The Hidden Sanctuary on the Chishui: Liujiang Ancient Town and the Forest of Stilt Houses

The "Forest Ancient Town" of the Chishui River Valley

1.Located in the territory of Liujiang: Village, Yaoba Town, Hejiang County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, Liujiang Ancient Town is a serene historical gem nestled along the middle reaches of the Chishui River. Situated approximately 90 kilometers from Luzhou City and 50 kilometers from the Hejiang county seat, this National 3A Tourist Attraction sits at an altitude of 350 to 450 meters. Unlike many commercialized tourist destinations, Liujiang retains a profound sense of tranquility and original ecology. It is celebrated as the "Hanging House Ancient Town on the Chishui River" and the "Most Peaceful River Valley Utopia in Southern Sichuan." The core protection area covers about 0.7 square kilometers, where the town is embraced by dense forests and the winding river. Here, traditional Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) cling to the hillsides, their reflections dancing in the water, while the air is filled with the scent of fresh bean curd (Douhua) and the sounds of nature, offering a secluded retreat from the modern world.

A Legacy of the Salt and Tea Trade

2.The history of Liujiang Ancient: Town dates back to the Ming Dynasty or earlier, originally known as "Liujiang Chang" (Liujiang Market) named after the tributary flowing into the Chishui River. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it flourished as a vital node on the Southern Silk Road branch and an extension of the Tea Horse Road. Merchants used this route to transport salt, tea, timber, and medicinal herbs from the Chishui River up to the inland. The town served as a "River Valley Post Station," where horse caravans and boats converged. Today, visitors can walk along the preserved 800-meter-long bluestone street, flanked by Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The "shop in front, house in back" layout, exquisite wood carvings on doors and windows, and the ancient wharf ruins narrate the story of a bustling commercial past and the rise and fall of local merchant families like the Chen clan.

A Red Stronghold and Ecological Haven

Beyond its commercial history, Liujiang holds a significant place in China's revolutionary past. During the Long March in 1935, the Red Army passed through the Chishui River region during the famous "Four Crossings of Chishui" campaign. The dense forests and rugged terrain of Liujiang served as a covert base for the Southern Sichuan Guerrilla Column. Visitors can find historic slogans carved into old walls and visit former command posts hidden within the stilt houses, tracing the resilient spirit of the revolution. Ecologically, the town is a paradise. It is surrounded by lush vegetation with a high forest coverage rate, acting as a natural oxygen bar. The Chishui River here is clear and abundant with fish, and the surrounding valley features hiking trails that wind through wild forests, offering a perfect blend of "Red" history and "Green" nature.

A Fusion of Flavors and Folk Customs

3.The lifestyle in: Liujiang is a slow, rhythmic blend of Han traditions and the influences of neighboring ethnic groups. Due to its location, the town has absorbed elements of Yi culture. During the Torch Festival, visitors might witness fire parades where torches illuminate the wooden stilt houses and the river, a tradition meant to drive away evil spirits and pray for a bountiful harvest. Culinary enthusiasts will find Liujiang a delight. The town is famous for Liujiang Douhua (bean curd), made with the pristine water of the Chishui River. It is tender and typically served with a spicy dipping sauce and rice, often accompanied by savory Tuotuo Meat (a Yi-style pork dish) and locally brewed grain wine. Whether strolling along the ancient river embankment, listening to the river's flow, or sitting in an old teahouse, Liujiang offers a deeply immersive experience into the authentic "river valley life" of Southern Sichuan.