Qingzhou Ancient City, Weifang

青州古城旅游区 (Qingzhou Gucheng Lvyouqu)

Qingzhou Ancient City Tourist Area in Weifang, Shandong province is composed of three parts: the ancient city of Qingzhou, Yunmen Mountains, and Qingzhou Museum. Qingzhou, with a history of more than 7,000 years, witnessed the rise and decline of six ancient cities.

Bucai Gate of the ancient city of Qingzhou [Photo/gujiuzhou.com]

Qingzhou is a well-preserved ancient city that was mainly built in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, with numerous old buildings, memorial archways, and more than 120 ancient streets. Zhaode Ancient Street, with a history of some 800 years, was chosen as one of the first batch of Top 10 National Historical and Cultural Streets in 2009. Wannian Bridge, which was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is still in good condition.

One of the ancient streets in Qingzhou [Photo/sdta.cn]

The harmonious coexistence of people from different ethnic groups, including Han, Hui and Manchu, has helped Qingzhou form a unique culture. It is the birthplace of the world's first stringed instrument – Qingzhou cuoqin – and home to more than 70 intangible cultural heritages. Li Qingzhao (1084-1155), one of the leading female poets of the Song Dynasty, lived there for 18 years, leaving behind many literary works.

Zhao Xingtang (left) plays the cuoqing, a kind of traditional zither-like instrument, in the ancient city of Qingzhou. [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Scenic spot level: AAAAA

Opening hours: Open all day long

Ticket price: 60 yuan ($8.70)

Address: Qingzhou city, Weifang, Shandong 

Note:

1. There is a tourist service center at the entrance of the ancient city of Qingzhou and at the Qingzhou Museum.

2. Buy travel insurance.