Chase the light and shadow on a painted boat, unlocking the millennium nightscape of the Hakka ancient city on a Tingjiang River night cruise

Who says you can only explore the ancient city’s night view on foot? In Tingzhou, the "Hakka Capital," the most delightful way to experience it is by boarding a painted boat, letting the gentle waves of the Tingjiang River carry you through the lights and history. During the 35-minute voyage, the elegance of the Tang and Song dynasties and Hakka stories are all woven into the night. This immersive night tour guide helps you understand every poetic inch of the Tingjiang River.

1. Night Tour Highlights: Three Must-See Moments

1. The Glorious Lights of Jichuan Gate

When the boat reaches Jichuan Gate, be sure to slow down and look up. The flying eaves and upturned corners are sharply outlined by warm yellow lights, reflected on the shimmering river surface to create a double ancient architectural spectacle. The prosperous scene of "hundreds of thousands of homes on both banks of the creek" from the Tang and Song dynasties instantly comes to life. If you catch the light show, the interplay of light and shadow on the mottled city walls will captivate even the elders, who won’t stop taking photos, fully immersing you in the ancient atmosphere.

2. The Water Curtain Story of Longtan Secret Realm

After passing the ancient bridge, the river suddenly lights up with a 3D water curtain, unfolding the magnificent migration journey of the Hakka ancestors accompanied by melodious music. The river breeze brushes your face, with fine water droplets splashing gently, blending a cool touch with an immersive audiovisual experience, as if you are personally witnessing a migration journey spanning a thousand years.

3. The Ancient and Modern Dialogue at Song Ci’s Navigation Dock

The boat passes by the navigation dock left by Song Ci when he dredged the Tingjiang River. The boatman casually shares water management stories, paired with the sound of rippling waves. Looking down to see the flickering light and shadow, you get a wonderful illusion of having a remote conversation with the Tingzhou prefect from a thousand years ago.

2. Practical Guide: Avoid Pitfalls + Full Experience Tips

Key Boarding Information

- Dock and Route: Make sure to board at Huijimen Dock; don’t go to the wrong ferry! The route is a closed loop: Huijimen → Song Ci Painted Boat → Jichuan Gate → Longtan Park → Hakka Grand Theater → back to Huijimen, covering all the highlights.
- Time and Ticket Price: Regular sailing from 18:30 to 21:30, extended to 22:30 on weekends and holidays. It’s recommended to arrive one hour early to enjoy the riverside breeze before sunset and watch the dusk dye the river red, doubling the experience. Tickets cost about 60 RMB per person; booking online in advance saves 5-10 RMB compared to on-site purchase. Discounts are available for seniors and children.
- Hidden Perks: Some boats offer free Hanfu rental. Pick a light and elegant ruqun, stand at the bow with Jichuan Gate as your backdrop, and take photos that come out perfect without editing.

Photography and Experience Tips

- Best Spots: The rear deck is perfect for capturing the S-shaped bend of the Tingjiang River and the reflection of the ancient bridge. Near Jichuan Gate, use a telephoto lens to capture details of the city wall. When lantern light reflects on the water, take portraits for a gentle and warm effect.
- Pitfall Warning: Avoid buying “night tour passes” from mobile vendors at the dock; a separate ticket for the Tingjiang night tour is sufficient. The deck can be slippery when wet, so wear non-slip shoes and keep a close watch on children.

3. Combined Activities: Ancient City Strolls Before and After the Night Tour

Before Boarding: Riverside Fireworks Prelude

Before boarding, explore the small stalls around Huijimen, buy some Hakka dried tofu and lantern cakes to tuck in your pocket, and enjoy them with the river breeze on the boat—the salty and savory flavors mixed with the moisture are especially refreshing. For those wanting to shoot ancient-style photos, nearby travel photography shops offer full makeup and follow-shoot services at great value. If time allows, visit Guizhi Sweet Soup to order some grass jelly and sit on the second-floor balcony to savor the pleasant evening breeze of the Tingjiang River in advance.

After Disembarking: The Night’s Endless Festivities

A five-minute walk from the dock leads to Diantou Street, where the bluestone pavement is lit by red lanterns. The shops on both sides showcase Hakka craftsmanship with indigo-dyed handmade goods and wood carvings. When tired, step into a Hakka teahouse, order a cup of rice wine with taro buns, and listen to the owner’s old Tingzhou stories to truly understand the essence of slow travel. On weekends, you might catch the intangible cultural heritage lantern parade, following performers dressed in Tang and Song costumes carrying lanterns through the streets, or watch the Dragon and Phoenix drone show at the Red Little Shanghai Square, a stunning collision of technology and ancient charm.

The night on the Tingjiang River is never noisy. The river breeze gently blows, lantern shadows flicker, and the boatman’s Hakka dialect mingles with the sound of water waves. Even elders can’t help but say this is the “most comfortable night tour.” Come here and let the painted boat carry you through a thousand years, bringing the ancient city’s night and stories home with you.