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.
