Yuantong Ancient Town lies in Chongzhou, Sichuan Province, about 38 kilometers west of downtown Chengdu. Nestled between the Wenjing River and two other waterways (Weijiang and Bojiang), this town feels like a hidden gem. Its address? No. Juyuan Village, Yuantong Town—easy to find if you’re driving along the tourist route between Chongzhou and Jiuguan Mountain.

Transportation

Getting here is a breeze! If you’re coming from Chengdu, take a taxi or rent a car (about an hour’s drive). There’s also a public bus from Chongzhou City Center that drops you near the town’s entrance. Once inside, the compact size of Yuantong Ancient Town (1.7 square kilometers) means you can explore on foot—no need for maps or complicated routes!

Natural Scenery

Yuantong Ancient Town is all about water. Three rivers—Wenjing, Weijiang, and Bojiang—meet here, creating a web of canals and bridges. Imagine rows of gray-tiled roofs lining the riverbanks, with mist rising in the morning. Climb to the rooftop of the old grain station (look for the red door!) for a bird’s-eye view: it’s like a painting of Jiangnan water towns, but with Sichuan vibes. The best spot? The stone arch bridge at the end of Half-Side Street—sit there, watch the water flow, and feel time slow down.

Cultural Highlights

This town has history! Founded 1,650 years ago, Yuantong Ancient Town was once called “Little Chengdu” in the late Qing era. Why? Because traders from Hunan, Guangxi, and Jiangxi built their own guild halls here, filling the streets with bustling markets. Walk past these old buildings, and you’ll see wooden doors carved with dragons, temples with curled eaves, and houses leaning over the river on stilts. Don’t miss the Huiguan Alley, where you can almost hear the echoes of horse carts from centuries ago.

Practical Tips

Yuantong isn’t packed with tourists (yet!), so you’ll find plenty of quiet corners. There are clean restrooms near the main entrance, and local tea shops serve cheap, tasty snacks. Parking is free near the river—just watch out for bicycles zipping by! For a meal, try the riverside restaurants serving dandan noodles or spicy fish hotpot.

Immersive Experience

Here’s the best part: Yuantong feels alive. Locals still use the river to wash clothes, and elders play mahjong under tree shades. Wander through the Stilt-House Lane, where wooden balconies hang over the water. At dusk, sit by the river with a cup of jasmine tea—the lights reflecting on the water make it look like a thousand stars. It’s easy to forget you’re just an hour from Chengdu’s skyscrapers!

Whether you’re into history, photography, or just escapes, Yuantong Ancient Town offers a peek into old Sichuan without the crowds. Come early, stay late, and let the river’s rhythm remind you why “time flies”—you’ll leave wishing you’d discovered it sooner.