Nianziya Ancient Town

　　Nianziya Ancient Town in Zhenba County is situated in the northeast corner of the county, approximately 115 kilometers from the county center. It neighbors Shuangping Township of Hanyin County to the east, Baimiao Town to the west, Liaoyuan Township of Ziyang County to the south, and Lianghekou Town of Xixiang County to the north. Before roads were built, water transport flourished here — boats could travel upstream to Bashu and downstream to key southern Shaanxi cities like Hanzhong and Ankang. As a result, the town once bustled with shops and merchants, earning the nickname “Little Hankou.”

　　The ancient town is built along the contours of the mountain and shaped by the river, surrounded by hills on three sides and facing the river on one. Though small in size, it features an old flagstone-paved street over a li long that winds up and down through the town from north to south. The winding stone path is flanked by well-preserved, staggered buildings with gray-tiled roofs, traditional wooden three- or four-bay shops with post-and-lintel structures, and brick guildhalls. Nestled within the green mountains and clear waters of the Daba Mountains and largely undisturbed by modern life, the town has fallen into decline following the relocation of the new town and the development of modern transportation, as well as the decline of its traditional water transport industry. Nevertheless, its authentic, untouched appearance has been fully preserved, silently recounting the vicissitudes of history and the passage of time. Walking up the high stone steps and gazing affectionately at the old homes on either side, gently touching the weathered carved beams and painted columns, one can’t help but feel as though time has rewound to that lively historical era. Imagine sipping a cup of clear tea brewed with spring water from the valley, sitting on a rattan chair in the courtyard, quietly watching the bustling crowd on the street, swallows chasing each other across the beams, wild grass growing rampantly from the eaves, and green moss spreading along the walls, while reminiscing about long-forgotten memories. How wonderful it would be to feel that rare sense of tranquility and leisure missing from city life.

　　Strolling up the ancient stone path, your thoughts drift further with each step. The uneven alleys, every brick and tile, pond and platform, flower and tree, all exude a simple, rustic charm steeped in antiquity. They bear the footprints of pioneering ancestors, preserve the town’s past glory, and hold the secrets of its rise and fall. One can’t help but wonder — had it not been for the lack of transportation and the relocation of the new town, how could you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the world and preserved your seclusion? Thinking this, I truly feel fortunate for you. “Deep is my longing for you, gentle and graceful.” Even today, those who still live here, whether tilling the fields or running small businesses along the street, carry on as usual, indifferent to the changes of the world. They eat when it’s time, rest on schedule, and live contentedly in simplicity. Walking along the street, through the open wooden doors, you can peek into the interiors, even stroll from room to room unannounced, climb the stairs, look out the windows, and take photos. If the owners see you, they might offer a cigarette or tea, chat with you, and guide you through each room for a closer look.

　　Most of the town’s buildings are two-story shops with wooden pillars, purlins, post-and-lintel structures, and gray-tiled roofs — all uniformly aged and quaint. Behind the shops are mostly two- or three-courtyard quadrangle dwellings of similar size. Their eaves, lintels, doors, and windows are often adorned with intricate carvings depicting opera stories, fish, insects, birds, and beasts. Delicate and exquisite, with upturned eaves and unique styles, they showcase the typical architectural character of northeastern Sichuan.

　　Under the eaves are corridors — shelters from rain and sun for pedestrians, as well as gathering spots for neighbors to chat. Walls are commonly made of bamboo-reinforced earthen partitions, and doors are mostly removable wooden planks that extend outward to serve as counters for business and sales. Due to the undulating natural terrain, the streets form a layered, curved space of highs and lows, solid and void, light and shadow — a perfect integration of the ancient town with the surrounding mountains. The winding alleys follow the landform, bending along slopes and steps, their polished flagstones worn smooth and etched with the marks of time.

　　The houses along the streets and alleys are very close to each other, so that the crowing of chickens and barking of dogs can be heard nearby. Walking through feels like traversing a canyon. The town’s uniquely dramatic topography and intricately layered spaces create stunning skylines and an aesthetically powerful atmosphere. They embody a simple, unadorned lifestyle that will make you slow your pace no matter how urgent your errands, compelling you to look up and observe each courtyard and alleyway carefully. Gazing back at the upturned eaves of the grand courtyards, all exquisitely crafted and radiant with beauty, you can almost feel the echoes of a bygone era not hard to recall. Your mood seems dyed through by this historical tapestry.

　　Ancient town, your profound history, unspoiled simplicity, vibrant folklore, and honest folkways will forever remain in my memory.