Huangcheng Xiangfu (Chen Tingjing's Residence)
皇城相府
Former residence of Chen Tingjing, tutor to the Kangxi Emperor and chief editor of the Kangxi Dictionary. This Ming-Qing official's fortress-like compound has an inner and outer walled city, tall walls and watchtowers.
Huangcheng Xiangfu is located in Huangcheng Village, Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County. It was the family residence of Chen Tingjing, Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion in the Qing dynasty, and was first built in the late Ming. The complex has two parts: the inner city, Douzhu Ju, and the outer city, Zhongdao Zhuang. Its high walls have watchtowers and battlements. Highlights include the seven-story Heshan Tower, built in the late Ming to defend against bandits, the Imperial Calligraphy Tower, the Zhongdao Zhuang Great Courtyard and the Young Ladies' Courtyard. Together they show the daily life and defense systems of northern official families in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Kangxi Emperor visited twice, and a plaque reading “Wuting Shancun” hangs in the Imperial Calligraphy Tower. The site is large, so allow 2–3 hours. Live performances and folk shows are also held here. Tickets cost around 100 yuan (check the official price). You can combine a visit with Guoyu Ancient Town, about 1 km away. It is about 70 km from downtown Jincheng, and tourist shuttle buses run directly from the city.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (earlier closing in winter)