Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City (石浦渔港古城), also known as Liguang, is situated in a northeast-southwest direction, forming a “crescent” shaped enclosed harbor. Covering an area of 27 square kilometers with depths ranging from 4 to 33 meters, it can accommodate tens of thousands of fishing boats and large ocean liners. With calm waters, it is renowned as a famous sheltered harbor along the southeast coast of China, serving both as a fishing port and a commercial port, and is one of the four major fishing ports in the country. Shipu is one of the earliest origins of marine fisheries in China, with ancestors engaging in fishing and hunting activities here as early as the Qin and Han dynasties. By the Tang and Song dynasties, it had become a well-known fishing and trading port, as well as a strategic fortress along the Zhejiang Yangtze River route.
The ancient city of Shipu is built along the mountains, overlooking the sea. One end connects to the fishing port while the other end is nestled deep in the mountain valleys. The city walls undulate with the contours of the mountains, and the gates are constructed accordingly. Old houses are built in terraces, and streets and alleys wind their way up, creating a picturesque and meandering atmosphere. Visitors can explore characteristic venues showcasing fishing culture, commercial culture, and coastal defense culture, and participate in activities such as net weaving, lantern making, and experiencing the life of a fishing family.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City
- Vlog about Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City
- Other Attractions in Xiangshan County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 60 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0574-65971999 |
Location and Transportation
Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City is located on the southern shore of Shipu Port in Xiangshan County, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China. To get there, you can take bus Xiangshan 301, Xiangshan 302, Xiangshan 303, Xiangshan 309, or Xiangshan 310, and get off at Haixia Square Stop (海峡广场站).
Highlights of Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City
Distinctive Exhibition Halls
Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City boasts several distinctive exhibition halls that offer insights into the past way of life in the area.
- Hongzhang Silk Manor: This exhibit primarily showcases the prosperity of the former silk manor. The lower level displays the bustling scenes of the silk trade via the grand unloading scenes at the maritime docks, while the upper level creatively features over 600 varieties and more than 1000 “Chinese buttons” made of silk, providing a comprehensive reflection of the thriving maritime silk trade in Shipu.
- Yuansheng Money House: The lower level recreates the layout of ancient money houses, including accounts, business halls, and warehouses, offering a realistic portrayal of the operational scenes of ancient money houses.
- Shilang Mansion: Originally the residence of Yu Shiji, a prominent official during the Ming Dynasty, this exhibit not only showcases Yu Shiji’s major achievements but also provides a sensory understanding of the ancient official system through a complete display of embroidered insignia worn during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Cultivating Sea and Raising Livestock Pavilion: This pavilion exhibits the cultural practices of fishermen, showcasing real-life fishing and crab-catching techniques, offering an interesting insight into the fishing industry.
Quaint Alleyways
The highlights of Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City include its quaint alleyways, each with its own unique charm.
- Wanxing Street: Named after the numerous bowl shops that once lined the street, Wanxing Street is characterized by its steep slope and dense stairs. The street, with its 147-meter length and a drop of 35 meters, features an “S” shape created by ascending and descending stairs.
- Fujian Street: Established by Fujian people during the Kangxi period, Fujian Street gained fame as the location where the first Chinese sound film and internationally award-winning film “Song of the Fishermen” was produced.
- Zhong Street: Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, Zhong Street was once a bustling commercial street with over 100 shops. Along the street are several distinctive firewalls built to prevent fire and theft.
Ancient Residences and Landmarks
Walking along the old streets of Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City, one can easily stumble upon ancient residences and landmarks, bearing the indelible marks of the port’s ancestors’ lives.
- Guandi Temple: With a history of over 600 years, the Guandi Temple was built by fishermen to pray for favorable weather and protection against pirates.
- Xizi Pavilion: This pavilion reflects the reverence for knowledge and the importance of preserving writing materials among fishermen through ancient poetry inscriptions.
- “Daifu Mansion”: The residence of a fourth-ranking official during the late Qing Dynasty, “Daifu Mansion” exudes the grandeur of a wealthy household.
- Wengcheng (Moon Castle): Situated at the intersection of Wanxing Street, Fujian Street, and Zhong Street, Wengcheng, originally built during the Ming Dynasty and restored during the Qing Guangxu period, boasts well-preserved ancient walls. The reconstructed Wengcheng covers an area of 240 square meters, featuring a gate entrance with overhanging eaves and a double-eaved tower as the exit, comprising a typical architectural design of its time.
