Located in Qingzhou City, Weifang, Shandong Province, the Qingzhou Ancient City is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering approximately 10 square kilometers. As one of the ancient Nine Provinces of China with over 5,000 years of civilization and 2,200 years of urban history, it served as Shandong's political, economic, military and cultural center for more than 1,000 years. The city perfectly preserves its Ming-Qing era urban layout and historical features, hailed as the "Living Fossil of Oriental Ancient Cities".
History and Culture
With a history dating back 7,000 years to human settlements, Qingzhou was established as one of Yu the Great's Nine Provinces during flood control. It became Shandong's administrative center when the Qingzhou Inspectorate was established in Western Han Dynasty, reaching its zenith during Ming-Qing periods as a prefectural seat.
The ancient city walls, built in 1370 (Ming Dynasty), stretch 6.5km with 12m height and four gates. The intact street network features a "Ten-Mile Ancient Street" lined with Ming-Qing style shops. Over 400 Buddhist statues unearthed at Longxing Temple site are acclaimed as "masterpieces rewriting Oriental art history". Additionally, as a Hui ethnic enclave, Qingzhou showcases harmonious integration of Islamic and Han cultures.
Main Attractions
Ou Garden Street
The 2km-long central axis lined with hundreds of Ming-Qing buildings including memorial arches, shops and residences, preserving ancient commercial street ambiance. The namesake Ou Garden is among few surviving private gardens from Ming Dynasty.
Qingzhou Museum
A national first-class museum housing 50,000+ cultural relics, with Longxing Temple Buddhist statues, Eastern Han "Yizi Sun" jade bi, and Ming top scholar Zhao Bingzhong's examination paper as three treasures. Its antique-style architecture complements the ancient city.
Fucai Gate
The southern gate originally built in Northern Wei and reconstructed in Ming Dynasty, standing 12m tall with stone plaque "Fucai Gate", is one of the best-preserved city gates.
Qingzhen Mosque
Built in Yuan Dynasty blending Chinese and Arabic architectural styles, it's the main religious site for local Hui people, reflecting multicultural integration.
Fan Gongting Park
Dedicated to Song Dynasty statesman Fan Zhongyan who served as Qingzhou governor, featuring Fan Gong Pavilion and Three Sages Temple. His famous quote "Be the first to worry about the world's worries, the last to enjoy its pleasures" originated here.
Cuisine
Longsheng Pastries
Traditional delicacies since Ming Dynasty, especially famous for honey triple-layer cakes, walnut cookies and mooncakes, with craftsmanship listed as provincial intangible cultural heritage.
Qingzhou Qiu Cake
A local specialty - fermented millet cakes with soft sweet texture, eaten with sugar or fillings, beloved as breakfast.
Dongguan Braised Beef
Hui ethnic dish with 300+ years history - premium beef marinated in secret sauce, tender and flavorful.
Ticket Information
Free admission to ancient city; separate fees for some sites: Qingzhou Museum (free with reservation), Ou Garden ¥30, Fan Gongting Park ¥20. Open all day, suggested visit duration 3-5 hours.
Recommended Routes
Classic half-day route: Fucai Gate → Ou Garden Street → Qingzhen Mosque → Qingzhou Museum → Fan Gongting Park. Offers comprehensive cultural experience.
In-depth full-day route: Morning in ancient city core, afternoon at Longxing Temple Site Park or Yunmen Mountain for richer cultural immersion.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Qingzhou Station, then bus No.9 to ancient city
- Air: Nearest airport Jinan Yaoqiang International, with direct buses
- Bus: Multiple routes (No.9, 11, 18 etc.) from Qingzhou downtown
- Drive: Exit at Qingzhou on Qingdao-Yinchuan Expressway, ~15 minutes along Yaowangshan Road
Must-See Attractions
- Ou Garden Street: Stroll through Ming-Qing architecture
- Qingzhou Museum: Appreciate precious cultural relics
- Fucai Gate: Panoramic city views from ancient gate
- Qingzhen Mosque: Experience multicultural integration
- Fan Gongting Park: Follow Fan Zhongyan's footsteps
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn with pleasant weather
- Morning or evening visits avoid midday heat
- Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking
- Rent Hanfu costumes for time-travel photography
- Sample local specialties like Longsheng pastries
Important Notes
- Protect ancient structures - no marking on walls
- Respect Hui ethnic customs and traditions
- Watch steps on cobblestone paths in some areas
- Secure belongings especially in crowded spots
- Museum closed Mondays (except holidays) - plan accordingly