I’ve long dreamed of visiting Gaomiao Ancient Town, and today, I finally had the chance. Although I’ve seen many ancient towns before, Gaomiao felt different—like time had quietly come to a standstill.
Tucked away in the southwest of Hongya County, Sichuan Province, Gaomiao Ancient Town was founded in the late Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 700 years. The town is named after an old temple at its highest point and remains one of the best-preserved mountain towns in the area. Flanked by Mount Emei and Mount Wawu and close to the Qiliping Scenic Area, Gaomiao enjoys a stunning natural backdrop and a peaceful atmosphere.
Nestled between rivers and mountains, the scenery here is beautiful and calming. The confluence of two rivers forms the Huaxi River, creating a lively water scene. The surrounding area is rich in minerals and is also known for producing traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Gaomiao is also home to *Huaxiyuan*, a local brand of baijiu (Chinese liquor) that’s a specialty of Hongya County.
One of the most iconic buildings in the town is Wanshou Palace, formerly the Jiangxi Guild Hall, a reflection of Gaomiao’s prosperity in its heyday. The town features three ancient streets: Wanshun Street, Yuwang Street, and Huaxi Street. Among them, Wanshun Street is the main thoroughfare. I spoke to an elderly woman who recalled how busy it once was—just a decade ago, nearly every house along the narrow street hosted a shop. Today, however, the street feels deserted. Most of the shops have relocated to the new town built above, leaving behind quiet lanes, aging wooden homes, and worn bluestone paths.
The architecture is charming and nostalgic, with wooden houses, blue tiles, and traditional stilted buildings lining the streets. These structures, made entirely from timber, echo a bygone era. The weathered bricks and gray tiles tell stories of centuries past.
Just outside the town, a river runs gently by. In summer, it’s a favorite spot for water play, rafting, and relaxing with a cup of tea by the riverbank. A suspension bridge spans the water, creating a view reminiscent of a canyon. When the sun’s out, the lush green surroundings and cooler mountain air—several degrees lower than the cities—are incredibly refreshing. Some even say the place looks like the “hot spring house” from Spirited Away.
Local snacks are simple but memorable. You’ll find freshly made rice candy, pickled bamboo shoots, and dried radish, all traditional favorites. The locally cellared white wine is also worth trying.
Travel Tips
Location: Guangming Road, Hongya County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province
Entrance Fee:Free
Parking:Available but limited (paid)
Navigation:Search “Gaomiao Ancient Town” for directions
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 — Visit Mount Wawu.
Accommodation options: 1. Stay in Gaomiao Ancient Town for tranquility. I highly recommend Qiaoxi Mountain House, which offers beautiful views of the iconic Spirited Away-style tower and the green mountains.
2. Prefer liveliness? Stay in Liujiang Ancient Town, a water town with southern charm.
Day 2 — Depending on where you stay, you can visit the other town (Liujiang ↔ Gaomiao) for a different experience.
What to Wear: Outfits in the style of the Republic of China, traditional costumes, white dresses, or artistic clothing look especially good in photos.
What to Bring:Mosquito repellent (a must!), a fishing rod (there’s a small stream), and water gear if visiting in summer. In May, the river is shallow, clear, and emerald green.
If you’re visiting Chengdu and looking for a peaceful side trip, Gaomiao Ancient Town is a wonderful escape. It’s small and quiet—perfect for a short stay filled with water play, mountain walks, and a taste of old-world charm.
As night falls, and the streetlights flicker on, locals gather on small stools to chat. It reminded me of childhood evenings at my grandparents’ home—spreading out a mat, listening to grown-ups talk. Simple moments like these bring a deep, lasting joy.
Mount Emei in Leshan is really a good scenic spot. The golden dome of Mount Emei cannot be missed to go to the sunrise and the sea of clouds, otherwise it is not so meaningful to visit the Mount Emei. If you want to watch the sunrise, you must wear very thick clothes, and you can rent clothes in the bottom of the mountain. In addition, the monkey area is really boring. The monkeys are all tamed by the locals. They completely rob your items. The locals teach the monkeys to climb to you. Then you buy monkey food. The monkeys are very powerful. It is best to look at them at another road. It is not necessary to buy the bamboo pole. Because the monkeys are not afraid at all. Remember don’t touch the monkeys, sometimes they will bite you. The monkeys in the golden dome are very cute, they just want to eat, as long as you don’t touch them.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is an attraction in Sichuan. The tall image has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people who have visited there and is the famous Buddha statue in the country. It is very spectacular and worthies a visit. It is not recommended to go to there during the peak season as you need to walk the plank road after all, which is still a little dangerous. The Leshan Giant Buddha was excavated in the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 90 years. The Buddha’s hands are put on the knees, and the shape is solemn. The Buddha head is at the same height as the mountain, and it is stepping on the river, with a well-balanced body and a solemn expression. The Buddha is 71 meters high, with a head height of 14.7 meters and ear height of 7 meters. It is 28 meters high from the knee to the instep. The instep is 8.5 meters wide, which can be seated on hundreds of people. There are 1051 spiral coils on the head of the Buddha. They are inlaid with stones one by one. The workmanship is meticulous, and the hair and the head are integrated.
There are many types of tickets for Leshan Giant Buddha. In addition to the entrance tickets, you must buy the rest. You can choose the package according to your own situation. You can choose the panoramic package. The price is around 170 yuan. The old man and the child can enjoy half price or free ticket. If you only buy entrance tickets, the general price is around 90 yuan. It is suggested to be equipped with an explainer as it is more interesting. If you book a car, you can set it with the ticket. There will be corresponding discounts. And it is recommended to buy tickets in advance, because the channel of online shopping tickets is still very fast.
It is known to all that the best time to have a trip to Jiuzhaigou is October, but just keep in mind that there will be very visitors during that time, especially if you go there during the Chinese National Holiday from 1st -7th October, so if you time is flexible, just avoid the crowded period.