LangZhong Ancient City A Majestic Place to Visit
LangZhong Ancient City Overview
Langzhong Ancient City, located at No. 33, Langshui Middle Road, Langzhong City, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, lies on the northeastern edge of the Sichuan Basin, along the middle reaches of the Jialing River. Historically, it served as a strategic military town between the ancient states of Ba and Shu. It is known as the hometown of the Chinese Spring Festival culture and is one of the four great ancient cities of China.
The Langzhong Ancient City scenic area covers a total area of 4.59 square kilometers, with the core area of the ancient city spanning 2 square kilometers. It houses eight nationally protected cultural heritage sites, including Zhangfei Temple, Yong’an Temple, Wulong Temple, Tengwang Pavilion, Guanyin Temple, Baba Temple, Dafosi Temple, and the Northern Sichuan Examination Hall.
*Ancient City Gate of Langzhong.
*Zhang Fei Statue in Langzhong Ancient Town.
Additionally, it boasts 22 provincially protected sites, such as the Shaojiawan Tombs, Wenbi Tower, Shishi Temple Cliff Carvings, Leishen Cave Cliff Carvings, Niuwang Cave Cliff Carvings, the Red Fourth Front Army Headquarters, Huaguang Tower, and the Langzhong Confucian Temple.
Langzhong Ancient City has earned multiple accolades, including the titles of “National Historic and Cultural City,” “China Excellent Tourism City,” and “National 5A Tourist Attraction.” It is also recognized as the “Hometown of the Chinese Spring Festival Culture.” In September 2013, it was approved as a national 5A-level tourist area. On November 18, 2020, it was named one of the “Top Ten Cultural and Tourism New Landmarks of Chengdu and Chongqing.”
Location🌏
Langzhong Ancient City is situated in Langzhong City, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, on the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin along the middle reaches of the Jialing River. It borders Yilong and Bazhong to the east, Nanchong to the south, Jiange to the west, and Cangxi to the north. It is located 300 kilometers from the provincial capital, Chengdu. The scenic area spans 4.59 square kilometers, with the core ancient city area covering 2 square kilometers.
Climate🌦️
Langzhong Ancient City has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and moderate sunlight. The average annual temperature is 17°C, with extreme highs reaching 39°C and lows dropping to -4.6°C. It enjoys a frost-free period of 290 days per year, with an average annual sunshine duration of 1,379.8 hours and annual precipitation of 1,033.9 millimeters.
Main Attractions🎋
The architectural style of Langzhong Ancient City reflects ancient Chinese principles of geomancy. Its grid-like city layout merges northern and southern styles, forming distinct architectural groups such as the “half-pearl,” “product,” and “many” patterns. The city serves as a perfect example of the traditional Chinese approach to city planning, embodying the concept of “harmony between heaven and man.”
Streets in Langzhong follow a chessboard-like pattern, with the Central Tower as the core and the main streets extending outward like the layout of a chessboard. Streets and alleys are aligned to face distant mountains, and the ancient city is home to over a thousand residential courtyards, mainly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These wooden, single-eave structures are characterized by tiled roofs, whitewashed walls, and carved windows. The courtyards are typically oriented to the south or west to optimize sunlight and minimize cold.
*Zhongtian Tower, Langzhong Ancient City.
*Overlooking Langzhong Ancient City.
Zhangfei Temple🛖
Zhangfei Temple, also known as Huanhou Temple, was initially called Xiongwai Temple during the Ming Dynasty. It is a large courtyard-style ancient complex built during the Ming and Qing periods, occupying over 5,000 square meters with exquisite construction. The temple includes a gate, Defending Pavilion, pavilions, east and west rooms, main and rear halls, a tomb pavilion, and a tomb, covering a total area of 2,200 square meters. It is a major site of the Three Kingdoms culture.
*Langzhong Ancient City Zhangfei Temple.
Wulong Temple
Wulong Temple is located at the foot of Wulong Mountain in Baihu Village, Helou Township, Langzhong. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1343 during the Yuan Dynasty. The temple covers 4 acres and features traditional wooden structures with single-eave hip roofs. Although much of it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the surviving Yuan-era Wenchang Pavilion remains an important relic.
*Langzhong Ancient City Wulong Temple.
Yong'an Temple
Yong’an Temple is nestled on Huangni Hill, 5 kilometers northeast of Shuiguan Town, approximately 40 kilometers from Langzhong. It was established in the Tang Dynasty and underwent multiple restorations during the Song, Yuan, and Ming periods. The temple spans 4,000 square meters, featuring double-eaved buildings from the Yuan and Qing Dynasties. Its architecture, stone carvings, wooden sculptures, clay figures, and paintings are all considered masterpieces.
*Langzhong Ancient City Yong’an Temple.
Northern Sichuan Examination Hall
Northern Sichuan Examination Hall was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty and originally consisted of a gate, corridors, examination rooms, main and secondary halls, and dormitories for candidates. It is one of only two remaining examination halls in China and is a testament to the feudal imperial examination system that was used to select civil and military officials.
*Langzhong Ancient City Northern Sichuan Examination Hall.
Tengwang Pavilion
Tengwang Pavilion, located on Yutai Hill in the northern part of Langzhong, was built by Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty’s 22nd son, Prince Teng. The pavilion served as a retreat and leisure site for the prince. Its unique design includes a stone pagoda on the base, decorated with intricate carvings.
*Tengwang Pavilion.
Jinping Mountain
A national AAAA scenic area, lies on the southern outskirts of Langzhong Ancient City. The mountain, known for its lush and colorful flora, has been depicted by the famous artist Wu Daozi, who used it as the focal point of his painting “Jialing River Landscape.” With a peak at 480 meters, it is known as the “Fairyland of Langyuan” and the “First Scenic Spot of the Jialing River.”
*Jinping Mountain.
Baba Temple
Baba Temple is a holy site for the Qadiriya sect of Islam and is located on the southern slope of Panlong Hill. Built over 300 years ago, it consists of a gate, screen wall, pavilions, main hall, flower hall, and garden, and remains a rare example of Islamic architecture in China.
*Baba Temple.
Dongshan Park
Dongshan Park is located in the Qili Economic Development Zone, separated from the main city of Langzhong by the Jialing River. The park covers over 200 acres and includes national and provincial heritage sites, such as a Tang-era Buddha and structures from the Song and Ming Dynasties.
*Dongshan Park.
The Former Residence of Luo Xiahong (Star Observatory)
The Former Residence of Luo Xiahong (Star Observatory) is a restored courtyard house dedicated to the ancient astronomer Luo Xiahong, known as the “Father of the Chinese Calendar.” The residence was opened to the public on January 29, 2006, and provides insight into his life and work.
*Dongshan Park.
Dafosi Temple
Dafosi Temple is situated on Daxiang Mountain, southeast of Langzhong, across from the Jialing River. Originally named Daxiang Temple, it was later restored to its original name during the Ming Dynasty. The temple’s most prominent feature is the giant Buddha statue, carved into the cliff during the Tang Dynasty, and is one of the top ten sitting Buddhas in Sichuan.
*Dafosi Temple.
Guanyin Temple
Guanyin Temple, once known as Kaiyuan Temple, was built during the Tang Dynasty. After multiple reconstructions, it was moved to its current location in the late 15th century and is now the largest Buddhist temple in the region.
*Guanyin Temple.
Laoguan Town
Laoguan Town, located 45 kilometers northeast of Langzhong City, is known as the “Dry Dock of Northern Sichuan” and was once the gateway for goods traveling out of the province. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, it was officially recognized as a “Most Valuable Ancient Town for Protection” in Sichuan.
*Laoguan Town.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Origin Culture📕
Langzhong Ancient City is one of the cradles of the origin culture of the Chinese nation, with human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. According to the “Lushi,” “the capital of the So Kingdom had the pool of Huaxu, named after Huaxu who lived there, located in the Yushui area of Langzhong (the ancient name for the Jialing River).” Huaxu was the mother of Fuxi, and since she resided in Langzhong, it, together with Chengji in Gansu and Chen Zhou in Henan, forms a cultural link of Fuxi.
Ba Culture🎊
In ancient times, Langzhong was a central area for the activities of the Ba people, forming a vibrant Ba culture. In 316 BCE, during the fifth year of King Shenzhou of Zhou, the last capital of the Ba Kingdom was established in Langzhong. The rich legacy of Ba culture can still be seen today in folk art forms like the “living fossil of Ba culture,” Ba people’s dance, as well as northern Sichuan lantern plays, Nuo opera, and folk performances like ox lanterns and bamboo horses that continue to thrive in Langzhong.
Feng Shui Culture🎋
Langzhong’s Feng Shui culture is uniquely distinguished. Located on the northern edge of the Sichuan Basin, along the middle reaches of the Jialing River, it sits where the Daba Mountain Range, Jianmen Mountain Range, and Jialing River water system converge, forming a strategically well-protected terrain. The city’s layout follows traditional Chinese geomantic principles, adhering to the “four aspects of geography” — “Dragon,” “Sand,” “Cave,” and “Water,” integrating natural landscapes and urban structures harmoniously.
Three Kingdoms Culture🛡️
Langzhong Ancient City is a key site along the Three Kingdoms cultural tourism route. During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhang Fei, a general of Shu Han, served as the governor of Ba Commandery, stationed in Langzhong for seven years (214–221 AD). He led an army of ten thousand to defeat an invading force of thirty thousand troops led by Zhang He, a general under Cao Cao, securing peace and stability for the region.
Before his campaign against the Wu state, Zhang Fei was assassinated by his subordinates Fan Jiang and Zhang Da, and he was buried in Langzhong. The later-built “Huanhou Shrine,” dedicated to him, is now a nationally protected cultural site. Other notable figures of Shu Han from Langzhong include scholars like Zhou Qun, Qiao Zhou, and Cheng Ji, as well as generals like Huang Quan and Ma Zhong.
*Overlooking Rooftops in Langzhong Ancient Town.
*Night View of the Lake in Langzhong Ancient Town.
Imperial Examination Culture
Langzhong has a profound tradition in the culture of imperial examinations. During the Tang Dynasty, it produced two top scholars, Yin Shu and Yin Ji. In the Song Dynasty, it was home to two more, Chen Yaozuo and Chen Yaozi, making it the place with the most top scholars in Sichuan. The Qing Dynasty Gongyuan (Imperial Academy) was located on Xuedao Street in Langzhong’s ancient city.
In the ninth year of the Shunzhi era (1652), when peace had not yet been restored across Sichuan, the provincial capital was temporarily moved to Langzhong, where the Sichuan provincial examination was held for four subjects. According to local gazetteers, Langzhong produced 116 jinshi (successful candidates of the highest level) and 404 juren (successful provincial candidates), earning it the reputation as the hometown of top scholars and provincial graduates in Sichuan.
Astronomical Culture🎏
Langzhong was a center for ancient Chinese folk astronomy. The renowned Western Han astronomer and mathematician Luo Xiaohong, a native of Langzhong, created the “Taichu Calendar,” China’s first documented complete calendar system. He was also one of the founders of the “Hun Tian Theory,” an advanced cosmological concept in ancient China. The equatorial armillary sphere he developed was used in China for two thousand years.
Other notable astronomers from Langzhong include Zhou Qun, Zhou Shu, and Zhou Ju, a family of three generations of astronomers from the late Eastern Han period. The Taoist Zhang Daoling observed celestial phenomena in Langzhong’s Yuntai and Wencheng Mountains, eventually achieving “ascension” there. During the Tang Dynasty, the famed geomancers Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng also conducted celestial observations in Langzhong, leaving behind numerous local legends.
Religious Culture🎪
The religious culture of Langzhong is extensive and longstanding. Since the Han and Tang Dynasties, Daoism, Buddhism, and Islam have successively been introduced to Langzhong, followed later by Christianity and Catholicism. Worshippers built temples and churches, creating a diverse cultural landscape.
Notable religious sites include Islamic landmarks like the Qingzhen Temple and Baba Temple, Catholic relics such as the Catholic Church, and the largest Christian church in southwestern China, the Langzhong Gospel Church. Daoist sites include Yuntai Temple, Lüzu Shrine, and Baxian Cave, while Buddhist temples such as Dafu Temple, Guanyin Temple, Yong’an Temple, Wulong Temple, Yuanjue Temple, Qianfo Temple, Changqing Temple, and Jingsheng Nunnery are rich in cultural significance.
*Three-Story Pagoda in Langzhong Ancient Town.
*Aerial View of the Surroundings of Langzhong Ancient Town.
Folk Culture
Langzhong Ancient City boasts a vibrant folk culture. Highlights include the thrilling “Money Stick Dance,” the simple yet exuberant “Flower Lantern Opera” and “Peaceful Ox Lantern,” intricate paper cutting, and Sichuan northern shadow puppetry, known as the “living fossil of drama.” Other notable forms are soulful mountain ballads, labor songs, intriguing Sichuan opera performances, and the captivating storytelling in teahouses.
Red Culture🚩
Langzhong was an essential part of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet Area during the Second Chinese Revolutionary Civil War. From 1933 to 1935, the Fourth Red Army, under the command of prominent revolutionaries like Xu Xiangqian, Li Xiannian, Xu Shiyou, and Liao Chengzhi, fought across Langzhong for three years. Over 19,000 locals joined the Red Army and local armed forces, with more than 11,000 continuing the Long March when the army left the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet Area, including over 500 female soldiers.
Throughout various revolutionary wars, more than 7,500 Langzhong natives sacrificed their lives, including over 200 female Red Army soldiers. Numerous red historical sites remain, such as the former sites of the Communist Party’s Langnan County Committee, the Langnan Soviet Government, the stone-carved slogans of the Red Army in Baoning Town, and the Langzhong Red Army