Pingle Ancient Town, Chengdu: A Picturesque Peach Blossom Wonderland

Introduction In the busy urban life, occasionally escaping the hustle and bustle to find a quiet ancient town is a longing in many people's hearts. This time, I chose Pingle Ancient Town in Qionglai City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, as my short trip destination. Pingle Ancient Town, a place with a long history and profound cultural heritage, is famous for its rustic streets, clear streams, and leisurely pace of life. Here, I spent a weekend full of poetry and tranquility. First Impressions of Pingle When I arrived at Pingle Ancient Town, it was already afternoon. The sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting a golden cloak over the bluestone roads. The entrance to the ancient town was unpretentious, with a simple archway quietly welcoming every visitor. Crossing the archway felt like traveling through time to another world. The buildings here are mostly wooden structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with red lanterns swaying in the breeze under the eaves, adding a touch of antique charm. Strolling the Ancient Streets I slowly walked along the main street—Leshan Street. On both sides of the street were various shops, some selling local specialty snacks, some displaying handicrafts, and others offering tea art performances. Every step was full of surprises, as if each step could touch the pulse of history. I especially liked the small items made of bamboo weaving and pottery; they are not only beautiful and practical but also carry the wisdom and hard work of the artisans. Tasting the Cuisine Speaking of Pingle Ancient Town, its food cannot be missed. Here, I tasted authentic Qionglai milk soup noodles, with rich milky broth and chewy noodles that left a lasting impression. There was also Pingle’s specialty snack—Wanwanxiang, a soup dish made by simmering various vegetables, meats, and seasonings, delicious and nutritious. In the ancient town’s teahouse, I also experienced the "Gaiwan tea" culture, sipping fragrant jasmine tea while watching the flowing water outside the window, as if time froze at that moment. Exploring Nature Pingle Ancient Town not only has rich cultural connotations but also enchanting natural scenery around it. I strolled along the Baimo River beside the ancient town, where the water was crystal clear and the banks shaded by green trees. Occasionally, a few egrets skimmed the water surface, adding liveliness. There are bamboo rafts by the river for tourists to ride; I excitedly tried one, drifting slowly with the raft, feeling the tranquility and harmony of nature. Night Tour of the Ancient Town As night fell, Pingle Ancient Town revealed another charm. The lanterns on both sides of the street lit up one by one, dressing the ancient town in a dreamy atmosphere. I walked along the riverside path, listening to the distant sounds of Sichuan opera face-changing performances, feeling the quietness and mystery of the ancient town at night. On such a night, I seemed to hear the echoes of history and feel the accumulation of time. Conclusion This trip to Pingle Ancient Town deeply made me appreciate the unique charm of ancient towns around Chengdu. It not only allowed me to enjoy the antique architecture and rich historical culture but also to experience the tranquility and harmony of nature. In busy life, having such a place to relax and return to nature is truly rare. I believe that whether for tourists who love exploring history and culture or for those who want to escape the noise and find inner peace, Pingle Ancient Town is an invaluable destination. I look forward to next time, bringing more friends to step again on this poetic land. 1. Basic Information - Address: No. 139 Xingxin Street, Qionglai City. - Opening Hours: Open all year round, 24 hours. - Admission: Free, some experience projects charge fees. 2. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: About 1.5 hours drive from Chengdu. - Public Transport: Take a bus directly to Qionglai from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station, then take a taxi to the ancient town. 3. Core Attractions - Leshan Bridge: Built in the first year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty, it is a seven-arch stone bridge with peach-shaped arches, considered a unique sight in western Sichuan and an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts. - Pingsha Luoyan District: After 7:30 PM every night, there is a light show here, and the bar street features folk music performances, full of romantic atmosphere. - Western Sichuan Bamboo Sea: About a 10-minute drive from the ancient town, it has 100,000 acres of bamboo forest. Attractions such as the 3D glass plank road and Xianlü Muyun Bridge are worth visiting. 4. Food Recommendations - Milk Soup Noodles: Famous for its milky white broth made by simmering pork and chicken bones, with thick soup and chewy noodles, a Pingle specialty. - Bobo Chicken: Various meat and vegetable ingredients skewered on bamboo sticks, soaked in spicy or Sichuan pepper-flavored broth, flavorful and numbing. - River Water Tofu Pudding: Made from local ecological soybeans and Baimo River clear water, hand-ground, fresh, tender, sweet, and fragrant.