Attractions of Longxing Ancient Town

Longxing Ancient Town has a long history of more than 600 years. According to the record, there were already small bazaars in the transitional period of Yuan and Ming Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, commodity economy boomed here. Many attractions of the past have been kept and are still in good condition. Walking on the uneven bluestone-covered streets, you can enjoy the Huaxia Zongci (ancestral hall), courtyard of Liu family, the Longcang (hiding dragon) Temple and the Yulin River.

Huaxia Zongci in Longxing Ancient Town

Huaxia Zongci was once the ancestral hall of the rich people. Later, it was rebuilt and was used for enshrining the ancestors of the Hundred Surnames. Entering the hall, you can see a big gold Chinese character "gen" which means the root, representing that these ancestors are the root of our lives. There are two statues respectively of Yan emperor and Huang emperor, ancestors' statues of 107 surnames as well as more than 200 family trees. Visitors coming here can look for your own root and origin.

Courtyard of Liu Family in Longxing Ancient Town

The courtyard of Liu family was originally the residential house of the rich man Liu Dengji-the landlord and salesman. It was built in the Daoguang years of Qing Dynasty, occupying an area of 1,800 square meters. There is a 12 meters high fire-proof wall around the courtyard. So far, the courtyard of Liu family in Longxing Ancient Town is the most complete dwelling house of a landlord in Chongqing.

Longcang Temple in Longxing Ancient Town

In Chinese, the word "Longcang" means hiding a dragon (dragon is a symbol of the emperor). The temple obtained its name for the historical story relating to Zhu Yunwen-an emperor in Ming Dynasty. It is said that after Zhu Di usurped the throne, Emperor Zhu Yunwen was forced to the temple to get rid of dangers. So it is named Longcang Temple meaning hiding the emperor Zhu Yunwen. The wood carvings and stone carvings inside the Longcang Temple are in various themes and in different styles. All of figures on these carvings are quite vivid and exquisite.

Yulin River in Longxing Ancient Town

The origin of Yulin River's name is also connected with Emperor Zhu Yunwen in Ming Dynasty. In old Chinese, the word "Yulin" represents the emperor coming to some place. It is said that when Emperor escaped to the Longcang Temple, he once passed this river on his horse. From then on, the name of river was changed into Yulin River. There is a pavilion on the river with flying eaves. With the reflection of the pavilion as well as that of willows in the green water, the Yulin River takes on a tranquil and relaxing view.