Shangli Ancient Town – Tranquil Old Town in Idyllic Painting

Origin of Shangli Ancient Town

Shangli Ancient Town has a very long history and it was called “Luo Sheng” in the past for it was the pass station on the ancient way from Ba-Shu plateau to other regions. The population in this town had been increased a lot until late Ming and early Qing dynasty when economy here was especially prosperous. After the liberation in China, the upper stream part of the local Longxi River was given the name of “Shang Li” (上里, meaning the upper town) according to its flow direction.

Dozens of ancient bridges are standing here in Shangli Ancient Town, among which the most featured are the Overpass in Qing Dynasty and the Two Immortals Bridge. The Overpass was built in 1749. Like the modern ones, this overpass has two side pavements on and below; Two Immortals Bridge over Longxi River at the western ancient town is a single arch stone bridge, and since it enjoys the surrounding lush mountains, emerald water, vigorous fields and tens of hills that people call “the 18 arhats worshiping the Avalokitesvara”, the scenery here is like an idyllic painting.

Appreciating the Unique Culture of Ancient Memorial Archways

3 memorial archways are well preserved in Shangli Ancient Town. The imposing Two Filial & Chastity Memorial Archway for praising the chastity keeping of the two women in Han’s family is of high value. On the archway, birds and beasts are carved vividly, groups of drama scenes are engraved in cyan, green, red, gold, etc. Furthermore, you can also admire the amazing and rare story at the Nine Generations Stone Memorial Archway, which is awarded by the imperial court because the nine generations of Chen’ Family had lived here and multiplied to more than 1,000 persons.

Visiting the Han’s Ancient Quadrangle

This Han’s Quadrangle in Shangli Ancient Town is built in 1825 by 3 generations. Relievo, hollowed-out carving, and inlaid carving are utilized on the doors, windows, eaves, etc. All the skills are so valuable and exquisite that you can totally walk inside, along the corridors to get close to the precious art and may have the illusion of going back to the old life.

Experience the History of the Red Army

Since the Red Army has stationed in Shangli Ancient Town during the Anti- Japanese War, tourists can now see the remaining over 70 stone carving slogans. To well preserve the important historic relics of Chinese revolution, part of these slogans are protected in the exhibition hall in the courtyard of White Horse Spring.

Feeling the Rare & Interesting Spring Culture

The Baima Spring (White Horse Spring) was constructed in Tang Dynasty and named because clops can be heard here when ebbs and flows. Pearls Spurting Spring is always very clear and strings of bubbles like white pearls come out from the bottom, which is both beautiful and diverting.

Traveling around Shangli Ancient Town without trying local dishes is really a regret. There is diverse tasteful food here to glad your taste bud, like the Marmite Ya’an Fish, Source Ribs, Rice Noodles with Hot Pot Beef, Dada Noodles, etc. Enjoying the delicious food and admiring the antique buildings here is truly great enjoyment.

Live in Shangli Ancient Town

Plenty of residence inns are provided in Shangli Ancient Town. Most inns are wooden in special styles with full equipment, clean environment and nice price.

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Bifengxia Valley

Very close to Shangli Ancient Town, Bifengxia Valley is a National 4A Scenic Spot with verdant emerald trees for all four seasons. Not only eye-catching natural sightseeing like waterfalls, gorges, pools, etc. can be viewed here, but many adorable and fierce animals live in this mysterious place, such as pandas, monkeys, tigers and so on. A great experience is that visitors can get close to the lovely pandas in the Bifengxia Panda Base.

>> 2 Days Inspiring Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Experience

By Long Distance Coach

There are many coached running from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Ya’an from 7:30 to 19:00 every day. After arriving in Ya’an for about 2 hours, you can take a minivan to Shangli Ancient Town for nearly 30 min.

By Our Private Tour (Top Recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Shangli Ancient Town with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

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