Shangli Ancient Town

Self-driving tour, car ~ Fit, Ya'an before one o'clock...



Pros: 1. The route is simple, perfect for a relaxing break, and the duration isn't too long, making it a pleasant and tiring experience. The electronic guide is a good reference. 2. Very close to Bifeng Gorge (but...more on that below). 3. Not too hot or too cold.

Features (depending on personal preference, not exact): 1. Ancient extended family (landlord) culture, old houses. 2. Interesting stone carvings of Red Army (Party) revolutionary propaganda, a reminder of the times. 3. Shallow water, small bridges, and waterwheels are photogenic. Suitable for the elderly and children, but not quite appealing enough for young people. 4. Lots of sketching and painting, but that doesn't necessarily mean the scenery is great.

Cons: 1111. The biggest pain point and the most frustrating part of this trip was the sheer number of people heading to Bifengxia during the May Day holiday. The 10-kilometer journey from downtown Ya'an, which takes at most half an hour, took three and a half hours to get to the entrance, and we were forced to wait until 4:30 to enter the scenic area. We had originally planned to see Bifengxia first and then head to Shangli Ancient Town. The result... 2. The cultural heritage and scenery were only average, or very average. It was bustling, but perhaps you should be prepared for this when visiting an ancient town. 3. The road conditions were poor and should be repaired. 3. The scenery along the way was also average; there were some mountains and washes, but for someone who's seen a lot of Sichuan's landscapes, it wasn't anything special. 4. Snacks are a specialty of every ancient town, and the meat here is often greasy, so not for those who are afraid of greasy food. My wife didn't eat them and opted for wolf-tooth potatoes instead...



In summary, 1. If you are short on time, you can choose not to go. If you are hesitant, you can choose not to go, because it will really be boring if you go.

2. If you have time and there is no traffic jam (there is usually not much traffic jam from Bifengxia to here, and today's journey is much better than the previous three and a half hours and ten kilometers~~~~), after going to Bifengxia (actually I haven't been there yet) and still have time, and want to find a place to walk around, eat, drink, stop and shop (by the way, there is also a teahouse with quite a lot of customers), you can go.



This is my first time writing a review. The biggest feeling today was the traffic jam. Fortunately, my wife and I planned this trip very casually. Relaxation was the general tone. We didn't deliberately check in and rush. As long as we could get to the next hotel, we didn't care much about anything else. We just went there.

Walking along the former Southern Silk Road, I found this place to be very quiet. Perhaps it was the result of years of wear and tear, but now it no longer has the busy scene it once was, and now it seems to be very leisurely.

This ancient town isn't particularly large, so you can explore it in an hour or so at most. I noticed a problem: it feels like all the other ancient towns are selling Yiwu-style small commodities...it loses the feel of an ancient town. It would be better if they sold some local specialties...

Han Family Courtyard cost 10 yuan! Not two yuan, not even one. It's a Qing Dynasty building, but the park is poorly maintained, with the ancient buildings severely damaged. It's inhabited. It only took 7-8 minutes to walk through the park. There was only one free public restroom. The dragon beard candy was okay, but there was also a roadblock dog that kept following you, making it impossible to even get through the wetland park. It took 1.5 hours to get there and 1.5 hours to get back, so the whole trip cost 20 yuan: 10 yuan for the dragon beard candy and 10 yuan for the Han Family Courtyard.

This scenic area is poorly managed, especially with the random parking charges. Some businesses along the entrance to the scenic area have signs saying "10 yuan during the day, 20 yuan at night." Some even stand by the roadside, waving customers to park. This poses a safety hazard and involves overcharging. For example, the male and female owners of the "Shangge Inn" restaurant, directly across from the bridge at the entrance to the scenic area, tell tourists that parking at the hotel entrance during the day is 20 yuan, then 10 yuan. Once you're parked, they tell you it's 10 yuan for two hours. When asked why and asked for proof of the charges, the young female owner angrily replied, "If you don't stop, drive away. This is my territory, I have the final say, and this is how I charge." The whole family jumped out and cursed... This is damaging to the image of the tourist attraction. Later, I heard from neighboring businesses and people nearby that her family often quarrels with customers, often overcharging customers, and has no repeat business. The only ones who come back to reason with her are businesses like this. The scenic area management department should crack down on businesses like this and put them on a blacklist.

The streets and houses are ordinary, but the characteristic is that there are more than ten small bridges of different shapes. It is a unique and distinctive ancient town in Sichuan.

A great place to escape the heat, cool down and relax on a weekend!

The ancient town is nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with stone-paved streets. The houses are mainly tiled and wooden and are well-preserved. There are many stone bridges across the small river.

There are many students studying painting, forming a unique landscape

The week we came was just after China's National Day holiday, so the streets were quite quiet and it was very relaxing to walk around.

Shangli Ancient Town is a famous historical and cultural town in Sichuan. It was the transit point of the Red Army during the Long March northward and was also the site of the former Southern Silk Road.

Shangli Ancient Town is small. While ancient towns all over the world look alike, it's still quite natural, without a strong commercial atmosphere. Its local delicacies are Tuotuo meat and Dada noodles. I'm not sure if they're good, but they're rare elsewhere, so they're probably its speciality. Many residents sell acacia red beans, which they grow themselves and string together with red thread to make beautiful bracelets and necklaces. They're quite affordable at 5 yuan a string.

Shangli is only a 2-hour drive from Chengdu, which is very convenient for a round trip in one day. The ancient town is very quiet, mostly populated by elderly people, and the food is cheap. If you have good photography skills, you should be able to take very good pictures.

The overall feeling is still good. Most of the scenery is preserved. The road is being repaired along the way. The local customs are very good. The only bad thing is that it is messy.

This is really a rainy city 😂😂😂. I drove from Chengdu in heavy rain all the way, and the mountain road was full of twists and turns.

I've always wanted to go there, but always missed it for one reason or another. It's a two-hour drive from Chengdu, and the road is quite accessible. I thought it would be similar to other ancient towns, but Shangli Ancient Town actually felt quite nice. The town itself isn't large and is still under construction. My friend said there was only one street last year, but this year, construction has spread to the other side. It was less crowded when we went, which made it feel especially comfortable. The lush greenery should keep it cool in the summer. We found an inn by the river, stayed there, drank tea, and watched the fish. It was a truly relaxing time. The meat-filled noodles were also quite delicious, and in the evening, you can enjoy barbecue and sing songs. It's a great place to relax and unwind occasionally. I like it here; it's far superior to the nearby Liujiang Ancient Town.

I personally think it is the most beautiful ancient town I have ever visited. It is peaceful and tranquil, with numerous small bridges that bring the water there to life. It is dotted with historical relics, which makes people linger.

When I went there, it wasn't fully built yet. There were few tourists, but it was clean and quiet. It's perfect for a slow pace of life.

Fenghuang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, Lijiang Ancient Town are the most original and down-to-earth recommended places.

There are too many ancient towns around Chengdu, and they are all similar and have no special features!

Most of the ancient towns now have a strong modern commercial atmosphere, and Shangli is no exception.

It is a relatively old town with many tourists, but it is still heavily commercialized.

It is a very simple ancient town with nice streets. Personally, I think the local government has not invested well. Some facilities are old and dilapidated, and the riverside environment is not good.

This is the case with all ancient towns. Over-development has eliminated the cultural experience. While the locals are constantly adding other cultural touches, like the Hanfu experience we had the day we were there, it was just so-so. The stream flowing by also had a slight hint of life, which I didn't enjoy. However, the environment inside the small shops along the river is quite nice. I hope they can become more refined and become the next Lijiang.

Shangli is like an ink painting, nestled between mountains and water. There are not many tourists, most of whom are students who come here to sketch. There is not much noise from the city, so it is very suitable for tourists who like a quieter environment.

It's just an ordinary ancient town, nothing special.

On April 10, 2017, the Equatorians arrived at Shangli Ancient Town, a famous historical and cultural town, and conducted an outdoor development trip.

Traveling shouldn't just be about snapping photos with your camera, but about truly experiencing the local customs and culture. Doing passionate things with enthusiastic people!

Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. The ancients were right! We've walked through every corner of Shangli Ancient Town, embracing nature with our actions and inspiring dreams with our dreams! We are equatorial people, measuring the earth with our feet. We are equatorial people with stories to tell! We lead by example, telling everyone: If you have a dream, chase it!

Text: Equator Man Lei Min [WeChat ID: chidaorenlei]

Ancient towns all over the world are the same. They are very small and full of people selling tata noodles and students painting.

Shangli Ancient Town, listed as one of Sichuan Province's ten ancient towns, is located north of Ya'an. It was a transit point for the Red Army on their Long March northward and a key post station on the Linqiong Ancient Road entering Ya'an on the former "Southern Silk Road." Nestled at the intersection of two rivers, Shangli is known locally as a treasured land of wealth. Nestled between mountains and water, amidst rural hills, the town boasts wooden houses and stone-paved streets. Eight ancient stone bridges, exemplified by the "Erxian Bridge," boast a rich history and diverse styles. The first thing that catches your eye upon arriving in Shangli is the "Double Filial Piety Festival" memorial archway, built in the 19th year of the Daoguang reign. This tall, intricately carved archway features four pillars, three bays, and eaves with multiple ridges. Its beams are inscribed with over 20 groups and hundreds of stories from operatic characters. Shangli also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Red Army, including its stone carvings. From June 1935 to February 1936, the Red Fourth Front Army mobilized, publicized and organized the people in Shangli to resist Japan and save the country. In the name of the four political departments of Zhenzheng, Decheng, Ziguang and Chong'an, they wrote and engraved many propaganda slogans and revolutionary slogans on stone bridges, stone tablets, stone archways, stone walls and stone pillars. The content was mainly about resisting Japan and Chiang Kai-shek, and mobilizing the masses to fight against local tyrants and evil gentry, and the language was easy to understand.

It's very peaceful, perfect for relaxing and escaping the heat. The air is fresh. The accommodations at the Changshou Hotel are very nice, and the owner, Mr. Deng, is very welcoming. But remember the True Love Inn in the picture: the breakfast is small and expensive. We agreed to free parking, but when we returned, a woman came to collect the fees. They're not trustworthy. Remember to avoid the places in the pictures. I was in a good mood, but it was ruined. There are too many exorbitant charges. There's no future development here, so it's just what it is. I thought the people were simple and honest, but now I can only laugh.

Shangli Ancient Town, the best place for sketching, ancient and charming... isolated from the world...

The quaint town has not been repaired much. It was just too cold when we went there during the Chinese New Year, so we didn’t have a good time. The scenery should be better in summer. There are still many scenic spots around.

Located in Ya'an City, there is a direct bus from Ya'an West Gate Station, 4A free ticket, beautiful environment, original ecology, ancient buildings, beautiful ancient bridges and precious Red Army slogans

The ancient town is small, but it has a unique Han Family Courtyard, still habitable and a sight to behold. The other streets and alleys are mostly used for commercial purposes. The goods and food are similar across the country, but this is where the golden nanmu wood is found.

I went there many years ago when it was under renovation. I personally prefer this kind of ancient town.

Shangli Ancient Town, located north of Ya'an, was a transit point for the Red Army on their Long March northward and a key post station on the Linqiong Ancient Road entering Ya'an on the former "Southern Silk Road." Nestled between mountains and rivers, Xiaodian boasts rural hills and wooden houses. Many Ming-style stilt houses still remain, along with a variety of ancient and modern arch bridges. Famous attractions include the "Double Filial Piety Festival" archway, the Han Family Courtyard, and the White Horse Spring. Shangli Ancient Town is less commercial, less crowded, and relatively quiet.

I really like this place, it's quiet and the people are very simple. There are a lot of students painting, which is a pleasure to watch.

It can be regarded as one of the better attractions in the recent ancient town craze.

Small towns are all the same. The way to survive is to take a path of development that suits you and highlight your own characteristics!

Shangli Ancient Town is located north of Ya'an. From Ya'an, there are two other towns, Xiali and Zhongli, respectively. However, the ancient architectural remains of Shangli Town are better preserved. To experience the charm of the past while visiting the ancient town, you need to stay and stay. After the hustle and bustle of tourists has departed, in the silence, without the hustle and bustle, in the sunset and dawn, you can smell the faint traces of ancient charm. Just like that little shop in the alley behind the town—open for three years, three years of idleness. Go and experience it!

It's a small town, not very big, and I walked through it quickly. There are many people sitting along the river drinking tea and playing cards. It's very leisurely. The things are not very expensive. The local customs are very good. It's worth a visit.

The environment is beautiful, it is a good place to relax and stay quietly in the ancient town, and the snacks are delicious.

Shangli Ancient Town, like other ancient towns in Jiangnan, is more commercialized, with numerous restaurants, snack shops, and accommodations. Overall, the town is small, with some well-preserved historical artifacts and buildings. Shangli Ancient Town is located at the foot of a mountain. If you're staying there, you can enjoy a morning hike. We visited in autumn and saw many kiwi farms, and the kiwis are very affordable. Shangli Ancient Town is about a 10-minute drive from the Bifengxia Scenic Area and 20-30 minutes from the Ya'an Tourism Distribution Center. Transportation is convenient, but the roads are mountainous and can be very congested during holidays. Our last trip took over three hours. If you're staying in Shangli, you don't need to book a room in advance. We visited during the National Day holiday, and there were still many rooms available, despite the difficult transportation and relatively low population. If you're not staying there, a two-hour visit to Shangli Ancient Town is more than enough time.

The journey from Chengdu to Shangli Ancient Town in Ya'an isn't far, but after exiting the highway, you'll have to take a winding mountain road, winding up and down. There's also a traffic jam passing through the Bifengxia Scenic Area. However, the scenery along the way is breathtaking. After an uphill climb, we even saw a sea of clouds, which we haven't seen on Mount Huangshan. It was truly stunning. Without the crowds of the National Day holiday, mostly local Sichuan tourists, Shangli Ancient Town quietly awaited us: a stream, cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, the Phoebe nanmu Museum... a quiet and beautiful town.

The ancient town is very small and can be visited in one morning. If you have enough time, you can still find a place to have tea and leisurely enjoy the autumn sunshine.

Shangli Ancient Town is the most worthwhile ancient town I've visited near Chengdu. The air is fresh and the environment is wonderful, and many students go there to sketch. The only downside is that the food is a bit expensive, but accommodation is relatively affordable. Evening strolls along the river are also a pleasure.

I went there many years ago. It was a spontaneous trip. It was already 1 a.m. when we arrived at Shangli Ancient Town. We checked into a random hotel that was still open. The next morning, we found a small creek next to the hotel. The water was clear, and we could spend about half a day wandering around the ancient town. It was a leisurely rural trip. The best view was the stone village across the embankment.

Shangli Ancient Town hasn't been fully developed yet. It still retains some of its ancient town charm, but it's been undergoing significant development over the past two years. It might soon become a commercial town like Dali and Lijiang. It's worth mentioning that rafting is available at the entrance to Shangli Ancient Town.

Shangli is a great place to cool off in Ya'an. Many people from Ya'an bring their children there to play in the water. Honestly, the water isn't very clean, though. I hope the water quality can be improved.

The ancient town has a few unique little shops, one of which is famous for its dandan noodles. There's also a former guardhouse, passed down through generations, that still stands. The house is quite old, and descendants have converted a few rooms into an inn where you can stay. It's also quite affordable.

Shangli Town is a renowned historical and cultural town in Sichuan, boasting two provincial-level cultural relics protection sites and six municipal-level sites. Named a "Famous Historical and Cultural Town" by Sichuan Province in 1982, it served as a transit point for the Red Army during the Long March and served as a key stop on the ancient Southern Silk Road. Shangli Town is nestled between mountains and water, amidst rural hills and wooden houses, and still retains many Ming and Qing dynasty-style stilt houses. It also serves as a filming location for film and television productions. It was designated a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction on June 5, 2013.

You can take a Jinbei bus from the tourist bus station in Ya'an City to get there, enjoying the scenery on both sides, including the mountains and flowing water. The quaint town is relatively small, but very elegant and comfortable. Students from the Southwest University Academy of Fine Arts are sketching and creating there.

Shangli Ancient Town may be relatively unknown to those outside of Sichuan, but it's quite famous there, boasting numerous ancient buildings and a rich history. From the Ya'an Tourist Center, you can take a minibus directly to Shangli Ancient Town for a few yuan and a 30-minute journey. The town is now heavily commercialized, a common feature of ancient towns in China today. There are many places to drink tea, eat, and stay, as well as local specialties. A tour of Shangli Ancient Town takes about two hours. The town itself is not very large, and accommodations typically cost around 80-100 yuan, which is not very expensive, but the conditions are quite basic, so I wouldn't recommend staying there. Many TV series and movies are currently filming there, and with luck, you might even spot a crew filming there.

Shangli Ancient Town was once an important post station on the Southern Silk Road and the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. The town's rural hills, ancient trees, bamboo groves, streams, and ancient bridges complement the Ming and Qing dynasty residences. The ancient poem, "A mountain holds a mirror, two bridges cast a rainbow," vividly captures the town.

Shangli Ancient Town is one of the birthplaces of Sichuan Opera. The Qunyu Tower ancient stage is constructed of stone and wood, with carved dragons and painted phoenixes, making it look lifelike.

As for the ancient towns, to be honest, they are all similar. Also, maybe it’s the wrong season, anyway it’s just average.

It's normal. Every ancient town is similar. This is passing by here.

We went to Shangli with the driving school instructor. Shangli Ancient Town is one of the less commercialized ancient towns, with more natural scenery. There's a candy called "dog shit candy" there, or something like that. It's okay, not particularly filling. Shangli Ancient Town is a bit damp and a bit colder than Chengdu. As a weekend getaway from Chengdu, it's a great place to get some fresh air.

After returning from Bifengxia, I stopped by Shangli Ancient Town. Chengdu's ancient towns are quite bustling with activity, but Shangli Ancient Town struck me as quite different from other ancient towns. While small, it retains much of its original character and gives off a pristine feel. The small bridges over the streams and the bean mills all exude a rustic charm. While Shangli isn't particularly scenic, and there aren't many attractions, it's honestly not particularly suitable for a visit. However, it shows far fewer signs of artificial development than other ancient towns. Located in a mountainous area, it offers a beautiful natural environment. While there's a certain commercial atmosphere, it's not overpowering. Strolling through it creates a sense of tranquility and relaxation, a truly relaxing experience. My most striking feature of the entire ancient town was Erxian Bridge. While seemingly ordinary and old, it attracts countless visitors, and you can even see students sketching there. Underneath the bridge is a small river, where people are playing in the water. The stones are slippery, and one young man even dove into the water, adding another beautiful touch to the scenery. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, you must come to Shangli Ancient Town. You can stroll around here and when you get tired, sit down by the river to drink a cup of tea and enjoy the cool breeze. It will make you feel particularly comfortable and relaxed.

The town is nestled between mountains and rivers, and still retains many stilt-house-style buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The ancient town is very small and you can see the whole ancient street at a glance

Some of the buildings in the ancient town are quite distinctive, especially the ancient bridge. However, it is obviously too commercial, and like many developed scenic spots, it has lost its original charm.

The road to Shangli still bears traces of the Ya'an earthquake. When we arrived at Shangli Ancient Town, it was raining heavily and it was getting dark.

I remember visiting Shangli Ancient Town twice. The stream was refreshing and the locals were relaxed, but the commercial atmosphere was starting to become more pronounced, and it felt a bit pretentious. It's a great place to escape the summer heat, though!

One of the ten ancient towns around Chengdu, it has distinctive Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and many bridges, making it a great base for sketching and filming. Highly recommended.

Shangli Ancient Town. A little disappointing. The river was destroyed by a flood two years ago and is still under repair. Dare I slow down a bit? Two years!

Shangli Ancient Town is very original, but now it is being renovated everywhere. The Han Family Courtyard where my friends live is not bad.

Nestled between mountains and water, the town features rural hills and wooden houses, many of which still retain the stilt-style buildings of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The architectural style remains primarily that of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The streets of the ancient town are primarily arranged in a "well" pattern, narrow and lined with old-style shops. The town's primary buildings are wooden, symbolizing the saying "water in a well, fire and water cannot coexist," a symbolic symbol of using water to ward off fire and a prayer for peace in the town.

There are basically no tourists in Shangli Ancient Town on a rainy night, and many shops are closed. Walking in the direction of "Erxian Bridge" that I had inquired about, listening to the sound of the river by the roadside (but it was invisible in the dark), and stepping on the slippery stone roads of the ancient town, it is also a unique feeling.

It's not the right time to go. The town is under renovation. The ancient town is not big, but it is full of charm. You must eat the special big meat.

The ancient town is now becoming more and more commercial. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Lijiang, Shangli Ancient Town is a completely different scene.

Because it was a weekday, there were not many people in the town, but it was still bustling and quite lively.

Shangli is a small ancient town, very relaxing and peaceful, especially in the snow, where people can calm down.

My first feeling was that I was ripped off. Everything was being renovated. Is this still an ancient town?! Because it was off-season, I couldn't find a single restaurant. A serving of pork belly was 38 yuan, and it was just a few slices. It made my stomach ache. I'd rather go to Huanglongxi or Pingle Ancient Town! Don't mention ancient towns to me anymore, it's too depressing.

The transportation is a little inconvenient. You have to walk to Huanglong from Bifengxia to get a bus to Shangli, but it is very convenient to go to Shangli from Ya'an.

It is very famous, but there is nothing special about it compared with other ancient towns. Listening to the rain at night is a good selling point. Yayu is very famous.

The town is nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with pastoral hills, wooden houses, and a gurgling stream. Surrounding it are ancient trees, bamboos, streams, and ancient bridges...

I don’t know if it’s because I came at the wrong time or for some other reason, but I don’t think Shangli Ancient Town is very popular.

Shangli Ancient Town, a small ancient town hidden deep in the mountains and ancient forests, bears numerous slogans inscribed by the Red Army during the Long March northward. Once an important post station on the Southern Silk Road, nestled against the mountains and by the water, its wooden houses offer a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

The streets of the ancient town are paved with stone slabs, and the houses are wooden pavilions, staggered and arranged in an orderly manner. The water flows gently, and there are several ancient bridges and streets. It is a very comfortable place. It is a perfect place for a leisurely stay and summer escape. Strolling along the stone streets, savoring the leisurely life, I feel myself becoming more and more lazy.

Shangli Ancient Town is said to have been a key hub on the ancient Southern Silk Road. It was a holiday, so it was packed. I've been to several ancient towns, including Xitang, Yangshuo, and Hongcun, but Hongcun still stands out. Thinking back, I think it's because I went there in winter, when the crowds were fewer and the atmosphere was quieter, allowing me to truly experience the unique charm of these ancient towns.

The ancient town is quite far from the city, but there's parking nearby for 10 yuan during the day and 20 yuan at night. There are plenty of guesthouses, with standard rooms costing around 100 yuan. The local specialty is Dada noodles, and every noodle shop claims to be authentic, so choose your favorite. There was a place that sold delicious braised chicken wings, which was a pleasant surprise. The town isn't large, so you can explore it in about two hours. Those with a budget can stay and relax.

There are regular buses to Ya'an from Chengdu's Xinnanmen Bus Station from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, but they only go to Ya'an Bus Station. You'll need to take a taxi or pedicab to the Ya'an Tourist Bus Station (5 RMB for a pedicab) to board the regular bus to Shangli Ancient Town. The bus will depart when full and costs 5 RMB per person. The temperature in Shangli is 3-4 degrees Celsius cooler than in Chengdu, so if you're not dressed properly, you'll be freezing!

The ink painting is well-deserved of its reputation.

After getting up, I went to the ancient town for a walk. All the ancient towns are similar, with small bridges, flowing water and shops, and it is quite popular. The ancient town has attractions such as Erxian Bridge, the Ancient Mill, and the Han Family Courtyard.

Arriving at Shangli Ancient Town, this ancient town is very ancient and seems to have always maintained its historical appearance.