[2025 Rugao Attraction] Travel Guide for Rugao Ancient City (Updated Aug)

Rugao City is divided into an outer city and an inner city. The inner city is surrounded by a moat, forming a square, while the outer city is surrounded by a moat, forming a circle. This is what is meant by "round on the outside and square on the inside." The old city is not large, and when you walk around the city, you will find that when you are about to go to a certain attraction, there are multiple routes to get there. Walking along the path by the river, you will find yourself back where you started. The ancient city is well-preserved. Although it is located in central Jiangsu, the architectural style has the characteristics of northern dwellings. Since the Eastern Jin Dynasty, southern ethnic groups have migrated south, and northern ethnic groups have settled here, forming a unique style.

Rugao ancient city #localguides

Rugao in Nantong is famous as the hometown of longevity. This place is the homeland of hundreds of centenarians and is also the birthplace of Dr. Henry Lee, a renowned criminal detective in China. However, you might not know that there is also a thousand-year-old ancient city here. 1⃣️ We arrived at Dongda Street in Rugao, the most famous street in the ancient city. The architecture here still retains the style of the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods, and the locals are still living their busy lives here. Compared to the small bridges and flowing water that are characteristic of the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, this place exudes a more simple and homely atmosphere. 2⃣️ We came to Shuihui Garden, which was a hiding place for the great talent Mao Pijiang and Dong Xiaowan, one of the 'Eight Beauties of Qinhuai'. The water scenery is the biggest highlight of this garden, and the most picturesque spot, the Mirror Pavilion, is also where Dong Xiaowan used to lean against the moon and play the zither. 3⃣️ We visited Dinghui Zen Temple, which is one of the rare temples in China with its mountain gate facing north and enjoys a high reputation locally. Inside the temple, there is a Guanyin Tower, and we can climb to the top floor to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire ancient city. 4⃣️ We also visited Lingwei Taoist Temple, one of the three major Taoist temples in Jiangsu Province. Fortunately for visitors, it is free to visit without an admission fee. On Dongda Street, near Yingchun Bridge, there is an old stove cake shop. The stove cakes here are very famous, even featured on CCTV, and even Teacher Xiao Sa has nothing but praise for them. Each stove cake costs only 8 yuan, and you must try its deliciousness. Rugao, this place not only has the magic of the hometown of longevity but also the charm of a thousand-year-old ancient city. It not only makes people linger but also makes them fall deeply in love with it.