Popular Best Things to Do in Langzhong

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One of China's four best-preserved ancient cities, Langzhong is a "feng shui ancient city" that has remained unchanged for 2300 years. Surrounded by the Jialing River on three sides, it was praised by Du Fu as "a rare sight south of Langzhong." Key Highlights: Rich Three Kingdoms Culture: Zhang Fei once guarded this city for seven years, and the Zhang Fei Temple, Zhang Fei Tomb, and the "Zhang Fei Beef" brand still exist. Unique Imperial Examination Culture: The Chuanbei Daogongyuan (Northern Sichuan Provincial Examination Hall) was a "provincial examination hall" during the Qing Dynasty, one of only two remaining in the country, where visitors can experience "taking exams in examination cells." Feng Shui Experience: The ancient city was built according to Tang Dynasty astronomical feng shui principles, with Zhongtian Tower as the "heart of Langzhong," offering a view of the "Nine Dragons Supporting the Emperor" formation. Origin of the Spring Festival: The Western Han Dynasty astronomer Luo Xia Hong created the Taichu Calendar here, establishing the first day of the Lunar New Year as the "beginning of the year," earning Langzhong the title of "Hometown of Chinese Spring Festival Culture." A 3-4 hour hike can cover the following attractions: Zhuangyuan Archway → Gongyuan (Imperial Examination Hall) → Zhongtian Tower (Feng Shui landmark) → Zhang Fei Temple (Head buried in Yunyang, body buried in Langzhong) → Huaguang Tower (overlooking the Jialing River) → South Gate City Wall → Feng Shui Museum. Outside the city, you can add: Jinping Mountain (panoramic view of the ancient city), Dafosi Temple (10m Tang Dynasty Sakyamuni cliff carving), and Tengwang Pavilion (Li Yuanying version, not the one in Nanchang). If you want to see four cultural highlights—the Three Kingdoms period, the Imperial Examination system, Feng Shui, and the Spring Festival—all in one trip, and also want affordable food and accommodation while maintaining authentic streets and alleys, Langzhong Ancient City is the most cost-effective option within a 2-hour high-speed rail journey from Chengdu/Chongqing.