Where the Yangtze Meets the Chishui: Hejiang Old Street and the Living History of Southern Sichuan

The "Living Parlor" at the Confluence of Rivers

1.Located in the heart of Hejiang: County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, Hejiang Old Street (Hejiang Laojie) stands as a timeless witness to the history of the upper Yangtze River. Situated precisely where the majestic Yangtze River meets the renowned Chishui River, the old street sits at an altitude of approximately 250 to 300 meters. Unlike many ancient towns that have been transformed into purely commercial tourist parks, Hejiang Old Street retains the authentic pulse of daily life, earning it the reputation of being a "Living Ancient Town" and the "Old Street of Smoke and Fire in the Small Wine City." The core area covers about 0.5 square kilometers and is part of a Provincial Historic and Cultural Town. It preserves a rich collection of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, where the hustle and bustle of residents, the aroma of brewing soy sauce, and the sweetness of lychees blend into a vivid picture of Southern Sichuan culture.

A Corridor of Commerce and History

2.The history of Hejiang dates back to the: Western Han Dynasty when it was known as Fu County. It was renamed Hejiang (meaning "Confluence of Rivers") in the Northern Zhou Dynasty (564 AD). For centuries, this street served as a vital throat for the Southern Silk Road and a key station on the salt and tea trade routes connecting Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. The main street, paved with bluestone slabs and stretching about one kilometer, is flanked by traditional wooden dwellings built in the "shop in front, house in back" style. The most striking architectural features are the imposing Stone Arch Gateways (Shigong Menlou) at the street entrances. Carved with intricate dragon and phoenix motifs, these gateways symbolize the town's historical prosperity and defensive wisdom. Walking along the winding alleys, visitors can encounter the Ancient Opera Stage, Chastity Archways, and ancestral halls like the Zhang Family Compound, which narrate the rise and fall of local merchant families.

A Melting Pot of Flavors and Faiths

3.Hejiang Old: Street is a place where cultures and flavors collide. Historically, it was a hub for the "Huguang Fills Sichuan" migration, leading to a diverse blend of Han, Yi, and Hui traditions. The street features a mosque that coexists harmoniously with Han temples and shrines, reflecting a unique religious tolerance. Culturally, the town is alive with festivals; during the Torch Festival, elements of Yi culture such as fire parades and torch blessings blend with local Han customs. Gastronomically, the street is a paradise. It is famous for Hejiang Lychees—a tribute fruit since the Tang Dynasty—which fill the streets with sweetness in summer. Visitors can also taste the savory Tuotuo Meat (a Yi-influenced dish), spicy bean jelly, and the rich, amber-colored artisanal soy sauce brewed in traditional workshops along the river. The teahouses here are filled with elders playing cards and sipping covered-bowl tea, preserving the slow, leisurely pace of old Sichuan.

The Poetry of River Life

4.The charm of Hejiang Old: Street lies in its symbiotic relationship with the river. Backed by the Bijia Mountain and facing the confluence of the two great rivers, the town offers breathtaking views of the water. The riverbank, once a busy dock for salt merchants and horse caravans, is now a serene place for strolling. Ancient banyan trees and lychee orchards frame the riverside, providing shade and beauty. Whether it is the golden glow of the sunset reflecting off the wet bluestone pavement, the sound of Sichuan opera echoing from the old stage, or the simple joy of peeling a fresh lychee by the water, Hejiang Old Street offers a deeply immersive experience into the "smoke and fire" (everyday life) of the Yangtze River valley.