Shuangjiang Ancient Town

Shuangjiang Ancient Town

The Shuangjiang Ancient Town scenic area is located 8 kilometers from Tongnan District. Established in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the town is nestled against the Silver Dragon Mountain to the north, backed by Golden Dragon Slope to the south, and faces the surging Fu River to the east. The Houxi River winds around the mountains like a jade belt around the waist, with streams and hills embracing the town on two levels, creating a distinctive landscape rich in natural beauty. Known as the “Little Chongqing,” the town features narrow lanes and small streets, gray bricks and blue tiles, grand mansions with carved beams and painted rafters, clusters of lush bamboo, and ancient banyan trees casting their shade. It exudes a strong sense of ancient charm, fragrance, and elegance, reflecting a profound historical legacy and cultural richness. The “Eight Scenic Spots of Shuangjiang’s Ancient Charm” are hailed as one of the “Top Ten Miniature Scenic Spots of Chongqing.” After more than 400 years of development and heritage, Shuangjiang Ancient Town has accumulated a deep cultural foundation. The blending of diverse cultures has given rise to a uniquely charming ancient town culture. It has been recognized as one of Chongqing’s Top Ten Historical Towns and among China’s First Batch of Top Ten Historical and Cultural Towns. The town is a place of exceptional talent, being the birthplace of Yang Angong, one of the Republic’s hundred martyrs, and the Fourth President of the People’s Republic of China. It boasts a wealth of historical and cultural relics, including over 20 large-scale residential complexes from the Qing Dynasty such as the Sijitang Residence (Yang’s Former Residence), Yang Angong’s Former Home, the Yuwang Palace, the Yuantaihe Grand Courtyard, and various Yang family residences. There are also numerous important war-related sites, such as the barracks (a training and dispatch base for Sichuan troops during the Anti-Japanese War), the auditorium, and the “Chung Cheng Room” and “Generals’ Building” specially built for Chiang Kai-shek and Bai Chongxi, all relocated here in 1942 from the Army Mechanized School. Shuangjiang Ancient Town is a cradle of Sichuan Opera, and is also known for its long-standing folk arts such as waist-drum yangge dances, Buddhist songs, lion dances, storytelling, qianjinban (a form of rhythmic storytelling), as well as traditional crafts like carving, embroidery, calligraphy, and paper-cutting.

Source: Chongqing Government Website