Tongcheng Ancient City Area, the historic seat of Tongcheng County, boasts a rich heritage spanning over 1200 years. This ancient city, oriented north to south, is nestled against the backdrop of the Yiping, Touzhi, and Longmian mountains, and is embraced by the Shihe and Longmian rivers, creating a setting of exceptional natural beauty and charm.
The city’s layout is a study in elegance, with its meandering lanes and alleys, famously described as the ‘seven turns, eight angles, nine lanes, and thirteen alleys’. Among the city’s well-preserved or restored ancient structures are several notable sites:
– The grand and spectacular Tongcheng Confucius Temple, which encapsulates the cultural essence of Tongcheng.
– The Southeast Two Old Streets, with their distinctive upturned eaves and corners, reflecting the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
– The Gao Chun Ji Xuan, with its Jiangnan-style allure.
– The Zilai Bridge, a five-pier, four-arch bridge that gracefully spans the Longmian River.
– The tranquil and solemn Jingtu Lianshe, which seems to transport visitors to a realm of enchantment.
– The legendary Xiangu Well, which has remained a steadfast source of water for a millennium.
Each corner of the city unveils a legacy of prominent figures, with sites such as:
– Fang Xuejian’s Lecture Garden.
– Fang Yizhi’s former residence, the Xiaosa Garden.
– Zuo Guangdou’s former residence, the Dan Jiao Hall, and Zuo Gong Ci.
– Zhang Ying and Zhang Tingyu’s Premier Mansion and the Six-foot Alley site.
– Yao Nai’s Xi Bao Xuan and the ginkgo tree he planted.
– Yao Yuanzhi’s former residence, the Bamboo Leaf Pavilion.
– Fang Dongshu’s ancestral temple.
– Fang Zongcheng’s former residence, the Nine-Room Building.
– Wu Rulun’s book collection place, Ban Shan Ge.
– Fang Shoudun’s poetry pavilion, Ling Han Pavilion.
– The former residence of modern revolutionary martyr Wu Yue.
These landmarks vividly showcase the unique charm and historical significance of Tongcheng Ancient City Area.Renowned contemporary scholars and writers, including Zhu Guangqian, Fang Dongmei, Ye Dingyi, Fang Xiaoyue, Fang Lingru, Ma Maoyuan, Guang Renhong, and Shu Wu, have all left their footprints in their hometown during their formative years. Among the main attractions, one can find Zhu Guangqian’s former residence, which stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the place.
Upon visiting the ancient city, the renowned historian and literary scholar Luo Zhe Wen was moved to write: “Thinking of the past, the city was filled with dignitaries, and its literature was unparalleled; looking at the present, the humanities are rising again, leading the trend once more.” This reflection captures the essence of the city’s historical significance and its ongoing cultural resurgence.
Please note that the specific business hours and opening status of these attractions are subject to the actual situation on the day of your visit. It is advisable to check for the most current information before planning your trip.
