Time-Travelling Through Tea and Stone: Xin Chang Ancient Town, Chengdu

Tucked away in Dayi County, about 70 km from central Chengdu, Xinchang Ancient Town (新场古镇) is one of those rare gems that manages to stay under the radar while offering a rich, living tapestry of Sichuan’s tea culture, riverside life, and centuries-old architecture. Unlike the polished tourist traps, Xinchang feels genuinely lived-in—where the scent of fresh tofu wafts from alley kitchens, and elderly locals sip tea while playing mahjong under weathered wooden eaves. Founded during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing, Xinchang is a slow-paced town built alongside a river, with bluestone alleys, bamboo bridges, and ancient trees that have shaded generations. Walking here feels like stepping into a Sichuan scroll painting. The buildings, mostly wooden with sloping tiled roofs and hanging red lanterns, are still home to families who’ve been here for generations. What makes Xinchang especially charming is its still-beating heart of everyday life. Locals go about their routines—drying herbs in the sun, preparing hand-pulled noodles, or picking up a chat over a cup of tea in the same teahouses their grandparents frequented. This area is famous for its tea culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than sitting by the riverside with a porcelain cup of jasmine or longjing tea, letting the sound of the water lull you into a slower rhythm. Fun fact: Chengdu residents are known to carry their own tea canisters around, and you’ll see plenty of locals with flasks of loose-leaf goodness in hand, even on the bus! On weekends, a lively market pops up, where you can find everything from handmade straw shoes to Sichuan-style cured meats and pickled vegetables. The stone bridges that connect the town are photo-worthy in themselves, often draped in vines and offering postcard views of the lazy river. Some even have poetic names, passed down through oral tradition. It takes about 1.5 hours by car from Chengdu, and there are also direct buses from the Dayi Bus Station. Come with cash, a big appetite, and an even bigger sense of curiosity. Most signage is in Chinese, but the town speaks the universal language of smiles and hospitality. Xinchang isn’t just a preserved town—it’s a place still living its culture. If you’re craving authenticity, good tea, and old-world charm without the crowds, Xinchang will welcome you with open arms and the scent of sizzling chili oil. #chengdutrip