Jieyang Ancient City

Located in Rongcheng District of Jieyang City, Jieyang Ancient City (揭阳古城) is a historic cultural area with nearly 900 years of history. Built during the Southern Song Dynasty, the old city covers a compact area surrounded by rivers and is known as a typical Lingnan Water City.

Unlike many commercialized ancient towns, Jieyang Ancient City preserves a more authentic local atmosphere. Residents still live in the old neighborhoods, where visitors can discover traditional streets, temples, ancestral buildings, arcades, and Chaozhou-style craftsmanship. Most areas are free to explore, with only a few attractions such as the Jinxian Gate Tower requiring a small ticket.

The ancient city combines Confucian culture, folk beliefs, traditional architecture, intangible cultural heritage, and local cuisine, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking an authentic Chaoshan cultural experience.

Top Attractions in Jieyang Ancient City

Jinxian Gate Tower

Built in the Ming Dynasty, Jinxian Gate Tower is the landmark of Jieyang Ancient City. The name means “welcoming talented people,” reflecting the city’s traditional emphasis on education and culture.

Visitors can walk through the gate for free and climb the tower to enjoy views of the old streets, traditional buildings, and evening lights. The sunset and nighttime atmosphere are especially suitable for photography.

Jieyang Confucian Temple (Jieyang Academy)

Known as one of the largest and best-preserved Confucian temples in Lingnan, Jieyang Confucian Temple represents the city’s long tradition of education and scholarship.

The complex features traditional layouts including the Lingxing Gate, Pan Pool, Dacheng Hall, ancient monuments, and historic architecture. It is also connected with modern revolutionary history, making it a popular destination for cultural and study tours.

Jieyang City God Temple & Leishen Temple

These neighboring temples are important representatives of Chaoshan folk religious culture. The City God Temple features exquisite wood carving, stone carving, and porcelain decoration, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.

The temples remain active local cultural spaces where visitors can experience traditional beliefs and architectural art.

Shuangfeng Temple

One of the famous ancient temples in eastern Guangdong, Shuangfeng Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years. The temple preserves historic pagodas, Buddhist relics, and a peaceful courtyard atmosphere.

It is a good place for visitors seeking a quiet cultural experience away from busy streets.

Zhongshan Road Arcade Street

This historic street preserves traditional Republic-era arcade buildings with old signs, shops, and local businesses. Visitors can enjoy walking, photography, and tasting authentic Jieyang snacks while experiencing the daily life of local residents.

Dajie Street (Copper Craft Street)

This traditional commercial street has a history dating back centuries. It preserves local handicrafts, including copperware, bamboo products, and traditional specialty shops selling Chaoshan snacks and souvenirs.

Ancient Banyan Martial Temple

A highlight of Chaoshan wood carving art, this historic temple contains delicate wooden structures and traditional decorations. It is an excellent place to appreciate local craftsmanship.

Jieyang Qing Lion Cultural Area

Jieyang is the birthplace of Qing Lion (Green Lion) culture, a national intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about traditional lion dance, folk customs, and local performance culture.

Shishi Bridge & Rongjiang West Lake Park

Shishi Bridge is a historic stone bridge suitable for photography and peaceful walks. Nearby Rongjiang West Lake Park offers lakeside scenery, walking paths, and a relaxing environment popular with local residents.

Recommended Jieyang Ancient City Itineraries

One-Day Jieyang Ancient City Walking Tour

This route is suitable for first-time visitors and covers the cultural highlights of the old city.

Route:
Jinxian Gate Tower → Jieyang Confucian Temple → City God Temple → Shuangfeng Temple → Zhongshan Road Arcade Street → Dajie Street → Ancient Banyan Martial Temple → Qing Lion Cultural Area → Rongjiang West Lake Park

The total walking distance is moderate, allowing visitors to explore historic buildings, local streets, traditional crafts, and authentic food at a relaxed pace.

Two-Day Jieyang Cultural Experience Tour

Day 1: Historic City & Folk Culture

Visit Jinxian Gate, Jieyang Confucian Temple, City God Temple, Shuangfeng Temple, and Zhongshan Road. In the evening, explore local night markets and enjoy Jieyang specialties.

Day 2: Heritage, Crafts & Local Life

Explore Dajie Street, Ancient Banyan Martial Temple, Qing Lion Cultural Area, and Rongjiang West Lake Park. Travelers with extra time can extend the trip to Yangmei Jade Market to experience Jieyang’s jade culture.

Jieyang Food Guide

Jieyang is an important part of Chaoshan food culture, known for fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and traditional snacks.

Must-try local dishes include:

• Fried Salted Egg Yolk with Sugar (Fansha Xiandanhuang) – a famous Jieyang specialty with a sweet and savory taste;
• Pig Intestine Stuffed with Glutinous Rice – a traditional Chaoshan snack;
• Beef Rice Noodles – a popular local breakfast with fresh beef and clear soup;
• Oyster Omelet – crispy outside and tender inside;
• Grass Jelly and Taro Desserts – refreshing local sweets;
• Pong Pong Cake and Fermented Bean Curd Pastry – classic Chaoshan snacks suitable as souvenirs;
• Longjiang Pig Knuckle Rice – a famous regional specialty.

Recommended food areas include Zhongshan Road, the area around Jieyang Confucian Temple, and Luqian Night Market, where visitors can find traditional snacks and local restaurants.

Transportation Guide

Getting to Jieyang

By High-Speed Railway:

• Jieyang Railway Station is the most convenient station for visiting the ancient city, about 15-20 minutes by taxi.
• Chaoshan Railway Station connects with major cities and provides transportation options to Jieyang.

By Air:
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport provides access to domestic and international destinations. Airport transportation connects with Jieyang urban areas.

Getting Around the Ancient City

Walking is the best way to explore Jieyang Ancient City because attractions are close together and streets are narrow.

Other options include:

• Shared bicycles or electric bikes for short distances;
• Local tricycles for sightseeing experiences;
• Taxi or private vehicles for surrounding attractions.

Visitors driving themselves should park outside the old city area and continue on foot.

Accommodation Recommendations

Ancient City Boutique Guesthouses

The best choice for cultural travelers who want to stay close to attractions. Many guesthouses are renovated from traditional Chaoshan buildings and provide a local atmosphere.

Hotels Near Jinxian Gate and City Center

Suitable for travelers seeking convenience, parking, and modern facilities. They are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from major attractions.

Riverside Hotels

Hotels along the Rongjiang River offer comfortable rooms, city views, and a relaxing environment.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best Travel Season: Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for walking tours.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Ancient streets have many stone roads, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Visit Jieyang Confucian Temple Carefully: Check opening days in advance, as some cultural venues may close on Mondays.
• Avoid Tourist Pricing: Local restaurants and small shops inside residential lanes often offer better value than popular tourist streets.
• Take Your Time: Jieyang Ancient City is best experienced through slow walking, discovering old alleys, temples, and local life.
• Recommended Souvenirs: Chaoshan pastries, aged citrus products, Gongfu Tea, local snacks, and traditional handicrafts.

Extended Attractions Around Jieyang

For travelers staying longer, Jieyang can be combined with nearby destinations:

• Yangmei Jade Market: Explore one of China’s famous jade trading centers.
• Huangmanzhai Waterfall: A scenic mountain destination in Jiexi County.
• Wangtian Lake Resort: Suitable for families and leisure travelers.
• Nanxi Water Town: Experience traditional Chaoshan waterways and village scenery.

Jieyang Ancient City offers an authentic journey into Chaoshan history, traditional architecture, folk customs, craftsmanship, and cuisine, making it an ideal cultural destination for travelers who want to discover a less commercialized side of Guangdong.