Zhaohua ancient town, formerly known as Yichang county, is one of the better-preserved cultural sites in China. Situated close to Guangyuan city in Sichuan province, it is a convenient destination to visit for those visiting the Bailong River, Jialing River and Qingjiang River. 

The Linqing Ancient walls in Zhaohua ancient town [Photo by Zhao Hui]

Zhaohua boasts numerous ruins and relics from its 4,000 years of history.  Suffering less from disasters and modern civilization, it survives as the only ancient town from the Three Kingdoms period (220-280). The appearances of a large number of post roads, passes, famous tombs and temples dating back to that time are almost unchanged.

Zhaohua ancient town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and clear rivers. [Photo by Luo Bin]

In addition, the ancient walls of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and buildings from the Ming  (1368- 1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties remain intact, while many bronze stone tools, boat coffin tombs, pottery and brick art pieces have also been excavated in the area.

An aerial view of the Zhaohua ancient town [Photo by Wang Deqiang]

Zhaohua is famous for its historical figures, including the Shu Kindom official Fei Yi, drama critic Wu Zhenqi, as well as Zeng Fengji who taught the people to rear silkworms.

Many men of letters such as Li Bai, Du Fu and Lu You witnessed some of the vicissitudes of the town, recording its beautiful scenery in their poems.

Traditional temple fairs and Three Kingdoms-themed art festivals and cultural tourism, which are held respectively during the Spring Festival holiday and the National Day Golden Week, have attracted tourists and scholars to the area to travel and conduct archaeological research.

Zhaohua ancient town, with its historical charm, is an essential destination for anybody who loves history and wants to experience ancient Sichuan culture firsthand.