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Shangli Old Town
Located in the northern part of Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, Shangli Ancient Town is a historic town known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, ancient streets, and important role along the Ancient Tea-Horse Route.
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Shangli offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. The town is also famous for its connection with the Long March of the Red Army, adding historical significance and a unique cultural atmosphere.
During the Long March, Red Army soldiers once stayed in Shangli and left behind many revolutionary slogans carved on stones and other historical relics, giving the ancient town a deeper sense of history.
History of Shangli Ancient Town
Shangli was once an important transportation hub on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, a historic trade route connecting Sichuan, Tibet, and other regions. Tea, horses, and cultural exchanges passed through this area for centuries.
The town is also known as “Wujiakou”, meaning “the town of five families,” because five major families — Han, Yang, Chen, Zhang, and Xu — once lived here and played important roles in the town’s development.
With its long history and preserved traditions, Shangli Ancient Town has been listed as one of the “Ten Ancient Towns of Sichuan” by the provincial cultural heritage authorities.
Traditional Architecture and Scenic Features
Shangli Ancient Town retains the traditional appearance of a historic Sichuan settlement. The town is surrounded by green mountains and clear waterways, creating a harmonious combination of natural beauty and ancient culture.
Highlights include:
* Ancient wooden houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties
* Stone-paved streets
* Traditional courtyards
* Ancient towers and archways
* Historic caves
* White Horse Spring from the Tang Dynasty
* Wooden houses built over water
* Historic stone bridges
The main streets are arranged in the shape of the Chinese character “井” (well), with traditional shops, residences, and courtyards lining both sides.
Ancient Stone Bridges of Shangli
One of the unique features of Shangli Ancient Town is its collection of historic stone bridges.
The town has eight ancient stone bridges, each with its own architectural style and historical value. Among them, Erxian Bridge is the most famous and admired for its elegant design and long history.
These bridges not only served practical transportation purposes but also became important cultural landmarks connecting the town’s past and present.
Experience Shangli Ancient Town
Visitors to Shangli can stroll along quiet stone streets, admire traditional wooden buildings, explore historic bridges, and enjoy the peaceful scenery of mountains and rivers.
The combination of:
* Tea-Horse Route history
* Ming and Qing architecture
* Revolutionary heritage
* Traditional Sichuan culture
* Natural landscapes
makes Shangli Ancient Town a charming destination for travelers seeking an authentic historical experience in Sichuan.
Shangli Old Town Tours:
1. 2 Days Bifengxia and Leshan Buddha Tour
2. 3 Days Panda Volunteer Works Tour
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