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The tallest building in Sanhe Ancient Town is the seven-story National Essence Building, formerly the Zhongwu Pavilion and the Moon-Watching Pavilion, and now the Sanhe Ancient Town Museum. Within the building, nearly a thousand ancient art treasures, both handed down from generations in the ancient town and treasured by local collectors, are on display. In particular, over a hundred plaques dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China, collected from local folk, are preserved. Each plaque holds a little-known story, providing valuable material for studying folk customs.
The National Essence Building is located on the banks of the scenic Xiaonan River, adjacent to the Moon-Watching Bridge. Visitors can cross the Moon-Watching Bridge and ascend to the Moon-Watching Pavilion, where they can take in the panoramic views of the ancient town. They can feel the spirit of the water town and the vicissitudes of the ancient town. The pavilions, clear waters, and ancient dwellings form a stunning picture of the Jiangnan landscape, broadening their horizons and brightening their mood.
Throughout history, many government officials and celebrities have settled in Sanhe. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty alone, the family of Li Hongzhang, Governor-General of Zhili and Minister of the Northern Yang, established money houses and warehouses in Sanhe. Zhang Shusheng, Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, Liu Bingzhang, Governor-General of Sichuan, and Pan Dingxin, Governor of Guangxi, also owned properties in Sanhe. The brothers Zhou Shengbo and Zhou Shengchuan, Admirals of Hunan, also established pawnshops in Sanhe. Numerous other governors-general, including generals, also built residences in Sanhe. At that time, the ancient town was filled with large mansions, commercial streets lined with shops, and residential buildings boasted ornate eaves and carved beams and painted rafters. Wars, floods, and other natural disasters severely damaged many famous buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Lou, aware that Yang Zhenning, Sun Liren, and other luminaries of Chinese culture had made their mark on the world from this location, were inspired to simply name the building "Guocu" (National Essence). Thus, the building, a majestic and imbued with historical and cultural charm, emerged.
Subtropical monsoon climate; the National Essence Building is now the Sanhe Ancient Town Museum. In the National Essence Building, nearly a thousand ancient art treasures handed down from the ancient town and collected by the people are displayed. In particular, there are more than a hundred plaques collected from local people from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
15 yuan/person
8:00-17:30; for specific opening hours, please refer to the on-site announcement of the scenic spot
The National Essence Building in Hefei serves as a key cultural institution in Anhui, celebrating the region's rich heritage. It features exhibitions that highlight Anhui’s role in the development of Chinese culture, including traditional arts, history, and local craftsmanship. The building also functions as a space for cultural exchange and artistic performances.
The National Essence Building is located in the heart of Hefei, Anhui. It can be easily accessed via taxi or public transportation. The nearest metro station is within walking distance, and buses also frequently pass by the building.
The National Essence Building is typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays and off-peak hours when the crowd is lighter, particularly in the morning or late afternoon.
The entrance fee is around 30-50 CNY, depending on the exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased at the venue or online through local tourism websites or the official site.
Booking in advance is not usually required, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons or for special events. It’s ideal to book 1-2 days ahead if you plan to visit during these times.
You’ll need about 1-2 hours to explore the National Essence Building and its exhibitions. If attending a special event or performance, you may want to allocate more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English might be available on request, but it’s advisable to check in advance.
Start by exploring the main exhibitions on the first floor and work your way upwards. Don’t miss the top floor for the best panoramic views of Hefei.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available, but special cultural performances or events may be hosted in the evenings. It’s advisable to check the schedule before your visit.
The building can get crowded during weekends, holidays, or when events are scheduled. The best times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
The building provides restrooms, drinking water stations, and seating areas. There are no large dining options inside, but several cafes and restaurants are nearby.
The building is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps. It is suitable for elderly and children, though some of the exhibitions may require walking long distances.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are preferred. Credit cards are also accepted at the ticket counter and most shops.
While there are no restaurants inside the National Essence Building, several restaurants and cafes are located nearby, offering Anhui cuisine and international options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal options might be limited but can be found in certain local eateries.
Several hotels are located within a short distance from the National Essence Building, including budget and mid-range options in Hefei city center.
There are souvenir shops nearby that sell local crafts, Anhui tea, traditional artwork, and cultural memorabilia from the region.
Public transport like buses or metro lines can take you to other attractions in Hefei. Taxis or ride-sharing services like Didi are also convenient for continuing your trip.
