Located in Wujin District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, the Spring and Autumn Yancheng Tourist Area is a national 5A-level scenic spot covering approximately 7.6 square kilometers. Centered around the 2,700-year-old Yancheng ruins from the Spring and Autumn period, it boasts China's most complete and uniquely structured ancient city remains from that era, acclaimed as "China's First Water City" and "Jiangnan's Spring-Autumn Culture Expo Park".
History and Culture
Dating back to late Spring-Autumn period (770-476 BC), Yancheng ruins feature exceptionally preserved "three concentric cities with three moats" layout. Research suggests this was possibly the fiefdom of Wu State's Jizha and a key origin of Wu culture.
Listed as a national key cultural relic site in 1988, Changzhou initiated protective development in 2007, creating this integrated area for preservation, cultural display, and tourism.
Main Attractions
Yancheng Ruins Park
Covering 500 acres, it perfectly preserves the triple-city-with-moats defensive system. Artifacts like bronze ware and pottery have been excavated here.
Visitors can cruise the moats on replica ancient boats and attend events like "Spring-Autumn Culture Festival" and "Ancient-style Markets".
Spring-Autumn Theme Park
This 165-acre immersive experience zone recreates historical scenes through seven themed areas like "Hundred Schools of Thought" and "Wu-Yue Rivalry", featuring:
Must-try: 4D cinema "Iron and Blood Spring-Autumn", water battle show "Yancheng Legend", observation tower "Spring-Autumn Pavilion", and nighttime light show.
Wildlife World
East China's large semi-open zoo (330 acres) houses 200+ species, including animals documented in Spring-Autumn texts. Highlights include:
Special zones like "Spring-Autumn Beast Garden", Panda House, and African Savannah, plus daily animal shows and educational programs.
Cuisine
Spring-Autumn Banquet
Revived ancient dishes like "Wu-Yue Sashimi" and "Bronze Cauldron Cooking" at "Spring-Autumn Restaurant".
Changzhou Sesame Cake
Traditional crispy-soft pastry with rich sesame aroma. Century-old "Sanxianzhai" in Old Street offers authentic versions.
Taihu "Three Whites"
Local delicacy of white fish, shrimp, and silver fish, typically steamed to highlight freshness. Lakeside restaurants cluster near the ruins.
Tickets
Combo ticket: 190 yuan (Ruins + Theme Park); Wildlife World: 180 yuan. Seniors 60-69: half price; over 70 & children under 1.4m: free. Extra charges for boats/sightseeing vehicles.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: Morning - Ruins Park (boat cruise → artifacts exhibition) with period banquet lunch; Afternoon - Theme Park (4D cinema → battle show) → Wildlife World. Two days recommended for full experience.
Transportation
- Driving: From Shanghai via Hurong Expressway South Changzhou Exit; from Nanjing via Jiangyi Expressway West Changzhou Exit
- High-speed rail: Tourist shuttles from Changzhou/North Station
- Bus: Multiple routes from downtown including B1, B16, 14
- Metro: Line 1 to Yanzheng Avenue Station, then transfer
Must-Visit Spots
- Triple-city-with-moats: Unique ancient layout
- "Iron and Blood" 4D cinema: Immersive history
- "Yancheng Legend" show: Spectacular water battle
- Spring-Autumn Pavilion: Panoramic views
- Wildlife World drive-through: Close-up predator viewing
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring-autumn; avoid rainy season and extreme heat
- Wear comfortable shoes - extensive walking
- Check show schedules for optimal planning
- Note height restrictions on some theme park rides
- Photographers should capture morning mist over ancient ruins
Important Notices
- No climbing on ruins or artifacts
- No exiting vehicles or feeding animals in zoo
- Protect environment - no littering
- Some experiences unsuitable for those with health conditions
- No unauthorized drone flights
- No flash photography in relic protection areas