Overview
Lizhuang Ancient Town, nestled on the Yangtze’s south bank in Sichuan’s Yibin City, is a 1.5-square-kilometer time capsule of China’s Ming-Qing dynasties and WWII resilience. Designated a National Historic Town and AAAA Tourist Attraction, it’s famed for:
- Architectural Heritage: 90% preserved Qing-style wooden houses, bluestone lanes, and landmarks like Zhang Family Ancestral Hall and Kuixing Pavilion.
- Cultural Legacy: Served as a sanctuary for Tongji University, Academia Sinica, and other institutions during WWII (1940–1946), earning the title "One of China’s Four Wartime Cultural Centers."
- Natural Beauty: Scenic riverfront views and the Moon Field area’s田园山水 (pastoral landscapes).
Key Attractions
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Historical Landmarks
- Tongji University Sites: Explore the Medical College (祖师殿) and Engineering School (东岳庙), where scholars like Liang Sicheng (architect of China’s flag) worked.
- China Society for the Study of Architecture: Liang and Lin Huiyin’s former office, now a museum showcasing The History of Chinese Architecture.
- Nine-Dragon Monument: A 10m-tall Qing-era stone carving symbolizing imperial power.
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Cultural Experiences
- White Meat (李庄白肉): Paper-thin pork slices with chili-garlic dip, a Sichuan Intangible Heritage dish.
- Grass Dragon Dance: Annual folk表演 (performance) with woven-straw dragons.
- Moon Field Scenic Zone: A reconstructed area blending川南民居 (Sichuan folk houses) with riverside cafes.
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Natural & Leisurely Highlights
- Yangtze River Wharf: Sunset boat rides with views of ancient docks.
- Qilai Manor: A Song Dynasty-themed resort offering immersive wedding banquets and river-view tea ceremonies.
Visitor Essentials
- Tickets: Free entry to the town; select sites charge ¥20–40 (e.g., museums).
- Best Time: March–November for mild weather and festivals like the September Grass Dragon Dance.
- Transport:
- From Chengdu: 3-hour drive via G85 Expressway or 1.5-hour high-speed rail to Yibin + 30-minute taxi.
- Local Buses: Yibin’s Line 39 direct to Lizhuang (¥5, 1 hour).
