Highly Recommended! These Offbeat Ancient Towns Are Worth a Visit!

"The slanting shadows of corner towers have become old tales; setting sun rays reflect anew on rippling waves."

After the rain, the small ancient town's bluestone paths are washed clean and gleaming. Strolling leisurely by the old city walls, the scent of moss in the air is refreshing and delightful.

Today, let's explore some offbeat ancient towns that have witnessed China's past and present but remain unknown to most!

1. Binzhou · Wudi Ancient City — A Millennium of Confucian Tradition Passed Down, Seek Tranquility and Nostalgia in Wudi

Dating back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, developing through the Sui and Tang, and flourishing in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stepping into Wudi Ancient City reveals a magnificent scroll of Chinese civilization unfolding before you.

The Haifeng Pagoda, standing by the ancient city and built in the Tang Dynasty, has withstood the ages and witnessed Wudi's ups and downs.

Crossing the bridge that spans the timeless moat, the city wall from the Song Dynasty comes into view, with fortifications at each corner and bell and drum towers perched atop.

Enter through Yichun Gate, and a single glance spans a thousand years: mottled stone paths, ancient grey bricks, vermilion pillars, swaying willows, solemn old pines...

"The carved railings and jade inlays should still be there, only the rosy faces have changed."

After a thousand years of wind and frost, having witnessed the world's vicissitudes, it still stands tall—its confidence rooted in cultural self-assurance.

Within the city, you feel the solemnity born of ages.

Wudi Ancient City was a gathering place for talents, producing one prime minister, seven Hanlin scholars, nine ministers, ten vice ministers, fifty-five jinshi, one hundred sixty-seven juren, and more. The most famous is the Former Residence of Wu Shifen, left by the Qing dynasty's Wu family, renowned for their illustrious official posts.

Other must-see spots include General Feng Anbang's Mansion, Dajue Temple, and Lotus Bay—each well worth a visit and a photo!

2. Rizhao · Ju State Ancient City — The First City of the Spring and Autumn Period, Cultural Quintessence of Ju

Hailed as the "First City of the Spring and Autumn Period" for preserving architecture from the Spring and Autumn period through the Qing dynasty, Ju State Ancient City showcases the unique building style and cultural heritage of the Ju region.

Enter in the early morning, pass through the "que" towers flanking the main gate, and in an instant you've traveled back to the Spring and Autumn era.

Though in the north, the architecture inside gives you an uncanny feeling of being in a Jiangnan water town.

Two-story buildings with rosewood timbers and grey tiles line the streets; pavilions and flowing water soothe the soul.

Beyond cultural landmarks like Ju King Palace, Chengyang Prince Mansion, Diaolong Garden, and Wenchang Pavilion, you can experience twenty-six distinctive intangible heritage items, from Ju County paper-cutting to fish-drum storytelling.

As the sun sets and darkness falls, the ancient city transforms. Unlike its quiet daytime self, the night brings a touch of unbridled freedom and sheds some solemnity.

Lanterns glow red, golden border lights illuminate the whole city. Grab a snack and stroll leisurely along the waterways.

When tired, watch the large-scale live performance "Remember in Ju" to dive deeper into the region's past and present.

3. Linyi · Longyuan (Dragon Garden) — Where the First Qin Emperor Dreamed of Dragons, Enjoy the Water Charm

Long is the totem of the Chinese nation. Over 2,200 years ago, Emperor Qin Shi Huang stayed here on an eastern inspection tour, dreamed of a giant dragon, erected an altar to worship heaven, and prayed for good weather and national peace—hence the name Dragon Garden.

Longyuan consists of four zones: Dragon Culture Ancient City, Family Fun Park, Dinosaur Park, and Love Valley.

In Dragon Culture Ancient City, savor Huizhou-style architecture, Suzhou-style gardens, and Jiangnan water charm—just as a dragon cannot leave water, neither can Dragon Garden.

Located in Linyi's Tangtou Hot Spring area, one of China's four top-rated natural hot springs, immersing your skin in the water is a cleansing for both body and soul.

The Chinese "dragon" is a beautiful ancient imagination; dinosaurs actually existed. The park features dinosaur models and museums—bring your kids for a fun, educational outing!

Of course, lovebirds are not forgotten: Love Valley, a popular spot for wedding photos, welcomes couples to walk hand in hand toward a happy future.

4. Qingdao · Jimo Ancient City — A Famous Qi State Town, Taste Ancient Jiaodong

You might not know Jimo, but you've definitely heard of Qingdao. In fact, Qingdao was once part of Jimo!

Historical records say the name "Jimo" comes from water: "Ji" means near, "Mo" refers to the Moshui River, so Jimo means "near the Mo River."

Jimo Ancient City's history stretches back to the Warring States period, when it stood in eastern Qi, echoing the capital Linzi.

Jiaodong has always been fertile, and Jimo encapsulates Jiaodong culture.

As Qingdao's only ancient city, Jimo was built in the Spring and Autumn period, faded in the Sui dynasty, and revived later.

On original foundations, the county yamen, Confucian temple, City God temple, God of Wealth temple, Zhenwu temple, and a modern church have been restored, presenting the layout of "one city, two streets, ten scenes, thirteen lanes."

At night, cultural creative shops and intangible heritage stores blend culture into the gentle, charming night and bright moonlight.

5. Liaocheng · Dongchang Ancient City — Built in the Heart of Dongchang Lake, Throat of the Ancient Grand Canal

Dongchang Ancient City is also called "Phoenix City" because its south gate faces east like a phoenix head, the east and west gates face south like wings, and the north gate faces north like a tail.

First built in the Song Dynasty when the Yellow River flooded, it became the seat of Bo Prefecture and Liaocheng County.

Built in the middle of Dongchang Lake, it was once one of the nine major commercial ports along the Grand Canal in the Ming and Qing dynasties, earning the praise "throat of water transport, elbow of the imperial capital."

The city retains its ancient grid layout, with streets clearly perpendicular like a chessboard.

Guangyue Tower stands tall at the center, while Shanshan Guildhall shines like a pearl by the lake. Radiating from the tower, four main streets run in four directions.

Beyond the streets are four outer gates. Most dwellings are courtyard houses, still featuring white walls, grey tiles, and sloping roofs.

6. Linyi · Yizhou Ancient City — Imposing and Grand, Look Back at Yizhou

Like most ancient cities, Yizhou is famous for its proximity to the Yi River.

The name "Yizhou" first appeared in the Northern Zhou period, but its roots trace to the Spring and Autumn period under Duke Ai of Lu—a long history indeed.

Standing before Yizhou Ancient City, banners on the walls rustle, "que" towers stand on either side, and three bridges across the moat hint at its former prosperity.

Strategically located, it was always contested: during the Warring States, Qi strategist Sun Bin defeated Wei general Pang Juan at the Maling ancient road south of the city.

Inside, the tourist area has rebuilt landmarks like the Ming Prince's Mansion, Yizhou Yamen, and Yizhou Pagoda, with excellent facilities for cultural immersion and relaxation.

"From ancient to modern times, things remain but people change; in heaven and earth, only the rivers and mountains never age."

These ancient cities have witnessed the rise and fall of Chinese civilization, and have played a part in the historical changes of every dynasty.