Qingzhou Ancient Town

The Qingzhou Ancient Town is situated in Weifang, East China’s Shandong province. With well-preserved characteristics of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), the town shows a clear urban construction layout with mountains and rivers around it. The streets and lanes are well protected, with ancient shops and houses set up in orderly rows. The Zhaode Ancient Street, boasting a history of more than 800 years, is listed as one of the first 10 famous historical and cultural streets in China in 2009.

When you walk through town, the stone-paved roads and the antique houses and shops show the beauty of Qingzhou.

What to see here 

1. The Fucai Gate

The Fucai Gate used to be the southern gate of the ancient Nanyang City that was established in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). The gate was first built by rammed clay and reconstructed by bricks in 1370. It is 12 meters high, 6 meters thick and more than 6.5 kilometers long.

The Fucai Gate was for military defense. The one we see today with its terraces is a reconstruction of the original structure. The gate tower was a brick-wooden structure. and the terrace has two stories where soldiers could hide.

2. The Ouyuan Garden

Based on the eastern garden of the Prince Heng’s Mansion in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Ouyuan Garden was the former residence of Feng Pu (1609-92), a high official in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) after retirement. Its layout is very similar to the imperial garden of the Forbidden City. In particular, the artificial rock hill at the garden shows great craftsmanship and artistic style.

The Ouyuan Garden is not only home to the only three-peak artificial rock hill in China, but also the four unusual stones that enjoy a high reputation among collectors.