This thousand-year-old ancient town is worth a visit!
An underrated treasure in West Sichuan, a town 99% of people haven't been to
If I hadn't stumbled upon it by chance, I might have missed this thousand-year-old ancient town hidden in West Sichuan—Tangchang. Like a secluded hermit, it lies quietly in the northwest corner of Pidu District, Chengdu. With a history of over 1,300 years, it's rarely visited by tourists.
The story of Tangchang begins in the second year of the Yifeng era of the Tang Dynasty (677 AD). Initially called Tangchang County, it embodied the hope for prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. In that era of constant change, Tangchang carried the expectation of a prosperous age, becoming a shining pearl in the long river of history. Later, as dynasties changed and time passed, Tangchang's name changed several times. In the first year of the Chongning era of the Song Dynasty (1102 AD), it was renamed Chongning. After liberation, in 1958, the county was abolished and incorporated into Pi County, completing its transformation from a county to a town.
Stepping into Tangchang Ancient Town is like stepping into the depths of history. The stone roads underfoot, polished smooth by time, each tell stories of the past. On both sides of the streets, ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties stand in an orderly fashion. Flying eaves, arches, and carved doors and windows all reveal the ingenuity of the ancients. Walking among them, you can feel the slow passage of time, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and your heart becomes calm and peaceful.
In the center of the ancient town stands the Chongning Confucian Temple. This ancient building, first built during the Northern Song Dynasty, is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit in Sichuan Province, carrying the cultural heritage of Tangchang. Stepping into the temple, the Wanren Palace Wall, Panchi Pond, Yuegong Bridge, and Lingxing Gate come into view one after another. Each building is solemn and exudes a strong cultural atmosphere. Inside the Dacheng Hall, the statues of Confucius and his four disciples and twelve philosophers are lifelike, making people recall the time of respecting teachers and valuing education, and passing down poetry and books through generations. Here, history is no longer words on a page but a tangible reality.
In Tangchang, the food is also a highlight not to be missed. The town is full of decades-old restaurants, each bite filled with the taste of time. Luo Tang Rou, made with pork shoulder tied and stewed with pork bones, is sliced evenly thick and thin, melts in your mouth, and is rich but not greasy. Paired with delicious broth and spicy dipping sauce, each bite is pure bliss. Yang's Chaoshou is a favorite breakfast spot for Tangchang people. The red oil chaoshou has a bright red soup, a rich flavor, and a full and firm meat filling, making it very appetizing. The garlic chaoshou has a strong garlic flavor and is relatively light, offering a different kind of deliciousness. There are also crispy pork bean powder, spring roll fried potatoes, beef Fengchui Chui... Each dish has its own unique characteristics, leaving a lasting impression.
Tangchang, this ancient town forgotten by time, doesn't have the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots, but it has the purest historical charm and the warmth of human life. It's like a thick history book, waiting for every destined person to read and savor. If you're tired of the same old tourist attractions and yearn for a place to rest your soul, come to Tangchang. You'll surely be captivated by its unique charm.