Huizhou Ancient City(Shexian Ancient City)

The ancient city of Huizhou is located in Shexian County.LianjiangNorth Bank, originally built in the Qin Dynasty, became the seat of the ancient Huizhou Prefecture after the Tang Dynasty. Tang Xianzu's line, "My life's most cherished dream, yet I never dreamt of Huizhou," has captivated countless hearts. The city gates, archways, and the unique prefectural government offices still allow visitors to experience the ancient charm.Huizhou PrefectureThe legacy of the past.

There are several roads leading into the ancient city, and it doesn't really matter which road you choose. The ancient city isn't very big; you can visit all the main attractions by walking around. It's near Renhe Tower in the north.Huiyuan GardenTicket offices are available at both the Nanqiao Tower and the Duojingyuan visitors Center outside the southern barbican. Among the several city gates of Huizhou Ancient City, the Nanqiao Tower is quite unique, with 13 pairs of pillars forming the gate frame, arranged in a row inside the gate opening to support the tower. It is said that this "row of pillars" is the authentic city gate style of the Northern Song Dynasty.

The Xu Guo Stone Archway, located inside the East Watchtower (Yanghe Gate), is the essence of the entire ancient city, built in the twelfth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1584 AD). The archway has eight pillars, with a cross-section shaped like the Chinese character "口" (kou), creating a three-dimensional structure. Both the four exterior and four interior sides can be viewed. Twelve stone lions guard the base of the pillars, and the upper part features exquisite stone carvings. Currently, this is the only ancient archway of its kind, highlighting the distinguished status of its owner, Xu Guo, a veteran of three reigns.

Many attractions in the ancient city radiate from the Xu Guo Stone Archway. To the west, you can visit the Huizhou Prefectural Government Office, a modern reconstruction modeled after the Ming Dynasty government office; to the east, you can visit the memorial hall of Tao Xingzhi, a native of Shexian County; and to the north, you can visit...Huiyuan Garden,butHuiyuan GardenThe area is filled with antique-style buildings. Doushan Street, located in the northeast of the ancient city, brings together Hui-style ancient residences, archways, and ancient wells. Strolling along the ancient street paved with bluestone slabs and cobblestones is a truly delightful experience.

Leaving the ancient city from the barbican, cross the "Taiping Bridge," a stone bridge built during the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, and you will arrive at...LianjiangSouth bank, here isTaibai TowerHe Xin'an Stele Garden.Taibai TowerBuilt to commemorate Li Bai, the Xin'an Stele Garden houses the Ming Dynasty calligraphic works *Yu Qingzhai Tie* and *Qingjiantang Tie*, which are worth visiting for calligraphy visitors. Along...LianjiangHeading east, the Changqing Temple Pagoda, built in the second year of the Xuanhe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1119 AD), is rarely visited. However, it offers a truly unexpected surprise to visitors who get close: each layer of the outer pagoda has colorful murals, which have become blurred over the years and cannot be seen from a distance.

The last attraction, Yuliang Scenic attraction, is located 2 kilometers east of the ancient city. The entrance is at...LianjiangThe north bank is the only way to get back to the north bank after visiting Changqing Temple Pagoda; if you're coming from the south bank, you'll need to cross Taiping Bridge again.Yuliang DamYou have to go around to Ziyang Bridge to cross the river.

The main attractions of Yuliang attraction areLianjiangMing DynastyYuliang DamWhether or not you can walk up to the dam depends on...LianjiangThe water level is high; if it floods the ancient dam, it becomes impossible to climb it. When you reach the dam, remember to look for the small stone slabs, called "ingot locks," embedded horizontally between the long stone slabs; these help stabilize the dam. Also, look for the sluice gate in the center of the dam for drainage. If you'd like to take a ride on one of the locals' small boats along the shore...LianjiangThe price is negotiable. Residents still live on Yuliang Old Street on the north bank, and as always, they hang their bedsheets to dry in front of the ancient buildings; time seems to stand still here.

The ancient city is lit up at night, offering stunning night views. (The text abruptly shifts to a description of the ancient city.)Tao Xingzhi Memorial HallThe nearby Shexian Jiuyue Huizhou Inn (Huizhou Ancient City Branch) offers accommodation, and there are more options outside the ancient city. Restaurants are concentrated in...Huiyuan GardenIn addition, local specialties include Huizhou Yipin Guo (a type of hot pot), a large pot layered with chicken, duck, meat, and fried tofu, garnished with egg dumplings, which is very tempting. Other dishes worth trying include hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish. If you come across a vendor selling preserved vegetable pancakes, you can buy some to eat while you stroll around; they are very delicious.