Zhongdu Ancient Town Travel Guide!

Zhongdu Ancient Town is located in Luzhai County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi, and is a historic thousand-year-old town known as the "Pearl of the Forty-Eight Valleys." It preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, blending the elegance of Jiangnan water towns with the simplicity of Lingnan culture, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy a slow pace and exploring historical and natural beauty. Here’s a detailed travel guide: --- ### **1. Highlights of the Ancient Town** 1. **Ancient Architecture** - **Bluestone Streets**: The main street is paved with bluestones, flanked by well-preserved Ming and Qing residences featuring horse-head walls and carved doors and windows. - **Wu Temple**: A Qing Dynasty temple dedicated to Guan Yu, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. - **Guangdong Guild Hall**: A historic guild hall that reflects the town’s former commercial prosperity. 2. **Luo River Scenery** - The town is built along the Luo River, where you can stroll by the water and enjoy the picturesque riverside views, especially enchanting when lotuses bloom in summer. 3. **Folk Culture** - **Temple Fairs**: The "City God Temple Fair" on the 28th day of the fifth lunar month features parades, lion dances, and other traditional performances. - **Handicrafts**: Experience intangible cultural heritage activities like bamboo weaving and manual oil pressing. --- ### **2. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Zhongdu Ancient Dock** - Once a bustling water transport hub, it now offers a tranquil riverside atmosphere, perfect for evening photography. 2. **Xiangqiao Karst National Geological Park** (about 8 km from the town) - A karst landscape wonder featuring natural stone bridges like "Xiangqiao" and underground caves, ideal for geology enthusiasts. 3. **Xiangshui Waterfall** (about 5 km from the town) - The roaring waterfall is most impressive in summer, and the surrounding area is great for camping and barbecues. 4. **Luming Valley** (Family-Friendly) - An eco-park themed around deer, where you can feed sika deer up close. --- ### **3. Food Recommendations** 1. **Zhongdu Stew** - A local specialty stew with pork, tofu skin, wood ear mushrooms, and a rich broth. 2. **Pork Offal Soup** - Made with pork stomach and lungs, simmered with herbs for a unique flavor. 3. **Ancient Town Oil Dumplings** - Crispy fried glutinous rice snacks with a soft, sweet filling. 4. **Farmhouse Restaurants** - Try "Ancient Town Restaurant" or riverside farmhouses for fresh river fish and free-range chicken. --- ### **4. Transportation Guide** - **Self-Drive**: About 1.5 hours from Liuzhou (via Quannan Expressway) or 2 hours from Guilin. - **Public Transport**: - Take the "Liuzhou-Luzhai" bus from Liuzhou Bus Terminal, then transfer to the "Luzhai-Zhongdu" rural bus. - Or take a high-speed train to Luzhai North Station and then a taxi (about 30 minutes). --- ### **5. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Ancient Town Guesthouses**: Like "Hejia Inn" or "Ancient Banyan Inn," priced at 150-300 CNY/night, offering an authentic old-house experience. - **County Hotels**: Chain hotels in Luzhai County are more modern, suitable for those prioritizing comfort. --- ### **6. Tips** 1. The town is small; plan for half a day to a full day, combining it with nearby attractions (e.g., Xiangqiao Karst) for a day trip. 2. In summer, protect against sun and mosquitoes; in winter, prepare for damp cold weather. 3. Some ancient residences are still inhabited—maintain quiet and respect local life. --- Zhongdu Ancient Town is perfect for nostalgic travelers, photographers, and nature lovers. Visiting on weekdays enhances its serene charm.