Minchuan Road, the beating heart of Shicheng Ancient Town 🏮✨

If you're visiting the ancient city of Cicheng (慈城古城) in Ningbo, you've missed this street! Minchuan Road (民权路) is the main street lined with antique shops, Jiangnan-style houses, and most importantly, the authentic local life that still remains. 🏘️

**📍 Location:**
Located on the north-south axis of the ancient city of Cicheng, south of the main road.

**🚇 Getting there:**

- **MRT:** Get off at Cicheng Station (慈城古城) and then walk or take a bus into the ancient city. Super convenient!
- **Private car:** Parking available.

**💰 Admission:**
Walk around the street for free! (Some museums and nearby attractions may have separate admission fees.)

**🎯 Why visit:**
This street has a history spanning over a thousand years and was once the busiest commercial street in the past. It has now been restored. While still maintaining its original identity, it still retains its authentic flavor.

**✨ Must-try Highlights:**

**🍜 Local Food (Must Try!)**

- **Shicheng Rice Cakes** - A must-try! Soft and chewy, they're delicious stir-fried or in a curry.
- **Oil Jan** - Crispy fried pastries similar to Ningbo-style fried dough sticks, available in both sweet and salty flavors. Long lines are common!
- **Traditional Desserts** - Mung bean cakes, medicinal flower cakes, and red orange cakes, made fresh daily.
- **Mian Jie Mian** - Noodles boiled with tofu and pork filling, delicious soup.

**🏪 Recommended Shops:**

- Souvenir and Craft Shop - Ningbo-style postcards and souvenirs.
- Traditional Crafts Shop - You might even spot a bamboo craftsman or blacksmith at work.
- Tea Shop and Cafe - Relax and enjoy the street view. Chill out in the old town atmosphere.

**📸 Beautiful photo spots:**
White walls, black roofs, hanging red lanterns, old-fashioned shop signs, and small alleys—every corner is beautiful! We recommend visiting in the evening when the lights are on for a truly romantic atmosphere. 🌆

**🎭 Experience real life:**
What's most special about this place is that it's not just a tourist attraction, it's also a place where locals actually live. Walk around and you'll see old-fashioned barbershops, grocery stores, and people chatting in local dialects—that's the charm of a "living old town." 🏮

**🗺️ Key connections:**

- Connected to the north by the Old City Hall (县衙)
- A short walk to the Confucius Temple (孔庙)
- Small alleys connect to other streets lined with ancient houses for you to explore.

**💡 Tips:**
- Don't forget to try all the rice cakes! They're truly delicious!

Minchuan Street perfectly bridges the historical attractions with the real life of the city. A one-time visit is a must-do for sightseeing, food, photography, and experiencing a traditional lifestyle that has persisted for thousands of years. 🎋

A must-visit for anyone visiting Ningbo. You won't be disappointed! 💙
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