A Hidden Ancient City in Sichuan, Right Next to Yunnan — Quiet, Underrated, and Full of Life

Huili Ancient City
Nestled in Huili City of Liangshan Prefecture, Huili Ancient City may not be widely known, yet it is one of Sichuan’s eight nationally recognized historic and cultural cities. In ancient times, it was a vital hub along the Southern Silk Road.

The city’s main streets radiate from the Bell and Drum Tower at the center, stretching in a cross formation toward the four city gates, forming East, South, West, and North Streets. Together, they create a distinctive checkerboard layout described as “three li through the city, nine li around it, with four streets, three passes, and twenty-three alleys aligned along a north–south central axis.”

Within the city walls, remnants from the Ming dynasty can still be found in temples and traditional courtyard residences, while most surviving ancient architecture dates back to the Qing dynasty. These include both street-facing buildings and temple structures, preserving a strong sense of historical continuity.

Huili Ancient City is a place where cultures converge. Its architecture masterfully blends the essence of northern siheyuan courtyards, southern garden-style halls, and the vernacular dwellings of Yunnan. Integrated with the local landscape, customs, religious traditions, and history, this fusion has given rise to a uniquely expressive architectural style—subtle, harmonious, and deeply rooted in everyday life.