The Capital of Chinese Spirits: Wuliangye Distillery and the Legend of the 600-Year Old Cellars

The "Ten-Mile Liquor City" by the Yangtze

1.Located on Minjiang North Road in the Cuiping: District of Yibin City, Sichuan Province, the Wuliangye Distillery (Wuliangye Group) is not just a factory; it is a colossal monument to Chinese brewing history, often referred to as the "Ten-Mile Liquor City." Situated near the confluence where the Minjiang and Jinsha rivers merge to form the Yangtze, the facility covers a core area of about 10 square kilometers, with the entire industrial park spanning over 20 square kilometers. It is a National 4A Tourist Attraction and the heart of the "Golden Triangle of Chinese Spirits." Upon approaching the site, visitors are greeted by a unique sensory experience: the air itself is thick with the rich, sweet aroma of fermenting grains, a scent that permeates the city of Yibin and has earned it the title of the "Liquor Capital of China." This garden-style factory combines industrial might with ecological beauty, featuring lush greenery, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the river, making it a pilgrimage site for spirit enthusiasts worldwide.

2.A Legacy of 600 Years: The Ming Dynasty Cellars

3.The soul of: Wuliangye lies in its ancient history, traceable back to the Ming Dynasty. The distillery possesses a treasure trove of ancient fermentation pits known as the "Yaozi Xuequ", which have been in continuous use for over 600 years since the Wanli era (late 14th century). These are the oldest continuous fermentation cellars in China's strong-aroma baijiu history. The secret to the liquor's unique flavor lies in the "living" mud of these pits, which houses a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that has evolved over centuries. The formula, originally developed by the Wen family workshop as "Zaliang Jiu" (Mixed Grain Liquor), uses a precise blend of five grains: sorghum, rice, glutinous rice, wheat, and corn. This combination creates a harmonious flavor profile described as "aroma lasting, taste mellow, entrance sweet, throat refreshing, and all flavors coordinated." Visitors can witness the traditional solid-state fermentation process, where master brewers work with the "Millennium Old Cellars and Ten-Thousand-Year Lees," bridging the gap between ancient craftsmanship and modern production.

The Temple of Liquor Culture

Central to the visitor experience is the Wuliangye Liquor Culture Museum, a comprehensive facility that chronicles the evolution of Chinese spirits from the pre-Qin era to the present day. Inside, you will find rare artifacts, ancient wine vessels, and multimedia exhibits that explain the complex brewing science and the brand's rise to global fame. Key exhibits include the history of the "Yaozi Xuequ" workshops and the story of how the liquor won the Gold Medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Beyond the museum, the factory grounds feature the Wine Saint Mountain (Jiu Sheng Shan), adorned with sculptures telling the legend of Du Kang (the god of wine). Cultural landmarks like the Chunyang Cave and Longquan Well add a layer of mystique; legends say the sweet water of the Longquan Well was used by the Wen family for brewing, protected by the spiritual energy of the site. The sheer scale of the Ceramic Jar Storage Base, a vast underground palace of aging liquor, offers a breathtaking visual of industrial capacity and tradition.

A Modern Industrial Garden

Today, Wuliangye is a model of industrial tourism, blending production with aesthetics. The factory is designed as a park, with longan and lychee trees dotting the landscape, symbolizing the region's agricultural abundance. Visitors can ascend the Minjiang Viewing Platform for a sweeping view of the river valley, where the industrial smoke blends with the mist of the Yangtze, creating a scene of power and poetry. The site also features a Liquor Tasting Experience Center, where guests can learn the art of "Look, Smell, and Taste," and sample the premium "raw liquor" straight from the production line. During festivals like the International Wine Culture Festival or the Dragon Boat Festival, the distillery comes alive with sacrifice ceremonies to the wine gods and vibrant parades, reflecting the deep cultural integration of the spirit industry with local folk traditions. Whether you are a connoisseur seeking the roots of strong-aroma baijiu or a traveler curious about China's industrial heritage, Wuliangye offers an intoxicating journey into the heart of Chinese culture.