In 2024, visit Hangzhou to explore two ancient cities in one destination and enjoy a millennium of romance

As time flies, more than half of January 2024 has passed, and the Laba Festival is behind us. With the winter break and the Chinese New Year approaching, it's time to plan a quiet and relaxing trip for yourself! Combining work and rest is essential to maintain a high level of thinking and capability, allowing one to enter a state of complete relaxation and comfort, which is very pleasant. So, the question arises, where should one go for a leisurely trip? How about a laid-back journey? Uncle Cricket suggests visiting Hangzhou's 'one destination, two names' ancient city to experience a thousand years of romance. Those interested can consider making a trip in 2024! The place in question is Yanzhou Ancient City, also known as 'Meicheng Ancient Town.' At this point, some may wonder why one place has two names? It turns out that the scenic area is an ancient city with a thousand years of history, the former administrative center of the ancient Yanzhou Prefecture. Since the county was established in the fourth year of Huangwu during the Three Kingdoms period (225 AD), it has a history of over 1700 years and was once a bustling Lin'an Prefecture. Moreover, according to the records in 'Meicheng Town Chronicles,' three emperors of the Song Dynasty—Emperor Taizong, Emperor Gaozong, and Emperor Duzong—had all served as local officials in Yanzhou Ancient City. During the Southern Song Dynasty, as a 'key area near the capital,' the city thrived commercially and was known as the 'prosperous prefecture on the south bank of the Yangtze River.' The main streets of the ancient city, such as Zhengda Street and South Street, still carry the trajectory of regional commercial development and maintain regional cultural symbols. By the Ming Dynasty, Yanzhou was considered a place where hidden dragons dwelled. Hence the saying, 'Half of the world's plum blossoms are in Meicheng,' aside from Nanjing and Beijing. Therefore, it was also referred to as 'half the imperial capital,' a place many yearn for! Today, Yanzhou Ancient City and Meicheng Ancient Town cover the same area. When people say they are visiting Yanzhou Ancient City, they are actually referring to Meicheng Ancient Town; they are one and the same. However, as time is merciless, the once prosperous Yanzhou Ancient City/Meicheng Ancient Town has declined and become a city managed by Hangzhou, which is quite lamentable! But the splendid and long-standing culture, the abundant poetic heritage, the flourishing universities, and the mouthwatering cuisine all still exist! With ongoing restoration, these treasures have been unearthed for everyone to enjoy, making it a popular tourist destination today—Yanzhou Ancient City or Meicheng Ancient Town! Upon arriving at the site, one can see the city walls and archways. Standing on the walls of Meicheng, one can gaze at the clear river waters outside the city and the leisurely people within. Despite the passage of time, the prosperity of Yanzhou Ancient City remains! The ancient streets and alleys, the Hui-style architecture with black tiles and gray bricks, and the unique snacks and specialties all recreate the charm of the past, drawing much attention! Unlike other attractions, Yanzhou Ancient City/Meicheng Ancient Town is completely free to visit. After arriving, visitors are essentially playing in the scenic area. During holidays, there are often performances such as city gate shows, flash mobs, and parades, creating a lively atmosphere. When night falls, the ancient city lights up, not only offering a beautiful sight but also traces of poetry, perfect for taking photos and reminiscing about the past! When tired from walking, one can try local delicacies such as Yanzhou roasted cakes, Jiande tofu wraps, Sandu rice cakes, Sandu fish balls, corn cakes, stinky tofu, and sweet fermented rice, which effortlessly relax the body and mind! First-time visitors can follow this route: Kaiyuan Temple—West Lake Park—Sibuxiang Sculpture—Yanzhou Ancient City Wall Ruins—Poetry and Culture Light Corridor—Statues of Famous Teachers Who Moved to Zhejiang University—East Lake—Qiu Shi Pavilion—Jiangxi Guild Hall—East Gate Street—Old Post Office—Zhengda Street—Yanzhou Prefecture Qiao Tower. Along the way, one can discover the ancient city's thousand-year history and profound culture, as well as beautifully carved old archways and the lively atmosphere of a southern water town! Visitor Information for Yanzhou Ancient City/Meicheng Ancient Town: Admission is free. Located at Chengnan East Road, Meicheng Town, Jiande City, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Take the Meicheng 205 bus to the 'Meicheng Power Supply Station' stop. It is recommended to drive or take a taxi directly to Yanzhou Ancient City/Meicheng Ancient Town after arriving at Jiande Station if you miss the direct bus. For a romantic getaway, Yanzhou Ancient City/Meicheng Ancient Town offers a stroll through ancient streets, sunset views from the city gates, night market shopping, and local specialty purchases. For those who love photography, there are plenty of scenic spots such as the Chengqing Gate (an 1800-year-old city gate), Zhengda Street/ancient archways (all on the main street), the ancient city tower (great for viewing the sunset and night scenery), Wang's Former Residence, Yanzhou Top Scholar's Mansion, and Zhu Kezhen's Former Residence for photo opportunities! This article is originally created by 'Uncle Cricket Loves Traveling' and is not to be reproduced or copied without permission. Violators will be prosecuted! For more fun, free, and novel travel tips on food, drink, and entertainment, follow 'Uncle Cricket Loves Traveling'! If you like this article, don't forget to give it a thumbs up at the end, which can help with planning your travel itinerary! Have you visited this attraction? Feel free to leave a comment and discuss!