Qingcheng Ancient Town
青城古镇
A Ming and Qing ancient town on the Yellow River bank, with preserved old courtyard homes such as the Luo Family Courtyard, the Gao Ancestral Hall and Qingcheng Academy. It is known for water-pipe tobacco cultivation and historic residences.
Qingcheng Town lies on the south bank of the Yellow River in the northern part of Yuzhong County, about 90 kilometres from downtown Lanzhou by road. A city was built here in the Song dynasty. In the Ming and Qing periods the town prospered through Yellow River shipping and the water-pipe tobacco trade. The old town preserves a group of residential courtyards dating from the Ming and Qing periods through the Republic era, including the Luo Family Courtyard, the Gao Ancestral Hall, Qingcheng Academy and the City God Temple. The streets are quiet and good for slow walks. Outside the town, the riverbank has large farmlands and gravel beds with beautiful autumn scenery. Some courtyards charge admission, subject to the situation on site. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, which makes it a good day trip. The coordinates given are for the town government seat in Qingcheng.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard
- Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Garden
- Lanzhou Museum (Baiyi Temple Pagoda)
- Lanzhou Prefecture City God Temple
- Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge)
- Memorial of the Eighth Route Army Lanzhou Office
- Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street & Dazhong Lane
- Baita (White Pagoda) Mountain Park