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Yongning Ancient Town is the premier cultural town in the Beijing suburbs. The ancient city comprises newly constructed east, west, south, and north city walls, along with ruins of the ancient walls. The city has four gates: Yinghui Gate in the east, Zhenning Gate in the west, Xuan'en Gate in the south, and Weiyuan Gate in the north. The Jade Emperor Pavilion stands in the center of the ancient city, radiating from four streets. After the city's construction, the east became known as "Culture, Education, and Health Street," the west as "Handicraft Workshop Street," the south as "Culture Street," and the north as a pedestrian shopping street in the Ming and Qing Dynasty style.
The ancient city of Yongning, located on a moonlit night in Dushan, boasts a rich history. In the 12th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1414), Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di established Longqing Prefecture and established Yongning County at the foot of Tuanshan Mountain. Yongning was named after the phrase "Qi Ning Wei Yong" in the Book of Documents. In the 5th year of the Xuande reign (1430), the city was built, with a circumference of six li and thirteen steps. The county and garrison were relocated here, and the Longqing Left Guard was relocated there. From then on, Yongning became a key military town in the Great Wall's defense system. Its streets and alleys are arranged in a typical chessboard pattern, with Yinghui, Xuan'en, Zhenning, and Weiyuan as the four gates in the east, south, west, and north, respectively.
Boasting a subtropical monsoon climate, the ancient city boasts not only ancient Chinese courtyards but also grand Western-style churches. During holidays, the city hosts temple fairs, showcasing a dazzling array of goods and featuring unique cultural performances, allowing visitors to experience a more authentic sense of ancient culture. It's a great place to visit in all seasons.
There are still some ruins of the ancient city wall in the ancient town, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion, ancient streets and alleys, Catholic churches, ancient temples and other attractions are rebuilt for visitors to visit.
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Yongning Ancient Town is a historic town known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and its significance as a center of culture and commerce in the Fujian province. The town showcases the region's rich history, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with its temples, old streets, and ancient buildings that highlight the local traditions and customs.
Yongning Ancient Town is located in the Quanzhou area of Fujian province. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or bus from Quanzhou city center. There are also local transportation services that connect the town with nearby attractions. Walking around the town is the best way to explore its hidden gems.
The town is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. The least crowded times are weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon.
There is typically no entrance fee to visit the town itself, but some specific attractions or temples may charge a small fee for entry. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and it's advisable to check for any online booking options during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most parts of the town. However, for special events or attractions that require reservations, it is recommended to book tickets at least a few days in advance.
To explore the main attractions in the town, you’ll need around 2-3 hours. If you plan to visit several historical sites or spend time in local shops and cafes, you may want to allocate an entire half-day for the visit.
Guided tours may be available, typically in Mandarin. Some English-speaking guides may be available, but it's advisable to check in advance. Audio guides in English and Mandarin may also be offered at certain historical sites.
The best photography spots include the traditional streets, the temples with their intricate architecture, and the surrounding mountains. The view from the top of the town offers a great panoramic view of the area, especially during the early morning or sunset.
Start by exploring the ancient streets and alleys, then visit the temples. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks and explore the local shops and markets. If you have time, consider visiting a few traditional houses or attending a cultural performance, if available.
There are no light shows or night tours in the town. However, the town can be quite picturesque at night, with traditional lanterns illuminating the streets, offering a peaceful and photogenic setting.
The town can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are public toilets, rest areas, and a variety of food stalls and restaurants in and around the town. You can also find local shops selling regional products, souvenirs, and snacks.
The town is generally walkable, but some areas with cobblestone streets may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. There may also be uneven surfaces in historical areas. Children and families can enjoy the town, but it’s important to supervise them closely in crowded areas.
Cash is still commonly used, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Some small shops may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have both options available.
There are several local restaurants serving traditional Fujianese cuisine, including noodles, dumplings, and seafood. Some cafes offer tea and snacks, where you can enjoy a relaxing break while soaking in the town’s atmosphere.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some of the local eateries. Halal food may be harder to find, but it’s worth asking around or checking for nearby halal restaurants in Quanzhou city.
There are several hotels in Quanzhou city center, offering a variety of options from budget to mid-range accommodations. You can also find guesthouses near the town for a more traditional stay, or some resorts located in the outskirts of the town.
You can find souvenir shops selling traditional handicrafts, Fujianese tea, local snacks, and items related to the town’s cultural heritage, including tea sets, pottery, and wood carvings.
Taxis and buses are available for continuing your journey. For those heading back to Quanzhou city, taxis are the quickest and most convenient option. Public transport can be more affordable, but it may take longer.
