Shuangjiang Ancient Town – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

Shuangjiang Ancient Town (双江古镇), one of the ten historical towns in Chongqing, is a charming destination with a history dating back over 400 years. Nestled in the Tongnan District, this ancient town was established during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, making it a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of the area.

As you wander through the narrow streets and alleys of Shuangjiang Ancient Town, you’ll be transported back in time. The cobblestone streets, uneven stone steps, and the sight of aged gray-tiled houses create a nostalgic ambiance. The most distinctive feature of the town is its traditional streets, reminiscent of the bustling markets during the Qing Dynasty. The low eaves of the buildings, diverse architectural styles, and scattered deep courtyards all add to the town’s unique character, creating a visual feast for visitors.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Location and Transportation
• Highlights of Shuangjiang Ancient Town
  • Network of Streets
  • Traditional Courtyards
  • Notable Sites
• Vlog about Shuangjiang Ancient Town
• Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Shuangjiang Ancient Town is located in Tongnan District, Chongqing, near the renowned Tongnan Great Buddha Temple. It is situated downstream of the Fu River, a tributary of the Jialing River, which in turn is a tributary of the Yangtze River. To reach Shuangjiang Ancient Town from Chongqing:

1. Take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Tongnan Station. Trains run approximately every half an hour, with the earliest one departing around 6:15 AM. The train journey takes about 1 hour and costs around 35 RMB.
2. Upon arrival at Tongnan Station, board Bus 203 to Jiangbei Chinese Medicine Hospital (江北中医院).
3. Transfer to the Tongchong Inter-city Bus (潼遂城际公交), which will take you to Shuangjiang Ancient Town. The second part of the journey covers roughly 16 kilometers and takes about 1 hour.

Highlights of Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Network of Streets

The town is paved with ancient blue-stone slabs, and its architecture is a testament to the rich history it has witnessed. Some buildings may appear weathered and worn, but this only adds to the town’s sense of timelessness. Shuangjiang Ancient Town is not a typical linear settlement like many other ancient towns. Instead, it features a complex network of streets, including Central Street, East Street, Upper West Street, Lower West Street, South Street, North Street, Xinglong Street, Water Lane, and Old Pig Alley. This intricate layout is unique to Shuangjiang and adds to its charm, though it might require you to occasionally seek directions from the friendly locals to navigate the town and discover its hidden gems.

Traditional Courtyards

The town boasts well-preserved traditional courtyards with elaborately carved gateways, pillars, and walls. The corner eaves of the courtyards soar high, creating an air of grandeur. The courtyards are deep and feature meticulously designed gardens and inner courtyards that burst with the beauty of lush flowers and plants in all seasons. This architectural style is typical of ancient towns in the Sichuan and Chongqing region and adds to the town’s timeless appeal.

Notable Sites

Shuangjiang Ancient Town is home to several notable sites, including the “Yu Wang Palace,” Qing Dynasty residences, the “Xinglong Street Grand Courtyard,” “Yuantaihe Grand Courtyard,” the “Postal Bureau Grand Courtyard” (formerly the residence of Yang Shangkun and Yang Yangong), the “Changtan Sizhiting,” and the “Huimin Palace.” These large-scale historic residences, featuring the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, are scattered throughout the town, and they collectively form an exceptional cluster of Qing Dynasty residential architecture. Experts have hailed these structures as a rare collection of Qing Dynasty homes, earning Shuangjiang Ancient Town the reputation of being “A Street from the Qing Dynasty.”

Vlog about Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Interaction with Locals: The town has more indigenous residents than tourists, and the locals are known for their warm hospitality. They are friendly and often engage in conversations with visitors. Vendors selling goods often use phrases like “It’s okay if you don’t buy, just try it first,” indicating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Photography Essentials: It’s highly recommended to bring a portable charger or power bank for your electronic devices, especially if you plan on taking lots of photos.

Historical Atmosphere: While some buildings in the town might be relatively modern reconstructions, the overall ambiance still exudes a strong sense of history. Compared to newer tourist-oriented ancient towns, Shuanjiang Ancient Town offers a more authentic historical atmosphere, making it a more genuine experience for visitors interested in immersing themselves in the town’s rich cultural heritage.