The Emerald Sanctuary of the Chishui River: Fubao Ancient Town and the Forest of Floating Houses

The "Forest Ancient Town" of Southern Sichuan

1.Located in Fubao: Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, Fubao Ancient Town (Fubao Guzhen) is a secluded paradise hidden deep within the verdant mountains of the upper Chishui River basin. Situated approximately 100 kilometers from Luzhou City and 60 kilometers from the Hejiang county seat, this historic gem sits at an altitude of 400 to 500 meters. Unlike many ancient towns that stand in open plains, Fubao is famously embraced by the Fubao National Forest Park, earning it the reputation of being the "Forest Ancient Town" and the "Most Eco-Original Hidden Utopia in Southern Sichuan." The core protection area covers about 0.6 square kilometers, featuring a breathtaking integration of architecture and nature. Here, the dense, primitive forest covers over 90% of the surrounding area, creating a "green ocean" where the town floats like a wooden boat. The air is rich in negative ions, making it a natural oxygen bar. With its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, Fubao offers a tranquil retreat where the sound of the river and the whisper of the bamboo forest replace the noise of the modern world,.

A Masterpiece of Stilt Architecture

2.The architectural soul of: Fubao lies in its spectacular Diaojiaolou (stilt houses). Adapted to the rugged, hilly terrain along the riverbanks, these traditional wooden structures are built on stilts, featuring gray tiles, flying eaves, and intricate wood carvings that reflect the wisdom of the Southern Sichuan people in combating moisture and uneven ground. The town's layout follows the "Nine Dragons Arching the Pearl" pattern, with the main street, often referred to as Huilong Street (Winding Dragon Street), stretching about 800 meters. This bluestone-paved path winds like a dragon's spine through the hills, flanked by low-hanging eaves and shops that maintain the "shop in front, house in back" tradition. Walking along this street, visitors can see the sky cut into a "ribbon of blue" by the close roofs, creating a unique spatial experience known as "One Line Sky." The harmony between the dark wood of the houses and the lush green of the surrounding forest creates a scene often described as a Chinese ink wash painting come to life,.

A Hub of Commerce and Revolution

Fubao's history is deeply intertwined with the ancient trade routes of the region. Originally known as "Fubao Chang" (Fubao Market), it flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a vital node on the Southern Silk Road and an extension of the Tea Horse Road. It served as a bustling hub for salt, tea, and timber, connecting the Sichuan basin with the Guizhou mountains. The magnificent Baoquan Temple (Precious Spring Temple) ruins stand as a testament to its past spiritual significance and the origin of the town's name. Beyond commerce, Fubao holds a sacred place in China's "Red" history. During the Long March in 1935, the Red Army utilized the dense forests and rugged terrain of Fubao as a base for the Sichuan-Southern Guerrilla Column. Today, visitors can explore the Red Army Relics, including preserved slogans carved into stone walls and former command posts, which narrate the heroic struggles of the revolution amidst the peaceful forest setting,.

A Fusion of Flavors and Folk Customs

3.The lifestyle in: Fubao is a slow, rhythmic blend of Han traditions and the influences of neighboring ethnic groups. Due to its location near the border, the town has absorbed elements of Yi culture. During the Torch Festival, visitors might witness fire parades where torches illuminate the wooden stilt houses, a tradition meant to drive away evil spirits and pray for a bountiful harvest. Culinary enthusiasts will find Fubao a delight. The town is famous for Fubao Douhua (bean curd), made with the pristine mountain spring water of the region. It is tender, white, and typically served with a spicy dipping sauce and rice, often accompanied by Tuotuo Meat (a Yi-style pork dish) and locally brewed grain wine. Whether you are sitting in an old teahouse listening to elders recount stories of the salt gangs or hiking through the misty forest trails to breathe in the pine-scented air, Fubao Ancient Town offers a deeply immersive experience into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries,.