Dinghai Ancient City (定海古城, Dinghai Ancient Town) is situated on the northern bank of the Minjiang River estuary, a strategic location known as the “Golden Waterway,” and historically referred to as the “Northern Throat of the Minjiang River.” During the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, the Min King, Wang Shenzhi, established Gantang Port in Dinghai Bay, one of China’s earliest foreign trade ports, alongside Quanzhou’s “Citong Port.” Both ports served as significant starting points of the maritime Silk Road.
It turned into a vital hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties, functioning as a transshipment point on the maritime Silk Road. By the mid-Qing Dynasty, the imperial court had set up customs in the city, facilitating the export of large quantities of silk, tea, porcelain, and other commodities to the world.
Historically, Dinghai Ancient City has also been a military stronghold, with notable events such as the Opium War, the defense against Japanese pirates, and the resistance against the Qing Dynasty leaving behind a wealth of historical remnants.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Dinghai Ancient City
- Vlog about Dinghai Ancient City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Dinghai Ancient City is located at the intersection of Xianqian Street and Renmin Middle Road in Dinghai District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. To get there, you can take bus 31, 33, 38, 81, Y2, or Y3 and get off at Zhuangyuan Bridge Stop (状元桥站).
Highlights of Dinghai Ancient City
Ming and Qing dynasty Buildings
Among the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and sites within the city are the residences of notable figures like Lan Li, Dong Haoyun, and Liu Hongsheng. The most representative of these is the Wang Family Mansion. This Qing Dynasty structure covers an area of 841 square meters and includes the front house, main house, and side wings. The main house consists of seven rooms, built with a brick exterior and wooden interior, spanning 29 meters in width and 9.7 meters in depth, featuring a unique nine-beam structure and a double-eaved gable roof. The mansion is renowned for its rustic elegance and intricate decorations, standing out as a prime example of the remaining old residences in Dinghai.
Ancient Maritime City Walls
Dinghai Ancient City also boasts one of the largest and best-preserved ancient maritime city walls in China. The wall includes three city gates and thirty-two watchtowers, reflecting its distinct marine defense functions. Additionally, the city houses significant historical and cultural sites such as the Tianhou Palace, Guandi Temple, City God Temple, and various guild halls. As a cultural hub, the ancient city is home to historic sites like Aohan Tower, Yanchu Academy, and Ruozun Academy, underscoring Dinghai’s prominence as a center of culture. Furthermore, intangible cultural heritage, such as Zhoushan gongs and drums, continues to be preserved and developed within the ancient city.