Chitan Ancient Town

Chitan Ancient Town

Chitan is located at the confluence of Qinxi River and Qingyi River, 7.5 kilometers north of Jing County. It was an ancient waterborne hub along the Qingyi River and has served as the seat of the township (or town) government since the Ming and Qing dynasties, becoming the political, economic, and cultural center for miles around. It was once one of the renowned Eighteen Ancient Towns in the history of Jing County and now belongs to Qinxi Town.

Old Street of Chitan

Chitan Ancient Town has a long history and was one of the top ten famous ancient towns in the history of Jing County. In the era when water transport was thriving, it was a key point on the Qingyi River waterway, bustling with people and a gathering place for merchants, well-known across the surrounding counties of Jing, Nan, and Xuan. Surrounded by water on three sides, it enjoys a tranquil environment, pleasant scenery, and rich folk culture. There are many historical and cultural sites nearby. Just a few miles from Chitan lies Matouji, one of the Eight Scenic Spots of ancient Jingchuan. The local magistrate Jiang Xun inscribed the words “Key to Jingchuan,” characterized by bold strokes and exquisite carving. The ancient Qinxi Kiln Site is listed as a provincial-level cultural relic protection site. Towering by the Qinxi River is Qingshan, also known in the past as Qinggaotai (Qin Gao Platform). Legend has it that during the Han dynasty, the recluse Qin Gao refined elixirs here, eventually becoming immortal and ascending to heaven by “riding a carp.” The mountain rises abruptly, with steep cliffs resembling a majestic lion. On the mountain there are historic sites such as Yinyu Rock and the Elixir Refining Cave.

Inside the Elixir Refining Cave, there are also curious rocks such as an alchemy furnace, stone tables, and stone stools, all said to be remnants of the immortal Qin Gao’s alchemical practices. Outside and to the left of the cave stands a uniquely shaped rock, tall and proud like a rooster standing, known as “Golden Rooster Rock.” Visitors drifting through Qinyu Valley can admire the magical cliff inscriptions of Qingshan, where dozens of carvings from various dynasties are etched into the steep cliffs. These include quatrains or long poems inscribed by Xing Ju, Wu Pingyi, and Du Wei from the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era; works by Jiang Yingshu, Guo Xiangzheng, Chao Duanben, Liu Yi, and Zhao Jingchen from the Song Dynasty; and the seal script characters “Qinggaotai” written by Lin Chun during the Southern Song Dynasty, carved on the steepest part of the cliff facing the river. In the Qing Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Chen Xiao inscribed the two large characters “Xianfeng” (Immortal Peak) on a rock face, each character spanning over a foot. Most of these cliff inscriptions were created by master calligraphers, elegant yet vigorous, each showcasing distinct styles. The engravers were also highly skilled artisans adept at using the chisel, capturing the spirit of every stroke. Despite centuries of wind and rain erosion, these carvings have not faded; the characters “Xianfeng” remain especially clear and retain their divine charm. The Jiangnan Grassland is situated between the Qingyi River and Chitan Ancient Town, covering an area of more than 5,000 acres. It is the largest natural riverbed grassland in Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai, boasting a beautiful ecological environment. Gazing out at the river, one sees green mountains, rustic ferries, and the endless flow of the river, offering a refreshing experience. Amidst the shimmering water and surrounding peaks, one can almost still sense the lingering presence of the great Tang poet Li Bai, who once raised his cup to the breeze and drifted away along the river.

Although with the increasing development of land transportation and the decline of the Qingyi River’s shipping importance, the ancient town has long lost its former prosperity. However, strolling through its streets, one can still feel its past glory through the neat cobblestone paths and the well-arranged horse-head walls. In recent years, some far-sighted individuals have done considerable work to protect the historic architecture of Chitan Old Street. Gradually, relying on the well-preserved old buildings and the rich foundation of folk and Buddhist culture, efforts have been made to develop tourism by renovating the old street, rebuilding Yanlong Zen Temple, opening up a new Qingyi River drift route from the county town to Chitan Old Street, reviving traditional temple fairs, and initially forming a unique folk culture tourism experience on Chitan Street. As tourism development continues to deepen, Chitan Ancient Town will gradually regain new vitality, presenting its long-standing, rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery to visitors in a brand-new light.

Qinxixian Town: Qinxixian Town is located 10 kilometers northeast of Jing County, covering a total area of 93.12 square kilometers. It includes 57,000 mu of mountainous land, 18,660 mu of arable land, 8 village committees, 192 villager groups, 1 neighborhood committee, 3 resident groups, 5,936 households, and a population of 19,955.

Provincial Highway 322 runs through the town, making transportation very convenient. The area features lofty green mountains, long-flowing clear waters, vast territory, and abundant resources. It mainly produces coal, yellow sand, refractory clay, limestone, coke gemstones, marble, iron ore, bamboo, and timber. In recent years, our town has focused on... More details about Qinxixian Town++