China’s Sichuan Province: Exploring The Rich Cultural Revival Of Suji And Lizhuang Ancient Towns

Published on September 13, 2025

Travellers looking for genuine experiences should not miss Suji and Lizhuang Ancient Towns, which are tucked distant successful nan centre of Sichuan Province and connection a unique fusion of history, culture, and cuisine. The promotion of qiaojiao beef, a accepted crockery that has been designated arsenic a provincial heritage, has helped Suji, pinch its 1,400-year-old legacy, regain its allure. In contrast, Lizhuang, which is rich | successful Ming-Qing dynasty architecture and wartime history, combines modern tourism pinch taste preservation. Both towns are thriving examples of Sichuan’s dedication to conserving its civilization while welcoming nan description of tourism. In summation to their rich | histories, these towns’ thriving culinary scenes and taste offerings entice tourists, making them nan perfect spot to immerse oneself successful Sichuan customs.

Suji Ancient Town: A Culinary and Cultural Revival

Suji Ancient Town, pinch a history spanning complete 1,400 years, is situated on nan Emei River successful Leshan, Sichuan Province. Once a bustling dockside community, Suji has transformed into a vibrant taste and culinary hub. This revitalisation is mostly attributed to nan promotion of qiaojiao beef, a accepted crockery that has been recognised arsenic a provincial-level intangible taste heritage.

The origins of qiaojiao beef trace backmost to nan precocious 19th period erstwhile a section resident began simmering discarded beef offal pinch aromatic spices, creating a flavourful and affordable dish. Over time, this humble repast gained fame among dockworkers and has since go a staple of Suji’s culinary identity.

In 2023, nan trade of making qiaojiao beef was officially listed arsenic a Sichuan provincial-level intangible taste heritage. This nickname has spurred important finance successful nan town’s infrastructure, pinch astir 400 cardinal yuan allocated to create Suji into a qiaojiao beef-themed town. Today, Suji boasts complete 80 restaurants specialising successful this dish, on pinch a dedicated depository that showcases its history and taste significance.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Suji Ancient Town offers visitors a glimpse into accepted Sichuanese life. The municipality features humanities sites, people performances, and opportunities to acquisition section crafts specified arsenic embroidery and silk weaving. Its proximity to Mount Emei and nan Leshan Giant Buddha, some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, further enhances its entreaty arsenic a taste destination.

Lizhuang Ancient Town: Preserving History and Tradition

Located 19 kilometres downstream from Yibin City, Lizhuang Ancient Town is 1 of China’s state-level historical towns. Established complete 1,800 years ago, Lizhuang has preserved its architectural heritage, pinch galore buildings from nan Ming and Qing dynasties still standing. The town’s layout, characterised by constrictive stone-paved streets and accepted woody structures, offers a model into China’s past.

During nan Second Sino-Japanese War, Lizhuang played a important domiciled arsenic a refuge for taste institutions. Many renowned universities and investigation institutes relocated to Lizhuang to flight Japanese occupation, contributing to its estimation arsenic a centre of Chinese civilization and acquisition during that period.

Today, Lizhuang is celebrated for its well-preserved ancient architecture and rich | taste heritage. Visitors tin research historical temples, ancestral halls, and accepted courtyards that bespeak nan town’s storied past. The town’s culinary segment besides offers unsocial section specialities, including Lizhuang achromatic pork, a crockery renowned for its delicate flavours and accepted mentation methods.

A Shared Commitment to Cultural Preservation

Suji and Lizhuang are 2 premier examples of initiatives to protect and revive China’s taste bequest via recreation and nutrient customs. These towns’ accent connected unique location cuisine and humanities preservation has drawn much tourists, boosting nan section system and promoting a greater knowing of China’s divers taste heritage.

Suji and Lizhuang Ancient Towns are fascinating tourism destinations that item Sichuan Province’s lasting bequest for those looking for genuine experiences that harvester history, culture, and cuisine.

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