Shangli Ancient Town (上里古镇, Shànglǐ Gǔzhèn) is a well-preserved Ming-Qing ancient town in Sichuan, known as a “water town in western Sichuan” and a key stop on the Southern Silk Road.
Basic Facts
Location: Yucheng District, Ya’an City, Sichuan; 27 km north of Ya’an, ~2.5hrs from Chengdu.
Nickname: “Ink-Wash Shangli” (水墨上里).
Elevation: ~900 m.
History: An old stop on the Southern Silk Road & Tea Horse Road; Red Army passed here during the Long March.
What to See
Erxian Bridge (二仙桥)
Iconic Qing-dynasty stone arch bridge with green vines; perfect for photos with water reflections.
Han Family Courtyard (韩家大院)
Grand Qing mansion of a wealthy merchant family; famed for exquisite wood carvings (¥10 ticket).
Well-Shaped Old Streets
Layout follows the Chinese character “井” (well)—streets crisscross, with water channels to prevent fires.
Red Army Stone Slogans
Well-preserved Long March-era inscriptions; a provincial cultural heritage site.
Baima Spring (白马泉)
A rare intermittent spring (2 km from town); water surges like horse hooves (¥15 ticket).
How to Get There
From Chengdu: Drive via Chengya Expressway (~2hrs); or take a train/bus to Ya’an then a local bus/taxi (~40mins).
Local transport: Bus from Ya’an North Station; taxi ~¥50.
Travel Tips
Entrance: Free to enter the town; fees for Han Courtyard & Baima Spring.
Best time: Mar–Apr (rapeseed blooms) or Oct–Nov (clear weather, fall colors).
Time needed: Half a day (add Baima Spring for a full day).
Eat: Try Ya’an fish, tofu pudding, and local preserved meats.
Shangli is quieter than Lijiang or Zhouzhuang, with a mix of ancient architecture, water scenery, and Red Army history.
