Yuncao Ancient Town

　　   Yuncao Town is an ancient town with a history of over a thousand years. It is situated 40 kilometers south of Hanshan County, spanning a total area of 70.3 square kilometers with a population of 44,000. In recent years, it has been listed as one of the province’s key central towns for development. The town enjoys superior natural conditions, with access to the Yangtze River to the east and Lake Chaohu to the west. It is embraced by the Yuxi River and Niutun River, boasts well-developed water transport, and holds a strategic position at the outlet of Lake Chaohu into the Yangtze. It has long been a vital commercial hub as the mandatory passageway for grain and other agricultural products from upstream cities such as Hefei, Shucheng, Lu’an, Lujiang, Wuwei, and Chaohu Lake heading toward the river. The town has been a center of commerce throughout history and also houses numerous scenic spots and historic sites.