How to Explore Yandu Ancient City? Your Itinerary Awaits! (Part 1)

“West wind, a skinny horse on the weary road; Yishui and the Great Wall, the old capital’s abode.”

Talk of Yandu Ancient City, and few may know its name. Yet its location holds a place in Chinese history and culture—Yixian County, known in ancient times as Yizhou, named after the “Yi” of Yishui River. Founded in the 16th year of Kaihuang (a Sui dynasty era), it has undergone over a thousand years of evolution, with scenic spots aplenty. Truly a land of outstanding natural beauty and cultural wealth. Yandu Ancient City, though built in later times, inherits this land’s profound cultural history; every brick and tile seems steeped in antiquity. Step inside, and you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Ming and Qing dynasties—a unique and special experience.

As it happens, today we find ourselves in Yandu Ancient City. If you’re interested, dear readers, come along and see how to make the most of this ancient city in just one day!

8:00 AM Rise and Shine

After a long journey, you’re rewarded with a bright morning—worth every bit of effort. Draw back the curtains, and radiant light instantly fills the room. In Yixian, the sky actually starts to lighten around five o’clock; by eight, the sun already hangs bright and clear, generously pouring down its rays. As for hotels, there aren’t many around Yandu Ancient City. For convenience and a more “authentic” feel, most people opt for the Xuheng Hotel, run by the ancient city itself. This hotel follows the same style as the old town—a blend of modernity and ancient charm, successfully creating an interior design with a strong sense of style. The rooms are clean, and the beds are soft.

9:00 AM Antique Street

After breakfast at the hotel, a day of fun officially begins. It’s still early, the temperature is perfectly comfortable, making it an ideal time for outdoor spots. After a quick discussion, everyone agreed to head to Antique Street. Yixian is a place rich in culture, and Yandu Ancient City elevates it even further. On Antique Street, even the humblest roadside stalls give you the feeling that they’re anything but ordinary. A dazzling array of vintage curios catches your eye. Indeed, what seems like run-of-the-mill pots and jars to a layperson turns out to have quite a story once explained. Taking a closer look, these objects bear the patina of time, their craftsmanship simple yet elegant—like a beauty who has weathered the years; time may pass, but charm remains.

11:00 AM Leisurely Stroll through the Old Town

From one end of the street to the other, as the sun climbs higher, the temperature rises too. Most shops on either side have opened for business, but in keeping with this city’s unhurried pace, shop owners may be lounging in the shade, or chatting in small groups with friends. If their eyes meet a visitor’s, they respond with a warm smile. On branches of varying heights hang birdcages, their chirping filling the old town with a lively, spirited vibe. After a leisurely stroll, there’s still some time before lunch—a perfect chance to return to the hotel for a short rest, recharging for the afternoon’s adventures.

And that wraps up the morning’s itinerary! If you’ve enjoyed this, stay tuned for Part Two—follow me to read the next installment~