Luodai Ancient Town
Luodai Ancient Town, nestled in Chengdu’s Longquanyi District, is China’s largest Hakka cultural settlement and a National AAAA Tourist Attraction. Established during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) by Hakka migrants fleeing war, it thrived as a commercial hub along the ancient “Southern Silk Road.” Today, the town preserves over 1.7 million square meters of Qing-era architecture, including ancestral halls, tiled-roof residences, and cobblestone streets. Renowned for its Hakka Fire Dragon Dance and well-preserved weiwu fortified houses, it offers a vivid glimpse into Hakka traditions, folk art, and cuisine.
Historical Overview
Hakka settlers arrived in the 17th century, building walled compounds to defend against bandits. The town peaked during the Qing Dynasty’s “Ten Families Rule” system, fostering unity and cultural preservation. Luodai withstood wars and modernization, earning UNESCO’s “China Historical and Cultural Town” status in 2005. Restoration efforts since the 1990s have revived ancestral halls and traditional workshops, making it a hub for Hakka cultural studies.
Structural Layout
The town follows a grid layout with a central axis:
Shangxi Old Street: The main artery lined with Qing-era shop houses, teahouses, and snacks like dan dan mian (spicy noodles).
Hakka Ancestral Halls: Elaborate compounds like the Li Family Ancestral Hall, featuring wooden carvings and ancestral tablets.
Yulong Bridge: A Ming-era stone bridge with dragon motifs, guarded by two stone lions.
Hakka Folk Museum: Showcases Hakka migration history, embroidery, and puppetry.
Guanyin Temple: A 400-year-old Buddhist-Taoist temple overlooking the town.
Major Attractions
Hakka Fire Dragon Dance: A vibrant performance during the Lantern Festival (February), where dancers weave through streets with flaming incense-lit “dragons.”
Li Family Ancestral Hall: A seven-courtyard complex with intricate lacquerware and a 200-year-old opera stage.
Shangxi Street: Sample Hakka delicacies like pork belly with preserved mustard greens and shop for handmade lanterns.
Hakka Weiwu Compound: A rare circular fortified house with a central courtyard and defensive watchtowers.
Yulong Cultural Square: Hosts folk music shows and the annual Hakka Culture Festival.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Yulong Bridge → Shangxi Street → Hakka Folk Museum → Li Family Ancestral Hall → Guanyin Temple.
Highlights: Core Hakka architecture and cultural displays.
- Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Hakka Weiwu Compound → Shangxi Street Workshops → Tea Ceremony Experience → Fire Dragon Dance Rehearsal (seasonal).
Highlights: Hands-on crafts and traditional performances.
- Festival Tour (Full Day):
Attend the Hakka Culture Festival (October) for dragon dances, opera, and ancestral rituals.
Ticket Purchase
Prices: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors). Free for children under 1.2m.
Online: Book via Ctrip or Luodai’s official WeChat account.
Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM daily.
Transportation
Subway: Line 4 to Xipu Station (West Exit), then bus 850 to Luodai.
Bus: Route 219 from Chengdu East Bus Station.
Taxi: 40-minute ride from Chengdu city center (¥80–100).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: Spring (March–May) for blossoms; autumn (September–November) for mild weather.
Festivals: Fire Dragon Festival (February 15th lunar month) and Hakka Culture Festival (October).
Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering ancestral halls; try Hakka leicha (thunder tea) rice.
Local Experience: Craft your own lantern at Shangxi Street workshops.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
