Zhongshan Ancient Town

An Overview of Zhongshan Ancient Town

Zhongshan Ancient Town, also called San-he-chang or Long-dong-chang, is located in the southern mountain area of the Jiangjin County which is 12 kilometers away from Chongqing, about one hour's drive. It is near to Simianshan Mountain, the national grade scenic area. The ancient town was built near a small river and is mainly composed of Longdong (dragon cave), Huangzhong Dam and Gaosheng Bridge. The whole ancient town occupies an area of about 156 square kilometers, with an agricultural acreage of 20,528 mu (1 mu=666.67 square meters). Zhongshan Ancient Town is high in the south and low in the north with the elevation ranging from 265 meters to 1,442 meters.

History of Zhongshan Ancient Town

Zhongshan Ancient Town has a long history. According to the record of South Song Dynasty, the Zhongshan Ancient Town can be traced back to the year of 857 in the Tang Dynasty. In Ming Dynasty, Qingxi County was established here. In Qing Dynasty, the government set an administrative office here. During the Guang-Xu years of Qing Dynasty, the former Longdongchang, Laochang and Masangyachang were merged into the Sanhechang. Later, after several adjustments of organizational system, Zhongshan Town was finally established.

In 2002, Zhongshan Ancient Town was listed as the famous historical and cultural town of Chongqing.

In 2004, Zhongshan Ancient Town was awarded as the "town of couplets" of Chongqing.

In 2005, it was listed as the famous historical and cultural town of China.

In 2008, Zhongshan Ancient Town was named as one of the "Top Ten Famous Ancient Towns".

Attractions of Zhongshan Ancient Town

Old Streets of Zhongshan Ancient Town

There is an old street extending 700 meters and more than100 shops in the Zhongshan Ancient Town. These are the proof of the thriving and prosperity of the past days. The old street itself is the miniature of the ancient town's history. Paved with old bluestones, the old street takes on an antique and quaint look.

Yong'an Bridge of Zhongshan Ancient Town

Yong'an Bridge in Zhongshan Ancient Town was built with the money which was intended to use for the birthday of an old man whose family name was Wang. In Qing Dynasty, children of the old man was about to celebrate the birthday for him. The old man was very benevolent and decided to use the money to build a bridge for the local people rather than spending the money for himself. Later, calligraphies of many famous poets were engraved on the bridge. In 2006, Yong'an Bridge was listed as the provincial grade cultural relic protection unit.

Xianggong Tower of Zhongshan Ancient Town

In Chinese, the word "Xianggong" means husband. Xianggong Tower was built in 1551 of Ming Dynasty. There are altogether 7 floors of the tower with a height of 14.7 meters and in the shape of octagon. It is said that scholars in the old times always invited each other and came to the tower to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and write poems. Xianggong Tower is very grand in appearance like a giant standing in the Zhongshan Ancient Town.

Other Attractions of Zhongshan Ancient Town

There are also many other attractions in the Zhongshan Ancient Town. More than a dozen of old manors remain here. Over 20 old temples are also in good condition.