Shangli Ancient Town (上里古镇), originally named “Luosheng (罗绳),” stands as a historic gem along the ancient Southern Silk Road, serving as a crucial stop on the ancient path leading into Ya’an. This town played a pivotal role as an important tea and horse trade post and a border checkpoint along the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road. In more recent history, it became a transit point for the Red Army during the Long March.
Nestled against hills and surrounded by water, Shangli Ancient Town boasts picturesque landscapes with terraced fields and wooden houses that reflect the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Many of these structures exhibit the distinctive stilted architectural style. The town also serves as a popular filming location for various movies and television productions.
In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, as the population of the ancient town continued to grow and its economy prospered, it was renamed “Wujia Kou” after five prominent local families. Shangli Ancient Town has preserved the unique characteristics of these five families to this day. These include the Yang family (known for their official status), the Han family (wealthy from business ventures), the Chen family (with abundant farmland), the Xu family (known for their beautiful women), and the Zhang family (skilled in martial arts and herbal medicine).
After liberation, based on the direction of the Longxi River, the upper reaches of the town were designated as Shangli. Today, Shangli Ancient Town remains a living testament to its rich history, cultural heritage, and the stories of the five influential families that have left an indelible mark on its character.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shangli Ancient Town
- Video about Shangli Ancient Town
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Other Attractions in Ya’an
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 4 – 5 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0835-2327119 |
Location and Transportation
Shangli Ancient Town is located in Sichuan Province in the southwestern part of China, specifically in the Sichuan province. Situated approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan, and 30 kilometers north of Ya’an, Shangli Ancient Town is easily accessible and serves as a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Toursits from Chengdu can first take a high-speed train to Ya’an City and then transfer to a coach to get to the ancient town. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours, making the town a perfect one-day-trip destination.
Highlights of Shangli Ancient Town
Han Family’s Mansion
The Han Family Mansion, built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, showcases remarkable architectural and artistic features. Located in Shangli Ancient Town, the mansion’s doors, windows, tables, walls, fences, eaves, skirts, and awning curtains are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from operas and historical anecdotes. This exquisite craftsmanship is a testament to the artistry of three generations who contributed to its completion. The Han Family Mansion stands as a unique and exceptional example of folk artistry, preserving the cultural heritage of the Han family over the years.
Erxian Bridge
Erxian Bridge, located about 200 meters west of Shangli Ancient Town over the Longxi River, is a charming stone bridge with a rich history. Initially built during the early Qing Dynasty, the first and second constructions were unfortunately washed away by floods. The current bridge, a high arch single-span stone bridge, was reconstructed in the 41st year of the Qianlong era (1776 AD). With stone railings on both sides, Erxian Bridge harmoniously complements the surrounding mountains, river, and fields, evoking a sense of the picturesque water towns of Jiangnan. Standing on the bridge, one can enjoy reflections in the water, creating a poetic atmosphere. To the south, dozens of small mounds resembling steamed buns are known as the “Eighteen Arhats Bowing to Guanyin,” while to the north lies Tian Tai Mountain, forming a colossal reclining Buddha silhouette on clear days.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Shangli Ancient Town is a treasure trove of exquisite handicrafts and unique souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Artisans in the town masterfully create traditional crafts, such as intricate embroidery, delicate bamboo weaving, and skillful paper-cutting. Visitors can explore vibrant market stalls and boutique shops, offering an array of handcrafted treasures to take home. Traditional calligraphy and paintings, decorative masks, and pottery are among the many offerings that captivate art enthusiasts. These authentic souvenirs serve as cherished mementos, preserving the essence of Shangli’s ancient charm and allowing travelers to carry a piece of its captivating heritage wherever they go.
Shuangjiexiao Archway
The Shuangjiexiao Archway, constructed in the 19th year of the Qing Dynasty’s Daoguang era, stands as a tribute to the virtue of filial piety exhibited by two women from the Han family. Commissioned by the Qing court, this archway is located on the ancient path south of Sijia Village in Shangli Ancient Town. Crafted from local high-quality quartz sandstone, the archway is 11.25 meters tall, 3 meters deep, with a base width of 7.8 meters and an eave projection of 1.1 meters. Adorned with intricate carvings depicting floral patterns, historical stories, opera scenes, and couplets, the archway is a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship, showcasing vivid depictions of birds, beasts, and theatrical scenes.
Video about Shangli Ancient Town
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Size and Duration: Shangli Ancient Town is described as quite small, and visitors note that exploring the town may take only 1-2 hours.
Combining with Other Attractions: The reviewer mentions combining the visit to Shangli Ancient Town with a trip to Bifengxia to see pandas.
Commercialization and Artistic Atmosphere: Compared to other ancient towns, Shangli is noted for being less commercialized. It attracts many art students who come for outdoor sketching. The town is appreciated for maintaining a more authentic and artistic atmosphere.
Accommodation and Long-Term Stays: Reviewers mention that many accommodations in Shangli Ancient Town offer monthly packages. This could make Shangli a good choice for an extended stay, particularly during the summer for those looking to escape the heat.
Food Recommendations: The review recommends trying the riverside barbecue, particularly the ones located next to the stage. The reviewer enjoyed the barbecue there, emphasizing the quality of the experience.
Photography Opportunities: The riverside area with swings and boat rides is highlighted as a good spot for photography.
