The Living Fossil of the Southern Silk Road: Yaoba Ancient Town and the Legend of the Chishui River

The "Pearl of Southern Sichuan" on the Chishui River

1.Located in Hejiang: County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, Yaoba Ancient Town (Yaoba Guzhen) is a pristine historical gem situated along the middle reaches of the Chishui River. Nestled at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters, this National 4A Tourist Attraction is celebrated as the "Living Fossil of the Southern Silk Road" and the "Pearl of Southern Sichuan." Unlike many ancient towns that have succumbed to heavy commercialization, Yaoba retains a profound sense of nostalgia and tranquility. It sits strategically at the border of Sichuan and Guizhou, historically serving as a vital throat for trade and culture. The town’s core protection area covers about 0.8 square kilometers, featuring a well-preserved complex of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Here, the sunset casts a golden hue over winding bluestone paths, and the aroma of bean curd (Douhua) and old liquor fills the air, inviting visitors to step back into a bygone era of horse caravans and river commerce.

The "First Post Station" of Salt and Tea

2.The history of: Yaoba is deeply intertwined with the ancient trade routes. Known as "Fu County" in the Han Dynasty, it flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a crucial hub on the Southern Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road. It earned the reputation of being the "First Post Station for Sichuan-Guizhou Salt and Tea." Merchants transported salt from the Chishui River up to the inland, and tea and cloth down to the southern provinces, creating a bustling economy that left behind a legacy of magnificent architecture. The town boasts a 1,000-meter-long main street paved with bluestone slabs, flanked by over 2,000 traditional dwellings. These structures, primarily Diaojiaolou (stilt houses), are built along the river and hillsides, featuring exquisite wood carvings, gray tiles, and flying eaves. Visitors can explore the grand Stone Arch Gateways, ancient salt firms (Yanhao), and merchant courtyards like the Chen Family Compound, which narrate the rise and fall of prominent trading families.

A Red Revolutionary Landmark

Beyond its commercial past, Yaoba Ancient Town holds a significant place in China's revolutionary history. During the Long March in 1935, the Red Army passed through this region during the famous "Four Crossings of Chishui" campaign. Legendary figures like Zhu De and Chen Yi operated here, using the town as a command center and logistical base. Today, visitors can visit the Yaoba Meeting Site, where critical strategic decisions were made, and see preserved slogans carved into the walls of old houses. These red relics stand as a testament to the resilience of the revolution amidst the rugged terrain of the Chishui River valley. The juxtaposition of the ancient commercial prosperity and the fierce revolutionary spirit gives Yaoba a unique dual identity that appeals to both history buffs and cultural explorers.

The Authentic Taste of River Life

3.What truly sets: Yaoba apart is its "living" atmosphere. Residents still inhabit the ancient timber-framed houses, maintaining a lifestyle that has changed little over centuries. The streets are alive with the sounds of daily life—elderly locals playing cards in century-old teahouses, children playing in the alleys, and vendors selling the town's famous culinary delight, Yaoba Douhua (bean curd). Made with the pristine water of the Chishui River, the tender and flavorful Douhua is a must-try, often served with savory Tuotuo Meat (simmered pork). The town is also known for its traditional handicrafts, including oil-paper umbrellas and bamboo weaving. Whether strolling along the ancient wharf where boatmen once sang shanties or watching a performance at the Ancient Opera Stage, visitors are immersed in the authentic folk culture of the Chishui River basin.