Yangzhou, a city known for its rich history, is often referred to as the “City of Three Walled Areas” during the Song Dynasty. These three areas are Song Dacheng, Baoyou City, and Song Jiacheng. Among them, Song Jiacheng, situated between Baoyou City and Song Dacheng, has a history that spans nearly 800 years. Despite the influence of historical events such as wars and conflicts, the distinctive features of this ancient city still persist in its landscape.
Today, Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park (宋夹城考古遗址公园) stands as a recreation of the original site, revealing the historical essence of Yangzhou. The park offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with remnants of the Northern Song Wengcheng and the Southern Song Wengcheng, which reached heights of 4.5 meters and 3.5 meters, respectively. The park provides a limited but exemplary representation of the differences and influences between the Five Dynasties, Northern Song, and Southern Song periods. The original brick-paved roads outside the Northern and Southern Song Wengcheng have been preserved in their historical form, showcasing the neat arrangement of bricks and curvaceous road edges. The deep ruts on the Northern Song roads and their significant damage indicate a time of social stability and economic prosperity, whereas the shallow ruts on the Southern Song roads reflect frequent turmoil, economic hardship, and sparse population.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 21.30; Last admission: 21.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0514-82120200 |
Location and Transportation
Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park is situated in the northern part of the central area of Yangzhou, a historic city in Jiangsu Province, China. You can find the park at 48 Changchun Road, Hanjiang District.
To get there, tourists can take bus 25 or 45 and get off at Xiamaqiao Stop (下马桥站), or take Tourist Line 1, Tourist Line 2, or Tourist Line 3 and get off at the East Gate of Slender West Lake Stop (瘦西湖东门站).
Highlights of Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park
Moat Surrounding the City
One of the remarkable features that Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park maintains is the moat surrounding the city on all sides. The western entrance serves as the main gateway to the park, with two of the three city gates, West Wengcheng Gate and East Wengcheng Gate, each boasting 15-meter-tall city towers. Outside the northern city gate, there is a 147-meter-long, 6-meter-wide floating bridge made of wooden planks laid on top of oil drums, connecting to Pingshantang Road. Currently, visitors can access the park through the northern gate’s floating bridge or the western gate’s wooden walkway. The gates of Song Jiacheng, which double as the park’s main entrance, are guarded by “Song Dynasty soldiers (life-like statues),” accentuating the city’s imposing presence.
Exhibition Hall
Inside the Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park, the exhibition hall features dozens of life-sized “soldier” statues and over twenty generals from the Song Dynasty, including famous figures such as Yue Fei, Han Shizhong, Wen Tianxiang, Li Tingzhi, Jiang Cai, and Liu Qi. The stories of these historical figures are well-known and celebrated, making them familiar to people of all ages. Yue Fei, known for his legendary exploits, and Han Shizhong, renowned for the “Da Yi Victory”, are just two examples. Liu Qi’s “Battle of Guazhou Zaojiao Forest” is among the “Thirteen Achievements of the Zhengxing Period.” These figures’ stories are both inspiring and moving, reflecting the valor and heroism of the time.
Sports and Leisure Park
In addition to the historical and cultural elements, Song Jiacheng Archaeological Site Park also features a sports and leisure park, providing a variety of recreational activities. The park offers amenities such as a circular walking trail, a cycling path around the city, a cage-style soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, outdoor badminton courts, a table tennis hall, badminton halls, basketball halls, tennis courts, and various sports equipment. It serves as an ideal destination for citizens and visitors alike, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls, outdoor wedding photoshoots, romantic outings, historical exploration, physical exercise, and competitive sports.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Consideration as a Side Trip: Relative to other attractions, Songjiacheng is described as more of a park. The suggestion is not to make it the primary destination but rather to visit it casually as part of your itinerary.
Lush with Wildlife: Songjiacheng is praised for having many small animals, and the number of visitors is generally low. It’s a park frequently visited by locals due to its serene atmosphere and good scenery.
Western Entrance for Boat Ride: Enter through the west gate of Songjiacheng Park to reach the boat ticketing area. Boat rides are available at a rate of 120 yuan per hour per boat, with a 200 yuan deposit.
Prepare for Sun Exposure: While enjoying the park’s recreational facilities, be mindful that only some areas provide shade. During the summer, it’s recommended to take precautions against sun exposure, including sunscreen, to prevent sunburn.
