The Zhaoqing Ancient City Wall is located along Songcheng Road in the urban area of Zhaoqing, originally constructed during the Song Dynasty. It is rectangular in shape, with its highest point at Piyun Tower in the northern part of the city. This is the only well-preserved ancient city wall in Guangdong and serves as a landmark of the cultural city of Zhaoqing.
Over the nearly thousand years, the ancient city wall has undergone numerous repairs, featuring a variety of brick types, making it a living ‘Museum of Bricks’. Although it may not be considered grand or spectacular, it has its unique charm. Typically, one would ascend the city wall from the North Gate named ‘Chaotian’, where one can see residences and homes built directly on top of the ancient city wall, with the wall acting as a fence for the residents’ homes. Occasionally, one might even spot residents walking their dogs. It is quite an interesting scene to imagine that what was once a military defense wall against enemies is now a part of everyday life.
The original city wall had corner towers at each of its four corners, but these were later destroyed. The most magnificent structure now is the reconstructed Piyun Tower. Walking west along Songcheng Road and turning left at the intersection to Qingfeng Tan, inside the city wall, there is a stone tablet inscribed with ‘Song Dynasty Ancient City Wall’. Entering through the iron gate beside it, one can get close to the city wall and have a good look at Piyun Tower.
While there are many ancient city walls in China, compared to those that are commercialized and charge admission, Zhaoqing’s ancient city wall retains its own small-scale charm and flavor. It is free and accessible to the public. Looking back at the ancient city wall, one side of the wall is indistinguishable from any other city, presenting an urban appearance. However, on the other side of the wall, there is a tranquil and contented space. The wall is open all year round from 8:00 to 17:30.
