[2025 Shou County Attraction] Travel Guide for Ancient City Wall of Shou County (Updated Mar)

In the long river of history, Shouxian is like a shining pearl, radiating a unique and charming light. It is the hometown of Chu culture, the birthplace of tofu in China, and the ancient battlefield of the Battle of Fei River. The ancient city, which has stood for thousands of years, is still well-preserved, quietly telling the glory and vicissitudes of the past. As the city of Shouyang in the TV series One and Only and the city of Shouchun in Love Like the Galaxy, Shouxian's charm attracts countless people to explore it. Today, we'll show you how to fully experience this small city in just six hours, covering food, drink, and fun. Explore the Chu Culture Museum Walking into the Shouxian Chu Culture Museum, it's hard to believe that it belongs to a small county-level city. Its large scale and rich collection are amazing, and it deserves the reputation of an "underground museum". The seven treasures of the museum are all exquisite, fully demonstrating the unique charm of Chu culture. - Spring and Autumn Period · Three-legged Bronze Zun with Sheep Head: This cooking utensil has a unique shape with a sheep's head. However, it is currently on loan to the Anhui Provincial Museum and is expected to return to the Shouxian Chu Culture Museum in mid-August. - "King of Yue's Decree" Sword: The sword, having gone through the baptism of years, still shines with a cold light, telling the legend of the Yue Kingdom. - Chu Gold Coin: As an early form of gold currency in China, with a gold content of 85%-96%, it is admirable for the exquisite casting technology of the Chu State at that time. - (Reliquary of Buddha) Gold Coffin: Solemn and respectful, it carries profound Buddhist cultural connotations. - Eastern Han Dynasty · Lace-inlaid Eight-dragon Gold Belt Buckle: Hollow carving, with a strong three-dimensional sense, the exquisite craftsmanship is amazing. - Gilded Rice Bowl: Glittering with gold, it shows luxury. - Yingzhou Kaiyuan Temple Bell: The sound of the bell seems to be able to travel through thousands of years, echoing in the space-time of history. Tips for Visiting: - Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, remember to make an appointment in advance on the official WeChat account. - Guided tour service: The fee for a human guide is CNY 100. You can also rent an audio guide on site, which is convenient for understanding the stories behind the cultural relics at any time. - Visit duration: It is recommended to arrange 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the charm of this museum. - Visiting experience: Seeing cultural relics from different periods in different museums, you will find that they have similarities, highlighting the continuous inheritance of Chinese civilization. Stroll along the Ancient City Wall The Shouxian ancient city wall was built in the Song Dynasty. As a strategic location in the Jianghuai region, it is listed on the tentative list of World Cultural Heritage sites along with the ancient city walls of Xi'an and Nanjing. Standing on the city wall and looking down, you will be filled with awe, as if you can see thousands of years of history at a glance. There are also allusions such as "A snake swallows an elephant because of its insatiable greed" and "To speak frankly and directly" circulating here. Tips for Visiting: - Photo recommendation: I personally think this place is especially suitable for taking photos in Warring States period costumes. The simplicity and solemnity of the city wall can add a unique charm to the photos. - City wall tour: CNY 30 for a tour around the city wall. Sitting on the sightseeing bus, you can not only enjoy the tour easily but also listen to the driver's introduction of the scenic spots along the way. Enjoy the Tranquility of Bao'en Temple Walking into Bao'en Temple and listening to the melodious Buddhist music, your heart will instantly become peaceful and serene. Here you can temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of the world and enjoy a moment of tranquility. Taste Local Specialties When you come to Shouxian, you must not miss the local food. - Da Jiu Jia: Be sure to try the authentic Da Jiu Jia, a crispy and sweet pastry. One bite is full of the taste of history. - Lang Lang Babao Congee: Rich in ingredients, soft and glutinous, warm and delicious. - Small Knife-cut Noodles: The noodles are chewy, the soup base is rich, simple but unforgettable. - Fang's Beef Soup: The soup is delicious, the beef is plentiful, and a bowl will make you feel comfortable all over. - Tofu Feast: As the birthplace of tofu in China, the tofu feast is definitely not to be missed. Various dishes made with tofu will make you unable to stop eating. - Shouxian Youmo: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it is a favorite traditional food of the locals. Dining tips: There are many restaurants in the ancient city, but be aware that many shops in the city will be closed from 12:00-4:00 pm, and it may not be easy to find food. Remember to arrange your meal time reasonably. Convenient Transportation Guide - High-speed rail: You can take the high-speed rail directly to Shouxian. After exiting the station, take bus 601 to the ancient city. - City bus: From downtown Huainan, you can take bus 29 to Shouxian. - Taxi: It costs about CNY 60 to take a taxi from downtown Huainan to Shouxian. Tips: - Shouxian High-speed Railway Station has a luggage storage area, located on the left-hand side of the exit, next to the Party-Mass Service Center, which is convenient for traveling light. - It only takes 10 minutes to travel from Huainan South Railway Station to Shouxian by high-speed rail, which is very convenient. - The Shouxian ancient city wall will be lit up at night, which is beautiful and has a unique flavor. You must visit Shouxian in your lifetime to experience the Chu-Han charm of this 3,000-year-old city and embark on an unforgettable historical and cultural journey.

I. Historical Background Construction Time Construction of the Shouxian Ancient City Wall began during the Spring and Autumn Period (506 BC) when the Chu State built a city here, historically known as "Shouchun Yi." It underwent several renovations throughout the Three Kingdoms, Wei, Jin, Sui, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The existing city walls are mostly from the Ming Dynasty. Military Value Due to its strategic location, the Shouxian Ancient City Wall has been known as the "Barrier of Jiangnan." The famous Battle of Fei River (383 AD) took place here, where the Former Qin's Fu Jian led a large army to attack the Eastern Jin's Shouchun City, resulting in a legendary victory for the outnumbered defenders. II. Architectural Features Unique Structure Shape: The ancient city is elliptical, with a circumference of 7.1 km, a height of 10-18m, a base width of 18-25m, and a top width of 12-15m. Material: Brick exterior and interior, rammed earth in between, and a drainage system at the bottom ("horse faces" and "barbican" design enhance defense). Moat: Approximately 40m wide, forming a complete defense system with the city wall. Well-Preserved Compared to other damaged ancient city walls, the Shouxian Ancient City Wall remains intact and boasts one of the oldest existing barbicans in China. III. Main Attractions Binyang Tower Located at the south gate, this tower features upturned eaves. Visitors can ascend the tower for a panoramic view of the ancient city and learn about the history of the Battle of Fei River. Jinghuai Tower Located at the north gate, originally named "Wanghuai Tower," it was renamed after the Song Dynasty's defense against the Jin army. It now serves as an exhibition hall showcasing Shouxian's culture. Ancient City Wall Stroll The city wall has a walkway suitable for cycling or walking, allowing visitors to experience the ancient city's history. Anfeng Pond (Nearby Attraction) A World Heritage Irrigation Structure, it complements the ancient city wall, creating Shouxian's integrated landscape of "mountains, water, and city." IV. Tourist Information Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30 (subject to seasonal adjustments; please refer to the scenic area's announcements). Tickets: Free admission (some exhibitions inside the towers cost approximately 20 yuan). Best Season: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather; avoid the rainy season (frequent heavy rain in summer). Local Cuisine: Shouxian's four famous dishes (Welcome Banquet, Shouxian Stuffed Tofu, Bagongshan Sesame Seed Cakes, and Steamed Silverfish with Egg). V. Transportation Guide By Car: From Hefei: Hewu Expressway → Changfeng South Exit → Shouxian Ancient City (approx. 1.5 hrs). From Huainan City: Drive north along Provincial Road 203 for about 30 km. Public Transportation: Take a bus from Hefei/Huainan Station to Shouxian Bus Station, then transfer to the scenic area's shuttle bus. Take the high-speed train to Huainan South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi. VI. Cultural Significance The Shouxian Ancient City Wall not only carries the historical memory of military defense but also witnessed the fusion of Chu culture and Han-Tang culture. Details such as inscription bricks and the drainage system on the city wall reflect the wisdom of ancient craftsmen. Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for your visit, as some sections are steep. Pay attention to the weather, as some areas may be closed on rainy days. For in-depth explanations, contact the scenic area to book a guided tour.

Shou County Ancient City Wall is one of the seven relatively well-preserved ancient city walls in my country. It was approved as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2001. Historically, Shou County was the throat leading from the Central Plains to the south of the Yangtze River, and a place that military strategists must fight for. The famous Battle of Feishui, where the outnumbered side won, took place here. At the same time, the ancient city is surrounded by water on all sides. It has been repeatedly ravaged by wars and floods over the centuries, and has gone through many vicissitudes and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. It was not until the Song Dynasty that Shouchun City was fully built. The existing ancient city wall was rebuilt during the Xining period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1068-1077) and renovated during the Jiading period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1208-1224). The ancient city of Shouzhou is roughly square in shape, with an area of ​​3.65 square kilometers and a city wall circumference of 7,147 meters. The city has four gates, "Tongfei" in the south, "Jinghuai" in the north, "Binyang" in the east, and "Dinghu" in the west. Each gate has a barbican and a moat outside the city. In this way, the ancient city wall formed a complete defense system with facilities such as urn, city gates, moats, watchtowers, police stations and "battlements". Therefore, it is known as the "Iron Shouzhou City".

Our trip to Anhui started because of Shou County. From Zhengzhou to the southern cities of Anhui, Shou County can be a very good transfer station. It only takes two or three hours to get from Shou County to Xuancheng, Huangshan, Chizhou, and Chuzhou in southern Anhui. Stop in Shou County for a while and feel the fusion of northern and southern cultures. Anyone will feel comfortable. 1. The recommended places in Shou County are the Chu Culture Museum and the ancient city wall, which are not far apart. You can spend half a day or a day playing. You can park in the Chu Culture Museum, and you need to enter and exit from the west gate. The museum is large, and you can park on both sides of the road. You don't have to worry about not finding a parking space. The history of the Chu State displayed in the museum is most attractive with all kinds of goldware. It is worth the trip. 2. Turn right from the Chu Culture Museum and cross the traffic lights to the east gate of the ancient city wall of Shou County. This gate is not accessible by car. You need to park your car near the visitor center and walk there, which is relatively far away. 3. It is not far from the east gate to Bao'en Zen Temple. Bao'en Zen Temple is on the right hand side after entering the east gate. Go forward to the main street in the city. Like other ancient cities, there are many recommended food stores. I was going to the city gate on the other side to drink beef soup, but I was limited in physical strength. I went to Aunt Huang's store in the middle to drink the beef soup I had been thinking about. It really verified what our tour guide in Langya Mountain said that the beef soup in his hometown Huainan is the best. The taste is different outside Huainan. 4. The ancient city wall of the Song Dynasty is full of strong historical traces, and the green grass on one side completely satisfies the aesthetics of modern people. It is really a perfect match. The county-level ancient city has a strong sense of life, unlike the ancient cities of Pingyao and Shangqiu, so many people will feel disappointed or unworthy, but this is the temperament of a small city, full of fireworks but also comfortable.

Shouchun, the last capital of the Chu State, the Guan River is still there, but the King of Chu is gone! The ancient city wall of Shou County is located in Shou County, Huainan City, Anhui Province. It was first built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt during the Xining period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1068–1077). It was repaired many times during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and has a history of over 900 years. In June 2001, it was approved by the State Council as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 2012, it was included in the preparatory list of China's World Cultural Heritage "Ming and Qing City Walls" project. The city wall is 7,147 meters long, 9.7 meters high, 18 to 20 meters wide at the base, and 6 to 10 meters wide at the top. It is grand in scale and imposing. It has four gates: Binyang Gate in the east, Tongfei Gate in the south, Dinghu Gate in the west, and Jinghuai Gate in the north. Each gate has a barbican, and the defense system is complete. The outer side of the city wall is built with bluestone and gray bricks, bonded with glutinous rice and lime, making it extremely strong. The ancient city wall of Shou County is not only an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese city wall architecture but also a valuable heritage that carries a thousand years of history and cultural heritage.

🛣️ On the southern bank of the Huai River, standing against the Ba Gong Mountain, there is a chessboard-like Song dynasty city, which is the ancient city of Shouxian. Unlike other ancient cities that have undergone major reconstructions, this one seems to have grown freely with time. In the ancient city, you can drive cars and find continuously renovated buildings without demolishing and rebuilding the entire city. What's more, scattered throughout the city are century-old ancient buildings and the ubiquitous sense of daily life. Of course, the most worthy of attention is the ancient city wall of Shouxian, which has a history of over 900 years. 🧱 About the Ancient City Wall: 1️⃣ Shouxian was once the capital of the Chu state in the late period, Shouchun, located on Ba Gong Mountain. The famous historical battle of the Battle of Fei, known for its victory with fewer troops over many, took place here. 2️⃣ The existing ancient city wall was built during the Ming dynasty, with a complete military defense system. It has a circumference of 7 kilometers and is one of the well-preserved Song dynasty city walls in China. Today's Shouxian city wall is like an open city wall park, with good cultural heritage protection. Shouxian is also among the first batch of national historical and cultural cities. 👉 Must Experience: 1️⃣ Check in from multiple angles at the four city gates. The ancient city wall has four gates: the east gate is Binyang, the south gate is Tongbi (also the most frequently visited gate), the west gate is Dinghu, and the north gate is Jinghuai. Each gate has its protective urn city and towering gate towers, and the city walls stretch on, making this ancient city a heavy historical tome. 2️⃣ Seek out the scattered ancient buildings in the city. As you walk, you will unexpectedly encounter Anhui's largest existing Confucian temple, the largest mosque in East China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the thousand-year-old Bao'en Temple, and the rebuilt gate of the Shouchun Town General Military Office, among other ancient buildings. ↪️ Recommended Route: 1️⃣ It is recommended to first climb the south gate (Tongbi Gate), which is also the main thoroughfare within the city area, where you can overlook the scenery inside and outside the city from atop the gate; 2️⃣ Then, walk along the city wall or ride a bike along the inner ring road to visit Binyang Gate; 3️⃣ Continue forward to reach the north gate, Jinghuai Gate. Not far from the north side of Shouxian ancient city is the Huai River, hence the name Jinghuai. Climbing the north gate, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Ba Gong Mountain. The final stop is the west gate, Dinghu Gate. The overall tour takes about 2 hours. 🎟 Ticket: Free admission. There are almost no charges for the internal attractions. 📍 Address: Inner Ring Road, Shouxian, Huainan City. There is a dedicated parking lot on the city square outside the south gate, with free parking, which is sure to win visitors' favor.

The ancient city wall of Shou County was built during the Xining period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1068-1077), and it has been repaired multiple times during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a history of over 900 years. The ancient city wall is roughly square in shape, with a chessboard-style layout, a perimeter of 7147 meters, a height of 9.7 meters, a base width of 18-20 meters, and a top width of 6-10 meters. The area within the city is 3.65 square kilometers. The foundation of the city wall is built with large stones, and the middle of the wall is compacted with clay. Interestingly, the outer wall is covered with extra-large blue bricks, while the inner wall is not covered with bricks but is a dirt slope. It is said that the seams between bricks and stones are filled with a mixture of tung oil, glutinous rice juice, and lime paste. The city wall is equipped with 'enemy towers' and 'alarm towers', and the top of the wall is lined with 'crenellations', which are low walls with battlements. The city has four gates, each inscribed with its name: Bin Yang in the east, Tong Fei in the south, Ding Hu in the west, and Jing Huai in the north, each with a barbican except for the south gate. According to local residents, the east and north gates are the old city gates, while the south and west gates have been rebuilt in recent years. There is a moat outside the city. The uniqueness of the ancient city wall of Shou County lies in its unique water level regulation system! In the first year of the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573), Shou County saw the emergence of 'moon dams'. The so-called moon dam is a cylindrical dam wall built of brick and stone structures, with the corner of the inner city's conduit as the center, rising above the city wall. It is surrounded by a thick embankment, and from a distance, it looks like a small hill. Inside the moon dam, there are stone steps that lead down, and at the bottom of the dam, there are brick spirals with several gates. The moon dam has four functions: first, it protects the sluice overall, isolating it from the outside and avoiding the inundation of internal river water; second, it allows the gates to be opened and closed at any time, controlling the flow at will; third, it enables timely comparison of internal and external water levels; fourth, it completely eliminates the hidden danger of external water backflow causing disasters. During the reconstruction in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, the east and west moon dams were respectively honored with the titles 'Chong Yong Zha Liu' and 'Jin Tang Gong Gu'. There were originally three moon dams, one each in the northeast, northwest, and southwest of the city, but only the northeast and northwest ones remain. Overall, Shou County ancient city is not crowded with tourists. The main roads within the city are spacious, with many parking spaces and parking lots along the road. There is a ring road inside the city wall, making it very convenient for self-driving tours. It is important to note that only the south gate allows vehicle entry and exit. In addition to the four city gates and the east and west moon dams, there are many cultural relics and historical sites within the city, such as the Confucian Temple, the Mosque, the Bao'en Temple, the Zhou Shu Qiao Tower, and the Shouzhou General Military Office, all of which are worth a visit, and the key point is that they are all free!

| A place of strategic importance. 🚩Due to its important location at the junction of the river and Huai, Shouxian has always been a place of strategic importance for the military, where golden halberds fly. The ancient city wall of Shouxian was built for military defense! ✅The ancient city wall of Shouxian was built in the Song Dynasty, rebuilt in the Northern Song Dynasty, and has a history of more than 900 years. ✅ Brick walls and stone bases, four gates in the city, each with a urn city, this is exactly what we see in ancient film and television works about the ancient city wall, which also has a complete military defense system, is the best preserved ancient city wall of the Song Dynasty in China, more than 100 years earlier than the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi. ✅Located on the banks of the Jianghuai, Shouxian has been plagued by floods for a long time in history. The construction of the city wall has blocked the flood outside the city wall many times in history, saving the residents from the disaster of flood. ➡️The ancient city wall has four ancient city gates: Binyang in the east, Tongfu in the south, Dinghu in the west, and Jinghuai in the north 👉Although the name of the ancient city wall of Shouxian is little known, and even once in a state of being forgotten, its historical value is still not lost to other ancient cities. ✅ Ancient exploration tips 🚩Ancient city wall of Shouxian 📍Old city area of Shouxian, Huanan City 🎫Open to the public for free all day ⏰Recommended tour time 2 hours 🚌Take bus No. 29 in the city, take bus No. 601 in Shouxian Ancient city wall of Shouxian