Tanhe Ancient City (炭河古城) is located in Ningxiang City, Hunan Province, and is named after the Tanhe River archaeological site. This City is recognized as China’s first Zhou Dynasty cultural theme park. The Zhou Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history, known as the source and peak of Huaxia civilization, producing remarkable cultural wonders. Ningxiang is referred to as the “Hometown of Bronze Ware in Southern China,” having unearthed important artifacts like the Four Sheep Square Zun and the Human-Faced Square Ding. It is also a center for Chinese ceremonial music and culture, with its Zhou cultural heritage being passed down through generations.
The scenic area features traditional pavilions and bustling old streets, where visitors can experience the enchanting sounds of ancient bells and traditional poetry. It feels as if time has revived the essence of civilization from three thousand years ago, immersing guests in the rich cultural atmosphere of this historic era.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Tanhe Ancient City
- Vlog about Tanhe Ancient Town
- Other Attractions in Changsha Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 160 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 10.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0731-81870333 |
Location and Transportation
Tanhe Ancient City is located in Huangcai Town, Ningxiang County, Changsha City, Hunan Province, on Huangcai Avenue.
To reach Tanhe Ancient City, take a high-speed train from Changsha South Station to Ningxiang Station. From Ningxiang Station, you can either take a bus or a taxi directly to the ancient town. Alternatively, if you’re starting from Changsha Railway Station, you can take the subway or a bus to Ningxiang South Station, and then transfer to bus route 118, which will take you to the entrance of the scenic area.
Highlights of Tanhe Ancient City
Tanhe Eternal Love
A large-scale song and dance performance called Tanhe Eternal Love, produced by Songcheng Performance, takes audiences on a journey through three thousand years of history, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Zhou Dynasty. Centered on the legendary story of the Four Sheep Square Zun, the show vividly portrays a tale of love and conflict from three millennia ago. The performance consists of several acts, including On the River Isle, Tanhe’s Heartfelt Romance, Daji’s Enchanting Dance, Battle of Muye, and Love in Ningxiang. Utilizing advanced audio, lighting, and electrical technology, along with stage machinery, the performance unfolds across a three-dimensional space of water, land, and sky, delivering a breathtaking narrative of the legendary Tanhe.
Western Zhou Palace Area
In the Western Zhou period, there were no true “emperors”; the rulers were known as “Zhou Kings,” who referred to themselves as the “Son of Heaven.” The Zhou King asserted his status as a universal sovereign through a system of feudal enfeoffment. This palace served as the daily residence, office, and ceremonial site for the Zhou King. Constructed based on the architectural guidelines from the Kaogongji, the main buildings include the main palace, state altar, noble residences, military hall, and Qingyang Pond, effectively recreating a simple yet solemn palace from three thousand years ago.
Western Zhou Culture Movie Theater
This theater brings the essence of the Western Zhou Dynasty back to life through high-tech means. A dynamic scroll unfolds on a nearly 200-square-meter screen, featuring nearly a thousand diverse characters. The interplay of a dynamic environment vividly depicts the bustling street markets, lively neighborhoods, serene courtyards, and the transition between day and night, showcasing the urban scenes of the Western Zhou period with remarkable realism.
Jiang Taigong’s Wind and Rain Museum
In 1046 BC, King Wu of Zhou led an army of around 40,000 to confront King Zhou of Shang, who had gathered 170,000 troops to defend against the invasion. The two armies clashed near Muye Lake in a battle known as the “Battle of Muye.” Due to the overwhelming disparity in forces, the Zhou army found itself in dire straits. In this critical moment, Jiang Taigong sacrificed his own life force to pray for wind and rain. On the day of the battle, dark clouds loomed overhead, fierce winds blew, thunder roared, and torrential rain poured down. The Shang army was caught off guard, thrown into chaos, leading to their swift defeat. This museum is built based on this historical event, recreating the dramatic scene of Jiang Taigong’s invocation of wind and rain, providing visitors with an immersive experience.
