An Ancient Town at the Foot of the Mountains near Chengdu

Gaomiao Ancient Town
A remarkably untouched and quietly preserved ancient town, far from crowds and commercial bustle. It sits at a key crossroads on the travel route connecting Mount Emei, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and the Wawu Mountain Forest Park. About a three-hour drive from Chengdu and just one hour from Hongya County, it is an ideal choice for a relaxed weekend or short holiday, with an overnight stay in Hongya highly recommended.

Nestled between mountains and water, the town is organically arranged with a distinctive and timeworn charm. Wooden houses line three old streets, each over 100 meters long and 3 to 6 meters wide. The bluestone-paved lanes are flanked by closely set eaves, allowing only a narrow ribbon of daylight to filter through, creating an atmosphere that feels both secluded and poetic. Stone stairways connect the streets, weaving the town into a quiet labyrinth.

Behind the town stands Martyrs’ Bridge. From the bridge, one can gaze east toward Mount Emei and west toward Wawu Mountain. Below, crystal-clear spring water flows gently; it is said that the mountain spring at the bridgehead can be drunk directly in summer—cool, sweet, and refreshing. Nearby lies the Seven Martyrs Memorial Hall, built in the traditional stilted-house style, though it is no longer open to the public.