Chaozhou Ancient City | A Thousand Years of Splendor Beneath the Paifang

| A thousand years of splendor beneath the paifang. Chaozhou Ancient City, a cultural city with a history of over 1,600 years, exudes a rich cultural heritage and unique charm.

The Paifang Street within the ancient city is undoubtedly its most striking feature. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, Chaozhou has flourished with literary talent, and numerous paifang have been erected to celebrate achievements and honor virtues. These paifang crisscross the streets, and strolling among them is like stepping into a historical corridor. Most of these paifang were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, carved from granite. The hard stone and exquisite craftsmanship have allowed them to remain well-preserved after centuries of weathering. The paifang vary in form, including four-pillar, three-gate styles and two-pillar, one-gate styles, each with its unique shape and decoration.

The inscriptions on the paifang can be broadly categorized. Some celebrate achievements in the imperial examinations, such as the "Zhuangyuan Paifang," commemorating Lin Dachin, a Zhuangyuan (top scorer in the imperial examination) in Chaozhou's history. His early success and top ranking are highly recognized by this paifang, inspiring future generations of scholars to study diligently. Others commend loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness. The "Jiexiao Paifang" is a representative example, praising those who adhere to traditional moral norms and passing on the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation. In addition, paifang were also erected to commemorate the good governance of officials, showcasing their contributions to local development. You can admire many historical paifang while touring the city.

Each paifang is adorned with exquisite carvings, including auspicious patterns such as dragons and phoenixes presenting good fortune, and qilin offering treasures. There are also vivid carvings of flowers, birds, fish, insects, and figures, with smooth lines and lifelike images, fully demonstrating Chaozhou's traditional stone carving artistry.

Strolling along Paifang Street is like traveling through time and engaging in a dialogue with history. These paifang are not only historical buildings but also vivid teaching materials of Chaozhou culture. They carry the emotions and memories of the Chaozhou people, attracting numerous tourists to explore the historical heritage of this ancient city.

Under the watchful eyes of the paifang, Chaozhou Ancient City preserves the warmth of history. Every stone slab road and every historical site tells stories of the past.

🛏【Hotel Guide】Orange Hotel (Chaozhou Ancient City Paifang Street Branch)

📍Address: No. 34, Huancheng West Road, Xiangqiao District

🌟Highlights: Close to famous attractions such as Chaozhou Ancient City, West Lake, Paifang Street, and Guangji Bridge. Located within the ancient city, surrounded by restaurants, with convenient parking.

⛱Hotel Environment: Elegant, clean, and cost-effective

Post by eleanoraquamarine | Mar 16, 2025