Xijindu Historical and Cultural Block

Zhenjiang has a road called Wangu Yiren Lu (Road of the One Man Through the Ages), reflecting the city’s deep historical roots. The Xijindu Historical and Cultural Block is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Xijindu can be described as “spanning a thousand years from the Tang to the Qing dynasties at a single glance.”

As early as the Three Kingdoms period, this was a ferry used mostly for military purposes. Starting in the Tang Dynasty, its commercial role gradually grew, and later it became one of the essential crossings over the Yangtze River in the southeast region. In the past, Xijindu was the busiest, most vibrant, and culturally rich market in Zhenjiang. Over time, the market evolved into a street.

However, beginning in the Qing Dynasty, as river transport declined and roads became more common, the surrounding waters of Xijindu silted up and were filled in to become roads. The accumulation of silt directly led to the disappearance of the ferry terminal’s function. Later, as the Yangtze River shifted northward by several hundred meters, Xijindu as a ferry and dock faded into history. Though it still retains its original name, today’s Xijindu in Zhenjiang is now a historical and cultural block.

Although the ancient Xijindu no longer sits by the water and only the excavated stone steps of the lower ferry remain, with no waiting passengers or ferries in sight, the Xijindu Ancient Street has fortunately been preserved, offering visitors a tangible link to the past. Strolling through this thousand-year-old street and listening to local elders recount the history of Xijindu—its past and present—

The ancient street still features rows of adjacent carved wooden buildings, making it a great spot to explore historic architecture and reflect on the past. Located at the foot of Yuntai Mountain in the western part of Zhenjiang, it is a historical site built along the Poshan Plank Road. The Xijindu Ancient Street is the area in Zhenjiang with the highest concentration, best preservation, and most intact state of cultural relics, representing the “cultural vein” of Zhenjiang, a famous historical and cultural city. There are 12 cultural heritage sites here, including one national-level and two provincial-level protected sites.

• Stroll along the ancient street on the mountainside and experience the old charm of Zhenjiang.

Attraction Introduction

Also known as the Xijindu Historical and Cultural Block, it is located in the northwest of downtown Zhenjiang, just a 15-minute walk east from Jinshan Park. This area is home to a cluster of historic houses, with the famous Xijindu Ancient Street situated here. Since the Three Kingdoms period, Xijindu has served as a ferry terminal, but as the riverbank gradually shifted northward, the ferry disappeared, leaving only the ancient street perched on the mountainside of Yuntai Mountain.

Climbing a few dozen steps from the east leads you up to the ancient street on the mountainside, where the terrain gets lower as you head west. The street is paved with old bluestone slabs, flanked by traditional dwellings and gables made of blue bricks, exuding a sense of age. In the eastern section of the street stands the “Zhaguan Stone Pagoda,” built during the Yuan Dynasty—it is the only remaining pedestrian overpass stone pagoda in China, and visitors can walk through its base. Next to the pagoda is the Guanyin Cave, carved into the mountain during the Song Dynasty as a place for praying for peace and safety; across from it is the Life-Saving Association, a water rescue institution built during the Qing Dynasty. Both attractions charge an admission fee.

Further west, you’ll find smaller attractions such as Xiaoshanlou (Little Mountain Tower) and Dai Du Ting (Ferry-Waiting Pavilion). Xiaoshanlou is a small wooden building dating back to the Tang Dynasty, with a plaque inscribed with the words “Jinling Ferry” by renowned writer Yu Qiuyu hanging under its eaves. From the front of the tower, you can overlook the layers of gray tiles on the old houses in the district. The Ferry-Waiting Pavilion was once a place for ancient travelers to wait for boats or take shelter from the rain, and legend has it that Emperor Qianlong once stopped here. Beyond the pavilion, you’ll see shops lining both sides of the street—teahouses, craft stores, noodle shops, and more—all adorned with quirky signs, giving off a charmingly boutique vibe. If you’re feeling peckish, try local snacks like Zhuangyuan Bing (Number One Scholar Cake) or stinky tofu, which are quite affordable.

The ancient street isn’t long, and it takes about half an hour to stroll from one end to the other. If you’re not ready to leave, you can retrace your steps back to the Ferry-Waiting Pavilion and take the downhill path to the Old Dock Cultural Block. There, you’ll find many restored historic buildings, such as the British Concession Municipal Council and Texaco Trading Company, perfect for photos. You can also visit the Zhenjiang Museum nearby or climb up to Yuntai Pavilion on the hill behind the ancient street for a panoramic view of the city—especially beautiful at night.

Address: No. 25, Xijindu Street, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City

Type: Featured Block

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–3 hours

Phone: 0511-85288555

Official Website: http://www.xijindu.com.cn/

Opening Hours:

9:00-17:00

Ticket Information:

Free entry. The Xijindu Block is free to visit. Admission to the paid attractions: Yuntai Pavilion costs 20 RMB; Guanyin Cave + Life-Saving Association costs 30 RMB.