Chengkan Ancient Town
Chengkan Ancient Town is located in the southwest direction of Huangshan City, about 40 kilometers from the city center and about 60 kilometers from Huangshan Scenic Area, with convenient transportation.
Founded in the Song Dynasty, Chengkan Ancient Town has a history of more than 1,000 years and is one of the eight famous towns in Huizhou. The town is located between mountains and rivers, forming a labyrinth of three streets and ninety-nine alleys.
Chengkan Ancient Town not only has natural beauties, but also rich culture showing the essence of architecture, carving and customs. Chengkan Ancient Town is a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural landscapes, culture and art, and is a must-see in Huangshan.
Attractions of Chengkan Ancient Town
Luo Dongshu Temple
It is one of the most famous attractions of Chengkan Ancient Town and the largest and most exquisite ancestral temple building in Huizhou, known as the "First Temple of South China". In around 1539, the temple was built by Luo Jiezong, the 21st ancestor of the Luo family, in honor of his father Luo Dongshu. The temple took ten years to complete.
The temple covers an area of more than 5000 square meters and consists of two courtyards with 108 rooms. The temple structure follows the pattern of Confucius temples, with grand architecture and exquisite carvings, exemplifying Hui style architectural art. In the temple there are four large columns of golden nanmu wood, each valued at more than a million dollars. There is also a 400-year-old osmanthus tree that emits a fragrant aroma in autumn. The temple also houses valuable objects and paintings.
Yongxing Lake
It is one of the most beautiful water landscapes in Chengkan Ancient Town and the entrance to the town. Originally called Shuikou, Yongxing Lake is an artificial lake dug by Chengkan villagers from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Southern Song Dynasty. The lake covers an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, with clear waters and winding shores. There are two ancient bridges on the lake: the Huaxiu Bridge of the Yuan Dynasty and the Yongxing Bridge of the Ming Dynasty. Along the shores of the lake are the main residential areas of the town, with Hui style buildings with white walls and black tiles reflecting in the water, creating a beautiful ink painting. Yongxing Lake is the soul of Chengkan Ancient Town and the best place to take photos.
Ping’an’kan
It is one of the most distinctive attractions of Chengkan Ancient Town and an emblematic building of the town.
Located on the shore of Yongxing Lake, it is a stone threshold about 2 meters high, 1 meter wide and 0.5 meters thick, with three fish and clouds carved on it. Chengkan ancestors erected Ping’an’kan to bring fortune and blessings to their descendants, meaning “crossing the threshold with prosperity and peace”.
On both sides of Ping'an'kan there are a pair of sacred beasts called "Tun", which are the guardians of the town, capable of devouring bad energy and emitting blessings. In Ping'ank'an there is a small hole, and it is said that those who can put their finger in the hole will receive blessings. Ping'ank'an is the entrance to the town's labyrinth and a place where visitors can make their wishes.
Baolun Tower
It is the tallest and largest building in Chengkan Ancient Town and one of its landmarks. Located behind the ancestral hall in Luo Dongshu Temple, the Baolun Tower is 18 meters high and consists of three floors. Built during the reign of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (around 1770), the tower was erected by the descendants of the Luo family in honor of Luo Dongshu. The tower has beautiful design and detailed carvings, and inside houses many historical artifacts and paintings of the Luo family. The tower also has an observation platform from which you can see the entire town and the surrounding landscapes.
Bagua Town
It is one of the most characteristic towns of the Ancient Chengkan Town and another name for the town. Located in the central region of the town, Bagua Town covers an area of approximately 10 hectares and is made up of 3 streets, 2 canals and 99 alleys. The design of the Bagua Village strictly follows the positions of the Bagua and the yin and yang principles of the "I Ching", forming an amazing pattern that combines the natural Bagua and the cultural Bagua. In Bagua Town there are many points of interest, such as Shuikou Square of the Eastern Han Dynasty, thresholds, twists and turns, and the Stone of Modesty. The alleys of Bagua Town are intricate and easy to get lost, but it also has its charm.
Ping’an’kan
It is one of the most distinctive attractions of Chengkan Ancient Town and an emblematic building of the town.
Located on the shore of Yongxing Lake, it is a stone threshold about 2 meters high, 1 meter wide and 0.5 meters thick, with three fish and clouds carved on it. Chengkan ancestors erected Ping’an’kan to bring fortune and blessings to their descendants, meaning “crossing the threshold with prosperity and peace”.
On both sides of Ping'an'kan there are a pair of sacred beasts called "Tun", which are the guardians of the town, capable of devouring bad energy and emitting blessings. In Ping'ank'an there is a small hole, and it is said that those who can put their finger in the hole will receive blessings. Ping'ank'an is the entrance to the town's labyrinth and a place where visitors can make their wishes.
Baolun Tower
It is the tallest and largest building in Chengkan Ancient Town and one of its landmarks. Located behind the ancestral hall in Luo Dongshu Temple, the Baolun Tower is 18 meters high and consists of three floors. Built during the reign of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (around 1770), the tower was erected by the descendants of the Luo family in honor of Luo Dongshu. The tower has beautiful design and detailed carvings, and inside houses many historical artifacts and paintings of the Luo family. The tower also has an observation platform from which you can see the entire town and the surrounding landscapes.
Bagua Town
It is one of the most characteristic towns of the Ancient Chengkan Town and another name for the town. Located in the central region of the town, Bagua Town covers an area of approximately 10 hectares and is made up of 3 streets, 2 canals and 99 alleys. The design of the Bagua Village strictly follows the positions of the Bagua and the yin and yang principles of the "I Ching", forming an amazing pattern that combines the natural Bagua and the cultural Bagua. In Bagua Town there are many points of interest, such as Shuikou Square of the Eastern Han Dynasty, thresholds, twists and turns, and the Stone of Modesty. The alleys of Bagua Town are intricate and easy to get lost, but it also has its charm.
Cuisine and Accommodation
Around Chengkan Ancient Town there are many charming dining and accommodation options, where visitors can taste authentic Huizhou dishes and experience life in ancient guesthouses. Here are some recommended places to eat and stay:
Cuisine
Chengkan's culinary specialties include Huizhou fermented mandarin fish, Huizhou fermented tofu, Huizhou oil tea, and Huizhou baked cakes. Among them, the most famous is Huizhou fermented mandarin fish, a dish made with local mandarin fish and various spices and seasonings. Although it has a pungent odor, its flavor is tender, spicy and very appetizing. In Chengkan there are many restaurants and food stalls serving Huizhou dishes.
Accommodation
Around Chengkan Ancient Town there are many old houses converted into accommodation, allowing visitors to experience the traditional Huizhou architecture and lifestyle. These guesthouses generally retain the original features of white walls and black roofs, horse-head walls and carved windows, while they are also equipped with modern facilities and services, offering a traditional atmosphere and comfortable experience. In Chengkan there are many inns and hotels that offer this type of accommodation.
Chengkan Ancient Town is a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural landscapes, cultural attractions and history. Here, you can admire beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers, feel the mysterious feng shui arrangement of the Bagua, experience the rustic charm of Huizhou, taste authentic Huizhou food, and stay in comfortable guesthouses. Chengkan offers you an opportunity to enjoy a moment of tranquility and relaxation. Chengkan Ancient Town welcomes you!
