The Cultural Sanctuary of the Yangtze: Lizhuang Ancient Town and the Legend of the Great Rear Area

The "Little Wharf" on the First Bend of the Yangtze

1.Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze: River in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, Lizhuang Ancient Town is a place where history flows as steadily as the great river beside it. Situated approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, this ancient settlement sits at an altitude of about 300 meters. Known historically as "Lizhuangchang," its origins can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, and over the centuries, it evolved into a vital river port and trade hub, earning the nickname "The Little Wharf of the Yangtze." Unlike the highly commercialized ancient towns of Lijiang or Wuzhen, Lizhuang retains a profound sense of tranquility and authentic daily life. The town is laid out along the river, with layers of Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) reflecting in the water and winding bluestone streets connecting ancient temples and courtyards. Here, you can walk along the river embankments, listening to the chant of boatmen and the rustle of banyan trees, immersing yourself in a landscape that perfectly blends the rugged beauty of Southern Sichuan with the gentle poetry of a water town.

A Sanctuary for Chinese Culture

Lizhuang's most defining moment occurred during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1940-1946). As the war ravaged coastal China, Lizhuang opened its arms to displaced intellectuals with a famous sixteen-character telegram: "Everything is available, Lizhuang welcomes you." It became the wartime home for over ten prestigious institutions, including Tongji University, the Academia Sinica, and the National Central Museum. In this small town, scholars like Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin continued their research on Chinese architecture, and historians preserved vital national archives. Lizhuang is thus celebrated as a "Sanctuary of Cultural Resistance," where the fire of Chinese civilization was kept alive during the nation's darkest hour. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved sites of these institutions, such as the Site of Tongji University and the Site of the Academia Sinica, touching the very desks where masters worked under oil lamps, feeling the resilience and inclusiveness that define the "Spirit of Lizhuang".

Architectural Marvels and Spiritual Heritage

The town is a living museum of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, boasting a layout often described as "Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples." One of the most spectacular structures is the Xuanluo Hall (Spiral Hall), located within the Yuwang Palace. This architectural wonder features a unique wooden structure with a spiral roof design that requires no nails, demonstrating the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen. The Zhang Family Ancestral Hall (Zhangjia Ci) is another highlight, known for its exquisite wood carvings and spacious courtyards that once hosted the collections of the National Central Museum. Culturally, the town is a melting pot; the Yuwang Palace worships Da Yu (the Great Yu) for flood control, while the Huanhou Temple honors the Three Kingdoms hero Zhang Fei, reflecting the locals' reverence for loyalty and protection. During the Spring Festival, the town comes alive with dragon dances and parades, continuing traditions that have flourished for centuries.

A Taste of River Life

2.Walking through the narrow alleys of: Lizhuang is a sensory delight. The air is filled with the scent of Douhua (bean curd) and the rich aroma of local white wine. The town maintains a vibrant culinary tradition, famous for its "Three Whites" (White Meat, White Cake, and White Wine), though the local street stalls also bustle with vendors selling Rougaoba (meat cakes) and spicy river delicacies. The residents still live in the ancient wooden houses, playing cards in teahouses and washing clothes by the river, preserving a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged. Whether you are gazing at the "First Bend of the Yangtze" from a riverside pavilion, exploring the moss-covered steps of an old academy, or simply enjoying a bowl of spicy dip with soft tofu, Lizhuang offers a profound connection to the heart of Sichuan's history and the enduring spirit of its people.