Ancient Town of Dachang

Located in Wushan County, in the middle section of Daning River, the Ancient Town of Dachang is the only well preserved town in the Three Gorges Area of the Yangtze River. Built in the Jin Dynasty, it has a history of over 1,700 years. Although the site of many wars, it has retained much of its original appearance.

The Gates

Covering ten hectares, Dachang Ancient Town has three well-preserved city gates. Steps from the south gate lead to the Daning River, which is the town's main link to the outside world. There is a stone lion on either side of the gate. A hundred-year-old locust tree arches over the gate. There are two main streets in Dachang: the first one, 150 meters long, runs from north to south. The second one, 240 meter long, runs from east to west. Traditional houses line both sides of this ancient town.

Ancient Architecture

The buildings of the town were constructed mostly with brick and wood. The buildings have double-layered eaves, three feet higher than the regular eaves. Most of the buildings were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties with corniced eaves. Wen's family compound is the largest and best preserved. Built in Qing Dynasty by an official, it occupies an area of 383 square yards. The hall has three parts: entrance hall, main hall and rear hall, each open to the other. 12 poles and 37 girders in all support the building. The wooden window frames have ornate carvings.

Relocation of the Town

Because of the Three Gorges Dam Project on the Yangtze River, Dachang ancient town and its fertile lands would have been submerged. To protect and save this historic town, an ambitious plan was launched to move the three city gates, Wen's family compound and 37 other ancient buildings to a new site four miles away. Before the move, every brick, tile and pillar was marked for easy reassembly. Antique materials were used to replace those that cannot be moved. Some residents of the town have moved back, but others have relocated to different provinces. Now, visitors to the new town will still be able to see wine making, weaving and other arts, customs and traditions of the old town.