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Tourists stroll through the ancient town of Suji. (Photo: An Binh) |
The three ancient towns in Sichuan captivate visitors not only with their serene beauty but also with their distinctive cuisine and simple lifestyle, deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Southwest China.
A paradise of traditional cuisine
From the center of Leshan city, it only takes about 30 minutes by bus or taxi to reach the ancient town of Suji, which boasts a history spanning a thousand years.
Nestled beside a tranquil small river, To Ke stands out with its ancient cobblestone streets winding around rows of old houses with a distinct Chinese character.
Built during the Sui Dynasty and flourishing during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this ancient town preserves unique architectural structures, most notably the Nho Gia Bridge – an iconic structure built during the Qing Dynasty with exquisite stone carvings, a testament to the prosperity of the ancient era.
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A traditional restaurant in Tô Kê. (Photo: An Bình) |
Suji has emerged as an attractive destination thanks to its preservation of traditional architecture and its status as a culinary paradise, boasting over a hundred traditional dishes that have been revived and passed down through generations, reflecting the diversity and sophistication of Sichuan cuisine.
In particular, the national intangible cultural heritage "beef raised on tiptoes" has become a distinctive culinary brand of the region. According to locals, the cattle in To Ke are raised on mountain slopes, feeding on natural grass, resulting in firm, sweet meat with a unique flavor. They have created more than 20 dishes using beef, from grilled beef, braised beef, stir-fried beef with satay sauce to spicy Sichuan beef hot pot...
Tô Kê currently has about 70 restaurants specializing in "beef cooked on tiptoes," along with a museum showcasing the unique culinary skills of this region. Visitors not only get to taste the spicy and flavorful dishes but also experience how the locals have transformed cuisine into a part of their cultural identity – where each dish tells a story about the land.
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The famous "beef on tiptoes" dish is popular in the ancient town of Suji. (Photo: An Binh) |
Besides beef specialties, dishes like brain tofu, puffed rice candy, and sugar candy also contribute to the unique culinary identity of this place.
In addition, cultural activities such as dragon boat racing, theatrical performances, and lantern festivals allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Sichuan.
In recent years, the Suji government has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements and the development of nighttime tourism projects. In 2025, a project to protect historical sites was launched to promote deeper integration between culture, tourism, and technological empowerment.
The harbor preserves the soul of the local area.
Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in Yibin City, the ancient town of Lizhuang dates back to the Southern Dynasties (Liang Dynasty) and boasts a history of over 1,400 years, possessing more than 50 cultural relics. During the War of Resistance against Japan, Tongji University and many other academies relocated to Lizhuang, transforming it into a center of learning, preserving and developing knowledge, and a leading example of Chinese culture during wartime.
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A dazzling night view of the ancient Li Zhuang district. (Photo: An Binh) |
Li Zhuang's architecture combines typical Southern Sichuan folk styles, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship such as the Quan Luo Palace with its nail-free and brace-free wooden structure, and the Kui Xing Pavilion with its gracefully curved roof, reflecting the wisdom of ancient Chinese architecture…
Praised by domestic tourists as "a warm harbor where Chinese culture was preserved during the anti-Japanese resistance period," Li Zhuang has two main attractions: the old town and the Moon Palace.
While the Old Quarter is filled with cultural and historical relics, the Moon Palace, with its spectacular scenery, lush greenery, and flowers spread throughout the grounds, creates a poetic setting that transports visitors to a fairytale world .
Besides its famous ancient architecture, the locals often mention the saying "Three white dishes, two yellow dishes," meaning three white dishes (white cakes, white meat, and white wine) and two yellow dishes (usually crispy fried chicken or fish), symbolizing the essence of Sichuan cuisine and reflecting the yin-yang balance philosophy of "spicy-fatty-light" in traditional Chinese food.
When visiting Li Zhuang, tourists must try the white cakes in the shops. The cakes are made by mixing fine wheat flour, adding sugar and water, stirring continuously, pressing into molds, and then undergoing several steps of fermentation and steaming. The first bite reveals the cake's soft, smooth, and chewy texture, melting in your mouth, infused with the flavors of sesame and peanuts.
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The white meat in Ly Trang dish is sliced as thin as paper, allowing diners to roll it up themselves and eat it with a special dipping sauce. |
Ly Trang white wine is made primarily from local ingredients, using traditional techniques and various production processes to create a clear wine with a pure aroma and a mild sweetness. It can be drunk neat or mixed with other medicinal wines.
The most impressive dish is still the white meat – boiled pork sliced as thin as paper, which diners roll up themselves and eat with a special dipping sauce. This seemingly simple dish actually requires high skill; the slices of meat must be thin enough to be translucent without falling apart, and tender enough to melt on the tongue...
A living museum of "mini Chengdu"
In the Qingbaijiang area of Chengdu, there is a unique ancient town called Xiangcheng, with a history of over 1,600 years. Built during the Southern and Northern Dynasties and having served as the headquarters of Jintang County for over 800 years, it is known as "Little Chengdu".
Unlike many ancient towns that have become commercialized, Xiangcheng has preserved its original way of life and historical roots, and has long been considered a living museum of culture. The ancient town's structure is preserved almost intact, possessing a "turtle shell" topography. It holds a rich heritage, including the Western-style streets built during the Southern Dynasties, the Jiaohuang Palace from the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Literature and the Temple of Martial Arts from the Qing Dynasty, and ancestral temples from the Republic of China era...
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Life moves at a slow pace in the ancient town of Chengxiang. (Photo: An Binh) |
During the war against Japan, the ancient town once had four primary schools, one junior high school, two high schools, and one college.
This place is free from the hustle and bustle of commercial activities. Visitors can leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, feeling the tranquility as if time has stood still, and observing the everyday, rustic life of the local people. Sipping tea while meditating or contemplating the historical sites remains a favorite pastime for many when visiting the ancient town of Xiangcheng.
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For the author, exploring Suji, Lizhuang, and Chengxiang is not just a trip, but a journey to the roots of Sichuan culture. Amidst the stone walls and city gates, the pungent aroma of grilled beef or thinly sliced white meat seems to blend history and modern life.
According to the Sichuan International Media Center, the provincial government places special emphasis on preserving and promoting the value of ancient towns by maintaining traditional materials and combining this with the development of community-based cultural tourism.
It is clear that cherishing and preserving heritage is how China affirms its identity and conveys a message to future generations about the value of its national culture.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/kham-pha-nhung-tran-co-vung-tay-nam-trung-hoa-330482.html
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