The century-old Xituo Ancient Town enjoys equal popularity with Wuzhen (a historic scenic town) and Zhouzhuang (a famous water town). The three were included in the first batch of “National Famous Historical and Cultural Towns ”. However, few tourists know Xituo Ancient Town now. This low-key town stands on the south bank of the Yangtze River in eastern Chongqing. It faces Shibaozhai, known as “Bright Pearl on Yangtze River on the opposite bank. It is not a popular tourist destination, with few visitors compared to the bustling Ciqikou Ancient Town of Chongqing.
The bird's-eye view of Xituo Ancient Town
The old town in the past
Xituo Ancient Town used to be a key commercial hub born for salt transportation. During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), it served as the starting place and a distribution center of “BaSalt Road ”. Therefore, it has enjoyed a history of thousands of years. Salt merchants reached the town from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River by water. And then they changed their way into land transport here. Therefore, salt workers, with goods on their shoulders and back, began their arduous trek to places such as Hubei. As those salt merchants would pass through here for business, Xituo was prosperous.
An alley in the town
There is a stone-covered old street which also witnessed the trade history of the town. Composed of 1,124 steps, the street, with a 160-meter height difference, looks like a ladder above the clouds. Therefore, people also called it “Heaven Ladder” and “Street Reaching Heaven”. In particular, it is the only street along the Yangtze River, and meanwhile, it is perpendicular to the river. This kind of location also earns its reputation as the “First Street on the Yangtze River”.
A painting of the town in the past
The old town in modern time
In ancient times, porters with cargo passed through this street every day. And today, there are still some visible potholes showing the porters used the sticks.
Porters with cargo passed through this street
Furthermore, moving along the street, you will find many households have a water vat at the front door. These water vats, besides the role of storing water for fire protection, can also provide porters with water to drink. The most famous one deserves to be “Qianjiao Spring” (literally thousands of feet). Dug during the Song Dynasty, this well was the first place in the town to provide water for the porters. Therefore, it also plays a significant role.
“Qianjiao Spring” (literally thousands of feet)
As thousands of years passed, the town and ladder which both used to be prosperous have been increasingly quiet. Although this desolate town barely accepts tourists, the stories that happened on the salt road have been told till this day. Maybe this is what an ancient town should be—tranquil and simple, yet with profound cultural deposits.
The town at night
Self-driving: According to the navigation system
Bus: Take the bus at the South Square Bus Station of Chongqing Bei (North) Railway Station to Xituo Ancient Town (about three hours at a high speed; only one bus every day departs at 12:30)
Ferry: Take the ferry in Chongqing to Xituo Ancient Town (two ferries depart at 9:00 and 17:00 respectively)
Some steps at the town
Source: WeChate Account on CQCB