Minghe Ancient Town, nestled in the southeast of Cixi within Ningbo’s Zhejiang Province, boasts a rich history dating back over 1200 years to the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. Situated a mere 50 kilometers east of Ningbo and bordering National Highway 329 to the north, it stands as one of the ancient market towns in the Sanbei area and the sole survivor of the typical ancient towns south of the Yangtze River in Cixi City. Known for its picturesque landscapes, it has earned the accolade, “the scenery of Hegao is better than that of Suzhou.”
Built along the serene Baiyang Lake and in close proximity to the Wulei Mountain Scenic Area, Minghe Ancient Town is a quintessential representation of an ancient town with its harmonious blend of mountains and waters. A river meanders through the town from west to east, adorned with seven ancient bridges from the Ming Dynasty that span its waters. Alongside the river, one can find residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of water towns in the south of the Yangtze River. The majority of these residences are opulent houses, constructed after the Ye family of Minghe amassed wealth through the traditional Chinese medicine industry.
Zoumalou in Yancang is a prime example of an ancient building, featuring the unique quadrangle courtyards typical of southern China. In the hall of the Shen family’s old residence, the好消息 of descendants’ success in the imperial examinations is still preserved, a testament to the scholarly legacy. The lingering scholarly atmosphere of the notice of success serves as a witness to the accumulation and continuation of the ancient town’s culture.Wulei Temple, the first ancient temple in eastern Zhejiang with a history of more than 1700 years, and Jinshan Temple, founded during the Datong period of the Liang Dynasty, are both situated close to this small town. The ancient town is accompanied by the morning bells, evening drums, and melodious chanting sounds of the temples, adding an extraordinary and refined mysterious color to its ambiance.
Regarding the opening hours, the town is open all day and throughout the year. However, the specific business status may vary depending on the opening situation on that particular day.
