Minghe Ancient Town

Minghe Ancient Town

Minghe Ancient Town is located in the southeastern part of Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang. It lies 50 kilometers east of Ningbo and borders National Highway 329 to the north. Built during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, it has a history of over 1,200 years and is one of the ancient market towns in the Sanbei area. It is also the only remaining ancient town in Cixi that retains the typical architectural style of a classic Jiangnan water town, and is known as having “scenery that rivals that of Gusu.”

Built along Baiyang Lake and adjacent to the Wulei Mountain Scenic Area, Minghe Ancient Town is truly a town nestled between mountains and water. The town’s river flows from west to east through the entire settlement, with seven ancient bridges from the Ming Dynasty spanning its waters. Along the riverbanks are Ming and Qing dynasty residences featuring the distinctive architectural style of the Jiangnan water towns—most of which were grand mansions built by the Ye family of Minghe after they amassed wealth through the traditional Chinese medicine trade. The Yan Warehouse Zouma Building is a uniquely characteristic ancient building among the quadrangle complexes of southern China. Inside the ancestral hall of the Shen family residence, examination success bulletins from past generations are still preserved. The lingering scholarly aura on these notices stands as a testament to the cultural heritage and continuity of the ancient town.

The 1,700-year-old Wulei Temple—the foremost ancient temple in eastern Zhejiang—and the Jinshan Temple, founded during the Liang Dynasty's Datong era, are both located near the town. With the morning and evening bells of the temples and the resonant chanting of sutras, the ancient town seems to gain an even more ethereal and mysterious charm.

Address: East Side of Sanxingqiao Road, Cixi City, Ningbo

Type: Ancient Town / Ancient Village

Recommended Visiting Time: 4–5 hours

Ticket Information:

Free admission.