Dongxi Ancient Town

Dongxi Ancient Town

I. Introduction to the Scenic Area:

Dongxi Town is located on the southeastern edge of the Sichuan Basin, at the northern end of the Guizhou Dalou Mountain Range, in southern Chongqing. It covers an area of 157 square kilometers, governs 20 villages, and has a total population of 89,000, including 24,000 in the town proper. Dongxi Town has a long and profound history. Established as a market in 202 BC, it was originally named Wanshouchang. In the second year of the Wude era (619 AD) during the reign of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Danxi County was established here. In the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era (644 AD) during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Danxi County was abolished and reverted to a market town. During the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it served as the administrative center of Anli and was the site of the county government office. With over 1,300 years as a town and more than 2,200 years as a market, it is known as the “No. 1 Landscape Ancient Town in Eastern Sichuan.”

The ancient town boasts numerous cultural attractions. The ancient stone-paved road connecting Sichuan, Guizhou, and Qinghai, opened during the Western Han Dynasty, runs through the town.

Over 5,000 banyan trees and the serene scenery of stilted houses with Ming and Qing dynasty-style mortise-and-tenon structures, along with one village, two steles, two stones, three temples, three waterfalls, four streets, five bridges, six courtyards, seven alleys, eight temples, and nine markets, each with its own unique features, create a vibrant tapestry. Highlights include Taiping Ferry, Pipa Ancient Stockade, Chastity Archway, stone carvings and wood carvings, Sichuan opera storytelling, and dragon and lion dances.

Honors: In 2002, it was listed as one of the 100 commercial small towns in the city and one of the first traditional-style towns in Chongqing in urgent need of rescue.

In 2005, Document No. 205 [2005] issued by the Chongqing Municipal Government approved Dongxi as a Historical and Cultural Town of Chongqing.

In 2007, the Ministry of Construction of China and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (Document No. 137 [2007]) approved Dongxi as a Historical and Cultural Town of China.

In 2008, it was designated as a Central Town for Coordinated Urban-Rural Development in Chongqing and a National Demonstration Town for Science and Technology Enriching the People and Strengthening the County.

In 2009, it was named one of the Top Ten Tourist Towns in Chongqing, a Central Town for Small Town Construction in Chongqing, and a Demonstration Town for Coordinated Urban-Rural Development in Chongqing.

In 2010, it was designated as a Central Town in Chongqing.

In 2011, it was a Pilot Town for the New Tourism Corridor of Characteristic Towns in China and ranked among the top ten in the public vote for the Most Beautiful Alleys.

II. Introduction to Individual Attractions

1. Carp Pond Bayu New Residences Demonstration Site

The Bayu New Residences Demonstration Site in Dongxi Town is located at Carp Pond, Group 10, Shangshu Village, beside National Highway 210, just 1 kilometer from the Dongxi Expressway exit. Its prime location, with Carp Pond to the right of the Fulin River and nestled against mountains and water, offers a beautiful environment. The area has a concentrated residential population and serves as an ideal model for comfortable rural living, fully showcasing the achievements of new rural construction. The villagers of Carp Pond mainly engage in farming and nurseries, supplemented by processing agricultural by-products such as handmade noodles and peanuts. Having endured a century of changes, the area features white walls and black tiles arranged in a picturesque and well-spaced layout, making it a village rich in historical and cultural significance.

2. Maxiangyue Minxin Bureau (Post Office)

The Maxiangyue Minxin Bureau, or Post Office, was established in the sixth year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1866), boasting a history of over 140 years. The lintel is inscribed with four traditional Chinese characters: “當衢向術,” meaning “facing the main thoroughfare,” signifying the convenience and speed of mail delivery.

3. Nanhua Palace

Nanhua Palace, built in the first year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1736), has a history of nearly 274 years. It served as a guild hall for people from Guangdong and Guangxi who settled in Dongxi. The stone door frame features a carved couplet: the upper line reads “樹了菩提台空明鏡” (“The bodhi tree is planted, the platform is empty, the mirror is clear”), and the lower line reads “恩留粵嶺澤沛珠江” (“Grace remains on the Guangdong Mountains, blessings overflow the Pearl River”). The horizontal scroll reads “嶺南觀瞻” (“A View of Lingnan”). The palace showcases exquisite hollow-carved wooden reliefs, vividly depicting ancient historical stories. The caisson ceiling above the ancient stage produces an acoustic effect similar to modern stereo sound.

4. Wantian Palace

Wantian Palace, the largest of the “Three Palaces,” was built in the second year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1663), with a history of over 340 years. Both the front hall and the main hall feature large stone-carved dragons and phoenixes, adding to the grandeur and magnificence of Wantian Palace. The palace also displays exquisite hollow-carved wooden reliefs, vividly portraying ancient historical stories such as “Single Saber Meeting” and “Empty City Strategy.”

5. Taiping Bridge

Taiping Bridge, located at the lowest point of the ancient town, was once a bustling riverside wharf and the liveliest spot in the town. Built in the third year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1370), it has a history of over 640 years. The bridge is 30 meters long and 5 meters wide, with an arched span. Each end of the bridge is guarded by a pair of stone lions, three of which are damaged and one intact. The stone railings on both sides are adorned with carvings of fierce animal heads. Beneath the bridge, there was once an 83-jin (approximately 41.5 kg) sword called the “Dragon-Slaying Sword,” which could rotate naturally with the wind (now lost).

6. Anti-Japanese War Culture Street

7. Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple was built in the fourth year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (1726), covering an area of 400 square meters. It is a brick-and-wood structure built along the slope of the land, surrounded by corridors, with upturned eaves, carved wooden windows, and an antique charm. It faces the Sichuan-Guizhou Highway in the front and the Dongxi River in the back, with a stone-carved coiled dragon behind the temple. Longhua Temple gets its name from this stone-carved coiled dragon that looks proudly into the distance. According to research, this carving was commissioned by the Wen family, who were knowledgeable in feng shui and geomancy. Based on the mountain and water formations and the dragon vein alignment, they identified this as a dragon’s lair—a precious land—and hired skilled craftsmen to carve the dragon, hoping their descendants would become dragons among men. According to *Chongqing History and Culture*, this dragon carving dates back to the first year of the Jingde era of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty (1004 AD), making it 1,006 years old—an ancient dragon gazing through the ages. The temple’s front hall enshrines statues of Sakyamuni, Amitabha Buddha, and the Medicine Buddha, while the rear hall houses statues of Manjushri, Guanyin, and Samantabhadra.

8. Wangye Temple

Wangye Temple faces the Qijiang River and is nestled among mountains and ancient trees. It represents the perfect blend of natural and cultural landscapes in Dongxi Ancient Town. Built in the sixth year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1741), it has a history of over 260 years. Its overall layout reflects the integration of ancient architecture with the natural landscape of the town: “Where there are mountains, there are trees; where there is water, there are bridges.” Upon entering the main gate, visitors are greeted by a picturesque natural landscape painting.

9. Shangping Bridge

Shangping Bridge — Built in the 6th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1667), it has a history of nearly 340 years. This bridge was part of the main route leading to Guizhou and Chongqing, stretching 24 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width. As time passed, this delicate and charming bridge has continued to welcome visitors from all directions alongside the picturesque scenery of Dongxi, standing firm through the ages.

10. Guanyin Pavilion

Guanyin Pavilion — Located at the head of Shangping Bridge, it was built in the 18th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1669), with a history of over 320 years. The most distinctive feature of this pavilion is the large rock outcrop on which a banyan tree grows, with the ancient temple and the massive rock nestled among the tree’s foliage. Beneath the cliff of the large rock lies a 10-meter-long reclining Buddha, serene and tranquil, inspiring deep contemplation.

III. Opening Hours and Ticket Information

Dongxi is an open ancient town and does not charge an entrance fee.

V. Recommended Features of the Scenic Area

(I) Featured Activities:

1. Chongqing Qijiang Chili Procurement Fair

Since 2008, the Chongqing Qijiang Chili Procurement Fair has been held annually in August at Dongxi Chili Square. The fair combines project negotiations and contract signings, exhibitions and sales of specialty agricultural products, and cultural performances. Using chili as a theme, it aims to create new urban-rural agricultural brands and promote tourism in Dongxi.

2. Ancient Town Jinnuozhe Real-life CS

Laser combat is a cutting-edge military sports activity using laser simulation equipment. Through role-playing and teamwork, participants can enjoy fun while achieving health, leisure, and team-building goals.

Adults: 30 RMB/person/hour; Ages 10–16: 20 RMB/person/hour. Membership card available: 200 RMB/person (includes 20 hours for adults, 30 hours for minors).

Phone/Fax: 023-48743330

Meeting Point: Liyuchi Farmer New Village Demonstration Site, Dongxi Ancient Town, Qijiang District, Chongqing (next to the basketball court)

Contact: Today, Commander of Jinnuozhe Special Forces Team

VI. Recommended Dining and Accommodation

1. Taipingzhuang (Dining & Accommodation)

Address: No. 50, Taiping Bridge, Dongxi Town. Phone: 023-48750088

Taipingzhuang Farmhouse is located at the confluence of three rivers in the ancient town, adjacent to attractions such as Wangye Temple and Taiping Bridge. Covering an area of 500 square meters with a construction area of about 1,500 square meters, it offers 50 beds and can accommodate 300 diners simultaneously. Facilities include a chess and card room and a 200-square-meter meeting room.

2. Dongxi Hotel (Dining & Accommodation)

Address: Next to Dongxi Town Government. Phone: 023-48752736

3. Xiaoxi Restaurant (Dining)

Address: Wanshou Square, Dongxi Town. Phone: 13527346808

4. Laobianpo Restaurant (Dining)

Address: Wanshou Square, Dongxi Town. Phone: 023-48754363

5. Liu’s Black Duck (Dining)

Address: No. 139, Zheng Street, Dongxi Town. Phone: 023-48752329

VII. Travel Transportation

1. Self-driving

Nanping–Dongxi: Drive along G75 Lanhai Expressway in the direction of Guizhou, passing through Banan Toll Station, Yipin, and Qijiang to reach the Dongxi Expressway exit. The total distance is approximately 78 kilometers.

2. Public Transportation

Option 1: Purchase a direct bus ticket from Nanping Long-Distance Bus Station to Dongxi Town, or take a bus to Dongkou, Anwen, or Ganshui and get off at the Dongxi Expressway exit, then transfer to a local bus to reach the town. There is no fixed schedule for buses, but usually there is one approximately every one and a half hours on regular days, with increased frequency during holidays.

Option 2: From central districts such as Nanping, Shapingba, and Chenjiaping, you can take an express bus to Qijiang Bus Station, then transfer to a bus heading to Dongxi Ancient Town. There is roughly one bus per hour from Qijiang to Dongxi.

VIII. Contact Information

Scenic Area Inquiry Hotline: 023-48743116

Complaint Hotline: 023-48750008

Emergency Rescue Hotline: 023-48752115