County Government of Yuci Old Town in Jinzhong

The Old City of Yuci (榆次老城) is located in Yuci District (榆次区), Jinzhong City (晋中市), Shanxi Province (山西省). Built on the site of an ancient city during the 2nd year of Emperor Kaihuang of the Sui Dynasty (582 AD), it has a history of over 1,400 years. The city is constructed according to traditional Chinese planning principles and architectural styles, representing the wisdom and perseverance of ancient Chinese people. It is recognized as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Covering an area of 1,000,000 square meters, the Old City of Yuci features 600,000 square meters of historical and garden architecture. The architecture is grand, beautifully shaped, colorful, and intricate, making it a prime example of Chinese urban culture, political culture, religious culture, commercial culture, and residential culture. Its unique location also makes it the starting point of the golden route of Jin merchants’ tourism.

Key attractions include Yuci County Government Office (榆次县衙) and Yuci City God Temple (榆次城隍庙). The city is vibrant with performances of traditional Chinese folk arts, while over 50 film and television productions have been shot here, making it the largest film city in North China.

Walking through the Old City of Yuci evokes thoughts of ancient wisdom, the spirit of the people, the vicissitudes of history, and national identity. The integration of natural, historical, cultural, and artistic elements creates a sense of traveling back in time. Its grandeur, artistry, and comprehensive functionality are rare in China.

Chinese Name: 榆次老城
English Name: The Old City of Yuci (榆次老城)
Location: Yujia Street (俞家街), Yuci District (榆次区), Jinzhong City (晋中市), Shanxi Province (山西省)
Climate: Temperate monsoon climate
Opening Hours: From October 1, 08:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00)
Attraction Level: National AAAA Tourist Attraction
Famous Attractions: Yuci County Government Office (榆次县衙), Yuci City God Temple (榆次城隍庙)
Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours
Best Visiting Season: May–October
Official Contact: 0354-8500003

Overview of the Old City

The Old City of Yuci covers 1,000,000 square meters, with 600,000 square meters dedicated to historical and garden architecture. Notable landmarks include City God Temple (城隍庙), County Government Office (县衙), Confucian Temple (文庙), Fengming Academy (凤鸣书院), South and North Streets (南北大街), City Tower (市楼), Sifeng Tower (思凤楼), Qingxu Pavilion (清虚阁), Dacheng Temple (大乘寺), West Garden (西花园), Ruins Park (遗址公园), Chu Shangshu Academy (褚尚书书院), and Sang Yun’s Former Residence (桑芸故居). The Ming-Qing style architecture features intricate brackets, multiple eaves, and a harmonious blend of temples, streets, markets, and scenic spots.

On September 29, 2003, the China Folk Culture and Art Museum (中国民间文化艺术博物馆) opened in the Old City, integrating the museum with the city area to form a unified cultural park.

The Old City is divided into six areas:

1. Folk Culture Exhibition Area
2. Traditional Folk Culture Demonstration Area
3. Residential Culture Area
4. Commercial and Trade Culture Area
5. Religious Culture Area
6. Cultural Relics and Antique Area

These exhibits vividly present folk customs and culture. Over the years, numerous films and TV dramas have been shot in the Old City, including Tie Lihua, Qiao Family Courtyard, Zou Xikou, Long Piao, Ge Ge, You Zou Xikou, Jin Merchants, and many more.

Culture of the Old City

Historical Background

The Old City of Yuci, also known as Yuci Ancient County (榆次古县城) or Zimu City (子母城), consists of the northern county town (mother city) and the southern Guocheng (child city). The layout resembles a carp fish, with the mother city as the belly and the child city as the head. Major streets represent the fish spine, while the east and west gates are the fins. Qingxu Pavilion (清虚阁) at the city center is considered the fish’s dorsal fin.

Legend says that beneath Qingxu Pavilion lies a well connected to the sea, nourishing the carp above with vital energy.

The city’s political center lies along East Street (东大街) with the City God Temple (城隍庙) and County Government Office (县衙). West Street (西大街) hosts the Confucian Temple (文庙) and Fengming Academy (凤鸣书院), forming the cultural and educational center. North and South Streets (北大街, 南大街) serve as commercial streets, with numerous residential alleys integrated into the urban fabric.

The modern restoration of the Old City stretches from Xiaojing Lane (小井巷) in the north to the South Inner Ring (南内环) in the south, and from Yujia Street (俞家街) in the east to Garden Road (花园路) and the Ruins Park (遗址公园) in the west.

Architectural Culture

Shanxi Province is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, and the Old City of Yuci is one of its brightest gems. Its buildings combine styles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republican eras, reflecting the development of Jin merchants’ cultural environment.

The Old City’s architecture emphasizes solid materials, fine craftsmanship, intricate carvings, and harmonious proportions. Ming and Qing buildings dominate, with some older structures preserved, such as the lattice gate of the Confucian Temple (文庙棂屋门) built during the Song Dynasty. Gardens integrate Northern architectural grandeur with Southern elegance, featuring pavilions, terraces, corridors, and water features. Decorative elements such as brick, wood, and stone carvings often depict folk legends and auspicious motifs.

Jin Merchants Culture

Jin merchants (晋商) are among China’s earliest merchants, tracing back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Their peak was during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, dominating domestic and international trade with their wealth, management, and commercial culture.

In the Old City, South and North Streets form the commercial hub, with historic shops and signage reflecting the legacy of Jin merchants. Notable stores include:

• Dexin Cheng (得新成, General Store)
• Deshengyuan (德盛园, Restaurant)
• Beiqianheng (北谦亨, Tobacco Shop)
• Zhongxinghe (中兴和, Bank)
• Ruilongyu (瑞隆裕, Hardware Store)
• Juxingshun (聚兴顺, Tea House)
• Xiehexin (协和信, Bank)
• Hengxingde (恒兴德, Department Store)
• Changhongli (长虹蛎, Jewelry Store)
• Dalonghao (大隆号, Pastry Shop)
• Jilvqian (吉履谦, Bank)
• Dashengchun (达生春, Pharmacy)
• Wanliheng (万利恒, Bank)
• Xiangji Company (祥记公司, Oil & Fuel Store)
• Tianyi (天一, Clothing Store)

Market and Folk Culture

Historically, Yuci was a major commercial hub with thriving markets, ancient post stations, and bustling trade streets. Markets sold grains, fruits, fabrics, and more, reflecting rich folk customs. Today, the Old City preserves this atmosphere, with shops, teahouses, restaurants, and festive folk performances. Modern amenities such as bars, restaurants, karaoke halls, and leisure facilities coexist, blending history with contemporary life.

Folk Culture

Folk culture reflects the life traditions and customs of local people over generations. Yuci’s unique geography and history shaped Shanxi folk culture, now an integral part of the Old City’s tourism resources. The China Folk Culture and Art Museum (中国民间文化艺术博物馆) opened here in 2003, exhibiting thousands of items across ceramics, furniture, paintings, clothing, snuff bottles, tea and wine utensils, handicrafts, and more, reflecting China’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Official Culture

The Old City preserves the county government office (县衙), illustrating the history of local governance. The Qing Dynasty Official Culture Exhibition (清代官制文化展) presents five sections:

1. Imperial Examination and Official Selection (科举选官)
2. Qing Dynasty Official System (清代官制)
3. Official Life and Etiquette (官场百态)
4. Exemplary Officials (清官楷模)
5. Yuci County Magistrates (榆次县令)

These exhibits illustrate the evolution of governance, social life, and official ethics in China.

Key Attractions

City God Temple (城隍庙)

The City God Temple is a major religious and historical site, covering 6,000 square meters. Built in 1362 AD, the temple features intricate main halls, and a 25-meter-high Xuanjian Tower (玄鉴楼). The temple is dedicated to the City God, worshiped as the guardian of the city and protector of citizens.

West Garden (西花园)

Located west of the City God Temple, West Garden features halls, corridors, artificial hills, waterfalls, pavilions, and scenic stonework, showcasing exquisite Northern garden design.

Yuci County Government Office (榆次县衙)

Known as the "first office of Shanxi," it covers 20,000 square meters, with 5 halls and 26 courtyards. Structures such as Sifeng Tower (思凤楼) and Yinbin Hall (寅宾馆) display fine craftsmanship and historical significance.

Confucian Temple (榆次文庙)

One of Yuci’s oldest buildings, covering 23,000 square meters. The main gate, Lingsing Gate (棂星门), dates to 999 AD. The temple complex includes Dacheng Hall (大成殿), Minglun Hall (明伦堂), Jingyi Pavilion (敬一亭), and Zunjing Pavilion (尊经阁).

Fengming Academy (凤鸣书院)

Yuci’s highest academic institution during the Qing Dynasty, covering 2,700 square meters with a garden-style layout. The central lake, Yanshui Lake (砚水湖), covers 4,800 square meters, surrounded by lecture halls, memorial halls, and pavilions.

Honors

The Old City of Yuci Tourism and Leisure Street has been selected as a provincial-level tourism and leisure street.

Travel Tips

• Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours
• Best Seasons: May–October, when the weather is mild and suitable for walking tours
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the extensive streets and alleys
• Photography: The city is a favorite location for film and photography, so bring a camera
• Local Snacks: Try Shanxi-style noodles, vinegar-based dishes, and traditional pastries in local shops
• Cultural Etiquette: When visiting temples and heritage sites, respect local customs and avoid touching artifacts