The sinkholes of Bamianshan are major witnesses of last century's battle with bandits.[Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily]

How to get there

There are regular buses from Chengdu to Pujiang county or Qionglai county in the city's major bus stations. The rides cost between 16 yuan ($2.58) and 24 yuan and take about one hour. There are mini-vans to Xilai Old Town from both Pujiang and Qionglai. All restaurants in Xilai serve decent Sichuan food.

The Yuantong Old Town is about 11 kilometers from the county town of Chongzhou. Visitors can catch a bus from Jinsha Bus Station in Chengdu to Chongzhou. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs less than 10 yuan. From Chongzhou, one can take a mini-van to Yuantong. It takes about 15 minutes. The Jiangxi Guildhall in Yuantong has been turned into a guesthouse, convenient for visitors who wish to stay longer in the town. A meal for four in the Gongxiaoshe Restaurant comes to about 100 yuan.