The Romance of the Song Dynasty – Ticket, Location, and Highlights

Hangzhou has long been a land suited for human habitation and prosperity. As far back as 8,000 to 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic Age, the ancestors with “shaved hair and tattoos” had already created a splendid prehistoric civilization on the ancient Yue land. From the Kuahuqiao Culture to the Liangzhu Culture, one renowned cultural peak after another was formed. They mark the initial division between ignorance and civilization and are major components of subsequent Xia, Shang, and Zhou civilizations, serving as the prelude and the first dawn of the ancient Oriental civilization.

As the shadows of history recede, a new and magnificent era—the Southern Song Dynasty—emerges. The Southern Song was a period when China’s feudal economy reached its peak, achieving tremendous accomplishments in economics, technology, and culture. Urban economies and foreign trade development far surpassed previous eras, placing it at the forefront of the contemporary world. Hangzhou during the Southern Song Dynasty had a population of up to a million, becoming a famous metropolis where all things converged. Streets crisscrossed the city, teahouses and taverns, as well as art institutions, were everywhere, resounding with music and dance, presenting a scene of prosperity and harmony.

“The southeast’s beauty, the three Wu districts, Qiantang has been prosperous since ancient times. Misty willows line the bridges, with green curtains of wind, tens of thousands of households scatter unevenly.” Hangzhou’s prosperity attracted the attention of the Jin Dynasty emperor in the north. In January 1127 AD, Jin troops invaded Bianjing, capturing Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong, an event known as the “Jingkang Incident,” forcing the Song court to flee south. Zhao Gou, the ninth son of Emperor Huizong and known as Emperor Gaozong, established the Southern Song Dynasty, with Hangzhou as its capital. This sparked a vast wave of national wars between the people along the Yellow River and between the Jianghuai regions. Yue Fei emerged as a national hero during this period. Yue Fei, who fought in battles four times throughout his life, led the Yue Family Army through numerous campaigns, reclaiming vast territories in Jiankang and the Central Plains, marching all the way to Bianjing.

Hangzhou, one of China’s famous ancient capitals and known as the Pearl of the East Sea, was praised by Emperor Renzong of Song Dynasty as the “number one state in the southeast” nearly 900 years ago. Its long history has left behind a wealth of famous historical sites and scenic spots. The West Lake, described as “light makeup or heavy, all suitable,” has earned Hangzhou the reputation of “paradise on earth.” Hangzhou, how many magical stories and beautiful legends have you left us?