Luodai Ancient Town
Longquanyi District, Luodai, Sichuan, 610103
A historic town with a rich Hakka culture, Luodai Ancient Town sits on the outskirts of Chengdu. Attractions include four guildhalls built for Hakka people from other provinces of China, a Hakka Museum, gardens, parks, temples, and a wealth of food stalls. The town hosts dragon dance festivals twice a year.
The basics
Travelers almost always visit Luodai Ancient Town as a day trip from Chengdu, perhaps combining it with nearby attractions such as the Luodai Great Wall. It’s tricky to reach on public transport so many opt to visit with a guide or a private driver, or as part of an organized tour. Tours typically visit the Hakka Museum, housed in the 18th-century Huguang Guildhall, and enjoy the elaborate carvings at the guildhalls, as well as taking in the ancient streets.
Things to know before you go
- Luodai Ancient Town will be of interest to history buffs, photographers, and foodies.
- While the town’s history dates back more than 1,000 years, most buildings are from the 18th century or later and many have been extensively reconstructed.
- Visit on an empty stomach to make the most of Hakka delights, such as smoked goose.
- Luodai Ancient Town is wheelchair accessible but there are few dropped kerbs. Tight doorways to shops and eateries may also present challenges.
How to get there
Luodai Ancient Town sits just outside metropolitan Chengdu, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Tianfu Square. It’s complicated to reach by public transport but if you’re confident with Chinese buses you can catch the metro to Xihe (Line 4) then pick up the 219 to Luodai. Joining a tour may well prove easier.
When to get there
Luodai Ancient Town is open throughout the day, seven days a week. A particularly interesting time to visit, if you don’t mind crowds, is during the Fire Dragon Festival, in the third lunar month (in spring), when bare-chested performers perform a dragon dance stripped to the waist as onlookers hold fireworks. There is also a Water Dragon Festival in summer.
The Luodai Great Wall
Some travelers visit Luodai Ancient Town to enjoy the Luodai Great Wall (also known as the Jinlong Great Wall), a short shuttle bus ride from town. But although Luodai is ancient, the Great Wall is not. A miniature version of the authentic Great Wall complete with watchtowers, it runs through trees for a little over a mile (1.5 kilometers), delivering spectacular views from the top—not to mention great photo opportunities.
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