Luodai Ancient Town（洛帶古鎮）

Luodai Ancient Town [File photo]

Established in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220), Luodai is an ancient town situated in an eastern suburb of Chengdu, some 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) from the city's downtown area. There are around 23,000 inhabitants now living in the town, of whom about 20,000 are Hakka people. Therefore, it is known as the largest gathering place for Hakka people in China's southwestern region.

Most of the Hakka people in the Luodai Ancient Town are migrants who were forced into Sichuan Province from Guangdong, Jiangxi and Hubei provinces by Manchurian rulers during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The whole township has been well-preserved, with over 1,000-year-old ancient streets and Ming- and Qing-style residences, buildings and stores. There are one 1,000-meter-long main street and seven alleys in the ancient town where visitors can take a walk and look around. The Guangdong Guildhall is the town's landmark; the museum and the park are also worth visiting.

Admission: Free