Dayi Xinchang Ancient Town | A Hidden Gem of Slow Living in Western Sichuan Plain

| A Hidden Gem of Slow Living in Western Sichuan Plain.

💕Hey guys! Today I'm sharing this super charming ancient town near Chengdu - Dayi Xinchang Ancient Town. It's truly an off-the-beaten-path treasure! Check out this ultra-detailed travel guide!

🌟Basic Info

- Address: Xinchang Ancient Town, Dayi County, Chengdu, Sichuan
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: Town open all day; core area shops 10:00-18:00

🚗Transportation Guide

- Self-drive: Navigate to "Xinchang Ancient Town Parking Lot", about 1 hour via Chengdu-Wenjiang-Qionglai Expressway. Arrive before 9am on holidays - free parking available along Hewenwu Street and Lu Dayuanzi Street.
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Chadianzi Station to Dayi Bus Center (~1.5h), then transfer to Bus 10; or take high-speed rail to Dayi Station and transfer to Bus 210.

🍜Food Recommendations

- Zhou's Blood Curd: CCTV-featured spicy blood curd with pork intestines, plus delicious milky crucian carp soup. ~¥25/person.
- Sesame Oil Duck: Crispy skin with tender meat, sold by half-ducks. Can be vacuum-packed as souvenirs.
- Granny Kong's Leaf-Wrapped Glutinous Cakes: Sticky rice with mugwort-flavored meat filling - super satisfying!
- Riverside Tea: ¥5/cup lets you enjoy an afternoon watching locals wash clothes with well water.

🏘Must-Visit Spots

- Ancient Streets: 14 Ming-Qing era alleys with stone paths, wooden houses and carved windows - perfect for photos.
- Watchtowers: Two unique towers blending Chinese and Western architectural styles at the town entrance.
- Bishan Temple: Classic Western Sichuan architecture with incense-filled halls, ponds and succulents.
- Anyong Covered Bridge: Glossy stone path with red lanterns, offering stunning sunset views.

🎈Unique Experiences

- Market Days: On 2nd, 4th, 7th and 10th each month, witness the ancient trading tradition with bamboo crafts and herbs.
- Hiking Bonus: 2km trek to Chuanwang Palace reveals panoramic views and a cliffside Taoist temple.
- Cultural Activities: Join the May 1-3 festival for lacquer fan-making and hanfu costume parades.

🏡Accommodation Tips

- Jinfuyi Inn: Converted century-old mansion full of history.
- Sushe Homestay: Bamboo-view rooms in tranquil setting.

⚠️Travel Tips

- Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone paths.
- Bring mosquito repellent for riverside seating.
- Arrive early on market days for authentic experience.
- May temperatures 20-28°C - pack light jacket and sunscreen.