Lizhuang Ancient Town in Yibin

Overview of Lizhuang Ancient Town

Lizhuang Ancient Town (李庄古镇) is located in Cuiping District, Yibin City (宜宾市翠屏区), about 19 kilometers from downtown Yibin. As a national 4A-rated scenic area, it is known as the “First Ancient Town along the Thousand-Mile Yangtze River” and has a history of more than 1,400 years.

During the Anti-Japanese War period, Tongji University (同济大学) and the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture (中国营造学社) relocated to Lizhuang. Famous Chinese architects Liang Sicheng (梁思成) and Lin Huiyin (林徽因) worked and lived here, making the town an important site in the history of China’s academic and architectural development during wartime.

The ancient streets and Moon Field Area (月亮田片区) are free to visit. The ancient site combo ticket costs RMB 20, covering attractions such as Zhang Family Ancestral Hall (张家祠), Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin Former Residence (梁林旧居), and Yuwang Palace (禹王宫). Exhibition halls open from 08:00 to 17:30, while the ancient town streets are open all day.

Best Time to Visit Lizhuang Ancient Town

Best Seasons

March to May: Spring flowers bloom, and the Moon Field lotus ponds become lively with greenery and seasonal scenery, creating a pleasant atmosphere for walking and photography.

June to August: Summer brings more rainfall, but the riverside area remains relatively cool, making it suitable for evening walks along the Yangtze River.

September to November: The weather is clear and comfortable, offering the best conditions for exploring ancient streets, historical buildings, and cultural sites.

December to February: Fewer tourists visit during this period, and the town has a stronger traditional atmosphere, especially during the Chinese New Year season.

Best Visiting Time

The ancient town can be explored throughout the day. The riverside pier and Kuixing Pavilion (奎星阁) are ideal places to watch the Yangtze River sunset, while the Moon Field Area creates a beautiful atmosphere with evening lights. A complete visit usually requires around 3–4 hours.

Transportation to Lizhuang Ancient Town

By car: Navigate to Lizhuang Ancient Town Visitor Center (李庄古镇游客中心). Parking is available, and the drive from downtown Yibin takes approximately 30 minutes.

By public transportation: Visitors can take tourist shuttle buses from Yibin West Railway Station (宜宾西站) or downtown Yibin to reach the ancient town.

Lizhuang Ancient Town can be combined with the Wuliangye Wine Culture Exhibition Hall (五粮液酒文化博览馆) to create a one-day cultural tourism route in Yibin.

Core Highlights of Lizhuang Ancient Town

🏯 Zhang Family Ancestral Hall

Zhang Family Ancestral Hall (张家祠) is a Qing Dynasty ancestral temple and one of Lizhuang’s most representative historical buildings. Its most famous treasure is the “Hundred Cranes and Auspicious Clouds Wooden Carved Window (百鹤祥云木雕窗)”. The 50 wooden window panels feature different crane patterns, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of southern Sichuan wood carving art.

🏛️ Former Site of the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture (Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin Former Residence)

Located in the Moon Field Area (月亮田片区), this site was where Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin worked and lived during the Anti-Japanese War period. The preserved Republican-era courtyard reflects the history of China’s academic migration during wartime and is an important cultural heritage site connected with Chinese architectural research.

🏘️ Xizi Lane

Xizi Lane (席子巷) is a quiet historic alley featuring traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. The narrow blue-stone pavement, wooden houses, and connected eaves create an authentic ancient-town atmosphere. It is one of the most popular photography locations in Lizhuang.

🏯 Xuanluo Hall

Xuanluo Hall (旋螺殿) is a national treasure-level Ming Dynasty wooden structure. Built entirely with traditional wooden techniques, it contains no iron nails. The unique spiral caisson ceiling and sophisticated architectural design received high praise from Liang Sicheng and represent the excellence of ancient Chinese construction skills. The site is free to visit.

🏮 Yuwang Palace (Huiguang Temple)

Yuwang Palace (禹王宫), also known as Huiguang Temple (慧光寺), was originally a guild hall for immigrants from the Huguang region. It features a magnificent ancient opera stage and the famous Nine Dragon Stone Stele (九龙石碑), representing the architectural style of Ming and Qing Dynasty guild halls.

🌙 Moon Field Area

The Moon Field Area (月亮田片区) features white-walled houses with dark tiled roofs, riverside courtyards, lotus ponds, and wooden walkways. With its strong Republican-era atmosphere, it is especially attractive in the evening when lights illuminate the historic buildings. Visitors can also experience a river cruise here (extra charge).

🌅 Kuixing Pavilion and Yangtze River Pier

Kuixing Pavilion (奎星阁) and the Yangtze River Pier (长江码头) provide excellent viewpoints overlooking the ancient town and the Yangtze River. Visitors can climb higher to enjoy panoramic views of Lizhuang and watch the sunset over the river.

Accommodation and Local Food

Most visitors choose hotels in downtown Yibin, while Lizhuang Ancient Town also offers a small number of traditional guesthouses and boutique accommodations.

The town is famous for Lizhuang’s Three Treasures (李庄三白): Lizhuang White Pork (李庄白肉), Lizhuang White Rice Cake (李庄白糕), and Lizhuang Baijiu (李庄白酒). The old streets contain many local restaurants, and riverside teahouses are ideal places to enjoy traditional covered-bowl tea (盖碗茶).

Travel Tips for Lizhuang Ancient Town

1. The old streets are paved with uneven stone slabs, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended.
2. Ancestral halls, ancient temples, wooden carvings, and stone inscriptions are cultural relics. Do not touch, carve, or damage historical structures.
3. Exhibition halls close at 17:30. At night, only the streets and Moon Field Area remain open for visitors.
4. The ancient town is still home to local residents. Please keep quiet, respect local lifestyles, and avoid entering private homes without permission.
5. River cruises require additional payment and may be temporarily suspended due to water levels or strong winds.