Journey Through History: China's Ten Must-See Ancient Cities

Zhenyuan Ancient City (Guizhou)
Zhenyuan Ancient City, located in Zhenyuan County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, is a culturally renowned city with a long history. Nestled beside the Wuyang River and surrounded by mountains, the city forms a beautiful landscape painting. The history of Zhenyuan Ancient City can be traced back to the Qin and Han dynasties, boasting a history of over two thousand years.

The city is home to a large number of ancient buildings, traditional residences, ancient alleys, and docks from the Ming and Qing dynasties, exuding a strong historical and cultural atmosphere. Notable structures include Qinglong Cave, Zhusheng Bridge, and Wanshou Palace. Zhenyuan Ancient City is not only a historical city but also a melting pot of multi-ethnic cultures. It is inhabited by various ethnic groups such as Han, Miao, and Dong, whose traditional cultural practices add to the rich folk culture of Zhenyuan. Visitors can enjoy traditional ethnic dances, songs, and costumes within the city, experiencing the rich ethnic customs.

Qingzhou Ancient City (Shandong)
Qingzhou Ancient City, located in Qingzhou City, Weifang, Shandong Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and rich culture.

Established during the Spring and Autumn Period, the city has a history of over two thousand years. Qingzhou Ancient City, situated at a strategic crossroads, was an important political, economic, and cultural center in history, known as the "Ancient Eastern City." It preserves a wealth of historical and cultural heritage, including ancient streets, archways, ancestral halls, and temples.

Notable attractions include Ou Garden, Zhenjiao Temple, Fuchai Gate, and the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall. Qingzhou Ancient City is also known for its diverse cultural heritage; it was a convergence point for Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, significantly influencing Chinese culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient culture and unique traditional customs while touring the city.

Taierzhuang Ancient City (Shandong)
Taierzhuang Ancient City, located in Taierzhuang District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history.

Originally established during the Han dynasty and developed during the Yuan and Ming periods, it flourished in the Qing dynasty and was an important transport hub and commercial town along the ancient canal.

Covering about 2 square kilometers, the city boasts rich historical and cultural heritage, including ancient waterways, docks, temples, and traditional residences. Famous attractions include the Taierzhuang Canal, Ximen Anlan, Qianfu Village, and Cuiping Academy, attracting numerous visitors. Taierzhuang Ancient City experienced a famous battle during World War II – the Battle of Taierzhuang.

This was one of the important early battles in China's war against Japanese invasion, making a significant contribution to the victory. Today, the Taierzhuang Battle Memorial Hall within the city commemorates this brave history.

Guangfu Ancient City (Hebei)
Guangfu Ancient City, located in Yongnian District, Handan City, Hebei Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and profound culture.

Founded during the Sui Dynasty, the city has more than 1,400 years of history. Known as the "Jiangnan of the North" due to its location near the Yongnian Depression wetlands, Guangfu Ancient City is rich in historical and cultural heritage, including ancient city walls, gates, moats, streets, archways, ancestral halls, and temples.

Notable attractions include Hongji Bridge, Yang Luchan's residence, and Wu Yuxiang's residence. Guangfu Ancient City is the birthplace of Tai Chi and has been home to Tai Chi masters such as Yang Luchan and Wu Yuxiang, who have significantly influenced the development of Tai Chi. Visitors can watch authentic Tai Chi performances and experience the unique charm of this traditional Chinese martial art.

Dali Ancient City (Yunnan)
Dali Ancient City, located in Dali City, Yunnan Province, China, is an important birthplace of Bai ethnic culture.

Founded during the Ming Dynasty, the city has a history of over 600 years. Situated between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient City is known as the "Swiss of the East" due to its spring-like weather all year round and picturesque scenery.

The city retains unique Bai ethnic culture, with well-preserved Bai traditional houses, ancient city walls, gates, and streets. Notable attractions include Wuhua Tower, Foreigners' Street, the Marshal's Mansion, and the Wen Temple. Dali Ancient City is known for its simple and honest folk customs. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bai ethnic dances and songs, taste local delicacies such as Bai's Three-Course Tea and pot-fish, and experience the rich ethnic customs.

Fenghuang Ancient City (Hunan)
Fenghuang Ancient City, located in Fenghuang County of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and rich ethnic customs.

Founded during the Ming Dynasty, the city has nearly a thousand years of history. Situated beside the Tuo River and surrounded by mountains, Fenghuang Ancient City presents a picturesque scene.

It retains unique Miao and Tujia ethnic cultures, with well-preserved stilted buildings, ancient city walls, streets, and stone arch bridges. Famous attractions include the stilted building clusters, Shen Congwen's former residence, Xiong Xiling's former residence, and Yang Family Ancestral Hall.

The city has a slow pace of life and simple folk customs. Visitors can enjoy traditional Miao and Tujia ethnic dances and songs, taste local specialties such as Miao sour fish and Tujia's Gege noodles, and experience the rich ethnic atmosphere.

Langzhong Ancient City (Sichuan)
Langzhong Ancient City, located in Langzhong City, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and deep cultural heritage. Founded in 314 BC, the city has over 2,300 years of history.

Situated by the Jialing River and surrounded by mountains, Langzhong Ancient City boasts rich historical and cultural heritage, including ancient city walls, gates, streets, traditional residences, temples, and guild halls.

Notable attractions include Zhang Fei Temple, Yongan Temple, Huaguang Tower, and Gongyuan. Langzhong Ancient City is also an important birthplace of Chinese New Year culture, offering a variety of Spring Festival folk activities. Visitors can experience the rich festive atmosphere and taste local delicacies.

Huizhou Ancient City (Anhui)
Huizhou Ancient City, located in She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and profound culture. Established during the Qin Dynasty, the city has over 2,000 years of history.

Situated at the southern foot of Huangshan Mountain, surrounded by picturesque scenery, Huizhou Ancient City is rich in historical and cultural heritage, including ancient city walls, streets, traditional residences, ancestral halls, archways, and ancient bridges.

Notable attractions include Xu Guo's stone archway, Dou Mountain Street, Yuliang Dam, and the Huizhou Prefectural Office. Huizhou Ancient City is a typical representative of ancient Chinese clan society, preserving numerous ancestral halls, archways, and residential buildings, which testify to the prosperity and development of Huizhou culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Huizhou cultural atmosphere and appreciate the exquisite Huizhou architectural art.

Pingyao Ancient City (Shanxi)
Pingyao Ancient City, located in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and profound cultural heritage.

Established during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, the city has over 2,700 years of history. Situated in the central Shanxi plain, surrounded by fertile lands, Pingyao Ancient City is known as the "First Ancient City of China." The city is rich in historical and cultural heritage, including ancient city walls, gates, streets, traditional residences, escort agencies, banks, and pawnshops.

Famous attractions include the Pingyao Ancient City Wall, Rishengchang Draft Bank, County Government Office, Confucian Temple, and Shuanglin Temple, attracting many visitors. Pingyao Ancient City is the birthplace of Jin merchant culture and was once the financial center of China. Here, visitors can experience the prosperity of ancient commercial culture, enjoy the leisurely pace of ancient life, and appreciate the profoundness of Chinese culture.

Lijiang Ancient City (Yunnan)
Lijiang Ancient City, located in the Ancient City District of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, is an ancient city with a long history and rich ethnic culture.

Established during the late Song and early Yuan dynasties, the city has over 800 years of history.

Situated in the northwestern plateau of Yunnan, surrounded by mountains, Lijiang Ancient City possesses unique Naxi ethnic culture, with well-preserved cultural heritage such as the three squares and one wall, five-patio houses, and the Mu Palace.

Famous attractions include the ancient streets, Sifang Street, Mu Palace, Wufeng Tower, and Black Dragon Pool. Lijiang Ancient City has a relaxed pace of life and honest folk customs. Visitors can enjoy Naxi ethnic dances and songs, taste local delicacies such as Naxi grilled fish and chicken bean jelly, and experience the rich ethnic customs.