Rongchang District

Antao Pottery Town is the heart of Rongchang's ceramic heritage, where the art of pottery-making has been passed down through generations for over 800 years. The town's name "Antao" literally means "peaceful pottery," reflecting the tranquil atmosphere that pervades this craft-focused community. Visitors can explore dozens of working pottery workshops where master craftsmen shape clay using traditional foot-powered wheels, apply distinctive glazes developed over centuries, and fire their creations in dragon kilns that stretch up to 50 meters in length. The town's pottery is celebrated for its unique "Rongchang glaze" — a distinctive amber-brown finish that has become synonymous with the region's ceramic identity.

The town features a fascinating Pottery Museum displaying exceptional pieces from the Song Dynasty to the present, including ceremonial vessels, everyday cookware, and contemporary artistic creations. Visitors can try their hand at the potter's wheel under the guidance of master artisans, creating their own unique souvenir. The town's architecture itself reflects its ceramic heritage, with buildings adorned with ornamental tiles and pottery motifs. A highlight is the ancient "Dragon Kiln" that still operates using traditional methods, offering visitors a rare glimpse into centuries-old firing techniques. The town also hosts an annual Pottery Festival each autumn, featuring competitions, exhibitions, and cultural performances.

Xiabu Fabric Town celebrates one of China's most refined traditional textile arts — the weaving of ramie (a plant fiber similar to linen) into lightweight, breathable fabric known as "Xiabu." This craft has been practiced in Rongchang for over 1,000 years, earning the region the title "Hometown of Chinese Xiabu." The fabric is renowned for its cool, smooth texture and natural moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for summer clothing in China's humid climate. The town showcases the entire production process, from harvesting and processing ramie stalks to spinning, dyeing, and weaving the final fabric on traditional wooden looms.

Visitors to the town can observe master weavers creating intricate patterns and learn about the plant-to-fabric journey through interactive exhibits at the Xiabu Museum. The town's workshops offer hands-on experiences where visitors can try spinning ramie fiber or weaving on traditional looms — a meditative process that requires patience and rhythm. The town also features a boutique showcasing contemporary fashion and home decor items made from Xiabu fabric, bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Each June, the town hosts the "Ramie Culture Festival," featuring fashion shows, weaving competitions, and cultural performances that attract designers and textile enthusiasts from across China.

Wanling Ancient Town, with its 1,000-year history, is a remarkably well-preserved water town built along the banks of the Yinglong River. The town's most distinctive feature is its system of stone arch bridges — over a dozen ancient bridges of various sizes connect different sections of the town, creating a picturesque townscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The town's architecture showcases the classic southern Sichuan style, with gray-tiled roofs, whitewashed walls, and wooden shop fronts lining narrow flagstone streets. The riverside promenade offers beautiful views of traditional water mills, stone boat docks, and weeping willows that frame the water's edge.

Wanling is particularly famous for its well-preserved Zhao Family Courtyard, a magnificent Ming Dynasty residential complex featuring intricate wood carvings, stone archways, and a traditional Chinese garden. The town also houses the Rongchang Folk Custom Museum, which displays traditional farming tools, household items, and cultural artifacts that illustrate the region's rural heritage. Local specialties include handmade tofu, pickled vegetables, and traditional pastries sold at the morning market. The town comes alive during the Dragon Boat Festival with colorful boat races on the river and during the Lantern Festival when thousands of lanterns illuminate the ancient bridges and waterways, creating a magical atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Rongchang Braised Goose (Rongchang Lu'e) is not just a dish — it's a culinary institution that has put this district on China's gastronomic map. The dish features locally raised geese that are slowly braised in a secret blend of over 20 spices, including star anise, cassia bark, Sichuan pepper, and locally grown herbs, resulting in tender, aromatic meat with a rich, complex flavor profile. The braising process takes up to 12 hours, allowing the spices to penetrate deep into the meat while maintaining the goose's natural juiciness. The dish is served cold or at room temperature, typically accompanied by a dipping sauce of crushed garlic, chili oil, and black vinegar.

Food enthusiasts can visit the famous "Goose Street" in Rongchang city, where dozens of restaurants specialize in this signature dish, each claiming their own secret recipe passed down through generations. The most renowned establishments include "Old Huang's Goose" and "Rongchang Main Store," both of which have been perfecting their recipes for over 50 years. Visitors can watch the braising process in open kitchens and learn about the careful selection of geese, which must meet strict criteria regarding age, weight, and diet. The district also hosts an annual "Goose Cultural Festival" each winter, featuring cooking competitions, goose-themed dishes, and the crowning of the year's "Golden Goose" champion.

Changzhou Homeland is a cultural theme area that recreates the glorious history of Rongchang during the Song Dynasty when it was known as Changzhou Prefecture. The complex features meticulously reconstructed traditional architecture including government offices, scholar's residences, teahouses, and artisan workshops, all arranged according to historical records of the original layout. The attention to detail extends to the costumed staff, traditional music performances, and authentic handicraft demonstrations that bring the historical setting to life. Visitors can participate in traditional activities like calligraphy, tea ceremony, and ancient board games.

The site includes a fascinating "Changzhou History Museum" that uses multimedia displays, dioramas, and artifacts to tell the story of Rongchang's development from ancient times to the present. A highlight is the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall" where master artisans demonstrate pottery-making, Xiabu weaving, and traditional food preparation techniques. The complex also features a traditional opera stage where Sichuan opera and local folk performances are held regularly, especially during weekends and holidays. The surrounding gardens are designed in classical Chinese style with rockeries, koi ponds, and seasonal flower displays. Evening visits are particularly atmospheric when traditional lanterns illuminate the ancient-style buildings.