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Langzhong Ancient City: Sichuan's Historic Gem

Chinese New Year was born here, in Sichuan

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation: 16.3 million
Chinese New Year was born here, in Sichuan
The China Adventure9 min

Chinese New Year was born here, in Sichuan. This was filmed by The China Adventure. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Langzhong Ancient City (Langzhong Ancient Town), located in the northeastern Sichuan basin, about 260km from Chengdu, was once called “Baoning” and has been a key military position in the past 2,300 years or more. According to the history, Langzhong is an important segment of the culture of the “Three Kingdoms”, because the senior general Zhang Fei, the sworn brother of King Liu Bei of the Shu Kingdom, garrisoned Langzhong for seven years and was buried here after his death. Also, Langzhong has been the cultural, political, economic and military centre of Northern Sichuan during many dynasties and governed as the provincial capital of Sichuan for tens of years in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The precious well-preserved Langzhong Ancient City was designed with the theory of the “unity of heaven and man” and is one of the "Four Ancient Cities in China" as well as the “National AAAAA Scenic Spot”. Since Langzhong Ancient City keeps the primitive features and enjoys multiple places of interest, like Zhang Fei Temple, Sichuan Examination House and so on, it is one of the best places to experience the culture and history of Sichuan province and China. With mountains and water embracing, this historic city of 4.59 square kilometres wide has gained the reputation of “Langzhong Fairland” and the “Rare Treasure under Heaven”.

--- The China Adventure
January 27, 2025, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

The China Adventure explores Langzhong Ancient City, one of China's four ancient towns, and its reported role as the birthplace of the Chinese New Year calendar. The video connects the city with the Three Kingdoms period and General Zhang Fei, who ruled there for seven years and is buried in a temple dedicated to him. The travelers sample spicy tofu, see door guardians and hand-pulled noodles, find ancient door knockers, watch a traditional puppet show with a history of more than 360 years, and end at a lantern display along the Juling River.

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Chinese New Year was born here, in Sichuan

Langzhong's history and local food

The China Adventure travels through Langzhong Ancient City in Sichuan, one of China's four ancient towns. The account describes the city's history as 2,300 years old and links Langzhong with the Chinese New Year calendar. During the Three Kingdoms period, General Zhang Fei ruled here for seven years and was buried in a temple dedicated to him. The travelers visit Zhang Fei Temple, noting its architecture in the surrounding landscape, ancient writing and gardens.

They also stop for local street food, including spicy tofu, and see doors with painted guardian figures. These figures traditionally protected homes and brought good luck; the video notes that pictures pasted up before the Spring Festival have replaced them on some doors. A local artisan demonstrates hand-pulled noodle making, giving the travelers an opportunity to observe a regional cooking tradition.

Door knockers, performance and lanterns

As they continue around the old city, the travelers find ancient door knockers sold as souvenirs, rather than the more typical tourist trinkets. The route then turns to a traditional puppet show. The performance tradition is said to date back more than 360 years, and the visit highlights its place in local cultural life.

The final stop is a lantern display along the Juling River. The lanterns represent wishes for a bright future and are part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The video closes with the sights of Langzhong's historic streets, food and performances, tying the city's past to traditions that visitors can encounter on a trip today.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: Why is Langzhong associated with Chinese New Year?
A: The source describes Langzhong as the birthplace of the Chinese New Year calendar and notes the city's 2,300-year history.
Q: What is the connection between Zhang Fei and Langzhong?
A: The source says General Zhang Fei ruled in Langzhong for seven years during the Three Kingdoms period and is buried in a temple dedicated to him.
Q: How old is the puppet-show tradition mentioned in the video?
A: The source says traditional puppet performances in the region date back more than 360 years.

Previous travel video:

Langzhong Ancient City: Sichuan's Historic Gem

Langzhong Ancient City (Langzhong Ancient Town), located in the northeastern Sichuan basin, about 260km from Chengdu, was once called “Baoning” and has been a key military position in the past 2,300 years or more. According to the history, Langzhong is an important segment of the culture of the...

Langzhong Ancient City: Sichuan's Chinese New Year Origin

Explore the rich history and captivating beauty of Langzhong Ancient City, nestled in the northeastern Sichuan Basin. Discover its significance as a key military position throughout history, its connection to the Three Kingdoms period and the legendary general Zhang Fei, and its role as a provincial capital. Marvel at the well-preserved ancient city, designed with the philosophy of 'unity of heaven and man,' and explore iconic landmarks like Zhang Fei Temple and the Sichuan Examination House. Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Sichuan and uncover the secrets of this 'Rare Treasure under Heaven'.

Attractions in this video: Zhang Fei Temple, D Tower, Juling River