Wenchuan Special Tourist Area

Spot Facts

1. Yingxiu Earthquake Site

   Start · Entrance

   Visit the Yingxiu epicenter ruins: the teaching building ruins of Xuankou Middle School stand silently in place, the clock forever stopped at 14:28; the 5·12 Monument and Earthquake Memorial Hall tell of that disaster and rebirth. About 1.5 hours. Why this route: The Yingxiu ruins are the core of the Wenchuan visit—facing the disaster site directly, remembering history and paying tribute to rebirth.
2. 5.12 Earthquake Monument

   about 310 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
3. Earthquake Museum

   about 10 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
4. Shuimo Ancient Town

   about 14880 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Drive to Shuimo Ancient Town: a Qiang-style town rebuilt after the disaster, with ancient streets, stages, and Qiang villages scattered about, and new landmarks such as Chunfeng Pavilion standing tall; the streets are filled with the aroma of Qiang cuisine (Qiang cured meat, potato ciba). About 1 hour. Why this route: Shuimo Ancient Town shows the "rebirth from ashes" of Wenchuan; from the solemnity of the ruins to the vitality of the town, the contrast is striking.
5. Qiang Culture Street

   about 450 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Stroll through the Qiang cultural district of the ancient town: see Qiang embroidery, watchtowers, and Shibi culture displays, and buy Qiang embroidery souvenirs; climb Chunfeng Pavilion to overlook the town and distant mountains. About 40 minutes. Why this route: Qiang culture is the soul of Wenchuan; in the district you can feel the heritage of the ancient Qiang people, bringing the journey to a warm close.

Things to Note