Luotian Ancient Town

Luotian Ancient Town

Luotian Ancient Town is situated in the southeastern part of Wanzhou District, approximately 71 kilometers from the city center. It is a tourist destination with over 400 years of history and a wealth of historical relics. The area features abundant tourism resources, including the well-preserved Jinhuangjia Courtyard, the Xiang Family Ancient Tomb Cluster, and the Hongyan Rock Forest that combines the elements of wonder, serenity, and danger. There are also the Dayi and Xiaoyi Forts at an altitude of 1,600 meters, spanning over 2,000 acres of forested land; the shimmering Fengxiangping Reservoir; and scenic spots such as Baizhang Gully and “Like Peach Blossom Spring,” offering stunning natural beauty. Luotian Town is a fantastic spot for backpackers and self-drive travelers.

Luotian Ancient Town was first built during the Ming Dynasty, with a history of around 400 years. Legend has it that in the late Ming period, there was a large earthen mound here, round like a compass, surrounded by fertile fields, and located along a key transportation route between Sichuan and Hubei. It was commonly called “Luozhen Tian” (Compass Field), later shortened to “Luotian.” Local villagers began building houses and settling here. In the 17th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1752), the market town was expanded and gradually took shape, which has been over 200 years ago. In the late Qing and early Republican period, Luotian Ancient Town initially belonged to Dashijia of Shigou Li. In 1941, it was separated from Matou Town to become Luotian Township, with its administrative center at Luozhen Tian. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in the early 1950s, Luotian Township was established, and in August of the same year, it came under the jurisdiction of the Tenth District. In 1951, the Luotian District was formed, overseeing seven townships: Luotian, Matou, Zhongshan, Guyu, Daxing, Moudao, and Baisheng, with its seat at Matouchang. In 1955, during the democratic administration reform, the Luotian District was abolished and re-established as Luotian Township under Longju District. Zhongshan and Guyu were transferred to Zouma District, while Daxing, Moudao, and Baisheng were placed under the jurisdiction of Hubei Province. In 1958, the Luotian People’s Commune was founded, renamed Friendship Commune in November 1966, and reverted to its original name Luotian in 1975. In October 1992, during Sichuan Province’s administrative restructuring into cities and districts, Luotian Town was formed through the merger of Matou and Luotian Townships, under the jurisdiction of Wanzhou District (then part of Wanzhou City). In October 1998, Matou Township was re-established independently, while Luotian Town retained its name. In October 2004, following another adjustment of Wanzhou District’s administrative divisions, Luotian Town was re-formed through the merger of Matou, Zhongshan, and Luotian townships, now under the jurisdiction of Chongqing’s Wanzhou District.

The ancient town is laid out parallel to the Longtan River according to the terrain, connected to river docks via alleys perpendicular to the stone-paved old streets. The overall layout of the district reflects a harmonious arrangement of streets and the river. The spatial layout of the streets and alleys varies skillfully, occasionally punctuated by small squares, creating a dynamic yet intimate and pleasant environment. Buildings are situated with streets in front and the river behind, shops in the front and residences in the back, featuring multiple courtyards interconnected by skywells, resulting in deep, varied spatial experiences. Architectural details and furnishings are exquisitely carved with dragons and phoenixes, demonstrating remarkable craftsmanship that is truly exceptional.