Zhongtian Tower
At the heart of town.
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One of the best-preserved historic towns in China, its layout dating back to the Tang dynasty and its old houses home to some thirty thousand people; hills ring it on four sides and the Jialing River bends around it, the town having been placed in the old Chinese manner between mountains and water, and it has been a listed historic and cultural city since 1986. Langzhong was once a capital of the ancient state of Ba and takes its name from a county set up by the Qin after they conquered the region in 316 BC; it was a centre of astronomy under the Han and Tang, was known as Baoning in later centuries, and served as the seat of Sichuan province for ten years. Visitors wander its paved lanes between timber courtyard houses and packed grey roofs, climb Zhongtian Tower at the heart of town and Huaguang Tower on the riverbank to look out over a sea of rooftops, visit the old imperial examination hall, and taste the famous Baoning vinegar. Walking the town is free; Zhongtian and Huaguang towers cost CNY 15 each, the examination hall 45, and combined tickets start at 120, with the sights open from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm from May to December and 9 am to 6 pm the rest of the year, per visitor guides.
At the heart of town.
On the riverbank.
Between timber houses.
Langzhong, on the Jialing River, about 100 km north of Nanchong city, Sichuan
Langzhong has a Hui Muslim community and restaurants under the halal sign serving beef and noodles, while other restaurants may serve pork, so ask before ordering.
One day covers the main sights, but a night in one of the old guesthouses lets you see the town quiet in the evening and early morning.
