🏯 Skip the Fake Ancient Towns—This Hidden Liao Dynasty City is the Real Deal!

#discoverchina Yixian is truly a treasure of a small city! With so many incredible historical sites, wandering around feels like stepping back a thousand years in time. I’ve visited twice in the past two years and managed to explore most of the main attractions. Compared to those reconstructed "ancient" towns, this living museum is absolutely worth your time and attention. Plus, there are tons of delicious local eats—perfect for a weekend getaway or short holiday! 🍜🌄 📍 Historical Gems Within the City: Fengguo Temple 🎬 A filming site for The Grandmaster starring Zhang Ziyi, and also where the fantasy drama Black Monkey King was shot! A royal temple from the Liao Dynasty, it houses some of the largest and oldest colored clay Buddha statues in the world. Standing in front of them is truly soul-stirring. Guangsheng Pagoda 🛕 A millennium-old Liao tower, covered in intricate brick carvings. Tucked inside a village, the contrast between the old pagoda, winding wires, and village life makes for a visually striking scene. Antai Gate – Old City Wall of Yizhou Across the street is Daling River Wetland Park. The gate ticket is around ¥20—you can climb the ancient wall for sunset views and river scenery. A peaceful stroll in the wetland park is also worth it. Yixian Railway Station (Old Site) 🚉 Built in 1921, this century-old train station witnessed the city’s transformation and has a strong nostalgic vibe—perfect for vintage-style photos. #travel #thingstodo