After visiting Liujiang Ancient Town three times, I finally figured out how to truly enjoy it.

🌟 Must-Do Experiences 1. Strolling Through the Ancient Town ◦ Ancient Bridges & Stilt Houses: The centuries-old bridge spanning the Huaxi River is a testament to history, especially photogenic in the morning mist. The Western Sichuan-style stilt houses along the riverbank reflect beautifully on the water—wear a solid-colored long dress for atmospheric shots. ◦ Zeng Family Garden: A lavish Qing Dynasty estate blending Chinese and Western architecture. Entry fee: ¥20. Enjoy tea and traditional music here, and admire the intricate carvings and the iconic "Cowpea Tree" in the courtyard. ◦ Old Street Vibes: Wander the cobblestone lanes, browse handmade shops, and savor freshly ground tofu pudding or peppercorn duck. Must-tries: Wang Bingzi’s beef-stuffed flatbread and He Bingzi’s crispy brown sugar pancakes—flaky outside, soft inside, and perfectly sweet. 2. Nature Escapes ◦ Yuping Mountain Getaway: Just 20 km from town, hike the forest trails for panoramic views of sea-like clouds and Mount Wawu. Wildflowers bloom in spring. ◦ Huaxi River Activities: Splash in the water or paddle a boat in summer. In autumn, the red leaves paint a stunning scene, while winter offers serene solitude—ideal for unwinding. 🚗 Getting There • From Chengdu: ◦ Drive: Take the Chengdu-Leshan Expressway → Hongya exit (~2.5 hours). Stop by Caoyutan along the way. ◦ Bus: Direct routes from Xinnanmen/Chadianzi stations (¥50–80, 3 hours)—great for light packers. • Nearby Trips: Pair with Mount Wawu (1-hour drive) or Yanü Lake (40 minutes) for a day tour of table-mountain clouds and lakeside scenery. 🍜 Foodie Hits • Crispy-Skin Duck: Golden, sweet-glazed skin with tender meat. Head to the bridgehead’s time-honored spot. • Ye’erba: Glutinous rice parcels stuffed with red bean paste or minced pork—light, fragrant, and non-sticky. Perfect for breakfast. • Stone-Ground Tofu Pudding: Silky with a spicy sauce, best paired with bamboo-tube rice and cured meat. 📍 Stay Recommendations • Riverside B&Bs: Like Libo·Ju or Jingshui Xianju (¥150–300/person)—fall asleep to the sound of the river with views at your window. • Luxury Retreat: Yuping Mountain Forest Hotel, featuring private hot springs—ideal for families or couples. ⚠️ Pro Tips 1. Best Seasons: Spring & autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov; 15–25°C). Avoid rainy months (Jul–Aug)—slippery stones! 2. Tickets: Town entry is free; Zeng Garden costs ¥20. Small sites like Shengmu Stone Forest are optional. 3. Attire: Summer—bug spray & sun protection; winter—pack a coat. Wear anti-slip shoes for cobblestones. 4. Crowd Hack: Weekends get busy. Visit Mon–Thu for a quieter, deeper experience. 📸 Photo Ops • Dawn (7:00–8:30 AM): Capture the misty bridge and mirror-like stilt-house reflections. • Dusk: Golden-hour riverside scenes—locals washing clothes, kids playing in the water. • Nights: Red lanterns glow. Sip drinks at waterfront bars, soaking in the dreamy "Misty Liujiang" vibe. ✨ Final Note Liujiang’s charm lies in its weathered white walls, the murmur of Huaxi River, and the hum of old-shop life. Skip the rush—slow down to uncover this millennia-old town’s gentle soul.