Cicheng Ancient County

Cicheng Ancient County. [Photo/cicheng.org]

Located in the Jiangbei district of Ningbo, Cicheng Ancient County (慈城古县城) was listed as a national 4A-level tourist spot in 2009, the second highest level recognized by China's National Tourism Administration. It is also an important heritage site under provincial protection.

Cicheng, which literally translates as "Town of the Dutiful Son" in Chinese, derives its name from a moving story.

In the Han Dynasty (206 BC- AD 220), on the north bank of Cihu Lake lived a man named Dong An, a descendent of the famous Chinese ideologist Dong Zhongshu. When Dong An was young, he lived a poor life with his mother after the death of his father. His mother fell ill with an incurable sickness and her last wish was to drink the water from her hometown one last time before she dies.

As an obedient son, Dong trekked dozens of miles every day to a stream in his mother's hometown to fetch water. Eventually, his mother miraculously recovered. The local governor named the county Cixi (literally, Stream of Filial Love) and the town, Cicheng, to praise the dutiful son.

The town is 10 kilometers northwest of downtown Ningbo. Originally planned and built during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). The layout of Cicheng was similar to that of Chang'an, the then capital city during the Tang Dynasty.

Cicheng is now home to 14 handicraft museums, 28 designer studios, three master handcraft workshops, nine DIY workshops and two gourmet experience centers.

With its long history, and for its beautiful scenery, city walls and abundant cultural relics, Cicheng is known far and wide as the "Most Charming Ancient Town in the South Yangtze River Region."

Geographically, the town is surrounded by mountains on three sides, facing the Yaojiang River and the Cijiang River.

This ancient town has nurtured many celebrities. During the time span of 1,000 years from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Cicheng had 519 jinshi (successful candidates for the highest imperial examinations), and over 1,000 government officials.

In our modern times, many famous artists, writers, bankers, entrepreneurs, professors and scientists come from Cicheng, such as Tan Jiazhen, a world-renowned geneticist, and Feng Jicai, a famous Chinese writer.

As a famous historical and cultural town in Zhejiang province, Cicheng is rich with precious relics. Across an area of 1.5 square kilometers within the town are scattered more than 100 Buddhist and Taoist temples, halls, and residences of famous people, most of which are important heritage sites under state, provincial or municipal protection.

Suggested Itinerary

Former Residence of Zou Xinfang —Temple of Confucius — Former Residence of the Fus —— Former Residence of the Yus — Former Residence of the Fengs — Gateway of Feng Yuecai — Gateway of the Virtuous Woman — Medicine Shop of Cheng Qingyu — Former Residence of the Yings — Grave of Zhu Hongshan — Cihu Lake--Old House of the Xiangs — Danai Hall — Dongguan Gateway — Enrong Gateway — Zhu Gui Temple — Miaoyin Nunnery

Opening hours: 8:00 am-5:30 pm

Ticket prices:

Confucian Temple: 20 yuan/person ($2.89)

County Yamen: 25 yuan/person

Xiaoshi Museum: 15 yuan/person

Qing Taoist Temple: 30 yuan/person

75yuan/person (coupon ticket includes all viewing spots before 4 pm)

Add: No 8 Jiefang Road, Cicheng Town, Jiangbei district, Ningbo, Zhejiang province

Tel: +86-574-8957-2508

Transportation: Cicheng Station, Bus No 331, 335, 337, 339 

Website: http://www.cicheng.org/