The Most Enchanting Town on the Ancient Tea Route

Published March 18, 2011 |

The old alley is a quiet, narrow and straight street pitched by a long-worn flagging, which shimmers faintly due to years of erosion in the rainy climate.

My knowledge about Wangyu ancient town was first obtained from the feature about Rain City Ya’an at CCTV’s National Geography Forum. The program vividly captures the historical charm and pristine joy that long has been shielded from the glitz and glamour of modern cities. So from then on, Wangyu has been highlighted on my dreamed destination list.

Situated in the south of Yaan City of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Wangyu ancient town used to be an important dak on the ancient tea route. It is known for the local specialty, Yayu fish. Since the main dwellings are built on a colossal rock at the mountainside, which is quite likened to a giant cat looking down at the fish swimming in river, the town got its name, Wang (look) Yu (fish).

The uniqueness in the little-known ancient town unfolded little by little when I climbed along hundreds of stone steps leading up to the old alley. Several minutes ago, I was walking in a modern village deprived of any architectural features, while the time managed to transfer to the 1950s, or 1960s, in the old alley, just in a blink of our eyes.

Chris Rivait

Chris loves history and hopes that Yesteeyear becomes a place where everyone can share their history knowledge. Chris owns an Internet Marketing company, Arrivait Marketing. He has a wonderful wife and four great children.