Zhuanghe Chengshan Ancient City

Zhuanghe Chengshan Ancient City

Zhuanghe Chengshan Ancient City is a cultural relic protection unit of Liaoning Province.

The Chengshan Ancient City tourist area is located near Wandun in Chengshan Town, Zhuanghe City, approximately 15 kilometers from the Zhuang-Xiu Road, 25 kilometers from the Dazhuang Expressway, and 40 kilometers from downtown Zhuanghe, making it very accessible.

The Chengshan Ancient City tourist area covers a total area of 31.5 square kilometers, divided into Qiancheng (Front City), Houcheng (Rear City), and Jiahe (Interlaced River). The front and rear mountain cities face each other from afar, surrounded by dense forests with towering ancient trees, steep mountain ridges, and deep valleys. The winding Jiahe River is crystal clear and meanders gracefully. The naturally formed peculiar peaks, strange rocks, and caves are as if sculpted by supernatural forces, presenting diverse and breathtaking forms. Wild animals such as hares and pheasants breed freely, while squirrels and cuckoos play among the branches. The Buddhist Fahua Temple is bustling with incense, and the Taoist Wulao Palace stands solemn and majestic. Overall, the tourist area features towering high ridges, crisscrossing valleys, long and serene gorges, winding streams, and a majestic presence stretching skillfully across northern Liaodong. Ancient walls stretch out, secluded paths lead to tranquil spots, lofty towers and exquisitely built temples create remarkable sights unique to southern Liaoning. With green mountains and clear waters, birdsongs and floral fragrances, a serene and elegant atmosphere, and picturesque scenery, it can truly be called a paradise on earth.

The Goguryeo people were part of the great family of the Huaxia ethnic group in ancient China, and the Goguryeo regime was a local government of an ethnic minority in Northeast China. In that romantic era that revered heroes, the convergence of opportunities led the Goguryeo people to produce one extraordinary king and leader after another. Some of them governed vast lands and established territories; some emulated the governance of the Wen and Jing eras, allowing the people to rest and recuperate; others commanded fierce armies, vying for dominance in the Northeast, ruling over Liaodong. They made indelible contributions to the development of this fertile land in the Northeast.

Over more than 700 years of dedicated governance, the Goguryeo regime established a comprehensive military defense system to meet the needs of outward expansion and resistance against invasions. There were more than 170 such fortifications within the territory of Liaoning and Jilin provinces in China. The characteristic of Goguryeo mountain fortresses is that most were built along the natural lines of steep mountainous terrain, often centered around one larger fortress, connected with several smaller ones to create mutual support, enhance defensive flexibility, and form an integrated function. In terms of scale, these mountain fortresses can be divided into large, medium, and small types. The Chengshan Ancient City in the Dalian area belongs to the large fortress category.

Jili City is situated on precipitous mountain terrain, overlooking from a high and strategic position, dominating the eastern-flowing Bilu River, and controlling the vast northern bank of the Yellow River. To the south, it faces the towering Wabashan Fortress across the river, resembling a giant pair of pliers, enclosing mountain fortresses along the upper reaches of the Bilu River such as Gaizhou Chishan Fortress, Sunjiawobao Fortress, and Tiandun Gaolicheng Fortress—all within less than a hundred li. To the southwest, it is less than 200 li from Jinzhou’s Bisha Fortress, and to the east, less than 300 li from the mouth of the Yalu River. To the northeast, it connects integrally with Niangniangcheng Fortress and Fenghuangcheng Fortress, forming a complete defensive system. This created a fortress that was both offensive and defensive, easy to defend but hard to attack. Jili City could block the route of Sui and Tang armies attacking from the sea along the Bilu River valley. Therefore, its strategic position is extremely important. Jili City is divided into Qiancheng (Front City) and Houcheng (Rear City). The rear city, embraced by valleys, is suitable for stationing troops in various gullies; the front city spans the mountain ridge, facilitating observation and command of battle operations. The rear and front cities complement and reinforce each other, working in harmony.

Protected area: Within the Chengshan Front City and Rear City, as well as within 20 meters outside the outer base of the city walls.

Construction control zone: A first-class construction control zone within 30 meters outside the protected area, and a second-class construction control zone within 50 meters outside the first-class control zone.

Scenic area address: Chengshan Town, Zhuanghe City, Dalian, Liaoning Province

Transportation: From Dalian, you can take a bus to Zhuanghe, then transfer to a minibus or taxi to reach the site.

Chengshan Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Zhuanghe City. Established as Chengshan Commune in 1958, became a township in 1983, and was upgraded to a town in 1987. Located in the western part of the city, 40 kilometers from the municipal government, it covers an area of 198 square kilometers with a population of 38,000. It administers 15 village committees: Caiyuan, Shahe, Wangguan, Jinfang, Xiaoling, Beijiang, Hengli, Chatie, Jiqing, Lixing, Wazi, Zhonghe, Mamiao, Shengli, and Liutun, as well as 3 neighborhood committees: Hengfeng, Dangpu, and Shantou. Township enterprises produce products such as baking trays, dumbbells, and silk. The main agricultural products are corn, rice, beans, peanuts, with abundant production of apples and silkworm cocoons. Historic sites include Chengshan Temple, Chengshan... More details about Chengshan Town++

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Liaoning Province