Overview
Pingle Ancient Town is a 2,000-year-old settlement on the Tea Horse Road, 65 km southwest of Chengdu. Its ancient banyan trees, covered bridges, and riverside teahouses offer a peaceful escape into Sichuan's rural past.
Highlights
- Ancient Banyan Trees: Centuries-old banyan trees with aerial roots creating natural canopies over the streets.
- Leshan Bridge: A covered wooden bridge spanning the Baimo River, originating from the Qing dynasty.
- Tea Horse Road Remains: Original stone-paved sections of the ancient trade route to Tibet.
History
Pingle was a vital stop on the Tea Horse Road, the ancient trading route connecting Sichuan's tea-producing regions to Tibet. Founded during the Western Han dynasty (206 BC), it prospered as a tea trading post for nearly 2,000 years.
Visitor Tips
- Tip 1: Try the local specialty milk tea and river-caught fish at the riverside restaurants.
- Tip 2: Less commercialized than Huanglongxi — ideal for visitors seeking authentic old-town atmosphere.
- Duration: 2–3 hours.