Reverse Holiday Travel: Hidden Deep in Zigong, Gongjing Old Street, Long-lasting Local Life Super Healing

Reverse Holiday Travel: Hidden Deep in Zigong, Gongjing Old Street, Long-lasting Local Life Super Healing Having visited many ancient towns and old streets across Sichuan, if I had to pick the one with the most "slow life vibe," Gongjing Old Street in Zigong definitely stands out—this is my third dedicated visit. Besides cold-eaten rabbit and dinosaurs, Zigong’s old street hidden deep in the city holds the most authentic salt capital charm. What exactly makes me so attached to it? This time, besides the must-visit salt culture sites, I discovered several little-known spots almost only locals go to. If you don’t want to squeeze into popular tourist spots during the holiday, quickly save this Gongjing Old Street guide~ 🚗 Transportation Guide - High-speed rail: Arrive at Zigong Station, then take bus No. 306 directly to Gongjing urban area, or a taxi ride of about 25 minutes - Self-driving: About 2 hours from Chengdu, about 2.5 hours from Chongqing, parking is convenient in the city 🗺️ 3 Days 2 Nights Holiday Highlights Route Day 1: Depart from Chengdu/Chongqing → Gongjing Old Street core area → Pingqiao Waterfall Day 2: Shenhai Well → Dagong Well Ruins → Aiye Ancient Town Day 3: Chen Family Ancestral Hall → Old Teahouse Experience → Return from Zigong city 🌟 Must-visit in Gongjing: Salt Charm Core Area - 🏮 Gongjing Old Street Core Area: A century-old salt merchant street, the bluestone pavement polished shiny by time. Not overly commercialized, old teahouses and old shop fronts are everywhere, and around the corner you can meet elderly selling handmade peanut candy, full of local life atmosphere. - 💧 Pingqiao Waterfall: A natural wonder hidden in the city. During dry seasons, the rock patterns below the waterfall are clearly visible, water flows gently under the ancient bridge, and the evening light and shadow are stunning—perfect for photos. - ⚱️ Shenhai Well: The world’s only still-operating thousand-year-old salt well! You can see workers drawing brine and making salt using traditional methods. The process of boiling black brine into white salt is truly impressive, fully showcasing the salt culture heritage. Other Unmissable Attractions - 🏯 Dagong Well Ruins: The birthplace of Zigong’s salt industry, the existing ancient well platform and inscriptions witness the rise of the "Thousand-Year Salt Capital." Few people visit, quiet and perfect for slowly feeling the history. - 🌿 Aiye Ancient Town: The "First Town of Salt Transport," with well-preserved ancient docks and stilted buildings. The Tuojiang River flows through the town; walking along the river and enjoying the breeze offers an authentic ancient town experience. 🏡 Hidden Gems (Less Crowded and Beautiful!) - Chen Family Ancestral Hall: A Qing Dynasty architectural treasure with exquisite wood and brick carvings. Few tourists visit, allowing immersive appreciation of ancient architectural details. - Old Teahouse Cluster: In the old street, places like "Banxianju" and "Shunxing Teahouse" serve a cup of gaiwan tea for 10 yuan. Listen to locals chatting and experience the most authentic slow life in Zigong. 💡 Holiday Travel Tips - Accommodation is recommended in Gongjing urban area for high cost-performance, close to attractions, and you can enjoy the old street night scene in the evening - Attractions are close to each other, walking or taking a tricycle is enough, no need to drive - Try local specialties: Gongjing Xu Duck, Aiye Fine Cold Noodles, Old Street Fried Sweet Potato Strips Candy This salt-charm old street hidden in Zigong has no crowds of popular tourist spots, only the gentle accumulation of time. If you don’t want to be in a crowd during the holiday, come to Gongjing Old Street, walk slowly on the bluestone pavement, and feel true relaxation~