Rongchang City Guide: The Capital of Pottery, Fans, and Begonias

1.Introduction: The Begonia Kingdom of the West Rongchang District, historically known as Changzhou, is located in the westernmost part of Chongqing Municipality. It sits at the strategic intersection of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, bordering Sichuan Province to the west. Known poetically as the "Begonia Kingdom" (Haitang Xiangguo) because begonias once bloomed profusely here, Rongchang is a city where history breathes through the streets and art is woven into the daily life of its people. Unlike the mountainous verticality of downtown Chongqing, Rongchang features a gentler, rolling hilly terrain typical of the transition between the Sichuan Basin and the parallel ridge-valleys of Eastern Sichuan.

2.The Capital of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Rongchang is unique in China for possessing three distinct National Intangible Cultural Heritages, often referred to as the "Three Treasures of Rongchang." These crafts define the cultural soul of the city.

• 3.Rongchang Folding Fans: The production of folding fans in Rongchang has a history spanning hundreds of years. As noted in geographical records, the Rongchang folding fan is a traditional handicraft with distinctive local characteristics. These fans are celebrated for their exquisite workmanship and variety. They are not merely tools for cooling but are intricate works of art, often featuring calligraphy and paintings, light and agile in form, and easy to carry. They are highly prized as souvenirs and gifts. The fans are made from bamboo and paper or silk, often exported internationally, representing the refinement of Bayu culture.
• 4.Rongchang Pottery: Located in the town of Anfu (Antao), Rongchang Pottery is one of the "Four Famous Potteries" of China (alongside Yixing, Jianshui, and Qinzhou). The local clay, fine and red, is crafted into pottery that is "thin as paper, bright as a mirror, and sounds like a chime." Walking through the Anfu Pottery Village, visitors can see dragon kilns that have been burning for centuries and watch masters shape clay into tea sets and large storage jars used for fermentation—a nod to the region's strong pickle and condiment culture.
• 5.Grass Linen (Ramie Cloth): This is a living fossil of textile history. Rongchang is known as the "Hometown of Grass Linen." The fabric is hand-woven from ramie plants, known for being lightweight, breathable, and antibacterial. In the past, it was a tribute to the imperial court; today, it is transformed into high-end fashion, painting canvases, and home decor, symbolizing a blend of natural aesthetics and human perseverance.

6.Wanling Ancient Town: A Water Town Legacy Just 12 kilometers from the city center lies Wanling Ancient Town (formerly known as Lukong). Unlike many commercialized old towns, Wanling retains the authentic layout of a Song and Ming dynasty settlement. The Laixi River flows gently through the town, earning it the nickname "Little Wuzhen of Western Chongqing." The town is famous for its Chastity Archways (Paifang), stone structures built to honor the virtues of widows in feudal times. These imposing stone carvings stand as silent witnesses to the strict social codes of the past. The town also features the "Er Lang Temple" and the "Zhao Family Ancestral Hall," reflecting the strong clan culture brought by immigrants. Rongchang was a major destination during the "Huguang Fills Sichuan" migration movement, and this heritage is evident in the architecture and the dialect, which retains traces of Hakka and other regional influences.

7.The Holy Mother Church: A Gothic Landmark In the heart of the urban area stands the Rongchang Catholic Church (Holy Mother Church). Built over a hundred years ago, this Gothic-style building is one of the largest churches in Southwest China. Its twin towers and intricate stained glass provide a striking contrast to the traditional Chinese architecture surrounding it, highlighting the district's history of cultural exchange and openness.

8.The Hometown of the Rongchang Pig: Rongchang is also agricultural royalty. It is the home of the Rongchang Pig, one of the most famous pig breeds in the world, recognizable by its white body and black eyes (often called the "Panda Pig"). This is not just farming; it is a science here. The district houses national-level research centers for pig breeding. This agricultural prowess directly influences the local lifestyle, ensuring that the food—especially pork dishes—is of exceptional freshness and quality.

9.Modern Living and Ecology: Today's Rongchang is a "National Garden City." The Laixi River Wetland Park stretches through the city like a green ribbon, offering residents and visitors a place for leisure and exercise. In spring, the city returns to its roots as the "Begonia Kingdom" when thousands of begonias bloom in the parks and along the streets. Whether you are exploring the ancient kilns of Anfu, admiring the calligraphy on a folding fan, or strolling by the river at sunset, Rongchang offers a travel experience that is culturally profound, artistically inspiring, and comfortably slow-paced.