Luodai Ancient Town, situated in the Longquanyi District, just 25 km east of downtown Chengdu, is a captivating gem known as “The First Hakka Town in Western China” and holds a significant place among the “Dongshan Five Markets” in Chengdu.
History and Location: Nestled at the foot of Er’e Mountain within the Longquan Mountains, Luodai Ancient Town dates back to the Shuhan period of the Three Kingdoms. Legend has it that the town derived its name, Luodai, from a tale where the jade belt of Master Liu Chan fell into a well beside the town during the Han Dynasty. With over 20,000 Hakka residents, constituting 90% of the population, the town encapsulates the rich Hakka heritage.
Key Attractions:
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Hakka Village House Museum: Spanning over 20,000 square meters, this museum in Luodai Ancient Town encompasses the Hakka Tulou Museum, Lingnan District, and Hakka Food District’s blog town. Hosting more than 30 businesses, including Nianhua, clay sculptures, and bamboo weaving, the museum offers a glimpse into Hakka culture through replicas of Hakka Courtyards.
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Luodai Ancient Town Water Dragon Festival: For over 300 years, the Liu family, residing in Luodai Town for 14 generations, has celebrated the Water Dragon Festival, a mesmerizing event with roots in ancient Chinese Dragon Dance traditions. Passed down through generations, the festival involves playing water dragons to pray for rain, showcasing the enduring heritage of Hakka culture.
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Culinary Delights: Luodai is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering traditional delights like Heart-Broken Rice Jelly, Wild Vege-Bread, Stone Mill Beancurds, and Swan Eggs. Street food enthusiasts can indulge in rose sugar, ginger candy, Zhang Fei beef, stuffed tofu, salted chicken, and Luodai oil goose.
Visitor Recommendations:
- Recommended Time to Spend: 2-3 hours
- Business Hour: All day
Luodai Ancient Town beckons with its historical charm, cultural richness, and a delightful array of experiences that showcase the essence of Hakka traditions in Western China.
