Travel Notes | Chengdu Huanglong River: Playing in the water, exploring ancient times, eating and drinking, and "picking ears"

I have been to Chengdu three times, this time for the fourth time. Chengdu was the first destination for a privately customized trip to Tibet by Xihang Bang in May this year. The gang leader recommended that there is Huanglongxi Ancient Town worth visiting.

Huanglongxi Ancient Town is located in Shuangliu District, Chengdu. A small stream divides the ancient town into two streets on the left and right.

In Huanglongxi Ancient Town, you can stand on the pebbles in the water and watch the stream gurgling past your eyes. You can also reach out and hold the stream water to feel the cool feeling. When the stream swoops down from the heights, you can experience the fresh and sweet air given to you by the mist.

The bluestone pavement in the ancient town has been polished by people's footsteps for 1,700 years and has a bright green luster. It is said that there are many monuments left in the ancient town. If you are careful enough, you can discern the ancient times from the chaos. I only recognized the old trees: they were very thick, with cracked bark and tangled branches.

The folk customs in the ancient town are simple and honest. Old ladies sit on stone benches, leisurely tying flower garlands, and then sell them to tourists for 5 yuan.

Many middle-aged women hold thin pliers about 10 centimeters long to provide tourists with Chengdu's characteristic service of "ear picking". I didn't dare to try it. Firstly, I was afraid that the operator was unfamiliar with the business and would pierce my ear. Secondly, I was worried that the pliers were not hygienic enough and might be infected with bacteria.

At the end of Huanglong River, the river surface suddenly opened up. It was Luxi River. We specially chose a restaurant by the lake for lunch. After the meal, the women who made a living by crafts came over again. I leaned on a wicker chair and asked a woman with makeup and powder to beat my back and hold my meridians. The wind swept over me. Crossing the lake, caressing my body gently, I was immersed in a half-dream and half-awake state, so comfortable.

There are many snacks in Huanglongxi Ancient Town, such as noodles, corn noodles, sesame candy, and rabbit heads. There are also insect snacks, skewered on bamboo sticks, including fried scorpions, silkworm chrysalises, hard-shelled insects, centipedes, and some unknown bugs that made my scalp numb after looking at them.

There are many monuments in the ancient town, some of which require tickets. I remember that there was a film and television city that did not require tickets. The tour was led by a dedicated person, and visitors were given a badge on their chest. I went in and listened to the explanation for about ten minutes. Somehow, I felt that there was a steady dust haze in the film and television city. Drill it into your nostril and come out early. Later, I heard from people in our group that the staff took them to the last stop. Someone said something similar to a hexagram for each person, and then asked you to pay. Should you pay or how much should you pay? There is no force, but I will give you a reference price. The base price starts from 90 yuan and goes up, and there is no cap on the price. I was secretly glad.

Huanglong River combines ancient and modern elements. Those who want to explore the past can go look for ancient trees, bridges, temples, wharves, and ancient archways... while those who want to visit the present can go to the river to eat, drink tea, play cards, and take photos.