[2025 Jieyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Jieyang Forbidden City (Updated Jun)

After coming out of Jieyang Academy, turn right, then left, walk a hundred meters along the alley and you will see a stone wall foundation. Turning the corner along the wall, there is a stone tablet standing underground. This is the "Forbidden City". It is said that there used to be a moat around the city wall, but now it has been filled in to become a road. Most of the ancient wall paint has fallen off, revealing the stones inside. This section of the remaining city wall is about 500 meters long, more than 3 meters thick and about 3 meters high. It is made entirely of stone and sealed with shell ash. The city wall is circular in shape and is built entirely with staggered stone slabs. It still stands tall after hundreds of years. The wall in the alley is the outer wall of the Forbidden City ruins. There is moss on the large and small stones. Tall banyan trees grow on the wall, and the roots of the trees are rooted in the cracks of the stones. They have strong vitality! These three banyan trees from the Song Dynasty have become one with the city wall. The walls of the Forbidden City look dilapidated, but they are full of age, like walking into a time tunnel. This is the true "face" of history. The Forbidden City, also known as the "Golden City", was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1352) by Dabudai, the then Jieyang Darughachi (Mongolian: seal-holding official), around the county office. At that time, the anti-Yuan struggle was fierce across the country. Dabudai built this stone city to strengthen the protection of the county government. During the Tianshun period of the Ming Dynasty, the county magistrate Chen Jue carried out large-scale construction, improving the inner city and widening the outer city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City was used as a county government office, and later as a prison and examination hall. "Golden City Banyan Tree", one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Jieyang" in the Ming Dynasty, refers to the ancient banyan trees in the Forbidden City. It is still very shocking to see them now - growing tenaciously on the walls. During the Republic of China period, the Forbidden City was opened as Zhongshan Park. In the 1980s, when a place name census was conducted, the place names surrounding Jincheng were named "Forbidden City Foot", and the name "Forbidden City" has since spread widely. In October 2012, the Forbidden City was listed as the seventh batch of provincial cultural relics protection units. There are buildings and other structures within the current city walls. The best way to see the city wall is from the outside. It is nearly a thousand years old and is the only stone wall from the Yuan Dynasty in the country. Guo Zhiqi, a minister of the Ming Dynasty and a native of Jieyang, wrote a poem praising the banyan trees in the Forbidden City: "Ode to the Color of the Banyan Trees in the Golden City": The dense and luxuriant trees look lush and green. It is said to be the ancient banyan tree village in Lingguo. All year round, the frost covers the area with dense and sparse smoke, and the clouds are all green and misty. When did people sing about Du Fu on the road? Today, I recite about Gan Tang in the south of the state. The sky gives the hot earth a rest, so its remaining shade provides coolness for a hundred miles. The poem describes the banyan tree as tall and dense, evergreen all the year round, people's love for the banyan tree, and the coolness it brings in summer. Both "di" (fourth tone) Du and "gantang" are from the Book of Songs, and mean trees that grow alone. Visiting the Forbidden City Wall allows you to enjoy the ancient scenery and understand poetry, which is a lot of fun during the tour! This is one of the most culturally significant attractions we saw in Jieyang. (to be continued)

Summer is here, and this small county town has entered the off-season. I really like this low-key but treasured city🏯 The whole county is filled with the atmosphere of fireworks... 📍Location: Jieyang 🛵Transportation: Electric shared 🚄High-speed rail: Jieyang Station 🚶One-day tour route: West Lake→Qingshi Cultural Zone→Datong Street→Shishi Bridge→Zhongshan Road→Chenghuang Temple→Confucius Temple Square→Shuangfeng Temple→Jieyang Academy→Jieyang Forbidden City→Pedestrian Street→Jinxian Gate 🏠Accommodation suggestions: It is also OK near Jinxianmen, and the city attractions are very close. 🍧Special Food: 1️⃣ Dongmen Ice House: Sweet water 3💰 a cup, more than 20 kinds to choose from～ 2️⃣ Fermented bean curd rice noodles: 20💰 per person, at the end of Zhongshan Road, only available at night. 3️⃣ Pickled vegetable chicken wings: 7💰 each, quite delicious. 4️⃣ West Lake Almond Tea: 8💰 per person, an old shop’s breakfast almond tea. 5️⃣Cao Kueh Tofu Pudding: 5💰 a bowl. Pay attention to the street shouting. If it is helpful to you, please remember to like and collect it. I will continue to share Jieyang’s niche check-in spots.

The Jieyang Forbidden City, like a silent elder, quietly tells stories of bygone years. It carries a rich history and culture, making it a must-see attraction in Jieyang. Now, follow this guide and embark on a journey through time!🏮 I. Travel Recommendations 🚗Transportation - Public Bus: Several bus routes within the city can take you near the Forbidden City, such as [specific bus routes]. This option is economical and convenient, allowing you to experience the local life of Jieyang. - Taxi: If you prefer convenience and speed, taking a taxi is a good choice. The driver will take you directly to a location near the Forbidden City. - Car: If driving, there are parking lots available nearby. However, be aware of traffic congestion and limited parking spaces during holidays. 🕙Visiting Time - Suggested visiting time: 1-2 hours. The Forbidden City is open year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, while summer can be hot, so remember to take sun protection measures. Winter is relatively mild, but be prepared for changing weather conditions. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the Forbidden City. II. Classic Sights 1. Forbidden City Walls - The ancient city walls are an iconic landmark of the Forbidden City. The weathered walls bear witness to the passage of time. Touching the bricks and stones is like touching the texture of history. Stroll along the walls, feel the ancient charm and grandeur, and enjoy panoramic views of Jieyang City from different angles. 2. Forbidden City Gates - The majestic city gates stand as silent guardians of history. The carvings and architectural decorations on the gates showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient times. Standing beneath the gates, imagine the hustle and bustle of the past and feel as if you've traveled back in time. 3. Surrounding Ancient Architecture - Many ancient buildings are scattered around the Forbidden City, with green tiles and white walls, creating a picturesque scene. These buildings complement the Forbidden City, forming a charming ancient landscape. Wandering among them, you'll feel immersed in the long river of history and experience the unique charm of traditional culture. III. Important Notes 1. Respectful Visiting - The Forbidden City is a precious historical and cultural relic. Please do not touch or carve on the city walls and ancient buildings. Keep the scenic area clean and do not litter. Let's protect this historical heritage together. 2. Safety - Some areas on the city walls may be uneven. Please watch your step, especially for the elderly and children, who should be accompanied by adults. Also, be mindful of crowds in areas like the city gates. 3. Photography Notice - When taking photos, avoid using flash to prevent damage to the ancient buildings. Some areas may have signs prohibiting photography. Please follow the relevant regulations.

Jieyang Ancient City is one of the first provincial-level historical and cultural cities in Guangdong Province. Its old streets and arcades have retained the traces of time. Compared with the large-scale renovation of Chaozhou and Shantou, it is slightly "decayed" and therefore more authentic. 🏰 Jinxian Gate Jinxian Gate is a landmark building in Jieyang Ancient City, built in the first year of the Tianqi period of the Ming Dynasty (1622). It is like a watcher, witnessing the rise and fall of the ancient city for four hundred years. Standing under the city tower, looking up at the glazed pavilions with flying eaves and carved beams, it looks more simple and elegant under the sunlight. 🏛️ Old Streets of the Ancient City Old streets such as Zhongshan Road, Xima Road, and Datong Street are full of fragments of time. The arcades on both sides were built in the 1920s and still retain their original appearance. The doors and windows of the arcades are of various styles, integrating Chinese traditional, Western, and Nanyang decorative styles. Every door and window seems to tell the prosperity and legend of the last century. Walking among them, you can feel the historical pulse of the ancient city. 🦁 Golden Lion The golden lion at the head of the Shishi Bridge is mainly red, with its feet on the embroidered ball, its eyes as big as copper bells, its nose large, its mouth as wide as a water basin, and the golden "king" character in the middle of its forehead is domineering. Every year during the "Xingcai Bridge" event, Shishi Bridge attracts a large number of people to pray, touch the golden lion, and pray for good luck. 🏰 Jieyang Forbidden City The city wall of Jieyang Forbidden City is built with stone strips and sealed with shell ash. After more than 650 years of wind and rain, it still stands tall. There are still three large Song banyan trees in the inner north city wall, with lush foliage. The Ming Dynasty had a scene of "Jincheng Banyan Color" referring to this. Standing in the Forbidden City, touching the ancient stone walls, and looking up at the towering ancient banyan trees, you can feel the weight and vicissitudes of history. 🍲 Food and Snacks The vegetable market next to the Wurong Ancient Temple is spread out on both sides of the street, with a dazzling array of traditional Chaoshan delicacies, such as salty and fragrant cakes, rice noodles, rice rolls, fried rice cakes, crystal rice cakes, etc. There are also many snacks that cannot be named. Watching the local residents busy shuttling among them and listening to them bargaining in dialect, you can truly feel the happy life of Jieyang people and their love and persistence for food.

❤ Reason for recommendation: Jieyang is a more low-key city among the three cities of Chaoshan. Compared with the commercial atmosphere of Shantou and Chaozhou, Jieyang appears more ancient, with a deep cultural heritage, and is also a city of Chaoshan food that is not known to the public. If you want to take a CityWalk tour in the ancient city of Jieyang, here has compiled a roaming route, basically free attractions, ancient streets, arcades, temples and other places are perfect for photography. One-day roaming route to the ancient city: From Jinxianmen: Enter the Gate ➡ Jieyang Forbidden City ➡ Jieyang Academy of Learning ➡ Confucius Temple Square ➡ City God Temple ➡ Thunder Temple ➡ Twin Peaks Temple ➡ Zhongshan Road ➡ Green Lion Cultural District, Old Town Story ➡ Da Copper Street ➡ Grass Street Xu ➡ Ding Richang's Former Residence ➡ Return to Zhongshan Road to find food The attractions of the ancient city are connected to each other, free and easy to stroll. If you have enough time, you can also drive to Jieyang Tower for a tour. 📍Enter the Hsien Gate The iconic city tower of Jieyang, which is also a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, is known as one of the eight scenic spots of Jieyang. Under the lights at night, Jinxianmen appears elegant and moving. 📍Jieyang Forbidden City Ancient stone wall site from the Yuan Dynasty. 📍Jieyang Academy (closed on Monday) It is an unmissable photo spot in Jieyang, simple and grand, the temple's eaves are ornately decorated, you can feel a quiet beauty while strolling through the school palace in the light rain. 📍Cheng Wong Temple, Thunder God Temple Temples and rituals are held here every year, and the eaves of the temples are decorated with inlaid porcelain. 📍Twin Peaks Temple One of the eight scenic spots in Jieyang, it is famous for the "Twin Peaks Evening Bell". The two towers in the temple are charming at night. The main hall is currently being expanded, and the overall architectural style is Han and Tang style. 📍Zhongshan Road, Ta Copper Street These old streets retain a strong and ancient atmosphere. Street vendors, children after school, and idle elderly people show the fireworks of urban life. There are also many authentic Chaoshan snacks hidden here. 📍Green Lion Cultural District, Old Town Story There are old houses, old streets, small bridges and flowing water, as well as cultural murals and green lion culture displays. [StopBoard] Parking Tips: Navigate to the Jinxian Commercial Pedestrian Street parking lot.