Yanguan Ancient Town

Yanguan Ancient Town

(Photography: Wang Feiqing)

Yanguan Ancient Town is a small Jiangnan town situated on the northern bank of the Qiantang River. With its long history and rich cultural heritage, it has become a renowned ancient town in northern Zhejiang. It is also world-famous as a prime spot to watch the tides, thanks to the “World Wonder – the Qiantang Tidal Bore.” From the town’s establishment in the sixth year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty (655 AD) until before the War of Resistance, it served as the administrative center of Hai Ning County (or Prefecture). The influential “Hai Ning Chen Family” of the Qing Dynasty, the modern master of Chinese studies Wang Guowei, and the renowned contemporary writer Chen Xuezhao were all born here. Legend also has it that this is the hometown of Emperor Qianlong. The area boasts countless scenic spots and historical sites, such as the Fish-Scale Stone Dyke, the Sea God Temple, and the Anguo Temple.

Admire the Night View of Yanguan Corridor Bridge

Yanguan Town, Haining City, Zhejiang Province, China. Yanguan is China’s only Tide Town. It is located at the southern end of the Yangtze River Delta, adjacent to major cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, and lies at the heart of East China’s Golden Triangle — the center of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. Thanks to its proximity to the Qiantang River and the convenience of water transport, it has been a prosperous place since ancient times. During the Western Han Dynasty, over 2,100 years ago, Liu Pi, the King of Wu who ruled this land, took advantage of the Qiantang River’s access to the sea to produce salt for profit. To manage salt affairs effectively, a specialized official position — the Salt Official — was established here. Later, the title of the official became the name of the place, and thus this land was named “Yanguan” (Salt Official). Yanguan, with its superior geographical location and thriving economy, was historically also known as “Haining,” which means “Peaceful Sea.” It is not only the best place to witness the world-famous Qiantang Tidal Bore — known for its unique and majestic beauty — but also a culturally rich ancient town with an imperial aura and glorious history. Haining Yanguan is a world-renowned destination for tide-watching. Since ancient times, the Qiantang Tidal Bore has been celebrated worldwide for its spectacular and magnificent presence. Historic figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Mao Zedong have left magnificent poetic works inspired by the tides they witnessed in Yanguan. Yanguan is also a famous historical and cultural city, featuring key attractions such as the Fish-Scale Dyke, the Sea God Temple, the Anlan Garden, the Town God’s Temple, the Former Residence of Chen the Elder, the Five Directions Earth God Temple, the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and the former homes of notable figures like Wang Guowei, the master of Chinese studies; Zheng Xiaocang, an educator; and Chen Xuezhao, a female writer. Yanguan Town in Zhejiang Province has a long history and is also widely known as a Tide Town. It earned this title because of its deep connection with the world-famous tidal bore of the Qiantang River. The mighty tidal waves of the Pacific Ocean surge into the East China Sea, with one branch of the tide heading straight for the Hangzhou Bay, which connects to the mouth of the Qiantang River. In this bay, shaped like a trumpet, the tides mysteriously become extraordinarily fierce, instantly developing an overwhelming momentum. Particularly fascinating is how, when the tide approaches Yanguan, the wavefront forms a straight vertical wall, resembling a troop of galloping horses lining up to be reviewed. This is the famous “Yanguan Single-Line Tide.”

Admire the Night View of Dadongmen

Address: Yanguan Town, Haining City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China

Type: Ancient Town

Recommended Visit Duration: 5–6 hours

Phone: 0573-87617200

Official Website: http://www.qianjiangchao.com/aspweb/index/index.asp

Ticket Information:

No admission fee required.