Chadian Ancient Town (Border Town)

Chadian Ancient Town (Border Town)

If the gentle expanse of the You River stirs the dreams of all western Hunan, then the Bai River that encircles Chadian is an eternal, tranquil song of the Border Town.

Chadian Ancient Town

Situated at the convergence of Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, Chadian Town gained widespread fame in the mid-1930s due to Mr. Shen Congwen’s novel "Border Town." Indeed, compared to other parts of China, the peaceful and contented life of Chadian’s residents during those turbulent times was undoubtedly enviable. Nestled against the mountains and by the water, they used wooden boats to connect with the outside world—shipping down tung oil, Sichuan salt, and dyestuff gallnuts, and transporting up cotton, yarn, cloth, sundries, and seafood. The economic structure combining long-distance trade with market commerce naturally made this small town, spanning just two square kilometers, a shining pearl on the frontier of western Hunan in modern times.

In truth, the root of all this nostalgia can be traced back to Mr. Shen’s heartfelt narration, which tells us that Chadian’s social history is simple yet orderly. As part of the people of western Hunan, the residents of Chadian upheld the honor and dreams of their land with their industrious character. As he wrote, “These brave people also love profit and value righteousness, much like others around them. Whether rescuing people or property, they act with remarkable agility and courage in what becomes an adventurous pursuit.” (from "Border Town")

Time Needed

Half a day

Transportation

Walk from Huayuan Bus Station to Border Town Park, then take a bus to Chadian (¥8 per person, about 1 hour)

Admission Fee

Free entry; additional ¥20 per person for Cui Cui Island, ¥1 per person for the Lala ferry

Opening Hours

8:00-17:00

Location

Chadian Town, southeastern Huayuan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province