Self-driving in Sichuan (Fifteen): Touring Qingxi Ancient Town

At 12:30 PM on July 5, 2024, we arrived at Qingxi Town, Qingchuan County, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, which is located upstream of the Qingzhu River and next to the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve. This is Qingxi Ancient Town. Qingxi Ancient Town was actually the county seat of Qingchuan County in the past. After the county seat was moved to Qiaozhuang Town in 1951, this place was designated as Qingxi Town. I only learned this after arriving at Qingxi Ancient Town. According to the "Huayang Guozhi", in the seventh year of Jianxing (229 AD), the Shu Han regime established Guangwu County in Qingxi, appointing Zhuge Liang's subordinate Liao Hua to oversee the area and engage in farming and defense. This history spans over 1,700 years. Qingxi Ancient Town was an important pass on the ancient Yinping Road, historically a gathering place for merchants and a strategic military location. In the famous "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", Deng Ai's stealthy crossing of Yinping to conquer Shu, Ming Dynasty General Fu Youde's entry into Shu through Yinping leading to the surrender of Yuanlong Prefecture, and the battles of Motianling and Xuanmaguan commanded by Xu Xiangqian and Li Xiannian of the Red Fourth Front Army, are all closely related to this town. The architectural style of Qingxi Ancient Town is mainly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with an ancient charm. The main streets in the town form a cross shape, with structures such as a drum tower and city walls, showcasing its history as a military stronghold. Additionally, there are famous sites like Qingxi Ancient Bridge, Qiushui Square, and the county government office. We parked our car at the roadside parking lot outside the north gate of the ancient town. After getting out of the car, we had lunch at the entrance of North Street in the ancient town, then entered from North Street. After reaching the Drum Tower (also known as Eight Views Tower), we first toured West Street and the county government office and library, then turned to East Street, walked to the end, and left Qingxi Ancient Town at 2:30 PM. The most attractive part of Qingxi Ancient Town should be the Water Street, where a small stream flows in from the west gate, crosses the ancient town, and flows out from the east gate. Both sides of the river are planted with flowers and trees, and the residents of the ancient town live by the water, setting up various shops. Currently, Qingxi Ancient Town does not charge entrance or parking fees.