Tongcheng Ancient City Area, the seat of Tongcheng County, has a history of over 1200 years. The ancient city, facing north and backed by the Yiping, Touzi, and Longmian mountains, is flanked by the Shihe and Longmian rivers, with a picturesque combination of mountains and waters that are exceptionally enchanting.
Built with elegance and intricate design, the city is known for its ‘seven turns, eight corners, nine lanes, and thirteen alleys’. Among the well-preserved or restored ancient buildings are the grand and spectacular ‘Tongcheng Confucius Temple’, which embodies the cultural characteristics of Tongcheng; the ‘Southeast Old Street’ with its upturned eaves and corners, reflecting the architectural features of the Ming and Qing dynasties; the exquisitely shaped ‘Gao Chun Ji Xuan’, with its Jiangnan charm; the ‘Zilai Bridge’, a five-arched, four-hole bridge spanning the Longmian River; the tranquil and solemn ‘Jingtu Lianshe’, which feels like a fairyland; and the legendary ‘Xiangu Well’, which has never dried up for a thousand years, among others.
Every step in the city reveals the legacy of a famous figure, such as Fang Xuejian’s ‘Lecture Garden’, Fang Yizhi’s former residence ‘Shuaiya Garden’, Zuo Guangdou’s former residence ‘Dan Jiao Hall’ and ‘Zuo Gong Temple’, Zhang Ying and Zhang Tingyu’s ‘Premier Mansion’ and the site of the ‘Six-foot Alley’, Yao Nai’s ‘Xi Bao Xuan’ and the ginkgo tree he planted himself, Yao Yuanzhi’s former residence ‘Bamboo Leaf Pavilion’, Fang Dongshu’s family temple, Fang Zongcheng’s former residence ‘Nine Rooms Building’, Wu Rulun’s book collection place ‘Ban Shan Ge’, Fang Shoudun’s poetry pavilion ‘Ling Han Pavilion’, and the former residence of modern revolutionary martyr Wu Yue, all vividly presenting the unique charm of the ancient city.
Famous contemporary scholars and writers such as Zhu Guangqian, Fang Dongmei, Ye Dingyi, Fang Xiaoyue, Fang Lingru, Ma Maoyuan, Guang Renhong, and Shu Wu have also left their footprints in their hometown’s ancient city during their youth. The main attractions include Zhu Guangqian’s former residence, among others. Renowned historian and literary scholar Luo Zhewen wrote about the ancient city: ‘Thinking of the past, when the capital was full of dignitaries and the articles were the best in the world; looking at today, the humanities are rising again, leading the trend once more.’ The specific opening hours and business status are subject to the actual situation on the day of visit.
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