Qinglong Ancient Town

Qinglong Ancient Town

The entire architectural complex of Qinglong Town resembles a soaring dragon. The town stretches five li from north to south. The curved building complex at the southern end forms the dragon’s tail; the winding structure to the west represents the dragon’s right leg, curled and kicking backward; the winding path leading eastward to Taya Slope forms the dragon’s left leg. This path, extending toward the river, looks just like dragon claws emerging from the water; the Fengshui Slope’s arched old road is the dragon’s right front leg; the winding slope of the Dragon King Temple is the dragon’s left front leg, the lower street is the dragon’s neck, the main crossroads are the dragon’s claws; the riverbank slope is the dragon’s head, and the five-li-long main street is the dragon’s body. The wells in the two temples atop the dragon’s head—including the River God Temple—serve as the dragon’s eyes. A large river flows from south to north outside the eastern side of the town. From a distance, Qinglong Town looks like a giant dragon rising out of the water and soaring into the sky.

Outside the town stands an earthen pagoda, originally a beacon tower used to transmit military signals during the Spring and Autumn Period, which from afar resembles a giant brush. Shops line both sides of Qinglong Town, all housed in Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Temples such as the Lord Temple, Mount Tai Temple, Goddess Temple, River God Temple, Wenchang Shrine, Dragon King Temple, Great King Temple, and Tea Emperor Temple dominate the surroundings of the ancient town. Their grand halls resemble a soaring eagle or fierce mythical beasts, safeguarding the town’s peace and prosperity. The Wang family resides in 20 halls, 11 buildings, three gardens, and other residences. The architectural styles vary, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, with ingenious designs and exquisite workmanship in wood carving, brick carving, and stone carving. Especially notable are the five pavilions along the five-li-long main street, which are rare nationwide. These so-called “pavilions” are neither terraces nor archways, but rather gate-like structures erected along the streets resembling city gate towers. The first pavilion is located in the center of the town. One li to the south lies the second pavilion, identical in size to the first, but housing a statue of the True Martial Emperor inside. Another li south is the third pavilion, also matching the previous two in size, but featuring statues of the Jade Emperor and the God of Literature on top. All three pavilions are equipped with iron gates; when closed, they make the street as secure as an iron barrel. The fourth pavilion is located to the east, featuring statues of Zhuge Liang and Yue Fei, and is named the Twin Loyalists Pavilion. The east-facing archway is inscribed with “Qinglong Town,” while the west-facing one reads “Twin Loyalists Pavilion.” The fifth pavilion is near the River God Temple. Legend has it that there is an underwater passage here that leads to the sea. The pavilion bears an inscription personally written by Empress Dowager Cixi: the southern wall is inscribed with the characters for “Calm Waves,” and the northern wall with “Smooth Path.”

Address: Qinglong Town Village, Yangqu County, Taiyuan City

Type: Ancient Town / Ancient Village

Phone: 0351-7721068

Opening Hours:

Open all day