A Brief Introduction to Longtan Ancient Town

Longtan Ancient Town lies in the backland of the Wuling Mountain in southeastern Chongqing with an area of 1.5 square meters. It was originally located southeast of Youyang County of Chongqing, 30 kilometers away from the Youyang County, covering an area of 7.2 square kilometers. It is the main habitation of Tujia people, Miao people as well as Han people. The original town was ruined in a big fire and Longtan Ancient Town was rebuilt here beside the Longtan River.

Origin of Longtan Ancient Town's Name

In Chinese, "Longtan" means ponds in the shape of dragon's eyes. There are two dragon's eyes-shaped ponds at the foot of the Fulong Mountain and the ancient town is located just between the two ponds, just like the dragon's nose. Therefore, the ancient town was named after the name of the ponds and was called Longtan Ancient Town.

History of Longtan Ancient Town

In Yongzheng the 13th year of Qing Dynasty (1735), the original Longtan Town was ruined in a big fire. Therefore, Longtan Ancient Town was rebuilt beside the Longtan River in Qianlong the first year of Qing Dynasty (1736) and a state was set up here in the same year. In the Republican China period, the former state was repealed and a county was established here. In the 24th year of Republican China period, town was established here. So the Longtan Ancient Town has already a history of more than a thousand years.

Architectures of Longtan Ancient Town

Although Longtan Ancient Town has experienced a history of more than one thousand years, most architectures in it are still in good condition. The total construction area of Longtan Ancient Town is about 86,473 square meters. Up to now, the old streets paved with blue stone slabs, more than 200 quadrangle courtyards, over 150 fire seals which are over 200 years old are kept. As the unique architecture of Longtan Ancient Town, the fire seals are built with firebricks. Usually the fire seals are more than a dozen meters or even twenty or thirty meters high. More than 50 residential construction of Tujia people-Diaojiaolou buildings (suspended buildings) can be found here with beautiful forms and turned-up corners and overhanging eaves like birds' wings.

Famous buildings such as the Yuwang Palace, Wanshou Palace, ancestral halls, temples, the Catholic church, academy of classical learning and scholas and so on are all exhibited in Longtan Ancient Town.

Special Food of Longtan Ancient Town

The ancestors of Longtan Ancient Town not only created the glorious architectural culture, but also the local food with special flavors. The four famous food of Longtan Ancient Town-Spicy Hot Tea, Li Zhengyuan Mutton Noodles, Xiao Mazi Tofu and Qiqi Cake are quite popular among the local people as well as the visitors.