Hidden Hakka Secret in Chengdu
Don’t just rush to Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley! The tulou and lively atmosphere of this Hakka ancient town can no longer be kept secret! [!][!][!]
Tired of the monotonous commercialized ancient towns? Then Luodai Ancient Town—known as the "No.1 Western Hakka Town" embraced by Longquan Mountain—will surprise you with its millennia-old Hakka culture, magnificent and unique tulou architecture, and authentic local life.
1. Why Luodai? Three Unmissable Reasons
· A Living Museum of Hakka Culture: It is one of the best-preserved Hakka ancient towns in China. Not only are there Hakka residences with blue and black tiles, firewalls, and horse-head walls, but also authentic Hakka dialect, customs, and intangible cultural heritage skills thriving here.
· A Pure Stream Amid Commercialization: The local vibe is pure and natural. On the old street, grandmas make mugwort buns on the spot, shopkeepers leisurely sip tea, and the commercialization is as subtle as the lingering sweetness of Hakka rice wine—something to savor slowly.
· Full Immersive Experience: You can wear Hakka costumes to take stunning photos in front of the tulou, make Hakka stuffed tofu or pound glutinous rice cakes by hand, and even stumble upon a lively dragon dance, fully immersing yourself in Hakka life.
2. Itinerary Planning: One-Day Highlights & Two-Day Leisure
🏃 One-Day Highlights Tour (Efficient Check-in)
· Morning: Depart from Chengdu, stroll through Luodai Old Street upon arrival to enjoy the tranquility of the early morning. Grab a warm mugwort bun from a street stall for breakfast while admiring the carved doors and windows of the guild halls.
· Noon: Find an authentic restaurant on the old street to taste Hakka stuffed tofu and “heartbreaking” cold noodles.
· Afternoon: Head to Blogger Town to visit the iconic round tulou, experience intangible cultural heritage crafts. Then take a taxi or local transport to Jinlong Great Wall, climb up for panoramic views of Longquan Mountain.
· Evening: End the trip and return to Chengdu or head to the city for dinner.
🍵 Two-Day Leisure Tour (In-Depth Experience)
· Day 1: Leisurely explore the old street, visit Guangdong/Jiangxi guild halls, and experience Hakka culture in Blogger Town. Stay overnight at a Hakka guesthouse near the ancient town to enjoy the peaceful night.
· Day 2: Challenge Jinlong Great Wall in the morning, then visit the secret treasure Baosheng Village in the afternoon. Walk, pick fruit, and enjoy the slow life in a genuine Hakka village before a relaxed return.
3. Must-Visit Attractions Guide
Category Name Highlights & Activities Admission
Core Cultural Area Luodai Old Street Free! Featuring bluestone paths, Hakka guild halls, and old shops, it’s the main area to experience Hakka charm. Free
Blogger Town Home to the landmark “Blogger Building” (round tulou), with a museum and intangible cultural heritage workshop—perfect for photos. Tulou visit free
Guangdong/Jiangxi Guild Halls Ming and Qing dynasty architecture with carved beams and painted rafters, witnessing Hakka immigrant history and rich culture. Combined ticket 30 RMB
Natural Scenery Jinlong Great Wall Known as the “Little Great Wall of Shu,” requires some stamina to climb but offers excellent views from the top, with peach blossoms in spring and fruits in autumn. Separate fee
Secret Exploration Baosheng Village 3 km from the ancient town, an original Hakka village with earth walls and blue tiles under pomelo trees, a local’s private slow-life spot. Free
4. Transportation Guide: How to Get There
· Self-drive/Ride-hailing: About 40 minutes from downtown Chengdu (e.g., Tianfu Square). Navigate to “Luodai Ancient Town Visitor Center” with convenient parking. One-way ride-hailing or charter costs about 150 RMB.
· Public Transport (Recommended):
1. Take Chengdu Metro Line 4 to “Xihe Station” Exit A.
2. Transfer to bus L024, directly to “Luodai Passenger Center” stop.
3. About 1 hour total, fare 8 RMB, frequent service, economical and convenient.
5. Food Guide: Hakka Flavors You Can’t Miss
· 🍘 Hakka Mugwort Bun: Fresh mugwort mixed with glutinous rice, wrapped with brown sugar red bean paste, soft and fragrant—the taste of the ancient town’s morning.
· 🥘 Hakka Stuffed Tofu: An intangible cultural heritage delicacy. Tender tofu stuffed with meat filling, pan-fried then simmered, savory and flavorful, showcasing Hakka wisdom.
· 🍜 Heartbreaking Cold Noodles: Signature snack! The intense clash of chili and Sichuan peppercorns is sour, spicy, and addictive—so spicy it’s “heartbreaking” but you can’t stop.
· 🫕 Other Recommendations: Swan eggs (fried sugar glutinous balls), Jiudou Bowl (Hakka banquet dish), Hakka rice wine.
6. Accommodation Suggestions: Stay in Hakka Style
Choose a Hakka guesthouse near the old street, with firewalls and blue tiles right outside your window, waking up to the aroma of mugwort buns.
· Price: About 150-300 RMB for a characteristic guesthouse with a small courtyard or patio.
· Recommended: Places like “Hakka Courtyard Guesthouse,” featuring wooden structures and Hakka indigo printed fabric, full of charm and great for photos.
7. Photo Spots List (A Must for Photography Lovers)
1. Tulou Masterpiece: Shoot from the second or third-floor corridor of Blogger Building along the diagonal to capture the circular architecture with people. Or shoot upward from the center for a perfect round composition.
2. Old Street Atmosphere: Use soft morning or evening light, with bluestone paths as leading lines, firewalls and wooden signs as background, full of storytelling.
3. Guild Hall Ancient Style: The stage, carved windows, and courtyard inside Guangdong Guild Hall are perfect for ancient-style and portrait photography.
4. Great Wall Scenery: Shoot from the middle section of Jinlong Great Wall, capturing the winding wall among green mountains.
5. Countryside Secret: In Baosheng Village, use earth walls, blue tiles, and abundant pomelo trees as background for lively rural portraits.
Travel Tips
· Best Season: Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-October), comfortable weather with flowers and fruit to enjoy.
· Dress Advice: Wear comfortable shoes! Both the ancient town and Great Wall require walking. Solid colors or ethnic-style clothes look better in tulou photos.
· Cost Level: Overall affordable, no need to worry about “tourist prices,” feel free to try snacks and buy local specialties.
Luodai’s Hakka tulou holds the tenderness of time, and the aroma of mugwort buns drifts through the old street. Will you immerse yourself in the joy of making stuffed tofu by hand, or conquer Jinlong Great Wall to overlook the entire Longquan Mountain from the summit?
Tell me which experience you want most! Leave a comment, and you can ask me for a more detailed photo spot list or transportation tips!