Laitan Ancient Town (涞滩古镇), originally known as Laitan Ancient Village, is located on Mount Jiufeng, on the west bank of the Qujiang River in Hechuan, China. It is recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages” in the country. The town consists of two parts: the upper section and the lower section, which are only a short distance apart, resembling siblings – one high and one low, one rigid and one gentle, complementing each other beautifully.
The town features several historical sites, including the “Wengcheng” (a defensive city wall) built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, a Ming Dynasty archway, the Wenchang Palace theater, and ancient residential houses. The natural scenery is stunning, with residences arranged in a terraced manner, preserving the original appearance from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The overall atmosphere is rustic, elegant, tranquil, and peaceful, offering visitors a profound sense of returning to simplicity as they wander through its streets.
Travel Information about Laitan Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: Admission is free; however, some attractions within the ancient town require separate tickets.
Opening Hours: Summer: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Winter: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Laitan Ancient Town, Lai Tan Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing City.
Transportation:
- By Bus: There are daily buses from Caiyuanba Bus Station in Chongqing to Hechuan. From Hechuan Bus Station, take a bus to Laitan.
- By Car: From the city, take the Yuwu Expressway towards Hechuan via the North Ring Interchange, exiting at Yunmen Gate. Continue straight, then turn left at the T-junction towards Longshi. About 200 meters before the Longshi toll station, turn right towards Laitan Ancient Town.
Attraction Ratings
Features: ★★★★★
Culture: ★★★★
Beauty: ★★★
Leisure: ★★★
Romance: ★★
Adventure: ★
Highlights of Laitan Ancient Town
Erfo Temple
Erfo Temple is divided into two main sections: the Upper Hall and the Lower Hall. The Upper Hall is located at the top of Jiu Peak Mountain and consists of three main hall levels. Along the central axis, you will find the Mountain Gate, Yuhuang Hall, Daxiong Hall (the main hall of Buddha), and Guanyin Hall. The layout is similar to a traditional courtyard, with additional buildings such as the Shecang (a storage room) and Zen rooms arranged on either side.
Daxiong Hall: Notably, Daxiong Hall features a stunning centerpiece – a 5-meter-tall statue of the main Buddha, crafted from clay, which appears remarkably lifelike. Flanking the Buddha are eighteen vividly expressive clay sculptures of the Arhats, each exhibiting unique expressions. Unfortunately, the temple’s cultural relics have suffered significant damage over the years. The hall is supported by four impressive stone pillars, each approximately 13 meters tall, carved from a single massive stone, giving the structure an awe-inspiring presence. The stone carvings on the Mountain Gate’s archway are delicately detailed, representing a rare historical and cultural masterpiece.
Lower Hall: The Lower Hall is situated next to the Quxi River and is constructed against the cliffside of Jiu Peak Mountain, featuring a two-story hall structure. The eaves arch outward, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The adjacent cliffside is home to a collection of rock carvings that date back to the Southern Song Dynasty, representing a peak in Chinese stone carving artistry. This collection comprises 42 niches and over 1,700 statues, with the largest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha standing 12.5 meters tall, intricately carved into the rock. This statue is referred to as the “Second Buddha of Sichuan,” which is also the origin of the temple’s name.
Origin of the Name “Erfo”: Erfo Temple is one of the most popular temples in the ancient town, attracting many visitors. The name “Erfo” does not indicate that there are two Buddhas present; rather, it is a humble reference to the famous Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan, suggesting that this temple should not claim to be the first. However, there is indeed a Buddha statue here, standing approximately 20 meters tall. The temple was established during the Qing Dynasty’s Xianfeng period, and whether this statue was considered the second largest Buddha in Sichuan or even in China at that time is unknown. Notably, the temple’s entrance originally featured a complete large stone that was dramatically split, lending the site an impressive and imposing atmosphere.
Wenchang Palace
Wenchang Palace was built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty and features a combination of Confucian temple architecture and Taoist palace design in a courtyard layout. The palace consists of a theater, Dacheng Hall, and adjoining side rooms, centered around a rectangular courtyard paved with blue stone slabs.
Today, the main buildings still exist, including a two-story wooden ancient theater that faces south. The exterior of the theater’s eaves is carved with a beautiful high relief wooden sculpture that is 8 meters long and about 30 centimeters high, depicting stories from the Three Kingdoms with significant artistic value.
To the north of the courtyard is a larger building without doors and windows on the front, supported by two large columns. The Taoist temple is situated facing east, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing water on one side. It includes six main halls: Sanqing Hall, Yuhuang Hall, Lingguan Hall, Yuancheng Hall, Cihang Hall, and Caishen Hall. The scenic area was renovated in 1998 and is now revitalized.
Wengcheng
Wengcheng, as a representative of stone-built ancient walled cities, is semi-circular in shape, measuring approximately 40 meters in length and 30 meters in radius, with eight city gates. Built in the first year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1862), it is currently the only well-preserved military defensive fortress in the Chongqing area, holding significant historical, artistic, scientific, and aesthetic value.
Upon entering Wengcheng, there are side doors on both the north and south city gates. Inside the walled city, there are four concealed troop caves. The design of the city within a city is ingeniously crafted, exemplifying the phrase “catching a turtle in a jar,” with the ancient walled city serving as the best illustration.
Laiyuan Garden
Laiyuan Garden, originally known as Talin Park, covers an area of over 30,000 square meters and consists of three main themed areas: the Relic Pagoda Cemetery Area, the Stone Sculpture Art Area, and the Fishing Peninsula Leisure Area.
Relic Pagoda Cemetery Area: This is the burial site of the former abbot of Erfo Temple, where two relic pagodas, each approximately 8 meters tall, are still preserved. The pagodas reflect beautifully in the gently flowing waters of the Qujiang River, forming one of the famous “Eight Sceneries of Laitan” – “Twin Pagodas Welcoming Boats.”
Stone Sculpture Art Area: This area consists of two major sculpture groups: the Zodiac Park and the Filial Piety and Virtue Park. The Zodiac Park continues the historical tradition of stone carving culture in Laitan, deriving from the ancient Chinese theory of the twelve zodiac signs, with each zodiac statue standing 2 meters tall. The Filial Piety and Virtue Park is based on China’s 5,000-year culture of filial piety, featuring a “Filial Piety Stone Tablet” to advocate for respect for the elderly and filial duties in society.
Fishing Peninsula Leisure Area: Established on the basis of the comprehensive renovation of the original city wall and the Fairy Bridge water channel, this area forms a leisure belt of half lake and half peninsula. Several fishing pavilions are set up by the lakeside for recreational fishing, while the inner side of the peninsula utilizes 18 city gate openings, transformed into cozy tea houses, each about 6 square meters in size, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy tea.
Shuncheng Street
Shuncheng Street is the main thoroughfare running through the entire fortress of Laitan Ancient Town, stretching approximately 300 meters and intersecting with Erfo Alley. Historically, Laitan formed a commercial market centered around Shuncheng Street, where numerous shops lined both sides of the street. On market days, the street would be bustling with people, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Laitan Ancient Town has long been known for its “Three Palaces and Eighteen Temples,” with a group of temple buildings located on either side of Shuncheng Street. Unfortunately, due to the passage of time and significant damage, only remnants of walls and ruins remain, serving as a reminder for future generations.
Visitors can take a boat from Laitan to Xiaomuan Town, enjoying the river breeze and the scenic views along the riverbank. At the confluence of Laitan and Xiaomuan Town, there is the Tianlong Valley Tourist Resort, which offers a variety of folk cultural experiences and is worth a visit. Additionally, Xiaomuan Town provides easy access to Sanhui Town, where there is a pristine stone forest that can be explored along the way. Afterward, traveling from Sanjiang Town to Beidi District and then on to Chongqing is quite convenient.
Eight Sceneries of Laitan Ancient Town
Single Tree at East Gate: The remnants of the ancient city wall at the east gate feature a circular archway, above which stands a large yellow juniper tree, about 20 meters high. Its sprawling branches and roots firmly embrace the old gate, having withstood the test of time for centuries, resembling a towering Buddhist hand. In 2001, the trunk was blown down by strong winds, leaving only half of the tree standing.
Twin Pagodas Welcoming Boats: At the top of Qiu Peak, to the left front of Erfo Temple, two stupa towers from the Qing Dynasty rise prominently. Adjacent to the Qijiang River, the larger and smaller pagodas stand in correspondence, forming a seven-tiered, six-sided exquisite structure made from locally sourced blue stone, adorned with inscriptions and intricate patterns. Boats passing in the river offer a scenic view of the pagodas, with the scenery shifting as they move.
Bamboo and Stone Theater: Outside the ancient temple, a cluster of unusual rocks coexists with towering nan bamboo. As the gentle breeze blows, the bamboo sways gracefully, making the odd rocks appear and disappear, creating a delightful contrast between stillness and motion.
Qiu Peak’s Cloud and Haze: During the spring and winter seasons, Qiu Peak in the early morning is shrouded in a vast sea of clouds, appearing deep and mystical. The rolling waves of clouds make the mountain occasionally visible, resembling a fairyland. The first light of dawn merges beautifully with the misty clouds, creating a breathtaking view, as fiery red clouds dance around the emerald peaks, shifting and changing in color.
Clear Spring at Long Cave: To the right of the lower hall of Erfo Temple lies a natural cave, large enough to accommodate over a hundred people. It remains warm in winter and cool in summer, with a clear spring flowing steadily from its depths throughout the seasons. The water in the pool is crystal clear and produces a gentle sound. On sunny days, sunlight illuminates the cave, creating a unique and enchanting landscape.
Buddha Rock and Immortal Traces: The cliff walls of Qiu Peak are adorned with thousands of carvings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats, depicted in various postures: standing, walking, sitting, or lying down, expressing a range of emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. The lifelike craftsmanship is extraordinary, resembling the work of divine hands. The site is historically significant and well-known far and wide.
Eight Gates of the Moat City: On the west side of the ancient town, there was originally only one gate. In the first year of the Tongzhi period (1862), a semi-circular moat city was constructed, forming eight gates, four visible and four hidden.
Long Rock Cave: On the west side of the ancient town lies a giant cave known locally as Longyan Cave or Ba People Cave. The cave is about 40 meters high, 80 meters wide, and approximately 30 meters deep, covering an area of around 200 square meters. The interior is mysterious and fascinating, leaving visitors in awe.
Visitor Guide for Laitan Ancient Town
Food Recommendation
When visiting Laitan Ancient Town, you can savor the fresh fish from the Qujiang River at local fish restaurants by the riverside. The Qujiang River, a significant tributary of the Jialing River, is known for its rapid and clear waters, abundant with river fish. There is a saying that goes, “If you come to Laitan and don’t try Qujiang fish, you’ve missed out on the true experience.”
In addition to fish, you can also sample the local rice wine, which is quite popular in the area. Don’t forget to try the famous Hechuan pork slices, a well-known dish in Sichuan cuisine that will surely delight your taste buds.
Laitan Zen Culture Festival
The Laitan Zen Culture Festival is centered around the unique Buddhist Zen culture of Laitan. This festival features a large-scale Buddhist-themed lantern festival as its main attraction, complemented by traditional local folk activities. It brings together four major celebrations: New Year’s Day, Laba Festival, Spring Festival, and Lantern Festival, showcasing a rich array of tourism events.
During the festival, attendees can enjoy various activities, including an opening ceremony, a Buddhist-themed lantern display, a Laba scripture chanting and blessing ceremony, an exhibition of Buddhist-themed calligraphy and paintings along with unique merchandise, and lively celebrations for Lantern Festival and the Spring Festival. The festival beautifully combines cultural heritage and festive joy, making it a delightful experience for visitors.
Shopping
Laitan Ancient Town is renowned for its unique products, including cactus wine, cactus noodles, and Hechuan peach slices. Among these, the most essential purchase is a piece of cured meat from the restaurant’s stove. This delicacy allows visitors to take a taste of the local flavors back home.