Laitan Ancient Town

An Overview of Laitan Ancient Town

Laitan Ancient Town is located 28 kilometers northeast of Hechuan District of Chongqing. It was built in Qing Dynasty and was one of the first "Famous Historical and Cultural Towns of China". Laitan Ancient Town was also among the first "The Most Beautiful Towns of China" and one of the "Top Ten Ancient Towns of China".

History of Laitan Ancient Town

Laitan Ancient Town was originally called Laitan Ancient Village. It has a history of more than 200 years. Laitan Ancient Town was built in Xianfeng years of Qing Dynasty, covering an area of 0.25 square meters.

In Tongzhi years of Qing Dynasty, Laitan Ancient Town was repaired and reinforced to defend the revolt of peasants. The defensive system was built with stones and is still very solid and firm today.

Although the town has only a history of 200 years, the temple complex inside the town was originally built in Tang Dynasty, thrived in Song Dynasty and rebuilt in Qing Dynasty.

Attractions in Laitan Ancient Town

Laitan Ancient Town built in Xianfeng years of Qing Dynasty occupies an area of 0.25 square meters. The four town gates are symmetrical. Walls of the town were all built and strengthened by solid stones with a height of 7 meters and a width of 2.5 meters.

There are altogether more than 400 blue tile-roofed houses of Ming and Qing Dynasty, with different height. Over 200 meters of alleys are paved with blue stones, displaying the characters of elegant and simple of buildings in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Wengcheng (Urn City) City was built in Tongzhi the first year of Qing Dynasty, there are four caves for hiding the soldiers. Wengcheng is the only one in Chongqing. It is quite effective for defending the enemies.

There is a Er'fo Temple in Laitan Ancient Town. Inside the temple enshrined the statue of a Sakyamuni with a height of 12.5 meters. It was carved according to the tendency of the rock. It is regarded as the "Second Buddha in Shu". The stone engravings of South Song Dynasty are the masterpiece of the Chinese third stone cutting arts. They are regarded the treasure of stone cutting arts.