Chaozhou Ancient City

Visit Chaozhou Ancient City-

Enjoy the Thousand-year Charm of It!

Located in Chaozhou City, Chaozhou Ancient City is a place with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It was established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a history of over 1,600 years. The city is home to numerous ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the Guangji Bridge and Kaiyuan Temple, showcasing Chaozhou culture. It is also famous for intangible cultural heritages like Chaozhou embroidery and Chaozhou opera. Walking through the ancient city feels like traveling back in time, allowing people to experience the charm of Chaozhou culture.

Must-See Highlights

Kaiyuan Temple

Kaiyuan Temple is located in the center of Chaozhou City and was established in the 26th year of the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era (738 AD). It is one of the four surviving ancient Kaiyuan temples in China. The temple features an extensive quadrangle architectural complex. Surrounding the Mahavira Hall are 78 stone carvings from the Tang and Song dynasties, depicting Buddhist stories and patterns, which hold great artistic value. Kaiyuan Temple, with its thousand-year history, integrates architectural styles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and is acclaimed as the "The Greatest Ancient Temple in Eastern Guangdong."

Travel Information

Opening Hours: 7:00-12:00 (last entry at 11:00); 13:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:00)

Suggested Visit Duration: 1-3 hours

Memorial Temple of Hanyu

Memorial Temple of Hanyu is located in the eastern part of Chaozhou City. It was first built in the second year of the Xianping era of the Northern Song Dynasty (999 AD) and is the oldest and best-preserved temple in China dedicated to the Tang Dynasty literary figure Han Yu. The temple has a tranquil environment and elegant, ancient architecture. Inside the temple, there is a statue of Han Yu and over 40 stone inscriptions from different dynasties, which record Han Yu's achievements in governing Chaozhou and the praises from later generations.Climbing up to the Shilang Pavilion, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Chaozhou. 

Travel Information

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 daily (last entry at 17:00)

Closed on Mondays, except for public holidays.

Suggested Visit Duration:1-2 hours

Guangji Bridge

Located outside the east gate of Chaozhou Ancient City and spanning the Han River, Guangji Bridge was first built in the seventh year of the Qian Dao era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1171). It is one of China's four great ancient bridges, alongside the Zhaozhou Bridge, Luoyang Bridge, and Lugou Bridge. The bridge features a unique design that combines beam bridges, floating bridges, and arch bridges, making it the world's earliest drawbridge. Bridge pavilions with diverse styles are built on the bridge, combining both functionality and aesthetics.

Travel Information

Opening Hours:

Summer: Monday to Friday: 10:00-17:00; Saturday to Sunday: 09:00-17:00

Winter: Monday to Friday: 10:00-16:30; Saturday to Sunday: 09:00-17:30

Ticket Sales:

Ticket sales end at 16:30 on holidays and at 16:00 on weekdays.

Dismantling Bridge:

The bridge is cleared and dismantled at 17:00 on holidays and at 16:30 on weekdays. It's a vivid example of "pulling up the bridge after crossing the river."

Recommendation:

It is best to arrive early to secure a front-row spot for watching the bridge dismantling.

Suggested Visit Duration: 1.5 hours

Archway Street

Located in the heart of Chaozhou Ancient City, Archway Street is one of the best-preserved ancient archway streets in China. It features 23 stone archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties, commemorating the city’s historical figures and their achievements. The street is flanked by ancient buildings in Ming and Qing styles, showcasing traditional Chaozhou techniques such as wood and stone carvings. It is not only a cultural and historical district but also a food paradise, offering a variety of local snacks.

Travel Information

Opening Hours: All the Time

Suggested Visit Duration: 1.5 hours

Can't-miss Food of Chaozhou Ancient City

Chaozhou Ancient City is famous for its rich and diverse local delicacies. Chaozhou Beef Hotpot is highly favored for its tender beef and unique satay sauce. Chaozhou Spring Pancakes, with thin skins and much fillings, are crispy and delicious. Other snacks like Chaozhou Braised Foods and Oyster Omelettes showcase the delicacy and uniqueness of Chaozhou cuisine, attracting countless food lovers to taste them.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chaozhou Ancient City is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, with less rainfall. Everything is coming back to life, and the scenery is pleasant. You can enjoy the blooming flowers and picturesque rural landscapes around the ancient city, and feel the aroma of spring.

Autumn (September to November): The weather is cool and comfortable, with less rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The Chaozhou ancient city, bathed in the sunlight, exudes an even more rustic charm. This is the best time to deeply experience the culture and history of Chaozhou.

If you prefer a peaceful travel experience, winter (December to February of the following year) is also a good choice. The climate in Chaozhou is warm during this time, and there are fewer tourists. You can leisurely explore the ancient city and immerse yourself in its charm.