With its well-preserved buildings and slow-paced lifestyle, the Sichuan locale offers an authentic cultural experience

Artists from a local Sichuan Opera troupe perform on the main street of Luocheng Ancient Town in Qianwei county, Sichuan province, on Sept 16, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

There are hundreds of ancient towns scattered around the country, but most of them look quite similar with familiar structures, buildings and shops selling almost the same souvenirs.

However, when visitors step into Luocheng Ancient Town in Qianwei county, Leshan, Sichuan province, they immediately know they are in for a rare experience.

Luocheng was established during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and took shape during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Many buildings along the main street are old and well-preserved.

People enjoy themselves in a teahouse in the old town on Aug 4, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

During the bustling market days, the main street, which has the shape of a ship and spans over 300 meters, comes alive. It is filled with locals chitchatting over tea, smoking pipes, and playing chess and card games in dozens of teahouses lining the thoroughfare.

Peddlers sell fresh vegetables, live poultry and fish, and the aromas from snack stalls fill the air. Few tourists are seen, and older residents dominate the street. The authentic old town exudes a strong rustic charm, as if you have traveled back in time.

Chefs cook dumplings for diners at a snack stall on the main street on Sept 16, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

An aerial photo shows people watching a Sichuan Opera performance staged on the main street of Luocheng Ancient Town on Sept 16, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Artists from the local Sichuan Opera troupe perform a free show for residents and tourists on Sept 16, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

A barber serves a customer at his shop on the main street on Aug 4, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

People pack teahouses on Aug 4, a local market day. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

A woman helps her grandchild put his costume on before he participates in a performance in the old town on Sept 16, 2023. (XIA SHOU'AN / FOR CHINA DAILY)