Chongwu Ancient City

Historical Overview

• Construction (1387): Built by military architect Zhou Dexing using 5,000 artisans over 3 years.
• Ming-Qing Defense (14th–17th centuries): Served as Fujian’s eastern maritime frontier, withstanding multiple pirate sieges.
• Cultural Integration (18th–19th centuries): Merged military functions with residential quarters, creating unique "city-village" architecture.
• Modern Restoration (2000s): UNESCO-funded projects preserved 80% of original stone structures.

Structural Layout

The city follows a "ding" (T-shaped) layout with three main sections:

1. Military Defense Zone:
   • Granite Walls: 1.5km-long barrier with 24 watchtowers and 5 ancient cannons.
   • Four City Gates: East/West/South/North gates featuring Ming Dynasty inscriptions.
2. Residential Quarter:
   • Traditional Houses: 300+ Ming-Qing dynasty stone residences with red-tiled roofs.
   • Temples: Guan Gong Temple (war deity) and Chenghuang Temple (city god).
3. Cultural Transition Zone:
   • Stone Carving Museum: Displays 200+ Ming-Qing era religious and decorative carvings.
   • Hui’an Women Cultural Park: Exhibits traditional clothing and labor tools.

Key structures:

• Zhenhai Tower: Central watchtower offering panoramic coastal views.
• Xiangshan Academy: Ming Dynasty schoolhouse with Confucian stone inscriptions.
• Moon Pond: Artificial lake used for ancient city water supply.

Major Attractions

1. Granite City Walls: Walk the 8m-tall ramparts with 24 preserved watchtowers.
2. Stone Carving Art: Study Ming Dynasty lotus motifs and Buddhist figures at the museum.
3. Chongwu Coastline: 3km-long beach with views of Taiwan Strait shipping lanes.
4. Hui’an Women Village: Watch traditional headscarf-making and fishing net mending.
5. Zhenwu Temple: Ming Dynasty Taoist temple housing a 500-year-old bronze bell.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   East Gate → Granite Walls → Zhenhai Tower → Stone Carving Museum → Xiangshan Academy → Exit
   Highlights: Core military architecture and Ming Dynasty art.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   East Gate → Hui’an Women Village → Moon Pond → Guan Gong Temple → Chongwu Coastline → Exit
   Highlights: Cultural immersion and coastal scenery.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   East Gate → Granite Walls → Zhenwu Temple → Stone Carving Museum → Hui’an Women Cultural Park → Xiangshan Academy → Chongwu Coastline → Exit
   Highlights: Full exploration of military, cultural, and natural heritage.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Adults: ¥40 (peak season Apr–Oct), ¥30 (off-season Nov–Mar).
  • Students/Seniors: ¥20 (ID required).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
• Online Booking: Available via Ctrip or WeChat mini-program “Chongwu Ancient City” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site Tickets: Limited availability; queues average 15 minutes during weekends.

Transportation

From Quanzhou:

• By Bus: Quanzhou Central Station → Chongwu Town (1.5 hours, ¥15), then 10-minute walk to city.
• By Taxi: Direct ride (40 minutes, ¥80).

From Xiamen:

• By Bus: Xiamen Hubin Station → Huian County (2 hours, ¥30), transfer to Chongwu minibus (30 minutes, ¥8).

Local Shuttle:

• "Huian–Chongwu" minibus from Huian Bus Station (¥8, 30 minutes) to East Gate.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (mild weather), October–November (clear coastal views).
• Avoid: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (tour group crowds).
• Essentials:
  • Sun hat and sunscreen (coastal UV exposure).
  • Comfortable shoes for stone wall climbing.
  • Binoculars for Taiwan Strait ship spotting.
• Prohibited Items: Drones (restricted airspace), climbing on unstable structures.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture wall shadows 1 hour before sunset.
  • Drone Alternatives: Use 2nd-tier watchtower for elevated shots.