The No. 1 Hakka Town in the West: Luodai Ancient Town and the Legend of the Lost Belt

The "World's Hakka Ancient Town"

1.Located in the Longquanyi: District, approximately 20 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, Luodai Ancient Town sits at the western foot of Longquan Mountain. Known as the "No. 1 Hakka Town in Western China," it is a vibrant island of Hakka culture amidst the Sichuan basin. With a history stretching back to the Han Dynasty, Luodai was originally a commercial post on the ancient road to Chengdu. However, its true cultural identity was forged during the "Huguang Fills Sichuan" migration in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Today, about 85% of the town's residents are Hakka descendants who have preserved their unique dialect (a variation of Cantonese), customs, and architectural styles for centuries. Walking through Luodai is like stepping into a living museum of migration history, where the "Tu Guangdong" (local Hakka dialect) is still spoken in the streets, and the spirit of the Hakka people—often described as "Phoenixes of the Sky" for their resilience—permeates every corner.

The Legend of the Jade Belt

The name "Luodai" (literally "Falling Belt") is steeped in imperial legend. It is said that during the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Shan (the son of Liu Bei and the second emperor of Shu Han) visited the town. While playing by an octagonal well, he accidentally dropped his jade belt into the water. Despite efforts to retrieve it, the belt was lost, giving the town its poetic name. This story adds a layer of royal mystique to the town, and visitors today can still visit the legendary well. Historically, the town was also a strategic stop for Zhuge Liang during his Northern Expeditions, serving as a grain transport route, further cementing its place in the rich tapestry of the Three Kingdoms era.

A Masterpiece of Guild Hall Architecture

2.One of the most striking features of: Luodai is its collection of Guild Halls (Huiguan). As immigrants from Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hunan settled here, they built magnificent structures to serve as community centers for worship, business, and social gatherings. The town boasts four famous guild halls: the Guangdong Guild Hall (Tianhou Palace), the Jiangxi Guild Hall (Wanshou Palace), the Huguang Guild Hall (Yuwang Palace), and the North Sichuan Guild Hall. The Guangdong Guild Hall is particularly renowned for its grand scale and exquisite carvings, often hosting Hakka folk song performances. These buildings feature typical Hakka "Walled Village" (Weiwu) defensive elements blended with the delicate artistic style of Sichuan architecture, creating a unique visual experience of high walls, intricate roof ridges, and spacious courtyards.

The Boke Lou and Hakka Heritage

Standing out among the traditional architecture is the Boke Lou (Blog Building), a massive structure built in the style of the famous Fujian Tulou (earthen buildings). Serving as a dedicated Hakka Museum, it systematically displays the history of the Hakka migration. Inside, visitors can view artifacts such as bridal sedans, bamboo weaving tools, and old photographs that narrate the hardships and triumphs of the ancestors who moved to Sichuan. It is a place to understand the deep roots of the community and their "root-seeking" spirit. Nearby, the Old Street (Phoenix Street) offers a bustling atmosphere where century-old banyan trees shade teahouses, and locals chat in their unique dialect, keeping the ancient traditions alive.

A Feast of Flavors and Festivals

3.No visit to: Luodai is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. The most famous snack is "Sad Jelly" (Shangxin Liangfen), a spicy bean jelly so hot that it is said to make diners tear up as if they were sad—or perhaps, as legend has it, named by homesick Hakka immigrants longing for their roots. Other must-try treats include the tender Oil Scalded Goose, sweet Swan Eggs (sugar oil pastries), and the Hakka "Nine Major Bowls" banquet. The town is also a hub for lively festivals. During the Fire Dragon Festival (often around Lunar New Year), dazzling performances of iron water fireworks creating "steel flowers" illuminate the night, while the Water Dragon Festival in summer offers a refreshing and energetic celebration involving water splashing. Whether you are watching a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance on an ancient stage or sipping tea by the ancient waterways, Luodai offers a sensory feast of sound, taste, and color.