Situated in the eastern foothills of the Longquan Mountains within the Longquanyi District, this haven of migrant history is anchored by a perfectly paved, kilometer-long ancient street and an astonishing, massive circular Hakka Tulou (earthen building) in the adjacent Blog Town. Within a short stroll, you can see architectural marvels ranging from the sweeping, ornate rooflines of the Guangdong Guildhall to the quiet, shaded courtyards of traditional Hakka residences. Stop for a fiery, tear-inducing bowl of the town's famous "Sad Jelly" (Shangxin Liangfen) at a crowded wooden table, browse independent artisan stalls carving intricate woodwork, and sample the region's legendary Smoked Oil Goose. Saunter along the cobblestones to watch local elders conversing in the Hakka dialect—a linguistic time capsule preserved for generations. Take a break from the dense, aromatic stimulation of the snack streets with a quiet, breezy hike up into the surrounding peach orchards, watching the sunset paint the Longquan mountain ridges in shades of gold.
Don't Miss
- Exploring the Four Great Guildhalls (Guangdong, Jiangxi, Huguang, and Sichuan), a stunning collection of highly decorated, centuries-old community centers that once served as the social and economic lifelines for immigrants arriving in Sichuan.
- Photographing the Luodai Hakka Tulou (Blog Town), a towering, circular earthen fortress that faithfully replicates the UNESCO-listed architecture of Fujian province, featuring multi-tiered wooden galleries and a massive open-air central courtyard.
- Tasting a bowl of Shangxin Liangfen (Sad Jelly), a local culinary legend. It is a bowl of slippery mung bean noodles drenched in a chili-and-peppercorn oil so intensely spicy that it is said to make diners weep tears of "sadness" (or joy).
How to Get There
Longquanyi represents Chengdu's vast eastern expansion, and Luodai is smoothly connected to the city center via a combination of the Chengdu Metro system and local transit.
To embark on this historical detour, take Line 4 eastward to its terminus at Xihe Station. From there, a short, 15-minute ride via local bus or taxi will deliver you directly to the traditional archways of the ancient town.
Quick Facts
- Luodai is widely recognized as the "Largest Hakka Community in Western China." It is estimated that over 85% of the town's residents are of Hakka descent, still speaking their ancestral dialect.
- The demographic makeup of the town is a direct result of the historical "Huguang Fills Sichuan" mass migration movement during the early Qing Dynasty, ordered by the emperor to repopulate the province after years of war.
- The surrounding Longquanyi District is famous across China as the "Home of Peach Blossoms," transforming the nearby hillsides into a breathtaking sea of pink flowers every spring.
Home to Chengdu's most resilient migrant heritage
Since the 17th century, when Hakka pioneers settled at the base of these eastern mountains, Luodai has been an enclave long synonymous with community resilience and distinct cultural pride. From the area's massive, fortress-like earthen walls to the groundbreaking preservation of its ancestral shrines, the district's love of heritage sees it serve as a living museum of China's internal migrations.
The town's vibrant, lantern-lit aesthetic has been featured throughout domestic media as a unique deviation from traditional Sichuanese culture. And while its popularity brings heavy weekend crowds of day-trippers from the city, the district hasn't forgotten its roots, ensuring that the ancestral halls and the quiet, tea-drinking rhythms of the locals remain the immovable foundation of the space.
The Guildhalls—navigating the architectural mosaic
The central cobblestone spine of Luodai, the "One Street and Seven Alleys," forms the district's main circulatory artery. Stepping under the carved wooden archways, you'll immediately see a network of vibrant storefronts, courtyards, and the imposing, fortress-like facades of the regional guildhalls.
Jam-packed with architecture enthusiasts, hungry weekenders, and local families, this pedestrian zone is a fascinating melting pot of old-world clan loyalties and modern, fast-paced snacking that's sure to give you a profound, highly atmospheric perspective on Sichuan's diverse demographic history.
Satisfy your appetite, from Hakka banquets to fiery street food
Behind almost every wooden facade are Luodai's celebrated kitchens, pumping out a mix of the city's most fiery snacks and hearty, traditional Hakka fare. A must-do for visitors to the area is the "Hakka Feast." Whether you're after the dense, savory satisfaction of Hakka Stuffed Tofu, the crispy sweetness of a "Swan Egg" (a fried dough local specialty), or a plate of rich, smoky goose, there's something to refuel every explorer.
These bustling food stalls and historic courtyard dining rooms are essentially the district's hospitality staple, and you can't leave without finding a wooden bench under the eaves, ordering a pot of tea, and watching the lively street theater unfold.
A paradise for folk crafts and earthen fortresses
Luodai is arguably Chengdu's capital of "Hakka aesthetics," and what's an ancient town without spectacular, culturally specific exploration? No matter your interest, you can find an incredible, overwhelming selection of architectural spaces that treat heritage with deep respect.
The undisputed charm of the area lies in the newly developed Blog Town (Boke Xiaozhen) adjacent to the old street. If you're hoping for an elevated visual experience, be sure to wander the multi-level wooden balconies of the replica Tulou. It is a stunning example of how regional architecture can be beautifully utilized to create modern museums, cultural boutiques, and dramatic spaces for photography.
Taking to the quiet "Longquan" orchards
Thanks to its impact as a cultural destination, the main street of Luodai is an undeniable hotspot. Though the atmosphere there is essential for experiencing the town's energy, if you really want to immerse yourself in the varying, deeply natural layers of the district, you must walk toward the eastern hills.
If you head into the Longquan Mountain trails, particularly during the spring, you'll find a network of incredibly quiet, winding paths connecting some of the most serene, fruit-bearing orchards in the province. Stepping into this elevated enclave offers a peaceful, grounding contrast to the bustling town below—a place where the noise of the vendors vanishes, replaced by the rustle of peach leaves and the authentic, unhurried rhythm of the Sichuanese countryside.
