County-level City in Sichuan, China
Photo: liuzusai刘祖赛, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Langzhong (阆中; Làngzhōng) is a town in northeastern Sichuan province. Langzhong is a city of about 100,000 people on the Jialing River. The main attraction is the ancient town (古镇, Gǔ zhèn), a mostly unadulterated section of ancient architecture, closed to vehicle traffic. The town is famous as the abode and headquarters of Zhangfei (张飞), a notable emperor during the years of the Han dynasty. There are also some hiking and sightseeing opportunities in the surrounding area.
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华光楼
中天楼
Both this tower and the Huaguang Tower are about three storeys high and are fine locations from which to overlook the town and river.
汉桓侯祠, 张飞庙
Where the warrior king was laid to rest after being betrayed by his closest advisors.
风水博物馆
An exhibition of geomantic principles including a scale model of the town. There is also a beautiful, small courtyard with well-kept vegetation and multiple levels. A (Mandarin only) fortune teller is sometimes available. The attached museum houses multiple displays without English captions.
贡院
A preserved ancient examination hall. Up until the Communist Revolution, individuals seeking government employment memorized ancient Confucian texts and were later grilled on the quality of their memorization as the sole qualifier for employment. This hall is one where students were examined, and houses a tribute to Langzhong's top scholars.
文庙, 孔庙,阆中县文庙 Langzhong County Confucian Temple
It was built in the northern part of the town during the Tang Dynasty, then relocated to the East Gate during the Ming Dynasty, and moved to its present location in 1851 during the Qing Dynasty.
川北道署, 道台衙门 Daotai Yamen
From 1730 to the early 20th century, the yamen served as the main office and residence of the daotai (high-ranking mandarins) who were tasked with the administration of northern Sichuan. Unfortunately, the yamen was largely destroyed during the 20th century. The current building is a modern reconstruction, though nonetheless still worth a look.
胡家院
A classical courtyard-style residence with a history dating back to the early 18th century. There are eight rooms on display, each of which has been carefully arranged in the traditional style with antique furniture. The Hu family still live here and will usually give you a guided tour in Mandarin.
阆中市博物馆
A large temple complex including what is described as one of Sichuan's ten largest stone-carved sitting Buddhas. The area has many lesser shrines as well as a restored but ramshackle living complex, and offers many views of the city and river. From the road, you can't miss the large parking area.
One of Sichuan's greatest bargains, a small grotto where several of Langzhong's greatest scholars prepared for examinations. The complex occupies a small pond and temple. In low season, you can have the place all to yourself for a mesmerizing experience. The area is not quite visible from the road; look for a parking turnoff and informational sign.
A prominent spike-shaped erection conspicuously visible from town, the first pagoda was built in the 1600s, severely damaged in the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and was rebuilt by the end of that year. If the attendant is present, you can climb the stairs inside the pagoda for a small price.
阆中古城
Langzhong Ancient City covers a total area of 4.59 square kilometers, with a 2-square-kilometer core area, and contains multiple national and provincial cultural heritage sites. The city preserves the Tang and Song dynasty street layout and the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, centered around Zhongtian Tower. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China, known as the “Fairyland of Langzhong.” It has been recognized as a National Historical and Cultural City, a National 5A Tourist Attraction, and was selected as one of the “Top Ten Cultural and Tourism Landmarks in Chengdu-Chongqing.”
阆中老街豆腐饭
This restaurant is famous for its classic local dish, tofu rice, which features tender tofu and fragrant rice. The dishes here also reflect the local flavors, making it a great place to try authentic Langzhong cuisine.
阆中风味小吃街
This area gathers many local food stalls, offering dishes like spicy noodles, hot pot tripe, sticky rice dumplings, and other classic Langzhong snacks. It’s a great spot to sample a variety of authentic Sichuan street foods.
阆中辣火锅
Known for its rich and spicy flavor, Langzhong’s hotpot features a variety of vegetables, meats, and tofu, all cooked in a flavorful, spicy broth. It’s a must-try for anyone craving a hearty and flavorful Sichuan meal.
阆中万福餐厅
This restaurant offers traditional Sichuan dishes, particularly the famous spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine, including Kung Pao chicken and fish-flavored shredded pork. The elegant environment makes it a perfect place for family gatherings and group meals.
By bus
Three buses leave daily from Mianyang (4 hours, ¥75), departing from Fu Le bus station northeast of the city. There are also multiple buses leaving from Chengdu's Beimen station (5 hours, ¥94).
Langzhong has a simple bus system with several lines serving the bus station, Grand Buddha, and old town. Taxi flag fall is ¥4.5.
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Nanchong (Langzhong) · Regional · LZG
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