The first ancient town along the Yangtze River, its cultural heritage is hidden in its ancient alleys by day, and its nighttime scenery resembles the water towns of Jiangnan.
🌊 A thousand-year-old waterway wharf on the banks of the Yangtze River, this was the site of Tongji University and the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture during the War of Resistance against Japan. Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin wrote their architectural works here. In the height of summer, from July to August, the lotus ponds are in full bloom. During the day, escape the heat by hiding in the ancient architecture exhibition halls; in the evening, the river breeze cools you down. The night view of the Moon Field Mist Forest is breathtaking. Untouched by excessive commercialization, it offers both cultural heritage and stunning waterside scenery.
📜 Geography and Summer-Specific Features
Lizhuang is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River in Cuiping District, Yibin. The scenic area is divided into two main sections: the Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Street area and the Moon Field Water Town area.
Summer Highlights:
✅ The 60-acre lotus pond at Moon Field is in full bloom. Rowing boats glide among the lotus blossoms, carrying a delicate lotus fragrance, enveloped in mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
✅ During the day, the ancient ancestral halls and museums offer cool indoor shade, avoiding the outdoor 35℃ heat, allowing for an immersive experience of the anti-Japanese war's cultural heritage.
✅ In the evening, the Yangtze River breeze caresses your face, making it perfect for a cool stroll without air conditioning.
✅ At 7:00 PM, Moon Field is illuminated throughout, with the mist forest simultaneously activated. Additional drone and phoenix-themed light shows are held on Fridays and Saturdays.
✅ Abundant local seasonal snacks are available, including refreshing cold rice cakes, ice jelly, and lotus leaf tea. Fresh local delicacies are also available.
✅ Tourists are dispersed during the day, and the ancient alleys are deserted in the early morning, perfect for vertical portrait photography with no passersby in the frame.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit in Summer
1. 7:30-9:30 AM: The ancient streets are empty with soft lighting, ideal for capturing stunning photos of the Ming and Qing dynasty bluestone slabs and the depth of the alleyways.
2. Daytime 10:00-16:00: Escape the summer heat in the indoor exhibition halls, visit Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin's Former Residence, and the Anti-Japanese War Museum.
3. Dusk 17:30-19:00: Stroll along the river, enjoy a special dinner, and wait for the Moon Field to light up.
4. Night View 19:00-21:30: Water Street Mist Forest, Lotus Pond Boat Tour, Lantern Reflections – the peak atmosphere of the day.
🎫 Tickets & Transportation Guide
Ticket Policy
· The main street of the ancient town, Moon Field Water Street, and the riverside walkway are free to the public.
· A combined ticket for historical sites is 20 yuan: includes Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin's Former Residence, the Exhibition Hall of the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture, and the Dongyue Temple. Students get a half-price ticket of 10 yuan.
· Rowing boat tour is 60 yuan per person, 30 yuan one way. The best time to go by boat is around 19:30 in the evening for the best lighting.
· Scenic area sightseeing bus is 10 yuan per ride, suitable for the elderly and those who prefer not to travel.
External Transportation
1. High-speed rail: Get off at Yibin West Station, take bus No. 45 directly to Lizhuang Visitor Center, 1 hour journey, last bus 21:30
2. By car: 30 minutes from Yibin city center, 3 hours from Chengdu. Parking fees at the scenic area are capped at 5-10 yuan, half price for new energy vehicles.
3. Short trip: After visiting, you can visit Shunan Bamboo Sea, 1 hour drive, a natural bamboo forest for summer retreat.
Internal Transportation
The ancient town is generally flat with no hills, and can be explored entirely on foot. The Moon Field area features winding waterways, with boat tours being a core experience.
🏞️ Key Photo Spots|9:16 Vertical Shot Spot
I. Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Street Area (Humanistic Retro Style)
1. Xizi Alley: The narrowest alley in the ancient town, with wooden stilted buildings on both sides. The stone-paved road has a strong sense of depth. Backlighting in the early morning creates a stunning atmosphere in the narrow alley, free from other tourists. 2. Zhang Family Ancestral Hall: Hundred-crane carved wooden doors and windows, courtyard with its play of light and shadow, natural picture frames, and cool interior – a top choice for taking ancient-style portraits at midday.
3. Kuixing Pavilion + Yangtze River Bank: Climb the pavilion to overlook the Yangtze River, with shallow beaches and reefs along the bank. The setting sun gilds the river surface; a low-angle vertical shot of the pavilion and river in one frame.
4. Tongji University Site & Liang-Lin Residence: A Republican-era wooden courtyard with old-fashioned window lattices and desk ornaments – a vertical shooting position with an artistic, story-telling feel.
II. Moon Field Water Town Area (Summer Lotus Pond Night View Ceiling View)
1. Yingyue Arched Bridge: A landmark of the scenic area, a circular arched bridge spanning the lotus pond waterway. At night, lantern reflections fill the water surface; a symmetrical 9:16 vertical shooting position is ideal.
2. Yingyue Lane Lantern Corridor: White walls and black tiles on both sides are adorned with red lanterns; the street has a sense of depth; perfect for Hanfu and light-colored clothing. 3. Lotus Pond Waterway: In summer, lotus leaves stretch as far as the eye can see. A boat trip through the water, with mist drifting across the surface, offers a low-angle, vertical shot showcasing the boats, lotus blossoms, and ancient architecture in three layers.
4. Cultural Backbone Screen Wall: A giant calligraphy wall along the river, with distant views of waterside pavilions—a panoramic photo spot.
5. Moonlit Viewing Platform: A high vantage point overlooking the entire Moonlit Field Water Street, capturing the lights, lotus pond, and arched bridges—a perfect panoramic shot.
📅 Two Summer Best Itineraries
Route 1 | Relaxing One-Day Night Tour (Prioritized for Young People and Photo Enthusiasts)
17. 30 Arrive in the ancient town, enjoy a Lizhuang Three Whites dinner on the main street.
18. 40 Stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient streets, explore Xizi Alley and Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, avoiding the high temperatures.
19. 00 Walk to Moon Field, waiting for the entire area to light up and the fog forest to activate.
19. 30 Take a rowboat from Shiqiao Ferry Wharf, navigating through lotus ponds and waterways.
20. 30 Take nighttime portrait photos at Yingyue Bridge and Yingyue Alley, and check out the panoramic view from the observation deck.
21. 20 Stroll along the Yangtze River, enjoying the river breeze on the return journey.
Route 2 | Full-Day In-Depth Cultural Tour (For Families and History Buffs)
08. 00 Early morning photography of the ancient streets, sample white cakes and sizzling noodles for breakfast.
09. 00 Purchase a combined ticket to visit the former residence of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, and the former site of the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture.
11:30 Zhang Family Ancestral Hall and Ancestral Hall: View ancient wood carvings of southern Sichuan architecture.
13:00 Lunch at a restaurant in the ancient town, followed by an indoor nap to escape the summer heat.
15:00 Lizhuang Cultural Anti-Japanese War Museum: Learn about the history of cultural migration.
17:00 Stroll along the lotus pond at Moon Field, waiting for the sunset.
19:00 Enjoy the water street light show and a night boat trip.
🍜 Must-Try Foods in the Ancient Town | Lizhuang Three Whites + Summer Refreshing Snacks
1. Lizhuang White Meat: The town's signature dish, as thin as cicada wings, served with garlic and chili oil sauce. A must-order at Yingqiu Restaurant, a long-established brand.
2. White Cake: Glutinous rice cake, available in rose and sesame flavors, soft, chewy, and sweet. Enjoy while walking.
3. Baijiu (Chinese liquor): Locally made traditional grain liquor, suitable for a small amount with rice, and a good souvenir to take home.
4. Shuanghe Lianggao (cold rice cake) and Lotus Leaf Ice Jelly: Summer refreshment, affordable and authentic street stalls.
5. Yellow catfish and river soft-shelled turtle, stir-fried double crisp: Sichuan farmhouse cuisine, fresh, spicy, and perfect with rice.
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
1. Moon Field Water Town Homestay (ideal for photos): Waterfront courtyard, lotus pond lights visible from the window, 180-380 RMB/night, perfect for early morning shots when no one is around.
2. Ancient Town Old Street Guesthouse: High cost-performance ratio, 120-200 RMB, right next to the ancient alley, full of local life.
3. Yibin City Hotel: Complete with restaurants and supermarkets, suitable for multi-day trips, 30-minute drive to and from the ancient town each day.
📸 Summer Outfit & 9:16 Photography Tips
1. Outfit: Off-white, light apricot, and light blue modern Chinese Hanfu, cotton and linen long skirts are suitable for ancient alleys; light blue and white dresses are suitable for lotus pond scenery. Avoid dark and heavy clothing.
2. Daytime Shooting: In Xizi Alley, utilize the depth of the alley, placing the subject in the lower 1/3 of the frame to elongate the atmosphere; use door frames as natural frames in courtyards.
3. Night Scene Photography: Low-angle overhead shot from Yingyue Bridge, with the water reflection occupying the lower half of the frame; side backlighting on the lantern corridor, resulting in soft, non-dark portraits.
4. Best Lighting: 8 AM soft light, 6:30 PM sunset, 7:30 PM nighttime lighting
⚠️ Summer Travel Essentials & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Essential Items
· High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, arm sleeves (strong UV rays during the day)
· Mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes near the lotus pond and riverbank)
· Portable fan (for afternoon cooling)
· Light jacket (cool river breeze at night)
· Sandals (for wading and cooling off in the shallows of the river)
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Boarding the cruise ship at 7:30 PM is less crowded and has better lighting; daytime overhead lighting on the cruise ship produces poor photos.
2. The cultural exhibition hall is open on Mondays, but there are fewer people between 12 PM and 2 PM, making it a good time to visit to escape the heat.
3. Please do not illegally connect electrical wires in the ancient alleys or step on the steps of ancient buildings; please protect cultural relics.
4. Street food is uniformly priced; there is no need to haggle. There is no overcharging in the scenic area.
5. The last bus departs at 21:30. Allow time for your return trip after your night tour; if you miss it, you will have to take a taxi.
6. Park in the official parking lot if you drive; private parking spaces at the village entrance are more expensive.
🌊 This is a thousand-year-old water transport wharf on the banks of the Yangtze River. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, Tongji University and the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture relocated here. Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin wrote their architectural works here. In the height of summer, from July to August, the lotus ponds are in full bloom. During the day, you can escape the heat by hiding in the ancient building exhibition halls, and in the evening, the river breeze cools you down. The night view of the Moon Field Mist Forest is breathtaking. There is no excessive commercialization; both the cultural heritage and the water town scenery are top-notch.
📜 Geography and Summer-Specific Features
Lizhuang is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River in Cuiping District, Yibin. The scenic area is divided into two main sections: the Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Street Area and the Moon Field Water Town Area.
Summer Highlights:
✅ The 60-acre lotus pond at Moon Field is in full bloom. Rowing boats glide among the lotus blossoms, carrying a delicate lotus fragrance, enveloped in mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
✅ During the day, the ancient ancestral halls and museums offer cool indoor shade, avoiding the outdoor 35℃ heat, allowing for an immersive experience of the anti-Japanese war's cultural heritage.
✅ In the evening, the Yangtze River breeze caresses your face, making it perfect for a cool stroll without air conditioning.
✅ At 7:00 PM, Moon Field is illuminated throughout, with the mist forest simultaneously activated. Additional drone and phoenix-themed light shows are held on Fridays and Saturdays.
✅ Abundant local seasonal snacks are available, including refreshing cold rice cakes, ice jelly, and lotus leaf tea. Fresh local delicacies are also available.
✅ Tourists are dispersed during the day, and the ancient alleys are deserted in the early morning, perfect for vertical portrait photography with no passersby in the frame.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit in Summer
1. 7:30-9:30 AM: The ancient streets are empty with soft lighting, ideal for capturing stunning photos of the Ming and Qing dynasty bluestone slabs and the depth of the alleyways.
2. Daytime 10:00-16:00: Escape the summer heat in the indoor exhibition halls, visit Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin's Former Residence, and the Anti-Japanese War Museum.
3. Dusk 17:30-19:00: Stroll along the river, enjoy a special dinner, and wait for the Moon Field to light up.
4. Night View 19:00-21:30: Water Street Mist Forest, Lotus Pond Boat Tour, Lantern Reflections – the peak atmosphere of the day.
🎫 Tickets & Transportation Guide
Ticket Policy
· The main street of the ancient town, Moon Field Water Street, and the riverside walkway are free to the public.
· A combined ticket for historical sites is 20 yuan: includes Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin's Former Residence, the Exhibition Hall of the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture, and the Dongyue Temple. Students get a half-price ticket of 10 yuan.
· Rowing boat tour is 60 yuan per person, 30 yuan one way. The best time to go by boat is around 19:30 in the evening for the best lighting.
· Scenic area sightseeing bus is 10 yuan per ride, suitable for the elderly and those who prefer not to travel.
External Transportation
1. High-speed rail: Get off at Yibin West Station, take bus No. 45 directly to Lizhuang Visitor Center, 1 hour journey, last bus 21:30
2. By car: 30 minutes from Yibin city center, 3 hours from Chengdu. Parking fees at the scenic area are capped at 5-10 yuan, half price for new energy vehicles.
3. Short trip: After visiting, you can visit Shunan Bamboo Sea, 1 hour drive, a natural bamboo forest for summer retreat.
Internal Transportation
The ancient town is generally flat with no hills, and can be explored entirely on foot. The Moon Field area features winding waterways, with boat tours being a core experience.
🏞️ Key Photo Spots|9:16 Vertical Shot Spot
I. Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Street Area (Humanistic Retro Style)
1. Xizi Alley: The narrowest alley in the ancient town, with wooden stilted buildings on both sides. The stone-paved road has a strong sense of depth. Backlighting in the early morning creates a stunning atmosphere in the narrow alley, free from other tourists. 2. Zhang Family Ancestral Hall: Hundred-crane carved wooden doors and windows, courtyard with its play of light and shadow, natural picture frames, and cool interior – a top choice for taking ancient-style portraits at midday.
3. Kuixing Pavilion + Yangtze River Bank: Climb the pavilion to overlook the Yangtze River, with shallow beaches and reefs along the bank. The setting sun gilds the river surface; a low-angle vertical shot of the pavilion and river in one frame.
4. Tongji University Site & Liang-Lin Residence: A Republican-era wooden courtyard with old-fashioned window lattices and desk ornaments – a vertical shooting position with an artistic, story-telling feel.
II. Moon Field Water Town Area (Summer Lotus Pond Night View Ceiling View)
1. Yingyue Arched Bridge: A landmark of the scenic area, a circular arched bridge spanning the lotus pond waterway. At night, lantern reflections fill the water surface; a symmetrical 9:16 vertical shooting position is ideal.
2. Yingyue Lane Lantern Corridor: White walls and black tiles on both sides are adorned with red lanterns; the street has a sense of depth; perfect for Hanfu and light-colored clothing. 3. Lotus Pond Waterway: In summer, lotus leaves stretch as far as the eye can see. A boat trip through the water, with mist drifting across the surface, offers a low-angle, vertical shot showcasing the boats, lotus blossoms, and ancient architecture in three layers.
4. Cultural Backbone Screen Wall: A giant calligraphy wall along the river, with distant views of waterside pavilions—a panoramic photo spot.
5. Moonlit Viewing Platform: A high vantage point overlooking the entire Moonlit Field Water Street, capturing the lights, lotus pond, and arched bridges—a perfect panoramic shot.
📅 Two Summer Best Itineraries
Route 1 | Relaxing One-Day Night Tour (Prioritized for Young People and Photo Enthusiasts)
17. 30 Arrive in the ancient town, enjoy a Lizhuang Three Whites dinner on the main street.
18. 40 Stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient streets, explore Xizi Alley and Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, avoiding the high temperatures.
19. 00 Walk to Moon Field, waiting for the entire area to light up and the fog forest to activate.
19. 30 Take a rowboat from Shiqiao Ferry Wharf, navigating through lotus ponds and waterways.
20. 30 Take nighttime portrait photos at Yingyue Bridge and Yingyue Alley, and check out the panoramic view from the observation deck.
21. 20 Stroll along the Yangtze River, enjoying the river breeze on the return journey.
Route 2 | Full-Day In-Depth Cultural Tour (For Families and History Buffs)
08. 00 Early morning photography of the ancient streets, sample white cakes and sizzling noodles for breakfast.
09. 00 Purchase a combined ticket to visit the former residence of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, and the former site of the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture.
11:30 Zhang Family Ancestral Hall and Ancestral Hall: View ancient wood carvings of southern Sichuan architecture.
13:00 Lunch at a restaurant in the ancient town, followed by an indoor nap to escape the summer heat.
15:00 Lizhuang Cultural Anti-Japanese War Museum: Learn about the history of cultural migration.
17:00 Stroll along the lotus pond at Moon Field, waiting for the sunset.
19:00 Enjoy the water street light show and a night boat trip.
🍜 Must-Try Foods in the Ancient Town | Lizhuang Three Whites + Summer Refreshing Snacks
1. Lizhuang White Meat: The town's signature dish, as thin as cicada wings, served with garlic and chili oil sauce. A must-order at Yingqiu Restaurant, a long-established brand.
2. White Cake: Glutinous rice cake, available in rose and sesame flavors, soft, chewy, and sweet. Enjoy while walking.
3. Baijiu (Chinese liquor): Locally made traditional grain liquor, suitable for a small amount with rice, and a good souvenir to take home.
4. Shuanghe Lianggao (cold rice cake) and Lotus Leaf Ice Jelly: Summer refreshment, affordable and authentic street stalls.
5. Yellow catfish and river soft-shelled turtle, stir-fried double crisp: Sichuan farmhouse cuisine, fresh, spicy, and perfect with rice.
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
1. Moon Field Water Town Homestay (ideal for photos): Waterfront courtyard, lotus pond lights visible from the window, 180-380 RMB/night, perfect for early morning shots when no one is around.
2. Ancient Town Old Street Guesthouse: High cost-performance ratio, 120-200 RMB, right next to the ancient alley, full of local life.
3. Yibin City Hotel: Complete with restaurants and supermarkets, suitable for multi-day trips, 30-minute drive to and from the ancient town each day.
📸 Summer Outfit & 9:16 Photography Tips
1. Outfit: Off-white, light apricot, and light blue modern Chinese Hanfu, cotton and linen long skirts are suitable for ancient alleys; light blue and white dresses are suitable for lotus pond scenery. Avoid dark and heavy clothing.
2. Daytime Shooting: In Xizi Alley, utilize the depth of the alley, placing the subject in the lower 1/3 of the frame to elongate the atmosphere; use door frames as natural frames in courtyards.
3. Night Scene Photography: Low-angle overhead shot from Yingyue Bridge, with the water reflection occupying the lower half of the frame; side backlighting on the lantern corridor, resulting in soft, non-dark portraits.
4. Best Lighting: 8 AM soft light, 6:30 PM sunset, 7:30 PM nighttime lighting
⚠️ Summer Travel Essentials & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Essential Items
· High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, arm sleeves (strong UV rays during the day)
· Mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes near the lotus pond and riverbank)
· Portable fan (for afternoon cooling)
· Light jacket (cool river breeze at night)
· Sandals (for wading and cooling off in the shallows of the river)
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Boarding the cruise ship at 7:30 PM is less crowded and has better lighting; daytime overhead lighting on the cruise ship produces poor photos.
2. The cultural exhibition hall is open on Mondays, but there are fewer people between 12 PM and 2 PM, making it a good time to visit to escape the heat.
3. 4. Do not illegally connect electrical wires in the ancient alleys or step on the steps of ancient buildings; please protect cultural relics.
5. Street food is uniformly priced; there is no need to haggle. There is no overcharging in the scenic area.
6. The last bus departs at 9:30 PM. Please allow sufficient time for your return trip after your night tour; otherwise, you will have to take a taxi.
7. Park in the official parking lot if you are driving; private parking spaces at the village entrance are generally more expensive.