongya County and constructed a four-courtyard residence at 57 Hongya Chenghuang Street in the 45th year of the Qianlong era (1780). The Wang Family Courtyard was restored and opened to the public in 2003, allowing visitors to experience the historical charm of this traditional residence.
South River
The South River gracefully meanders through the heart of Pingle Ancient Town, adding to the town’s enchanting beauty. The river’s serene waters are surrounded by lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and unwind. Along the riverbanks, visitors can take leisurely strolls, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and admiring the reflections of ancient bridges and traditional houses. Boating on the South River offers a unique perspective of Pingle’s ancient architecture and scenic surroundings. The river’s presence enhances the charm of Pingle Ancient Town, making it a delightful destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Ancient Road in Qin and Han Dynasties
Discovered during a cultural relic survey in 1986, the ancient road in Pingle Ancient Town dates back to the Qin and Han Dynasties. Protected by a 1.1-meter parapet, the 4-meter-wide ancient road on Qilong Mountain is paved with red sandstone slabs abundant in western Sichuan. While these slabs have weathered over time, they bear witness to the prosperous commercial activities that once thrived along this route. Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the renowned strategist, traversed this ancient road several times during his southern campaigns, adding historical significance to its legacy.
Tea Culture
Tea culture in Pingle Ancient Town is a cherished tradition that dates back centuries. Renowned for its tea production, the town is enveloped in the delightful aroma of freshly brewed leaves. Local tea houses serve as cultural hubs where visitors can partake in traditional tea ceremonies, savoring a wide variety of aromatic teas, including the famous Sichuan green tea. Tea artisans skillfully demonstrate the art of tea-making, emphasizing the significance of each step. The warm and welcoming ambiance of the tea houses invites conversations and connections, offering a genuine taste of Chinese hospitality.
Ancient Paper Mill
The ancient paper mills in Pingle Ancient Town trace their origins back to the Southern Song Dynasty, reaching their zenith during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Preliminary surveys have identified 74 existing ancient paper mills. Nestled against the mountains, these unique and historically significant mills boast expansive designs. One of these ancient paper mill sites has been developed as a tourist attraction. Within the site, a nearly complete set of ancient handcrafted papermaking tools is preserved, including water pools, wooden barrels, stone vats, grindstones, and more, used in the traditional process of “soaking, boiling, pulping, papermaking, water extraction, and drying.”
Vlog about pingle Ancient Town
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Exploring the Town: Pingle Ancient Town is known for its charming small shops selling woven bags, baskets, and accessories. Take the opportunity to explore these shops, and the picturesque setting makes for great photo opportunities.
Leisurely Afternoon by the River: After having lunch, consider finding a teahouse by the river. Enjoying tea in the sunshine by the riverbanks is described as an incredibly pleasant and leisurely experience.
Specialty Dish – Milk Soup Noodles: Try the local specialty, “奶汤面” (milk soup noodles). According to the review, it’s delicious, with the soup being particularly tasty. Small portions are priced at 10 yuan, and large portions at 12 yuan.
Evening Atmosphere: After 8:00 PM, most of the shops in the ancient town close. This suggests that Pingle Ancient Town maintains a less commercialized and relaxed atmosphere in the evenings.
Bamboo Raft Experience: Engage in the fun experience of riding a bamboo raft. The reviewer suggests that it’s enjoyable, and encountering the elderly boatman adds a humorous touch. The boatman even demonstrated traditional rowing techniques and engaged in entertaining activities like the “Dragon Gate Array.” It’s recommended for everyone to try the bamboo raft experience.
