Xianqi Ancient Town

Xianqi Ancient Town

Xianqi Ancient Town is a cultural heritage site protected by the Changle District government.

Changle’s Xianqi Village is located in the southern part of Zhanggang Town, bordering the sea with a coastline stretching over 6,500 meters. The village is also known as Fengqi. Legend has it that during the construction of the town, immortals from heaven passed through seven regions and settled here, hence the name.

Xianqi City Tower, also called Shiliang Jiaoshan City, is located in front of Xianqi Village. Historically under the jurisdiction of the Fifteenth District, this area lies at a strategic maritime hub. A Song Dynasty poet wrote: “Shiliang stands vast at the frontier, its banner-like shape the most spectacular.” This describes its role as a vital sea passage. Thus, when the great Ming Dynasty navigator Zheng He anchored his fleet at Taiping Port during his voyages to the Western Seas, Xianqi was also within his sphere of activity.

In the Ming Dynasty, Magistrate Zai Shiwang, aiming to strengthen coastal defenses and protect residents’ safety, mobilized laborers to build the city in the 21st year of the Jiajing reign (1542 AD). The ancient stone structure spans 360 zhang (approx. 1,200 meters) in length, one zhang and two chi (approx. 4 meters) in width, and one zhang and three chi (approx. 4.3 meters) in thickness. It originally had three city gates—east, west, and south. Today, only the west gate tower remains. This stone, arched gate is convex in shape, standing 3.25 meters high and 13 meters wide. The gate opening is 2.70 meters wide and 2.50 meters high, with walls 4.80 meters thick. Above the gate is an inscribed stone plaque reading “Dai En” (“Boundless Grace”), dated “Jiajing Renyin Year (1542 AD), Erected by Magistrate Dai Shiwang,” and is well preserved.

In 1986, it was designated as a county-level cultural heritage site by the Changle County People’s Government.

In ancient times, ascending the ancient city offered a commanding view over the river and sea, evoking an image of dragons coiling and tigers crouching. From above, the sea was dotted with islands, white sails, and rolling waves, while shallow harbors and sandy beaches featured forests of masts. However, due to the vicissitudes of history, coastal changes have erased the former grandeur.