Yanguan Ancient Town (盐官古镇), situated in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, is place with a history of over two thousand years. It has been a significant site for salt production since ancient times, hence its name “Yanguan,” which means “salt official” in Chinese. This ancient town not only preserves rich historical and cultural heritage but also exudes the charm of the Jiangnan water towns.
The history of Yanguan Ancient Town can be traced back to the Han Dynasty when salt production began in the area. By the Tang Dynasty, Yanguan Town had already become an important economic and cultural center. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Chen, who had ruled as emperor for fourteen years, voluntarily abdicated the throne and became a monk in Yanguan Town. His pagoda still stands in Yanguan Town today.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yanguan Ancient Town
- Vlog about Yanguan Ancient Town
- Other Iconic Attractions in Jiaxing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | The town is free, but you need to pay for the attractions |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 16.39 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0573-87617200 |
Location and Transportation
Yanguan Town is located in Haining City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, approximately 50 kilometers from Hangzhou. Visitors can take a direct shuttle bus from Haining Railway Station to Yanguan Town, which takes only half an hour and costs 10 RMB. Additionally, there is a tourist bus route T109 operating between the city center and the scenic area, with Haining Railway Station Square as the starting point and Yanguan as the terminal station.
Highlights of Yanguan Ancient Town
Architectural Style
The architectural style of Yanguan Ancient Town is unique, reflecting the characteristics of the Jiangnan water towns. Walking along the old streets of Yanguan, one can see the well-preserved stone-paved roads, moss-covered river banks, beautiful embankments by the water, and the sound of boats paddling. The Guyi Road section of the ancient town is a typical representation of Yanguan Ancient Town, with its 600-meter-long old street featuring famous residences, official mansions, ancient temples, traditional shops, and distinctive dwellings, preserving the ancient charm and unique atmosphere.
Zhao’ao Pagoda
Yanguan Ancient Town also boasts many attractions worth visiting. For example, the Zhan’ao Pagoda, built in the style of a tower for worshiping the tide god, was constructed in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. Its magnificent structure provides an excellent vantage point for observing the tides. Climbing to the top of the Zhan’ao Pagoda offers a panoramic view of the entire Yanguan Ancient Town, providing a broad perspective. Additionally, attractions like the Fish Scale Stone Pond are designated as national key cultural relics protection units, possessing significant historical and cultural value.
Qiantang River Tidal Bore
Yanguan Ancient Town is not only a historic and culturally rich ancient town but also a place of stunning natural beauty. Located near the Qiantang River, the Qiantang River Tidal Bore on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month each year attracts numerous visitors to witness this natural wonder. The mighty tidal bore surges with grandeur, complementing the ancient architecture of Yanguan Ancient Town, creating magnificent scenes like those from a splendid painting.
The ancient town of Yanguan has many areas still under construction, but the facilities are quite complete. You can take a boat ride, and there are plenty of snacks available, mostly concentrated in the northern area. I tried Wang’s steamed buns, which were filled with pickled vegetables and tofu. The southern area features the Sea God Temple, Jin Yong’s Study, and the Confucius Temple, but you need to take an electric car to reach them; it can be a bit… Read more »
Currently, the Yanguan Ancient Town is undergoing a lot of construction and demolition, and there aren’t many tourists around. I estimate that it will be more crowded during the tide-watching season.
It’s a nice place to walk around, but there are many ancient towns nearby. The homogeneity of these attractions has led to a bit of aesthetic fatigue. I chatted with the sightseeing bus driver, who mentioned that plans are underway to develop this area into an international tourism resort. There will be a cluster of high-end hotels constructed within the scenic area, but as of now, only about 30% of the area has been developed.
Currently, only one-third of the area is open, but the entire scenic area is quite large. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as it mainly features traditional-style architecture.
Yan Guan Ancient Town is still under renovation, and there are very few places to visit. I recommend not coming here for a short time.
This is a place I visited in my childhood. After many years, I returned to check it out again. Many areas have changed, but the scenery is still quite beautiful.
The overrated Yanguan Ancient Town, empty and lacking in charm, devoid of scenery, atmosphere, or people.