Jiaguan — A Place Where Tea and Food Intertwine in Everyday Life

Step into a Real-Life "Border Town"! Jiaguan Ancient Town Will Move You to Tears Still wondering where to go this weekend? Why not visit Jiaguan Ancient Town! This hidden gem near Chengdu hasn't been overly developed and retains its authentic atmosphere. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing you to experience true slow living. Must-See Attractions 1. Three Qing Dynasty Bridges: Wanfu Bridge, Yongshou Bridge, and Qingyuan Bridge span across the Baimo River, covered with green vines that give them a sense of history. Fascinating! 2. Stilted Houses along Baimo River: These riverside stilted houses are the iconic landmarks of Jiaguan Ancient Town. Here, you can stroll along wooden walkways, admire the beautiful scenery of "green waters reflecting riverside willows," and feel the ancient atmosphere. In the evening, you can witness a stunning sunset as the river turns orange-red—it's breathtakingly beautiful! 3. Thousand-Acre Ecological Tea Garden: Jiaguan Town is the origin of Qionglai Black Tea, with 16,000 acres of premium tea gardens. Walking through the tea gardens, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant tea. You can experience tea picking firsthand, learn about the intangible cultural heritage of tea-making, and take home a jar of freshly made tea—bringing the taste of spring back with you! 4. Bamboo Forest Hiking Trail: Just a 20-minute walk from the ancient town, you'll reach a vast bamboo forest. Stone paths wind through the bamboo groves, where spring bamboo shoots emerge after rain. If you're lucky, you might hear the sound of mountain springs. Hiking here feels like stepping into a martial arts world. Food Recommendations 1. Jiaguan's Four Specialties: Must-try dishes! Meat tangyuan (sweet dumplings) with savory meat filling wrapped in soft glutinous rice skin offers a rich taste experience; cured smoked meat is fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry, with an irresistible smoky flavor; "cross-river chicken" features tender meat paired with a secret dipping sauce that leaves a lasting impression; soft tofu has a rich bean flavor that melts in your mouth, especially delicious when topped with spicy sauce! 2. Other Local Specialties: Besides the "Four Specialties," there are many other must-try foods. Qionglai milk soup noodles feature a milky broth with chewy noodles that are incredibly delicious; paddy field fish hotpot uses freshly caught crucian carp from Baimo River, stewed in a stone pot with spicy flavors that keep you coming back for more; bamboo tube rice is filled with glutinous rice and cured meat, steamed over a wood fire—each bite is pure happiness. Suggested Itineraries One-day tour: Tea picking in the tea garden → Hiking on the ancient Tea Horse Road → Lunch in the ancient town (tasting caravan cuisine) → Afternoon tea by Baimo River → Visit the ancient bridges and stilted houses → Return Two-day tour: Day 1: Arrive at Jiaguan Ancient Town in the morning, check in to a riverside hotel to experience sleeping by the water; enjoy the "Four Specialties" and other local foods for lunch; pick and process tea in the afternoon to experience tea culture; take an evening stroll by the river, admire the night view of the ancient town, and enjoy a delicious barbecue. Day 2: Wake up early to see the morning mist over the ancient town and take photos on the ancient bridges; hike through the bamboo forest in the morning; after lunch, head to Tiantai Mountain to watch fireflies (mid-April to October is the best viewing period), and return in the evening to conclude your pleasant journey. Practical Tips 1. Address: Jiaguan Town, Qionglai City, Chengdu 2. Admission: Free 3. Transportation: - Self-driving: Navigate to "Jiaguan Ancient Town," about 1.5 hours from Chengdu. - Public transportation: First go to Xinnanmen Station or Qionglai Transportation Hub, then take a direct bus to Jiaguan Town. The core scenic area is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. 4. Parking: Free marked parking spaces are available along the streets of the ancient town. 5. Accommodation: - Tea Garden Homestay: Jiaguan Tongquli Homestay has rooms adjacent to tea fields where you can smell tea fragrance right from your window, perfect for nature lovers. - Ancient Town Inns: Yiya Tea Industry Homestay and Yiduo Hotel are built along the river, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water for a complete experience. 6. Photography tips: Wear plain cotton and linen clothes or traditional Han clothing that complement the ancient town, tea gardens, and bamboo forests. If it rains, walk along the stone paths with an oil-paper umbrella to create a "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" atmosphere in your photos. Jiaguan Ancient Town is like a corner forgotten by time, without crowded tourists or commercial noise—just authentic living. Spending a few days here on weekends or holidays to relax and experience the peaceful passage of time is truly wonderful!