The ancient Sizhou was built 1,500 years ago. At that time, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty dug the Luo Canal, leading the Yellow River water through Kaifeng, Shangqiu, Lingbi, Xiaqiu to Linhuai (now on the other side of the Huaihe River in Xuyi County). During the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, the Sizhou Prefecture was moved to Linhuai County. From Sizhou, through the Huaihe River, the Grand Canal, the Bian River and the Yangtze River, one can reach important cities such as Nanjing, Kaifeng and Luoyang.
Therefore, Sizhou became an important transportation hub and water transport center, with merchants gathering and bustling activities. It flourished for more than 900 years. More than 400 years ago, due to the Yellow River diverting into the Huaihe River through the Bian River, the water level of Hongze Lake continuously rose, and the flood line moved upward. The foundation of Sizhou City was soaked in water for a long time. The foundation of the built city wall gradually collapsed. The water level of the moat was higher than that inside the city. In 1680 (the nineteenth year of the Kangxi reign), the ancient Sizhou City was finally flooded overnight. Now, most of the former site of Sizhou City has emerged on the river beach, which is due to the siltation of Hongze Lake in more than 200 years. Most of the ruins of the ancient city are estimated by experts to be buried under the fields of Qigan Beach and Chenggen Beach by the Huaihe River, facing the First Mountain across the river. With the unfolding of archaeological excavations, the ancient city of Sizhou will gradually be presented in front of the world. The specific business status and opening hours are subject to the opening situation on the day.
