Mingshui Ancient Town

Mingshui Ancient Town is located on Chezhan Street, Mingshui Subdistrict, Zhangqiu District, Jinan City, Shandong Province. Here's a detailed introduction: History - Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, Xichuan Town was established during the Zhenguan period. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, it became one of the four famous towns in Zhangqiu. The city walls were gradually completed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. - During the Xianfeng and Tongzhi periods of the Qing Dynasty, large-scale renovations were carried out to defend against the Nian rebels, and the city walls reached a length of 2,600m. - In March 2018, construction began on the Mingshui Ancient Town International Spring Water Tourism Resort project, centered around Baimai Spring. The trial operation began on October 1, 2023. Architectural Style and Layout - Primarily featuring the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, new city gates, pavilions, and imitation ancient streets have been constructed. Imitation ancient city walls have also been built, integrating Mingshui Ancient Town and Baimai Spring Park within the walls. - The planned area is 5 sq km, the core scenic area is over 2,400 mu, and the building area is 800,000 sq m. Main Attractions - Ancient City Walls: A section of the ancient city wall, also known as the Wei Zi Wall, still stands. It is about 4m high and made of rammed earth. This section is between the south and west gates of the old Mingshui City. The wall is pockmarked with bullet holes, bearing witness to the "Three Attacks on Mingshui City" battle. - Ancient Streets and Alleys: Crisscrossing streets and alleys, such as Confucian Merchant Street and Mingshui Street, are lined with shops selling various specialty goods and food. - City Gates: Majestic and spectacular, with exquisite carvings, the city gates are in the Ming and Qing style. Built with green bricks and tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters, they are the visual focal point of the ancient town, carrying the memories and historical heritage of the ancient city. - Moquan Spring: Located within Mingshui Ancient Town, the spring water is clear and cool. The surrounding stone paths and railings are simple and elegant, complementing Moquan Spring. Culture and Activities - Cultural Heritage: Mingshui Ancient Town boasts numerous intangible cultural heritages, such as traditional operas like Zhangqiu Bangzi, as well as traditional handicrafts like paper-cutting and embroidery. - Themed Activities: In March 2024, the Li Qingzhao Poetry and Art Festival was held with the theme "Poetry Flows Like a Spring, Poetry Reflects Life," combining local history and culture with modern cultural activities. - Special Performances: During the day, there are intangible cultural heritage and performance art shows. In the evening, there is the "Quan Xiu" show, which incorporates elements such as fountains, classical dance, and drone performances. Facilities - Transportation: Convenient external transportation. It is only 3.2 km from Zhangqiu Station, about a 10-min taxi ride. It is 14 km from Zhangqiu North Station, a 20-min taxi ride. It is about a 60-min drive from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. There are two parking lots inside, convenient for self-driving tourists. - Accommodation: There are many hotels and guesthouses within the ancient town, such as the Yi'an Yue Hotel, catering to the accommodation needs of different tourists.