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Explore the Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street, a vibrant 2 km-long historic route featuring food stalls, restaurants, souvenir shops, and architectural landmarks like Wenchang Pavilion, Wanfo, Xingmin, and Kaige towers, as well as the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Wenchang Pavilion, located in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, commonly known as the "Sifangtai," was first built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. It was demolished shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China and rebuilt on its original site in 2005. Standing at the southernmost end of Yulin Ancient City's pedestrian street, Wenchang Pavilion boasts a square base plan. Construction began in 1754, the 19th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The pavilion features a cross-shaped hip roof, double-eaved roofs, and a three-drop-shaped water feature, all made of wood. The building stands approximately 19 meters tall. The foundation consists of four stone piers, approximately 5 meters long and 1.1 meters wide. The ground floor features a cross-shaped passageway. Twenty-eight massive pillars support the structure, four of which extend to the sky from the inner side, extending the entire length of the building and creating a magnificent atmosphere. The second floor houses the Wenchang Hall, which enshrines a statue of Emperor Wenchang; the third floor houses the Kuixing Tower, which houses a statue of the deity Kuixing. Both deities are believed to be in charge of human affairs and are highly revered by scholars. The construction of this building also reflects the local people's emphasis on culture in this historical and cultural city. This building is similar in layout and appearance to Xinming Building, but slightly smaller in size, and the two can be considered sisters.
In the 17th year of Jiaqing (1810), Ye Lan, a famous calligrapher and a juren from Yulin, donated money to repair the building. Three plaques were hung on each floor from top to bottom: "Five Stars Gathering in the Wall" written by Ye Lan, "Master of the World" written by his son Ye Lin, and "Wenchang Pavilion" written by his grandson Ye Yuan. The collection of calligraphy works from three generations of ancestors and grandchildren is extremely precious and has become a local legend.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Wenchang Pavilion is also the venue for the traditional local "Clay Doll Fair." Starting from the Cold Food Festival, a three-day regular meeting is held around the pavilion. During this period, numerous artisans from the ancient city gather around the pavilion to exhibit and sell their works. The dazzling array of handicrafts is breathtaking, with clay sculptures predominating the event, along with a wide variety of crafts made from wood, pottery, iron, paper, and fabric, creating a truly pleasing sight.
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Yulin, known as "Old Yulin," is a city with a rich cultural heritage, often referred to as a "small Beijing" due to its historical significance.
Yulin is located in Shaanxi Province, China. Visitors can reach the city by train or bus from major cities like Xi'an. Within the city, taxis and walking are convenient options for exploring attractions.
The Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street is open daily, with the best times to visit being in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street. However, some attractions within the area may have their own ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Booking in advance is not necessary for the Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street. For specific attractions, it's advisable to check their official websites for any booking requirements.
Exploring the Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the various attractions.
Key highlights include Wenchang Pavilion, Wanfo Tower, Xingmin Tower, Kaige Tower, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, each offering unique architectural and historical insights.
Self-guided audio tours are available through platforms like AllTours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
The top of Wenchang Pavilion offers panoramic views of the ancient city, making it an ideal spot for photography.
Begin at the Bell Tower, proceed to the Drum Tower, then explore the surrounding towers and pavilions, concluding with a visit to Wenchang Pavilion for the best views.
The Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street is open at night, and the illuminated towers and pavilions provide a beautiful nighttime atmosphere.
Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday mornings, tend to be less crowded. Weekends and public holidays see higher foot traffic.
The pedestrian street is equipped with public restrooms, numerous food stalls offering local delicacies, water vendors, rest areas, and souvenir shops.
The area is generally accessible, but some older structures may have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check specific attractions for their accessibility features.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Some vendors may accept cash, but it's recommended to use mobile payment methods for convenience.
Numerous local eateries and cafes line the pedestrian street, offering a variety of Chinese cuisines and beverages.
While vegetarian and vegan options are available, halal food options may be limited. It's advisable to inquire with individual vendors.
Several hotels are located near the Yulin Ancient City Pedestrian Street, offering convenient lodging options for visitors.
Nearby attractions include Zhenbei Tower, Red Rock Gorge, and Lingxiao Tower, all within a short distance and suitable for a day trip.
Yes, souvenir shops are abundant, offering items like traditional crafts, local snacks, and cultural memorabilia.
Taxis and local buses are readily available for onward travel. For intercity travel, the Yulin Railway Station and bus terminals offer services to various destinations.
