Cicheng Ancient Town: The "Little Chang'an of Jiangnan" Hidden in Ningbo, a Thousand-Year-Old Ancient County Town More Tranquil Than Wuzhen

White walls and black tiles, winding streets—this is Cicheng in Ningbo. A county town with over 1,200 years of history, free from excessive commercialization and noise, it exudes the steady charm of a Tang Dynasty grid layout and the warmth of everyday life. ✨ Highlights - The only complete ancient county town in Jiangnan: Cicheng preserves the Tang Dynasty street layout and is known as the "Little Chang'an of Jiangnan," with an overall pattern resembling a miniature Chang'an city. - High cost-performance with free park entry: The ancient town streets are free to enter, with only some small attractions requiring tickets, ideal for budget-conscious deep travelers. - Rich millennium cultural heritage: Historically produced 5 top scholars and 519 successful candidates in imperial exams, with a flourishing literary tradition; the Confucius Temple is the largest in eastern Zhejiang. 📍 Basic Information Address: Cicheng Town, Jiangbei District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province Opening Hours: 08:30-16:50 (last entry at 16:30) Ticket Price: Free entry to the ancient town streets; combined ticket for small attractions 65 RMB (includes County Government Office, Confucius Temple, Xiaoshi Hall, Feng Yue Painted Gate) Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day 🏯 Must-Visit Attractions Guide 1. Cicheng Confucius Temple: The Most Complete Confucian Temple in Eastern Zhejiang - Features: Built during the Song Dynasty Qingli period, 300 years earlier than Beijing’s Confucius Temple. Red walls and black tiles, best for ancient-style photos in the soft morning light. - Highlights: Dacheng Hall, Minglun Hall, Tiyun Pavilion, and the list of over 500 successful imperial exam candidates from Cicheng. - Tips: Before 9 AM, fewer people and soft light make it perfect for Hanfu photos. 2. Cicheng County Government Office: The Largest Ancient Government Office in Jiangnan - Features: Established in the Tang Dynasty, over 1,200 years old, with the first magistrate being Fang Guan. The architecture is solemn and dignified, preserving Tang Dynasty brick corridors. - Experience: Wax figures recreate ancient court scenes; the back garden’s “Qingqing Hall” showcases ancient integrity culture. 3. Xiaoshi Hall: Realistic Reenactment of Imperial Examination - Features: The “examination hall” from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, where the imperial child exams were held. The venue has lifelike wax figures of candidates, recreating the imperial exam atmosphere. - Fun fact: See the “Tiandi Xuanhuang” sign on the exam room and learn about the ancient exam room system. 4. Cihu Lake: The Finishing Touch of the Ancient Town - Best time: Early morning or evening, stroll along the lake and see Shigu Pavilion reflected in the water—an absolutely beautiful scene. - New experience: Starting 2025, boat tours will be available (10:00-17:00), allowing you to row on the lake. 🚶 Classic One-Day Tour Route Morning: Pick up a map at the visitor center → Confucius Temple (take photos by the red walls) → Minquan Road (try rice cakes) → Jiadi Shijia (view Ming Dynasty architecture) Noon: Taste local snacks on Minquan Road, recommended Cicheng rice cakes and Cicheng rice balls Afternoon: Cicheng County Government Office → Xiaoshi Hall → Walk by Cihu Lake → Congma River National Style Street (most beautiful when lanterns light up at dusk) Evening: Enjoy the night view at Congma River Street, find a riverside teahouse to relax 🍜 Food Recommendations Cicheng Rice Cake: A must-try! Recommended is Feng Hengda Rice Cake Shop’s handmade rice cakes, freshly pounded and dipped in brown sugar, soft and sweet. Cicheng Rice Ball: Filled with fried dough sticks, pickles, and pork floss, only 8 RMB each, a local favorite. Osmanthus Rice Wine Dumpling Soup: Available at Zoumalou Restaurant, a sweet dessert full of Jiangnan flavor. 💡 Practical Tips Transportation Guide - Metro: Ningbo Metro Line 4 directly to “Cicheng Station,” exit A, 10-minute walk to the town. - Driving: Navigate to “Cicheng Ancient County Town Visitor Center,” parking fee 5 RMB/hour, recommended to arrive before 9 AM for parking availability. Best Photo Spots 1. Confucius Temple red wall light and shadow 2. Congma River National Style Street night view (lanterns reflected in water) 3. Morning mist at Shigu Pavilion by Cihu Lake 4. Capturing daily life in front of old teahouses on Minquan Road Money-Saving Tips - The free area is enough to explore for a whole day, focusing on external buildings and street scenes - Combined tickets are more cost-effective than single attraction tickets, four-attraction combo for 65 RMB - Bring your own snacks and water; dining prices inside the scenic area are moderate but options are limited Suitable For - Culture lovers: Deep historical and cultural heritage, Ming and Qing ancient architecture clusters - Photography enthusiasts: Rustic streets, red wall light and shadow, water town reflections - Travelers who prefer quiet: Compared to popular ancient towns like Wuzhen, this place is less commercialized and more peaceful The beauty of Cicheng requires slowing down to appreciate. When the tourists leave and the lanterns light up at dusk in Congma River Street, you can truly feel the charm of this thousand-year-old county town. There are no noisy shops shouting for business, only the leisurely pace of local life and the aroma of rice cakes filling the streets. Tip: Weekends are busier, so weekdays are recommended; in summer, remember sun protection; bring an umbrella during the rainy season—the ancient town’s bluestone streets have a unique charm in the rain.