Daming Ancient City
大名古城
The site of the Ming-dynasty Daming prefectural city, with restored walls and gates, a Gothic Catholic church, and a stone-stele museum housing giant tablets.
During the Song dynasty, Daming served as a secondary capital known as Beijing Daming Prefecture, and the story of Lu Junyi in Water Margin takes place here. The present Daming Ancient City is the Ming-dynasty prefectural town. Its walls and four gates have been restored in recent years, and the lanes inside are best explored on foot. Daming Catholic Church, built in 1918, is one of the best-preserved Gothic churches in North China. The Daming Stone Stele Museum holds massive monuments, including the Tang-dynasty Di Renjie Shrine stele and the Song-dynasty Five Rites Stele. Entry to the old town's streets is free, while admission to the walls and museums varies, so check on site. The city lies about 70 km east of Handan's urban area. Daming fragrant sesame oil and Erhao roast chicken are also local specialties.
Opening hours
Old town open all day; venues about 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Guantao Grain Painting Town
- Hongji Bridge
- Guangfu Ancient City
- Handan Museum
- Jin-Ji-Lu-Yu Martyrs Cemetery
- Congtai Park
- Huiche Lane & Chuancheng Street
- Ye City Three Terraces Site