Dongguan Street

火 火

5.0/5

Outstanding

Dongguan Street in Yangzhou is one of the city's most representative historical streets, stretching approximately 1122 meters. It begins at Dongguan Ancient Ferry in the east and ends at Guoqing Road in the west, traversing the core area of ​​Yangzhou's Ming and Qing dynasty city. Originally built in the Tang dynasty, it became a main thoroughfare in the Song dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to the influx of salt merchants, earning it the reputation of being a microcosm of the "Number One Commercial Port in Southeast China." The street retains its "chessboard" layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with cobblestone paving, blue brick and gray tile roofs, and shops interspersed with residences. In 2010, it was jointly awarded the title of "One of China's Top Ten Historical and Cultural Streets" by the Ministry of Culture and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, and in 2013, it was upgraded to a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Dongmen Ruins Square (East Gate of the Song Dynasty City): The earliest discovered double-barbican structure in China, with walls overlapping from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. A restored Dongguan gate tower, built according to the *Yingzao Fashi* (Building Standards), stands atop the wall, offering panoramic views of the ancient Grand Canal and Dongguan Ancient Ferry. Historical relics of Dongguan are displayed free of charge inside the gate tower. Ge Garden (one of the four famous gardens): The former residence of Huang Zhijun, a salt merchant during the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its bamboo, rocks, and seasonal artificial mountains. A side gate is located in the middle section of Dongguan Street, where tickets can be purchased for entry. Yi Garden, Jienan Study, Hu Garden, and Hua Garden: A series of interconnected salt merchant residences, featuring brick-carved gate towers and Hui-style firewalls. A combined ticket for 45 yuan allows in-depth visits to any six smaller attractions. Dongguan Ancient Ferry & Canal Night View: One of the oldest sections of the ancient canal. After dusk, the water is illuminated by lights, and you can take a painted boat for a night cruise at the dock. A 28-meter bronze sculpture, "The Grand Canal Through the Ages," stands on the bank. Intangible Cultural Heritage Mini-Theater: Encounter Yangzhou storytelling, Yangzhou opera, and guqin performances at any time on the streets. Puppet shows are added on holidays, allowing you to experience the dual facets of Yangzhou: a "World City of Gastronomy" and a "Hometown of Folk Arts." Dongguan Street is the "living room of Yangzhou Ancient City". You can see the canal, salt merchants, gardens, folk arts and morning tea in one street. It is suitable for leisurely strolling and eating, and feel the urban life and thousand-year cultural heritage of the famous city of Huaizuo.