A Living Ink Painting of the Tea Horse Road: The Timeless Charm of Shangli Ancient Town

The "Ink and Wash" Water Town of Western Sichuan

1.Located in the northern part of Yucheng: District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, Shangli Ancient Town (Shangli Guzhen) is a historic gem hidden among mountains and rivers. Situated about 27 kilometers from downtown Ya'an and 147 kilometers from Chengdu, this town sits at the intersection of the Yucheng, Mingshan, Qionglai, and Lushan counties. Historically known as "Luosheng", Shangli was a crucial courier station on the Southern Silk Road and a vital pass on the Tea Horse Road leading into the ethnic regions of Tibet. Unlike many commercialized tourist spots, Shangli retains a tranquil, pastoral atmosphere, often described as a "living landscape painting" of Western Sichuan. The town is designated as a National 4A Tourist Attraction and a National Historic and Cultural Town, celebrated for its exquisite blend of nature, architecture, and folk customs.

A Layout of "Water" and "Wells"

The town's geography is defined by two rivers—the Longxi River and the Baima River—which wind through the settlement, creating a picturesque setting often referred to as "Two waters clamping a clear mirror, double bridges forming a rainbow." The ancient streets are paved with stone slabs and lined with wooden stilt houses (Diaolou) that overhang the water, reflecting the architectural wisdom of adapting to the humid climate. A unique feature of Shangli is its urban layout, which resembles the Chinese character "Jing" (井), meaning "well." This design was intentional; since traditional wooden buildings are prone to fire, the "well" shape implies that "there is water in the well," symbolizing fire prevention and safety for the residents.

The Legend of the Five Families

Shangli's prosperity during the Ming and Qing dynasties was driven by five prominent immigrant families who settled here, giving the town the nickname "The Mouth of Five Families" (Wujiakou). Local folklore vividly describes their distinct roles: "Han Family Silver" (wealthy merchants), "Yang Family Top-wear" (officials), "Chen Family Grain" (landlords with vast fields), "Xu Family Women" (known for their beauty and virtue), and "Zhang Family Ingots" (martial masters and bodyguards). These families left behind a legacy of magnificent courtyards and architectural marvels. The Han Family Courtyard, built during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, is a masterpiece of wooden architecture featuring seven courtyards known as "Seven Stars Embracing the Moon." Its intricate carvings of operatic scenes and historical legends on doors and windows are considered the finest in the region.

A Museum of Bridges and Red History

Shangli is often called a "Museum of Bridges" due to the variety of stone bridges spanning its rivers. The most famous is the Erxian Bridge (Two Immortals Bridge), a high-arch stone bridge built in 1776, surrounded by creeping vines and green waters, creating a scene straight out of a poem. Another architectural feat is the High Bridge (Gao Qiao), a Qing-dynasty multi-level stone structure that functioned as an ancient "overpass," separating pedestrians from vehicular traffic. Beyond its commercial history, Shangli is also a significant "Red Tour" destination. In 1935, the Red Army stationed here during the Long March for six months. They left behind over 70 stone-carved slogans along the riverbanks, forming a "Red Corridor" that remains clearly visible today, preserving a crucial chapter of China's revolutionary history.

Baima Spring and Folk Customs

2.Nature adds a touch of mystery to: Shangli with the Baima Spring (White Horse Spring). This unique intermittent spring features a stone dragon head from which water surges, making a sound like galloping horse hooves ("De De") when the tide recedes. It is a rare geological phenomenon and a protected cultural site. Culturally, the town is vibrant with traditional festivities. During the Lunar New Year, the Lion Lantern Dance of the Yang family is performed, while the "Nianzhu Festival" (Year Pig Festival) offers visitors a taste of authentic rural celebrations. Whether you are wandering through the mist-shrouded alleys after a rain or sipping Mengding Mountain tea by the river, Shangli offers a profound connection to the slow, elegant pace of ancient Sichuan life.