From White Meat to Ancient Architecture, Experience the First Town on the Yangtze River in One Go
1. Quick Overview of Lizhuang Ancient Town: More Than Just an Ancient Town, It's a "Living Architecture Textbook"
Lizhuang Ancient Town is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River in the eastern suburbs of Yibin City, Sichuan Province. Known as the "First Ancient Town on the Yangtze River," it has a history of 1,460 years. During the War of Resistance, it sheltered institutions such as Tongji University and the Academia Sinica. Masters like Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin completed the writing of "A History of Chinese Architecture" here.
Town Highlights:
Ancient Architectural Wonders: Ming and Qing dynasty buildings like the Xuanluo Hall and Kuixing Pavilion are living fossils in architectural history.
War of Resistance Memories: Cultural relics such as the former site of the Chinese Society of Construction and the old Tongji University Engineering College.
Yangtze River Charm: Built along the river, the town offers a poetic experience of "falling asleep to the sound of waves."
Food Paradise: Lizhuang’s "Three Whites" delicacies—white meat, white cake, and yellow rice cake—are irresistible.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, perfect for strolling on the stone slab streets.
Autumn (September-November): Crisp air and the most beautiful Yangtze River scenery.
Special Recommendation: Market days on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th days of the lunar month turn the town into a food lover’s paradise.
Humorous Tip: Before coming to Lizhuang, it’s recommended to review your middle school history textbook; otherwise, you might only say "Wow, so old!" when seeing ancient buildings, instead of appreciating the "ingenious dougong structure" with cultural insight!
2. Transportation Guide: How to "Travel Through Time" to Lizhuang Ancient Town
1. Major Transport
- 🚄 Train: Get off at Yibin Railway Station, then take a taxi or bus (about 30 minutes).
- 🚌 Bus: Direct buses to Lizhuang are available from Yibin Bus Station.
- 🚗 Self-drive: From downtown Yibin, drive about 20 km along Yichang Road.
2. Within the Ancient Town
- 🚶 Walking: The town is small enough to explore on foot (perfect for digesting white meat).
- 🚣 Boat Tour: Experience the Three Rivers tour, one-way 58 RMB, round-trip 68 RMB.
Humorous Tip: Want to experience "teleportation"? Sorry, not here, but you can try chasing the aroma of white meat—it’s almost the same effect!
3. Must-See Attractions: From "Architectural Miracles" to "War of Resistance Stories"
1. Xuanluo Hall: The "Architectural Magic" Without a Single Nail
This octagonal building from the Ming Wanli period has an exquisitely intricate internal structure. The coffered ceiling resembles a spiral shell, and the three floors are held together firmly without a single nail. Liang Sicheng praised it as a "masterpiece of Ming and Qing architecture."
Humorous Experience: Try to find a hidden nail—if you find one, you win! (Hint: There really isn’t any.)
2. Zhang Family Ancestral Hall: The Priceless "Hundred Crane Windows"
Built during the Qing Daoguang era, the Zhang ancestral hall has 50 nanmu wood windows carved with 100 cranes in various poses. Each window’s carving cost 14 taels of silver, equivalent to a first-rank Qing official’s monthly salary!
Humorous Perspective: Count how many cranes you can find; by the 50th window, your eyes might be blurry...
3. Former Site of the Chinese Society of Construction: Liang Sicheng’s "Office"
This was where masters like Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin worked, witnessing the birth of "A History of Chinese Architecture." You can see the bamboo weaving surveying tools used back then.
Special Experience: Pretend to be Liang Sicheng, holding a notebook to sketch (though you might only draw stick figures).
4. Kuixing Pavilion: The "Natural Lighthouse" by the Yangtze River
This three-story all-wood pavilion by the river can be seen by boats sailing up to 10 li (about 5 km) away, serving as a navigation landmark. Liang Sicheng praised it as "the best pavilion built along the more than 2,000 km stretch of the Yangtze from Shanghai to Yibin."
Photography Tip: Shoot at dusk; Kuixing Pavilion bathed in sunset glow looks postcard-perfect.
5. Lizhuang Old Street: A "Friend Circle" Back to the Qing Dynasty
The stone slab street is lined with Qing dynasty buildings featuring carved doors and windows with an antique charm. Walking here feels like traveling through time. Especially recommended is Xizi Alley, narrow and deep, perfect for photos!
Three Must-Do’s:
1. Touch the smooth stone slabs (worn by countless ancient footsteps).
2. Take a photo pretending to be an ancient resident.
3. Find the most authentic teahouse.
6. War of Resistance Cultural Memorial Hall: Feel the "Academic Migration" Era
Exhibits the precious history of Lizhuang sheltering cultural institutions during the war. Tongji University faculty and students once dissected corpses here, sparking rumors of "cannibalism," which were later dispelled by a science exhibition.
Humorous Reminder: Don’t be scared when you see the dissection table; there are no "teaching materials" anymore~
4. Foodie Guide: From "Three Whites Delicacies" to "Hidden Menus"
1. Lizhuang White Meat: The "Meat Slice Art" Thin Enough to Read a Newspaper Through
Made from premium pork, skilled chefs slice meat 1-2 mm thick and over 20 cm long. The eating technique: hold one end with chopsticks and flick gently so the meat wraps around the chopsticks, then dip in garlic sauce. Beginners might flick it onto their face—don’t ask how I know...
Recommended Shop: Any busy place in the ancient town is good; Grandma Zhou’s white meat is especially famous.
Humorous Eating: Compete to see who can flick the meat into the most perfect circle; the loser pays the bill!
2. Lizhuang White Cake: Sweet "Ancient Town Memory"
Made from glutinous rice and sugar, soft and sweet with a lingering fragrance. The shop has a front store and back factory where you can watch the making process.
Fun Fact: White cake paired with a covered bowl tea is a classic local afternoon tea combo.
3. Lizhuang Baijiu: The "Little Brother" of Wuliangye
Brewed with traditional pure grain methods, high quality but less famous than Wuliangye, so it’s more affordable.
Humorous Reminder: Drinkers with low tolerance beware, or you might have to stay a second night in the town~
4. Huangba: The "Love Child" of Brown Sugar and Glutinous Rice
Made by mixing brown sugar with local sticky and glutinous rice, wrapped in ginger leaves and steamed to a golden color, sweet and soft.
Best Way to Eat: Eat it hot; it hardens when cold (but still tasty).
5. Yibin Ranmian: The "Flaming Noodle Trick"
Not unique to Lizhuang but a must-try in Yibin. Heavy oil, no water, ignites instantly, spicy and flavorful.
Recommended Shop: The "Old Brand Fermented Rice Wine Shop" behind Hangtian Road Market.
6. Yangtze River Yellow Catfish: The Rare "River Fresh Luxury"
A specialty of the Yangtze, delicious but scarce and expensive. If you see it on the menu, don’t hesitate—order it!
Humorous Perspective: Say "sorry" to the fish before eating, then clean your plate—that’s the best respect~
5. Accommodation Recommendations: From "River View Rooms" to "Best Value"
1. Yibin Liutong Homestay: The "Central Point" of New and Old Towns
Price: Affordable (varies by season)
Location: No. 110 Shunhe Street, between the new Moon Field area and old town center
Features:
- Steps away from restaurants and snack streets
- Clean and hygienic rooms
- Suitable for family trips
Humorous Perspective: Staying here means no need to order takeout when hungry at night—just open the door to a food street!
2. Weiyuxuan Inn: The "Poetic Residence" by the River
Location: No. 18-26 Shunhe Street, riverside
Features:
- Simple and elegant design
- Full Wi-Fi coverage
- Scenic garden
Special Experience: Fall asleep listening to the Yangtze’s water sounds, dreaming poetically.
3. Wangjianglou Inn: The Best Value Choice
Location: No. 54 Shunhe Street, next to Shuangyan Well scenic spot
Features:
- Simple with local characteristics
- Offers local specialty dishes
- 14 rooms, cozy atmosphere
Humorous Reminder: Rooms are limited; book early or you might really have to "look at the river and sigh"!
6. Itinerary Suggestion: Two Days and One Night "Deep Experience"
Day 1: First Encounter with Lizhuang
- Morning: Arrive and check into homestay
- Noon: Taste Lizhuang white meat and white cake
- Afternoon: Visit Xuanluo Hall, Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, Kuixing Pavilion
- Evening: Night tour of old street, enjoy "Yangtze Night Talk" storytelling
Day 2: Culture and Cuisine
- Morning: Visit former site of Chinese Society of Construction and War of Resistance Cultural Memorial Hall
- Noon: Try Huangba and Ranmian
- Afternoon: Boat tour of the Three Rivers scenery, buy local specialties
- Evening: Return with full memories (and stomach)
Humorous Reminder: This itinerary might make you fall in love with Lizhuang; be prepared to come back again!
7. Practical Tips: Make Your "Ancient Town Trip" Perfect
1. Ticket Information:
- Town is free to enter
- Exhibition combo ticket: Adults 20 RMB, students 10 RMB
- Boat tickets: Day tour 50 RMB, night tour 60 RMB
2. Dress Suggestions:
- Comfortable sneakers (stone slabs can be slippery)
- Vintage clothing (better for photos)
- Rain gear (weather in southern Sichuan is changeable)
3. Photography Tips:
- Best light in early morning and late afternoon
- Xizi Alley is great for portraits
- Use burst mode for Yangtze scenery on the boat
4. Avoiding Pitfalls:
- Bargain moderately when buying specialties
- Choose restaurants with clear pricing
- Book accommodation in advance (busy season can be tight)
5. Special Experiences:
- Visit on market days for the most authentic market
- Try making Lizhuang straw weaving (not for the clumsy)
- Drink covered bowl tea in an old teahouse