Xixi Tourism and Culture Scenic Area

🌟 It turns out that Jiangsu hides such a travel destination, the birthplace of the legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies, as well as a millennium-old ancient town with ancient charm, yet it is little known. 🚩 This is Xixi Ancient Town located in Dongtai, Yancheng, Jiangsu. Since ancient times, this place has been 'boiling the sea for salt', known as the 'salt warehouse of the world'. Not only does it have a long history and profound cultural heritage, but it also retains many ancient relics, attracting many people to seek the old and explore the mysterious, and to vacation leisurely. 🎙 The story of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies, one of China's four great mythological love stories, took place here. To attract those seeking luck in love, a marriage registration office has been set up at the entrance of the scenic area, and even the shape of the traffic lights at the intersection is in the shape of a ❤️. 💡 The evenings here are exceptionally lively, with bustling night markets and immersive live performances as experiences to enjoy. ｜Dongtai Xixi Celestial Love Scenic Area 🚄｜Take the high-speed train to 'Dongtai Station', then a 15min taxi ride 🚗｜2.5h drive from Nanjing, 3.5h from Shanghai, 4h from Hangzhou Specific check-in spots ✅ Xixi Ancient City This is an ancient city related to salt, where famous figures like Fan Zhongyan and Yan Shu once served as salt officials. Walking on the quaint 'Ploughwood Street' in Hanfu for photos will be even more picturesque. ✅ Haichun Tower Garden With the 'Haichunxuan Tower' dating back over 1300 years, it is the oldest existing tower in Jiangsu; the 'Taishan Temple' within the garden is majestic, echoing the Haichunxuan Tower, forming an ancient architectural group in the style of the Tang and Song dynasties. ✅ Dong Yong and Seven Fairies Cultural Park Centered around the two main themes of 'Filial Piety Culture' and 'Love Legend', the Han and Tang style architecture lights up at night, instantly transporting you to the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Don't miss the live performance of 'Celestial Love' at night, and there will be fireworks at the end. ✅ Grass Market Street With a lively market and various delicious snacks, when tired of walking, try a bowl of Dongtai fish soup noodles, which tastes very fresh. 🍀 Other travel tips 1⃣️ The scenic area is located in the city, with convenient accommodation and transportation. 2⃣️ Tickets are required for Dong Yong and Seven Fairies Cultural Park and the 'Celestial Love' performance, other attractions are free. 3⃣️ Aerial photography in the scenic area requires registration Xixi Ancient Town

Xixi was once a major site for the collection of salt taxes in history. During the Northern Song Dynasty, three famous prime ministers, Lu Yijian, Yan Shu, and Fan Zhongyan, had all served as salt tax officials in Xixi, Dongtai. Tianxian Yuan: This refers to the legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies. The hometown legend of Dong Yong from 'The Fairy Couple' is also located here. The reason for the decrease in visitors is the entrance fee of ¥40/person. Having bought the 'Water Charm Jiangsu' annual card (¥199/person), it's very convenient. Strolling through the garden, with blue skies, white clouds, clear lake water, and fresh air

【One Day Itinerary】 Nanjing → Zhuxi Ancient Town → Xixi Tianxianyuan Scenic Area We set off from Nanjing at 6:20 in the morning 🚘Transport: Nanjing-Zhuxi Ancient Town, self-driving is recommended, about 3 hours to arrive 1⃣️Zhuxi Ancient Town ⏰Arrived at the ancient town at 9:20 in the morning, parking is free, 🎫Admission: Free ✔️With green bricks and black tiles, carved windows, the ancient town is not big, but it is very exquisite ✔️Kuixing Pavilion: Together with the White Tiger Bridge, standing on the White Tiger Bridge and admiring Kuixing Pavilion, the spring breeze is really comfortable, and it's also very photogenic ✔️Confucian Temple: Next to Kuixing Pavilion, you can make wishes and pray for blessings ✔️Time Memory Hall: Understand the past and present of the ancient town ✔️Love Heart Rose Wall: A waterfall of roses! It's stunning and suitable for taking a set of stylish photos ✔️Yan+ Bookstore: A literary bookstore hidden in the town, great for checking in, taking photos, daydreaming, and reading ✔️Tiangong Outdoor Sculpture: A relatively modern art sculpture, good for taking photos ✔️Had Yan Shengli's wontons, heard that the town's night scene is also beautiful, will come again next time 2⃣️Xixi Tianxianyuan Scenic Area About 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Zhuxi Ancient Town, 🅿️Parking is free 👇Tour order Haichun Tower Garden → Xixi Ancient Town → Dong Yong Seven Fairies Cultural Park The legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies originated here, inherently romantic, even the street lamps are heart-shaped 🔸Haichun Tower More than 1300 years old, worth checking in 🔸Xixi Ancient Town ✔️Limu Ancient Street: Small bridges and flowing water have a Jiangnan charm, and you can also learn about Yancheng's sea salt culture of boiling sea for salt ✔️Grass Market Street: A foodie's paradise, gathering snacks from all over, I particularly like the baked buns here, with two flavors, sweet and salty, in one bun, very special ✔️The Dongtai hair embroidery left a deep impression, the embroideresses use hair as silk to create exquisite artworks ✔️The cultural and creative cups of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies are so cute ⚠️The highlight is the 'Tianxianyuan' at 18:40 in the evening, a large-scale fairy fantasy live show, telling the romantic love story between Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies, dreamlike and memorable, the stage lighting is so beautiful, and there are many interactions between the actors and the audience ‼️Dressing reminder: When visiting Zhuxi Ancient Town or Xixi Ancient Town, it is recommended to wear solid colors with bright colors for a fresher and more artistic photo effect

Two Days and One Night in Dongtai, Yancheng. It seems that I have always liked the destinations that Xianxian suggests. The places we visited before were always surrounded by clouds and mist, like something out of a fairy tale. It wasn't until our recent trip to Dongtai in Yancheng that I realized the search for fairy-like beauty isn't about towering mountains or deep waters, but about the presence of people that brings a place to life. This place, which is full of fairy-like charm, is the hometown of Dong Yong, a paragon of filial piety from the Eastern Han Dynasty, and the birthplace of the legendary love story of 'The Fairy Couple' that has been sung about for a thousand years. Because of its convenient transportation, complete amusement facilities, and a variety of wonderful performances, it is very suitable for couples to travel and for family vacations. The Xixi Scenic Area in Dongtai is divided into several parts. The first part is the Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies Cultural Park. During the day, it is an ancient-style garden with various scenes from the legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies restored, such as an ancient street in the Han Dynasty style, an old locust tree, and the Temple of the Matchmaker. At night, it becomes the venue for the 'Fairy Love' real-scene light show. It's worth noting that those who have bought tickets for the evening show can enter the park in the afternoon, so you can reserve the time from evening to the performance for this place and enjoy it continuously. The second part is the Xixi Ancient Town area. Here, there is the Li Mu Street, which restores the prosperity of Dongtai in the past; the Grass Market Street, which gathers intangible cultural heritage foods from all over the country; and the Hai Music Bar Cultural District. There is a large Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) shop here, offering both rentals and sales. Fairies who need to change outfits can come here. In the afternoon, there is also a traditional Hanfu wedding around the street, which is very interesting and worth setting aside time to watch. The third part consists of the Huguo Taishan Temple and the Haichunxuan Tower. The ancient temple and tower are quaint and have a large area with relatively few people, making it a leisurely place to walk around. If you're tired, you can go to the Yanxi Bookstore under the Haichunxuan Tower to read books, drink coffee, and practice calligraphy. It's not just a bookstore; there are cultural activities and salons to participate in. For family trips, parents can take their children to the nearby Xixi Botanical Garden, which has lakes and islands and fresh air, making it suitable for leisurely walks. At the far west is the Happy Farm, where persimmons are in season for picking, and soon the winter jujubes should also be ripe, offering a chance for a hands-on experience. For accommodation, I recommend the Limu Inn on the side of the food street. It is divided into two parts: the hotel part is right by the food walking street, with the advantage of being conveniently located and inexpensive; the inn part is closer to the Limu Street near the temple, with quaint wooden buildings and courtyards, quiet and full of charm, and of course, the price is also higher. The most famous local delicacy is the fish soup noodles, which is only available in the morning. It is not served at lunch or dinner, so remember to have a bowl at the century-old shop on the east side of the ancient town's central axis in the morning. Lunch and dinner can be taken care of on the food street.

On the first day of the New Year, I searched for the taste of the New Year from my childhood memories at my hometown On the second day of the New Year, I came to Dongtai West Creek to experience a different New Year atmosphere～ - 🐲【New Year Activities】 From the first to the sixth day of the New Year/On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, you can enjoy the lantern festival, stroll around the market, and dance Xianyuan, with lots of activities! 📍Haichun Tower Garden: Ancient style market (highly recommended), drone fireworks show, there really are dragons flying in the sky!! 📍Taishan Avenue: West Creek market, Hanfu parade 📍Dongyong Seven Fairies Cultural Park: Street performances, shadow puppetry, immersive performance of 'Crossing the Han Tide Street', 'Heavenly Fairy Fate' fairy fantasy show 📍Grass Market Street: 'Remnants of the Past' intangible cultural heritage performances, snacks 📍Limu Ancient Street: 'Fan Zhongyan' situational drama 📍Houhai: Encounter with 'Mermaid' - 💡【Check-in list】 ☑️The love story of Dongyong and the Seven Fairies, ancient romance ☑️'Heavenly Fairy Fate' performance ☑️Fish soup noodles personally prepared by Emperor Qianlong's chef ☑️Chenpi wine for treating people's diseases by Fan Zhongyan ☑️Check in at the landmark Haichun Xuan Tower in Dongtai ☑️Eat snacks in Grass Market Street and Houhai District - 【Guide】 🎫Haichun Tower Garden New Year Lantern Festival ticket: Daytime 40rmb, 9-16:30; Nighttime 80rmb, 16:30-22:30, fireworks show on 2.10-2.15/2.24; Drone performance on 2.10-2.15, all start at 21:30 🚄Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Dongtai Station, and take a taxi to West Creek Scenic Area for 15 minutes - Come to Dongtai West Creek Ancient Town with your loved ones and feel the strong festive atmosphere!

As a child, I always heard about the legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Fairies, and I never thought I would come to their birthplace - Xixi in Dongtai, Yancheng. ❤️ Here, the Tang Tower, Song Bridge, and ancient temples are full of ancient charm. As night falls and the lights come on, immerse yourself in the romantic ancient town. 🏠: Xixi Tianxian Scenic Area in Dongtai, Yancheng 📍: West Ring Road, Dongtai City, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province 🚘: 4 hours drive from Hangzhou, Dongtai by high-speed rail, 15 minutes by taxi ✅Liwood Ancient Street The ancient town built along the Xixi Yanxi River, with green bricks and small tiles, small bridges, boats and flowing water, changes with every step. Walking in it feels full of Jiangnan charm✨, standing on the arch bridge, watching the sunset on the ancient street, encountering a beautiful dusk. ✅Haichun Tower Garden Here is the oldest tower in Jiangsu - Haichun Xuan Tower, built during the Tang Zhen Guan era🙌, it has a history of more than 1300 years. It is not only a landmark building in Dongtai, but also a totem for praying for blessings in the Buddhist holy land Xixi. ✅Dongtai Night Market After visiting the ancient town, don't miss the wonderful starlight market limited to the summer on Caoshi Street. Here is full of market fireworks, and there are many local snacks and interesting stalls👉, Yancheng's eight big bowls, salted duck, and Dongtai fish soup noodles can be tried. ✅Night Tour Performance In the Dong Yong Seven Fairies Culture Park, the live performance of 'Tianxian Yuan' cannot be missed. The performance scene is very infectious🕺, and finally there is a beautiful fireworks show. The night view lights in the park are beautiful, and the immersive night tour dreams back to the fairy world.

📍Location: Xixi Tourism Cultural Scenic Area, Dongguang County, Dongtai City, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province 🕐Opening hours: 1️⃣Free opening: Xixi Ancient City: 07:00-22:00 2️⃣Charging operation: Qixian Women's Cultural Park; Haichun Tower Garden 09:00-17:00 🚥Transportation: 🚄Train: Taxi 15 minutes from the high-speed rail "Dongtai Station" 🚌Bus: Each county and city——Dongtai, the shuttle bus takes the 6th and 15th buses to get off at Xixi Scenic Area. 🚗Self-driving: Xixi Tourism Cultural Scenic Area parking lot, free parking. 💰Cost: 🎫Tickets: 40 yuan; (Haichun Xuan Tower 20 yuan; Dongyong Qixian Women's Cultural Park 30 yuan) 🚘Sightseeing car: 10 yuan/time; 60 yuan/car 😊Guide explanation: 89 yuan/time 🤗Free service Loan of wheelchair (deposit 500 yuan/vehicle), stroller (deposit 300 yuan/vehicle), crutch (deposit 300 yuan/root), voice explainer (deposit 300 yuan/unit) umbrella (deposit 50 yuan/handle) 300 yuan/unit) umbrella (deposit 50 yuan/handle) 🗺️Tour route: 1️⃣Daytime: Haichun Xuan Tower→Taishan Huguo Zen Temple→Limu Ancient Street→Old Locust Tree→Yuelao Temple 2️⃣Night: Haohai→Caoshi Street→Xixi Ancient Town Lantern Festival "Searching for Immortal Fate" Immersive Night Tour 📷Featured scenic spot check-in ⭐️Xixi Ancient City Xixi Ancient City is in the style of the Northern Song Dynasty, showing the unique sea salt culture and "three phases" culture, mainly including Yanxi Academy, Sanxiang Pavilion, Sea Salt Square, Ancient City Tower, etc., becoming a landmark architectural group. The Limu Ancient Street in the ancient city, built along the Xixi Yanxi River, with small blue bricks and tiles, one step at a time, you can see the immersive "Fan Zhongyan" situational drama here, take a boat ride, it is too suitable to wear Hanfu or new Chinese style clothes to take pictures! ⭐️Dongyong Qixian Women's Cultural Park Dongyong Qixian Women's Cultural Park is in the style of Han and Tang Dynasties, revolving around the two major themes of filial piety culture and love legend, with 24 scenic spots such as Dong Xiaoxian Temple, Relief Corridor, Eighteen Mile Pavilion, Old Locust Tree, Phoenix Pool, Silk Well, Sangtian Grass Hall, Cao Family Courtyard, etc. At 19:40, the "Tianxian Fate" Feitian Xianhuan Real Scene Drama "With the starry sky as the top, the cloud window and fog pavilion as the curtain, integrating stage drama, music, and dance, the unique audio-visual effect is very shocking. Finally, there is a beautiful fireworks show, immersively feeling the fairy-like thousand-year love. ⭐️Haichun Xuan Tower "Xixi Tower Shadow Cold Mountain Moon, East Sea Bell Sound Ancient Temple Wind"" The "tower" in this poem is Haichun Xuan Tower. 👍Three wonders: ✨First wonder: Standing under the tower and looking up, the corners of each floor of the tower are not on a straight line or in a plane, but spiral. ✨Second wonder: This tower was originally a lighthouse, without a base and underground palace, but it can stand for a thousand years without falling. ✨Third wonder: It is said that the top of the tower is made of "wind-splitting copper", with Xixi Bao Tower in town, typhoons have to detour. ⭐️Grass Market Street: The market is full of fireworks, it's simply a paradise for foodies! Nothing is better than eating all kinds of special foods with a few good friends at night. Fish soup noodles, big meat buns, meat sandwiches, big plate chicken, strip mud seafood noodles are enough for you to taste all the flavors of the world... which one can heal your soul and taste buds?