Yangzhou Songjia City: Encounter the Most Poetic "Slow Time" in a Millennium-old City

When it comes to Yangzhou, people always think of the gentle beauty of Slender West Lake and the bustling Dongguan Street, but often overlook a "time treasure trove" hidden in the city center—Songjia City. Once a military fortress during the Southern Song Dynasty, it has now transformed into a park integrating historical sites, ecology, and leisure. Every step inside feels like a gentle conversation with a thousand years of history.

A Step Across a Millennium: Reading Southern Song Stories in the Ancient Ruins

The "soul" of Songjia City lies in the weathered city walls and ruins. Standing beneath the majestic city gate, touching the mottled bricks, you can almost hear the shouts of Southern Song soldiers defending the city. The park preserves clear moats and the ruins of the barbican. Walking along the paths paved with blue bricks, your feet may be treading the old military roads, and among the greenery, traces of ancient rammed earth might still be hidden.

If you want to delve deeper into this history, don’t miss the exhibition hall inside the park. Through artifacts, texts, and multimedia, it restores Songjia City’s past as the "core of Yangzhou’s city defense system"—once a strong barrier against invaders and a symbol of ancient military wisdom. No need to deliberately "check in," just slow down your pace and you can read the weight of Yangzhou’s millennium in every brick and tile.

A City Hides Four Seasons: Healing Moments in the Ecological Park

Shedding its "military fortress" tough exterior, Songjia City is now Yangzhou residents’ secret "urban green lung," with different beauties in every season.

• Spring: Cherry blossoms and crabapple flowers bloom along the moat. When the breeze blows, petals fall on the water surface. Taking a boat ride feels like entering a spring dream in Jiangnan;

• Summer: Lotus leaves cover the pond, cicadas sing with the cool breeze. Find a stone bench under the shade, listen to the water sounds and daydream, and the summer heat instantly fades away;

• Autumn: Ginkgo and red maple dye the city walls in warm tones. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting mottled shadows. Every snapshot is a "classical style masterpiece";

• Winter: After snow, Songjia City becomes even more tranquil. Snow covers the walls and bare branches, like an elegant ink painting, full of poetic charm.

Besides sightseeing, this is also a perfect place for "slow living." Stroll or bike along the 3-kilometer fitness trail, or set up a tent for a picnic on the lawn, watch children chase and play, listen to elders chatting and playing chess—time itself seems to slow down. If you like sports, there are tennis courts and soccer fields in the park, where you can find your own comfort between activity and rest.

A Park Full of Comfort: The "Yangzhou Flavor" Hidden in Details

The thoughtfulness of Songjia City is found in many subtle details. Antique-style pavilions are everywhere for resting when tired; clear signboards ensure you won’t get lost; occasionally, you might catch intangible cultural heritage performances, listen to Yangzhou storytelling, or watch a puppet show to experience authentic Yangzhou culture.

No need to rush away when tired from walking—the park is right next to Yangzhou’s food street, where just a few steps will bring you to hot dried shredded tofu, San Ding Bao (three-diced buns), Huangqiao sesame cakes, fully satisfying your "walk and eat" joy.

Compared to the bustling popular attractions, Songjia City offers a sense of calm and tranquility. It’s not as famous as Slender West Lake, but it allows you to truly calm your mind and feel Yangzhou’s "slow" and "elegant" charm. If you visit Yangzhou, consider spending half a day at Songjia City—bask in the sun under the millennium-old city walls, enjoy the breeze in the ecological park, and perhaps you will discover this is the most touching side of Yangzhou.