Step into Three Kingdoms in a Single Step! Spend a Day as a Shu Kingdom Citizen in Zhaohua Ancient Town & Feast on River Fish Loved by Zhang Fei

🎈Zhaohua Ancient Town - The First County of Shu🎉
⏳Located in Zhaohua District, Guangyuan City, Sichuan, Zhaohua Ancient Town is a 2,300-year-old cultural gem of Ba-Shu civilization, renowned as "The First County of Ba-Shu, The Second Capital of Shu Kingdom." Preserving numerous Ming-Qing era architectures and rich Three Kingdoms heritage, it's a perfect destination to experience northern Sichuan folk culture and Three Kingdoms history. Here's an ultra-detailed Zhaohua travel guide!

1. Transportation Guide 🚒
- Self-drive:
- From Chengdu: Chengdu-Mianyang-Guangyuan Expressway (G5) → Guangyuan exit → Zhaohua (3.5hrs, 280km)
- From Chongqing: Chongqing-Guangyuan Expressway → Guangyuan → Zhaohua (4hrs, 320km)
- Parking: East/West Gate lots (¥10-20/day)
- Public Transport:
- High-speed rail: Chengdu East/Chongqing North → Guangyuan Station (1.5-2hrs), then bus from Guangyuan Nanhe Station to Zhaohua (30min, ¥10)
- Coach: Chengdu Zhaojuesi Station/Chongqing Caiyuanba Station → Guangyuan → transfer to Zhaohua bus

2. Must-Visit Attractions 💐🏞
- Old Town Core:
- Jiameng Pass: Historic Three Kingdoms pass where Zhang Fei battled Ma Chao by torchlight (panoramic river views)
- County Yamen: Ming-Qing style government office recreating ancient court scenes (¥30)
- Confucian Temple: Well-preserved shrine to Confucius (¥20)
- Bagua Well: Legendary sweet-water well used by Zhuge Liang
- Three Kingdoms Trail:
- Fei Yi Tomb: Resting place of Shu Han's renowned minister
- Bao Sanniang Tomb: Rare burial site of female Three Kingdoms general
- Natural Scenery:
- Jialing Riverside: Leisurely walks or boat tours (¥50/person)
- Niutou Mountain: Panoramic town views + Jiang Wei Temple (¥15)

3. Food Recommendations 🥟🍚
- Local Specialties:
- Empress Cold Noodles: Guangyuan's signature spicy-sour noodles (try "Li Ji Cold Noodles")
- Zhaohua River Delicacies: Jialing fish hotpot, pickled fish ("Riverside Fisherman" recommended)
- Jianmen Tofu Banquet: Tofu pudding, "pregnant tofu" etc.
- Walnut Cakes: Traditional crispy-sweet snack
- Top Restaurants:
- Zhaohua Ancient Town Restaurant: Northern Sichuan cuisine (~¥50/person)
- Three Kingdoms Banquet: Themed dishes with historical stories

4. Accommodation 🏛⛪️
- Old Town Inns:
- Gu Family Courtyard: Converted Ming-Qing quadrangle (¥300-500/night)
- Jiameng Post Inn: Riverside rooms with views (¥200-400/night)
- Budget Hotels:
- Chain hotels nearby (e.g. 7 Days, Home Inn) for ¥150-250/night

5. Itinerary Suggestions 📈
- Day Trip: Yamen → Confucian Temple → Jiameng Pass → Bagua Well → River cruise → Fish feast
- 2-Day Trip:
Day1: Core attractions + Niutou Mountain → Overnight in town
Day2: Fei Yi Tomb → Bao Sanniang Tomb → Riverside cycling/rural exploration (e.g. Pingle Temple)

6. Pro Tips 💡
- Tickets: Free town entry (some attractions charge; combo ticket ~¥80)
- Best seasons: Spring/Autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov); avoid summer heat
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
- Photography: Golden hours at Jiameng Pass/riverside
- Avoid: Holiday crowds; bargain for souvenirs

💁🏻‍♂️Zhaohua's charm lies in its slow-paced authenticity and profound history - perfect for cultural explorers. Take this guide and begin your adventure!