Unwind in Jiezi Old Town – An Escape from Modern China

Forget the country’s fabulous yet stressful cosmopolitan city and the big-named but crowded places of interest – make yourself a relaxing approach to Jiezi Old Town (街子场), one of a dozen ancient towns around Chengdu.

Today, Jiezi Ancient Town in Chongzhou City is still unknown to the world. It is a good thing, since you can have it as your new, exotic destination of China.

At the foot of Fengqi Mountain and close to the famous Taoist Qingcheng Mountain, Jiezi Ancient Town can trace its history back to over 1000 years ago. It maintains, despite the historical movements, the vestiges of the past. The best way to explore Jiezi Town is simply strolling around. Visitors will find it in the layout of the "mountain and water" combination which is so appreciated in China, according to Chinese ‘Feng Shui’.

There is a wealth of relic sites scattered around Jiezi Town between the Ming-Qing Dynasty dwellings, including pagodas, bridges, caves, ancient trees, and 32 temples. Walk on the ancient paved streets to discover the old shops with old books, paintings, handmade straw sandals, antiques, old silver, old furniture… and simply enjoy a cup of tea in a quaint tea house to go back in time.

Visitors are also encouraged to make an excursion outside the town and take in the nature with primitive mountains. For those who’d like to hike, there is an easy walking trail along the town river, more than 5000m long. Then take a break by enjoying a boating on the river.

Must-visit sights include: Guangyan Buddhist Temple, built in Jin Dynasty (266-420) and one of the Buddhist sanctuaries in Sichuan, The Double River Site, part of Chengdu Plain prehistoric sites, with a history of over 4300 years, Yulong Bridge and Former Residence of Poet Tangqiu.

 

Jiezi Ancient Town is famed as the hometown of orchid. The fragrance of orchid can be smelt everywhere. If you visit Jiezi on the nineteenth day of the first lunar month, enjoy yourself by joining the local orchid festival.

How to get to Jiezi Old Town from Chengdu:

There are scheduled buses from Jinsha Bus Station to Jiezi Ancient Town with travel time of about 2 hours.

If taking a taxi, you’ll need about a 1.5 hour ride into town.

From Beijing to Yanqing: the Railway to Spring

It is on par with the most scenic high-speed railways in China - and with great views of Great Wall.

The train ride of S2 starts from Beijing North, with stops at Qinghe, Changping, Nankou, Badaling Great Wall, and finally reaches Yanqing. The highlight is Juyongguan Pass, one of the best-preserved and glamorous ‘Walls’ of Beijing, without the crowds.

For those looking for a day trip escaping from Beijing, you’re encouraged to take this train journey, priced at RMB 6 yuan.

In spring, the train twists its way through the cherry blossom and apricot blossom of Juyongguan Great Wall. Immerse yourself in the fresh air and warm sunlight of spring.

Travel in China by high-speed train

 

In summer, it is surrounded by a green world, through which the Great Wall traverses.

In autumn, marvel at the fall foliage…

While the winter makes it Snowpiercer.

How Do the Clay Sculpture Artisans work in China?

With around 3500 years of history, China’s ancient capital of Xian boasts a wealth of historical temples and monasteries that are the places to worship, pray and meditate.

Located in Chang’an District, Longhua Temple and the neighboring 13 Provinces’ God Temple have seen few prayers since late October, as they are having their old, dilapidated buildings renovated. A handful of skilled artisans coming all the way from Gansu to craft and restore the clay Buddha sculptures.

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To create a clay Buddha sculpture, the artisans should first set the model – draw on the paper, magnify the picture to the wall, accordingly make a wood model fixed by iron wires and covered by straw, then model in clay.

Generally, it takes a year or two to complete a clay statue of Buddha.

“A clay sculpture artisan has to be very patient, hardworking, and master a variety of skills including painting, calligraphy, rendering, carving, wood-carving, etc.,” says Yulong Jia of 53 years old, the leader of the group.

"It usually takes more than ten years for a trainee to become a real master."

For the past 30 years, Jia has travelled to many parts of China, and crafted tens of thousands of clay sculptures, including Buddha statues, statues of Tao and modem sculptures.

“Clay sculpture is an artistic form of traditional Chinese craft, and part of traditional Chinese culture, and will be legacy for future generations,” says Hongwen Shi, abbot of Longhua Temple.