Shuicheng Ancient Town, a historic settlement shaped like a lotus leaf floating upon the water, has earned the elegant nickname “Lotus City.” Since its founding in 1732, the town has accumulated nearly three centuries of history. Its ingenious layout—where “one waterway encircles two cores, and seven bridges link past and present”—transforms the flowing inner city river into a temporal conduit. This river connects Qing Dynasty residences with architectural complexes from the 1960s “Third Front” construction era, weaving together a vivid epic of Southwest China's development. 

Here, industrial memories are within reach. The town hosts China's first “Third Front” Construction Museum, housing over ten thousand artifacts and documents that vividly recreate the arduous pioneering years of the 1960s. Meanwhile, well-preserved Qing-dynasty residences like the Yang Family Ancestral Hall quietly narrate the region's earlier cultural heritage. Yet the most vibrant energy lies in the bustling street life—the renowned Shuicheng Laoguo Food Street. Gather around a table to grill ingredients yourself on specially crafted clay pots, savoring this locally invented dish hailed as “a western marvel” for its spicy, refreshing flavor. Additionally, hop aboard a retro sightseeing train or take an evening boat ride to admire the illuminated riverbanks, each offering a unique perspective on the town's vibrant energy.