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Explore the ancient architecture, walk along the preserved city walls, and visit the temples that date back hundreds of years. You can also explore the local markets and shop for traditional handicrafts, or take a boat ride along the river for a scenic view of the ancient city from the water.
Taining Ancient Town is located in the Chengguan District of Taining County at the southern foot of Wuyi Mountain. It has Dajin Lake to the south and Tu'erling to the east. It has Fujian-style tourism. It covers an area of 226.5 square kilometers and has jurisdiction over 22 administrative villages (including Tongxingshe Economic Cooperative), 6 neighborhood committees, and 172 villagers' groups. The total population of the town is 39,300.
The transportation is convenient. Four cement and asphalt roads lead directly to the neighboring Shaowu City, Jiangle County, Jianning County, Wuyishan Airport, and Lichuan County, Jiangxi Province. In particular, the Yinfu Expressway runs through the territory, and it only takes 1 hour to get to Sanming, further shortening the time and space distance with the province and other places.
Taining Ancient City, located in Taining County at the southern foot of Mount Wuyi, covers an area of 226.5 square kilometers. It houses the Shangshu Residence Architectural Complex, one of the best-preserved Ming Dynasty residential buildings in Jiangnan (South China's Yangtze River Delta), a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. It also includes buildings from various periods spanning over 500 years, from the early Ming Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty. This makes it the best-preserved Ming Dynasty residential complex in Jiangnan (South my country's Yangtze River Delta).
The town enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by year-round warm and humid weather. The average annual temperature is 17.7°C, the frost-free period exceeds 285 days, and annual precipitation exceeds 1,600 mm. Rich in forest resources, the town boasts 216,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres) of forest land, including over 50,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres) of bamboo, resulting in a forest coverage rate of 76.8%. Most trees are fir and pine, with rare species such as yew, nanmu, and rosewood also featured, making it a suitable destination for travelers in all seasons.
Taining Ancient City·Zhaixia Grand Canyon
The Zhaixia Grand Canyon in Taining, Fujian, was discovered in June 2004. Located in Zhaixia Village, 15 kilometers northwest of Taining County, it is formed by three linked canyons, forming a circular triangle. Resembling a golden dragon crouching amidst the mountains, it is also known as the Golden Dragon Valley. It is also the first geological expedition route established in Taining and has been hailed by United Nations experts as a "model scenic area for World Geoparks."
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Taining Ancient City is an important historical site that dates back over 1,000 years. It was once a thriving commercial and cultural hub in Fujian. The city features well-preserved ancient architecture, and it is home to historical landmarks such as old temples, streets, and residential buildings that showcase the traditional life of the region.
Taining Ancient City is located in Taining County, Sanming, Fujian Province. It is accessible by taxi or bus from Sanming. The nearest major transportation hub is the Sanming Railway Station, where visitors can take a taxi or local transport to the ancient city. There are no direct metro services to the city.
The city is open for visits year-round. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. The city is less crowded on weekdays, making it an ideal time for a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee is around 60 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of Taining Ancient City or in advance online through various travel platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons, such as public holidays. Tickets can be booked up to a week in advance.
Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the city. This will allow you time to walk through the ancient streets, visit temples, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Key highlights include the old city walls, the ancient temples, and the preserved traditional buildings. The riverfront area offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and is a great spot for photographs.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides in English and Chinese can be rented at the entrance for a self-guided experience.
The best viewpoints are from the ancient city walls and the riverbanks. The temples also offer beautiful backdrops for photography, especially at sunset.
Start your visit by exploring the old city gates, then walk along the city walls for panoramic views. Visit the main temple and wander through the narrow, winding streets, where you can enjoy the traditional architecture. Conclude the visit with a peaceful walk by the river.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Taining Ancient City. However, special tours may be available during festivals or holidays, so it’s a good idea to check ahead for any scheduled events.
The city tends to be busiest during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
The site has basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls offering local snacks, and rest areas. There are also souvenir shops where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts.
The city is mostly pedestrianized, with some uneven ground. While elderly and children can visit with ease, those with mobility issues may find it difficult to navigate certain areas. Wheelchair access is limited in some parts of the ancient city.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, though most shops accept mobile payments.
There are several local restaurants offering traditional Fujian cuisine near the city gates. Many of them specialize in dishes like Taining fish and local snacks such as dumplings and noodles.
Vegetarian food options are available at most local restaurants. Halal food may be harder to find, but some restaurants may offer options upon request.
There are a few hotels within walking distance, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. Popular choices include Taining City Hotel and local guesthouses.
Nearby attractions include the famous Taining Danxia landforms and the Wuyi Mountains, both of which can be visited on a day trip from the city. The region is also known for its tea plantations and natural parks.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional handicrafts, including embroidered textiles, pottery, and local teas. You can also find replicas of local artifacts and ancient coins.
After visiting, taxis and buses are available to take you to nearby attractions such as the Wuyi Mountains or to the local transportation hubs for onward travel. It is also possible to rent a car for further exploration of Fujian.
