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Explore the ruins of the Zhongdu Imperial City to learn about the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. Take a guided tour to hear about its historical significance and see the remaining architectural features. You can also enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area and take photographs of the ancient city walls and gates.
A national and provincial key cultural relic protection site, it is located in the northwest corner of Fengyang County in eastern Anhui Province. It was a capital built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, in his birthplace of Fengyang, but was aborted midway through construction.
In 1369, to demonstrate the power of his new dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang mobilized tens of thousands of artisans, soldiers, and civilians from across the country to construct the Central Capital in Fengyang. He "built cities and palaces similar to those in the capital," modeled after the "Palace Map" and established the "Ministry of Construction." The project was "unparalleled in its scale, elaborate design, and high level of craftsmanship."
Zhongdu City consisted of three walls: the Inner, Middle, and Outer. The Outer City, with a circumference of approximately 30 kilometers, had four gates, each of which was crisscrossed by a straight thoroughfare. The middle wall, the Forbidden Wall, had a circumference of 7.85 kilometers and a rectangular plan. It had four gates on each side: Chengtian Gate in the south, Bei'an Gate in the north, Dong'an Gate in the east, and Xi'an Gate in the west. Within the Forbidden Wall was an 80-meter-wide moat. Surrounded by this moat was the Inner City, also known as the Imperial City. The Imperial City, with a circumference of 3.68 kilometers and a nearly square plan, covered an area of 840,000 square meters. Its walls were 15 meters high and constructed entirely of specially made bricks, 40 centimeters long, 20 centimeters wide, and 11 centimeters thick.
The subtropical monsoon climate is influenced by the monsoon, with four distinct seasons. This region showcases the history and culture of the Ming Dynasty, making it a suitable place for travel in all seasons to appreciate the legacy of ancient culture.
It is recommended to visit the Ming Emperor's Mausoleum and Longxing Temple;
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The Ming Dynasty Zhongdu Imperial City Ruins are the remnants of an ancient city that once served as the capital during the Ming Dynasty. The site holds great historical importance as it represents the grandeur and architectural mastery of the era. It showcases the city's role in governance and culture during its peak.
The Zhongdu Imperial City Ruins are located in Chuzhou, Anhui. You can reach the site by taxi or bus from the Chuzhou city center. It is not directly accessible by metro, as the nearest station is several kilometers away. Walking is also an option if you are close to the site.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds, especially during the summer months.
The entrance fee for the Zhongdu Imperial City Ruins is generally around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or holidays.
Advance booking is not required. However, it is recommended to book tickets in advance during busy periods like holidays or weekends to avoid long lines.
To fully explore the ruins and surrounding areas, you will need around 2-3 hours. This includes time for sightseeing, photography, and learning about the history of the site through signage or a guided tour.
The most significant areas to visit are the remnants of the city gates, ancient city walls, and the remains of royal buildings. The ruins are vast, so be sure to take time to explore the historical structures and enjoy the panoramic views from the city walls.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tour guides may provide translations in English. Audio guides may also be available in Mandarin. It's recommended to check availability upon arrival.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the city walls and near the remaining gates. These locations offer wide views of the surrounding landscape, which makes for great photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Start by visiting the main city gate and work your way around the walls to explore the ruins of the royal buildings. Don’t miss the highest point for the best views of the entire site. A leisurely stroll along the perimeter of the site will allow you to enjoy both the architecture and the surrounding natural beauty.
Night visits are not typically available. However, special events or tours may be arranged during holidays or festivals. Check with the site for any special nighttime events or light shows before planning your visit.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon, outside of peak tourist seasons.
The site has basic facilities, including public toilets and rest areas. There are no large restaurants, but small kiosks offering refreshments are available. It’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to spend an extended time at the site.
The site is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas may have uneven terrain and stairs. Children can explore the site, but it’s important to keep an eye on them due to the open ruins.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely used for tickets and purchases. Cards may not be accepted in smaller shops or kiosks.
There are a few local restaurants and eateries nearby that serve Chinese dishes. For a more extensive selection, you may need to travel into the Chuzhou city center, which is a short drive away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants around the site. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in nearby areas catering to Muslim visitors.
Several hotels are available in Chuzhou city, ranging from budget accommodations to more upscale options. Some hotels may offer easy access to the site, either by walking or a short drive.
Nearby attractions include the Chuzhou City Museum and the ancient Fuyan Temple. Both can be combined for a day trip, providing a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
There are small souvenir shops near the site where you can buy traditional handicrafts, such as miniature models of the city gates, local snacks, and historical-themed items like postcards and books.
Public buses and taxis are available from the site to continue your journey. For longer distances, the Chuzhou Railway Station is a convenient transportation hub for travel to other parts of Anhui or nearby cities.
