Old Town Traveler's Guide|Top 50 Ancient City Worth Visiting in China
ancient city old town journey trip traveler's guideChina has over 2,800 ancient towns, distributed across the country. Many of these towns have a history of several hundred years, or even thousands of years. These ancient towns showcase a rich array of traditional architectural styles and unique folk cultures, reflecting the historical evolution of different regions and ethnic groups. Ancient towns are typically built by rivers, featuring distinctive natural landscapes and cultural environments. For example, Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang in the Jiangnan Water Towns are famous for their small bridges, flowing waters, and quaint houses. With the development of tourism, many ancient towns have integrated with modern industries, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists, becoming important carriers of culture and economy.
50 Places Worth Visiting in China (In no particular order):
1. Wuzhen, Zhejiang
Wuzhen Ancient City is a famous historical and cultural city in China, located in the central part of the Hangjiahu Plain in Zhejiang Province, between Jiaxing City and Tongxiang City. It is a typical town in the Jiangnan Water Towns, known as the “Land of Fish and Rice, Silk Capital.” All the houses in Wuzhen are built along the river. The water pavilions are suspended over the river, swaying gently with the breeze, resembling a flawless ink painting or a string of pearls in the Jiangnan Water Towns.
2. Pingyao, Shanxi
Pingyao Ancient City, also known as “Turtle City,” is located in Pingyao County, with a history of over 2,700 years. Situated in the central part of Shanxi Province, it still retains the basic appearance of a county town from the Ming and Qing dynasties, making it one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Han ethnic group in China. It is known as the “Little Beijing” and “Pingyao City.” The city walls bear the marks of time, narrating a unique story of cultural, social, economic, and religious development.
3. Lijiang, Yunnan
Lijiang Ancient City, also known as “Dayan Ancient Town,” is located in Dayan Town, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. Known for its beautiful scenery, long history, and rich culture, it is one of the few well-preserved ethnic ancient towns in China. The ancient music of Naxi, Dongba rituals, divination culture, ancient town bars, Naxi Torch Festival, and other colorful folk cultures and leisure activities can be fully experienced in Lijiang Ancient City.
4. Fenghuang, Hunan
Fenghuang Ancient City, Many people have a special affection for this ancient city. Undoubtedly, Fenghuang Ancient City is one of the most valuable cities in China, as well as one of the most valuable tourist destinations. People often wish for good weather, but in Fenghuang Ancient City, what they hope for is a gentle rain, as the mist after the rain is the most beautiful color in the world. This ancient city is also a highlight where you can stroll around, see the Tuojiang River, and admire the ancient stilt houses.
5. Jingzhou, Hubei
Jingzhou Ancient City is one of the few ancient cities in China that has not been commercially affected. With its unique charm, it attracts many visitors. The ancient city wall of Jingzhou stretches for 10.5 kilometers, with six gates, each equipped with arrow towers. Jingzhou Ancient City was an important port during the Chu State and later became the capital of a nation. It has undergone more than 2,000 years of history since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Today, most of the ancient city walls were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and they have a history of more than 300 years.
6. Wuyuan, Jiangxi
Wuyuan Ancient Town was founded in the Song Dynasty and has a history of nearly a thousand years. It was once a vital water and land transportation hub connecting Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces and served as the eastern gateway to Wuyuan. The town preserves a large number of Hui-style buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Sanxing Hall, Dunchong Hall, and Peixin Hall, showcasing the profound cultural heritage of Huizhou. Wuyuan is known as “Half Fairy, Half Fire,” and walking on the stone-paved roads, you are surrounded by clear skies and autumn colors. Small bridges, flowing water, and green mountains together form the most beautiful scenery of Wuyuan. Each season brings different colors, mesmerizing people. The unique “sun-drying” of crops is also famous worldwide.
7. Mudu, Jiangsu
Like many ancient towns in Jiangnan, Mudu Ancient Town is quaint and charming, with small bridges and flowing water. Over 2,500 years have passed in the blink of an eye. Take a boat, watch the bustling streets and the many shops; walk on the bluestone roads, and cross the small bridges. The visits of Kangxi and Qianlong to the south turned this place into a prosperous area, and during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it had more than thirty private gardens, earning it the title “Hometown of Gardens.”
8. Xitang, Zhejiang
Xitang Ancient Town is famous for its bridges, lanes, and covered corridors. “In the Spring and Autumn Period, there was water; in the Tang and Song Dynasties, there was a town; in the early Ming Dynasty, there were buildings; in recent times, there were people” is a summary of Xitang’s historical and cultural heritage. Xitang has a winding waterway, where nine rivers converge. The town is divided into eight areas, connected by 24 stone bridges, many of which are single-arch stone beam bridges. These ancient bridges have been well-preserved to this day.
9. Hongyan Village, Anhui
Hongyan Village in Anhui is an ancient village with a long history of over 3,000 years, representing traditional folk architecture from ancient times. The ancient buildings and cultural heritage of Hongyan Village fully reflect the traditional folk architectural style of Jiangxi, with the famous East Jia Academy of the Yi Men Chen period located here. This ancient village not only showcases the traditional architectural style of ancient Jiangxi but also carries rich historical and cultural heritage. Many people come here to learn painting. The white walls, black tiles, tiered courtyards, and the reflection of the mountains and lakes together create a typical Huizhou ancient town.
10. Bing’an Ancient Town, Guizhou
Bing’an Ancient Town is located in the central-southern part of Chishui City, Guizhou Province, along the middle reaches of the Chishui River. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the Chishui River underwent significant improvement, and the Bing’an area became the busiest port on the Chishui River. Merchant ships and merchants from Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou all spent the night here. The town preserves many ancient buildings and historical sites, such as stilt houses and stone-paved streets, reflecting the unique architectural style and lifestyle of the region. The ancient town is built along the river, surrounded on three sides by the Chishui River. Along the river, there is a 500-meter-long ancient towpath from the Shuanglong Bridge to the Xubian Bridge, built during the Qing Dynasty.
11. Zhujiajiao, Shanghai
When talking about ancient cities in Shanghai, the first that comes to mind is Zhujiajiao Ancient City. Every holiday, you can temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of Shanghai behind and enjoy the peaceful scenery of this ancient town. The bridges in the ancient town are numerous and varied, with different views. The town is lively during the day and quiet at night.
12. Huangyao, Guangxi
Huangyao Ancient Town is located in Hezhou City, Guangxi, surrounded by mountains and lush bamboo forests, with streams flowing through. The town is laid out according to the traditional Lingnan “Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams” layout, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and rivers. The streets are paved with gray stone slabs, which, despite their age, remain sturdy and straight.
13. Xijiang Miao Village, Guizhou
The most beautiful night view I have ever seen is the Xijiang Miao Village! Surrounded by mountains, with terraced fields shrouded in mist, the mountain chairs give a sense of traveling through time and space. After crossing the Fengyu Bridge over the Baishui River and climbing to the viewing platform halfway up the mountain, you can see the twinkling lights like stars in the sky. The Miao Village has a rich and colorful festive calendar, with the most representative being the “Dragon Festival” and the “New Rice Festival.” These festivals not only showcase the traditional beliefs and lifestyle of the Miao people but also offer visitors a great opportunity to learn about Miao culture.
14. Huizhou, Anhui
Huizhou Ancient City, also known as Shexian, formerly known as Xin’an, is located in Huizhou Town, Shexian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. It is the birthplace of “Huizhou Studies,” known as the “Zoulu of Southeast China” and “Land of Etiquette.” It is one of the three major regional studies in China. Huizhou’s streets and alleys, such as Xu Guo Archway, Xiangfu, Nanqiao Tower, Zhengyang Gate, Huizhou Prefecture Office, Huiyuan, Doushan Street, etc., are representative buildings in the history of Huizhou.
15. Jianshui, Yunnan
Jianshui Ancient Town may be small, but it has a history of more than 1,170 years! Its four city gates and pavilions are built within majestic valleys, blending the essence of “Zoulu of Southern Yunnan” from temples to cities and from remote areas to villages. To this day, the ancient town still retains many historical buildings, with approximately 50 remaining. The Chaoyang Tower, having withstood several wars and major earthquakes, has stood tall for nearly 600 years and is considered the oldest and most prominent landmark in Jianshui.
16. Yunshuiyao, Fujian
Entering “Yunshuiyao” offers visitors not only the chance to admire Fujian’s Tulou buildings but also to enjoy the surrounding beautiful scenery and experience the mysterious charm of the East. Yunshuiyao is a place where the Minnan and Hakka cultures blend. The Tulou architecture in Yunshuiyao is one of its important features, characterized by its unique circular and square structures that showcase the wisdom and architectural artistry of the Hakka people. These Tulou buildings are not only residences but also fortresses for defense. The film “Yunshuiyao” brought more recognition to this charming rural area. Subsequently, the application for the World Heritage status of Fujian’s Tulou was set in motion, and Changjiao Village was renamed after the film.
17. Shawan Town, Guangzhou
Shawan Town is the only national historical and cultural town in Guangzhou with a history of over 800 years. It is rich in Guangdong music, floating colors, lion dances, sculpture, and a vibrant array of ethnic and folk cultures. The architecture of the ancient town reflects the artistic styles of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with the stone steps, stone slab streets, and distinctive brick carvings, wood carvings, and murals, all exuding the Lingnan charm.
18. Furong Town, Hunan
Furong Town is an ancient city with a history spanning thousands of years, known as the “Gateway between Chu and Shu.” The town is surrounded by water, with a stream flowing through it, cascading down steep cliffs to form a magnificent waterfall. Beneath one of the waterfalls in Furong Town lies a large cave, spacious enough to accommodate a thousand people. Initially, local residents lived here, but as the water level rose and the river’s sediment was washed away, the residents gradually moved out, leaving behind this ancient town above the waterfall.
19. Qingyan, Guizhou
Qingyan Ancient City is one of the “Four Great Cities” of Guizhou and was a crucial transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road. It is currently the largest and best-preserved city in the world. This city was primarily built for military defense, with ancient city walls connecting the east, west, south, and north, winding through the mountains. Over 600 years, it has withstood countless wars, giving this city a distinct character unlike any other.
20. Shuhe, Shaanxi
Shuhe Ancient Town is located in Shuhe Town, Xunyang County, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province. This ancient city, nestled by the mountains and rivers, was once known as “Little Hankou.” It was a well-known water and land port, although many might not be aware of it. The houses in Shuhe Ancient Town are built using stones from the local riverbanks and foothills, making them extremely durable and resistant to collapse, even after hundreds of years. The entire town retains its ancient appearance, with only the wooden structures potentially subject to erosion.
21. Qingshi, Shaanxi
Qingmukuan Ancient Town, located at the border of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces, is an ancient town built along the mountains. Qingmukuan, named after the abundance of green trees within its borders, is said to also contain an ancient tree planted during the prehistoric era. Due to its unique geographical location, it was a gathering place for merchants in ancient times and a strategically important location for military forces. From the Longlou, you can watch the golden sunset. The old streets, the parked tricycles, and the elderly basking in the sun on the Qifeng Bridge bring a sense of calm, even on a dull afternoon.
22. Qingcheng, Gansu
Qingcheng Ancient Town is situated on the southern bank of the Yellow River, at the northernmost part of Yuzhong County, Gansu Province. It is one of the few relatively well-preserved ancient cities in Gansu Province. Currently, only about 50 residential buildings and courtyards remain, all of which hold both cultural and aesthetic value. The brick carvings and wood carvings are exceptionally delicate, with intricate patterns visible everywhere. The people of Qingcheng are particularly skilled in using local stones, such as those from the banks of the Yellow River, to build stone walls, steps, and gates.
23. Tongli, Jiangsu
Tongli Ancient Town may not be as famous as Wuzhen, Xitang, or Zhouzhuang, but here, you can easily feel the charm of Jiangnan. The Shuiyuan Temple is located next to Luoxing Island, which is why the temple still has many original residents. Tongli is relatively peaceful. Compared to Jinxi, Qiandeng, and Lili, Tongli has a more commercial atmosphere, and the Tuisi Garden and Lintan in Tongli are major attractions in Suzhou.
24. Zhouzhuang, Jiangsu
Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is a world-renowned water town in the Jiangnan region, praised as the “No. 1 Water Town in China” and a crucial hub along the waterways. Walking through the streets and alleys of Zhouzhuang, you will be captivated by the white walls and black tiles, and the over-street archways, all of which exude a rich historical ambiance.
25. Heshun, Yunnan
Heshun Ancient Town is much larger than you might imagine, with Huizhou-style architecture and a Jiangnan feel. This is a mountainous area, so if you walk down from the mountain, be careful when riding a motorcycle. The town has many century-old houses and pavilions, where locals have lived for generations at a leisurely pace. Visit the “largest rural library in China” to browse ancient books, enjoy a sunbath by the wild duck pond in the afternoon, and climb to the highest point of the ancient town at dusk to watch the sunset.
26. Langzhong, Sichuan
Langzhong Ancient City, located in the northeastern part of the Sichuan Basin along the middle reaches of the Jialing River, is one of China’s “Four Great Ancient Capitals” with a history of over 2,300 years. Known as the “Immortal Land of Langyuan,” the “Key to Bashu,” and the “No. 1 Scenic Area under Heaven,” this is the legendary paradise on earth. The Langzhong Ancient City is home to numerous attractions such as Zhang Fei Temple, Yong’an Temple, Wulong Temple, Tengwang Pavilion, Guanyin Temple, Laozi Temple, and the Daxing Temple, making it a must-visit ancient town in Sichuan.
27. Anren, Sichuan
Anren Ancient Town, located west of the Chengdu Plain and 41 kilometers from Chengdu, is mentioned in the “Tai Ping Huanyu Ji,” which notes that “Anren” means “benevolence.” With a long history, such as the establishment of Rencounty here in the third year of the Tang Dynasty’s Wude era, Anren Ancient Town was thus named. This is a town from the Republican era, where you can stroll leisurely, explore the numerous Republican-era shops that will leave a lasting impression, and watch a Sichuan opera performance at the Anren Grand Theater while sipping tea, allowing you to experience the relaxed pace of life in Sichuan.
28. Changting, Fujian
Changting Ancient City, known as the “Hakka Capital of the Eight Provinces,” is an important part of Fujian Province. Changting may be a small place, but it has a simple and rustic charm, with some old houses and shops adorned with red couplets at their entrances, benches, and bamboo chairs under the walls, where elderly people often sit and chat. The atmosphere is simple and peaceful, which is why I love this place so much.
29. Shangqiu, Henan
Shangqiu Ancient City in Henan Province is one of the most important birthplaces of Chinese culture, with over 4,500 years of history. Shangqiu is one of the earliest cities in China, with six ancient cities including the Gui De City of the Yuan Dynasty, Ying Tian Fu of the Northern Song Dynasty, Sui-Tang Songzhou City, Suiyang City, Liang Kingdom Capital of the Qin and Han Dynasties, and the Capital of the Zhou Dynasty, representing nearly 5,000 years of urban evolution.
30. Shaxi, Yunnan
How can there be such a unique, colorful, and pastoral place as Shaxi Ancient Town? At the center of Shaxi Ancient City stands an ancient building, an old stage, and a structure called “Xingjiao Temple.” The sculptures and paintings on the ancient stage are incredibly detailed. The Xingjiao Temple is primarily decorated with murals and is among the top-known Buddhist murals in the country. The stone-paved streets of Sifang Street and Shideng Street, lined with willows, clear streams, and ancient shops with intricate carvings, are filled with a nostalgic charm.
31. Yaoli, Jiangxi
Yaoli is an ancient city free from any commercial vibe, perfect for spending a day or two soaking in the leisurely lifestyle. You can explore the beautiful Huizhou architecture and enjoy the stunning scenery. The mornings are ideal for stepping outside, taking in the fresh air, and basking in the sunlight—it’s incredibly relaxing. At night, take a walk, snap some photos, and admire the night view of Yaoli ancient town for a unique adventure. The town features old ancestral halls, ancient stages, small waterfalls, clear springs, and ancient pathways. On foggy days, it truly feels like a hidden paradise.
32. Xidi, Anhui
Xidi is less bustling than Hongcun, less leisurely than Lucun, and even the autumns of Tachuan are like this. This land is home to many ancient houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, ancient streets paved with bluestone, winding horse-head walls, beautifully staggered corridors, delicately carved flower windows, and grandiose main rooms with decorated lintels. Amidst the play of light and shadow, the white walls and gray tiles stand out.
33. Luzhi, Jiangsu
Compared to Tongli and Zhouzhuang in Suzhou, Luzhi is not as famous. However, once you arrive, you’ll realize that its scenery is no less impressive than any other ancient city. Luzhi, originally named “Fuli Town,” has a history of 2,500 years. Over time, due to the flat terrain and flowing waters in the town’s east, the name gradually changed to Luzhi. Known for the “five lakes and six marshes,” Luzhi was once a prosperous place, and it was praised by Fei Xiaotong as “China’s First Water Town.”
34. Sanhe, Anhui
Sanhe Town was formed by the confluence of the Fengle River, Hangbu River, and Xiaonan River. The area, with its intersecting waterways, is located between Feixi, Shucheng, and Lujiang counties, making it easily accessible and a strategic location for warfare throughout history. The “Battle of Quean” between the Wu and Chu states, as recorded in the “Zuo Zhuan,” and the “Great Victory of the Three Rivers” during the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China, both took place here.
35. Kashgar, Xinjiang
Kashgar is an ancient city with over 2,000 years of cultural history, located in the southern part of Xinjiang, in the northwest. Walking through the old city’s alleyways, you can explore the historical memories of Xinjiang, with its labyrinthine streets forming a maze that connects the past and the present. Kashgar is one of the few remaining cities in China that has preserved many Islamic-style buildings with Uyghur architectural characteristics.
36. Nayun, Yunnan
Nayun Ancient City is located in Menglian County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province. The name “Nayun” in Dai language means “inner city.” During the Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods, Menglian was the political, economic, cultural, and religious center of the area. Nayun Ancient City is known as “the last city of the Dai people in China.” This ancient city is unique; without the sign by the roadside, you might not even realize you’ve arrived in Nayun Ancient City.
37. Chikan, Guangzhou
Kaiping’s Chikan Ancient Town is indeed a very charming small city. The ancient street is not very long, but it has well-preserved buildings, with the architecture along the street exuding a distinct Southeast Asian flavor. Chikan City is not very large, and beyond the ancient street is the Chikan Film and Television Base, where the movie “The Grandmaster” was filmed. A visit to the Kaiping Diaolou is highly recommended—it’s one of the largest Diaolou museums in the world and truly spectacular!
38. Qikou Town, Shanxi
Qikou Town is located in the western foothills of the Lüliang Mountains, in the southern part of Lishi County, at the southernmost point of the Yellow River. It has convenient transportation and is strategically positioned. From the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China, Qikou became a bustling commercial town known as the “first bend of the Yellow River” due to the river’s changing course. From Heilongshan Temple, you can climb the mountain road to the top, where you can overlook the entire Qikou Ancient Town. The Yellow River’s waters and the ancient city’s green bricks and yellow tiles create a somber yet imposing scene.
39. Zhuxian Town, Henan
Zhuxian Town, located 20 kilometers south of Kaifeng City in Henan Province, is one of China’s four major commercial ports, along with Foshan in Guangdong, Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, and Hankou in Hubei. Zhuxian Town boasts an extremely rich cultural heritage and is a historic town in China, known as the birthplace of Chinese woodblock New Year paintings and the home of the “Xiangfu Tune” in Henan opera.
40. Luodai Town, Sichuan
Luodai Ancient Town is a place where immigrants from the Ming and Qing dynasties and “Huguang” immigrants and Sichuan Hakka people lived, developed, and integrated, forming a unique Hakka culture. The “Bogu Tower” is modeled after the Hakka Tulou in Longyan, with four floors and a height of three stories. Each floor displays the history, lifestyle, and ancestral teachings of the Hakka people.
41. Huanglongxi, Sichuan
Huanglongxi Ancient Town is as gentle as water, with the charm of the Jiangnan region, exuding a bit of elegance amidst its gracefulness. The ancient banyan trees, paved with bluestone, are filled with the breath of life. The wooden buildings with green tiles, intricately carved railings, and eaves flowing with water, along with the ancient temples with flying eaves and dougong structures, all exude a sense of classical elegance and tranquility.
42. Jinxi, Jiangsu
This is an ancient city in the Jiangnan region with over 2,000 years of history, known as the “Hometown of China’s Folk Museum.” Famous tourist attractions include the Ancient Lotus Bridge, Tongshen Academy, Chen Fei’s Water Tomb, and Lianchi Temple. Although not as famous as neighboring towns like Zhouzhuang and Tongli, Jinxi is well-maintained and not overly crowded, even during holidays. It exudes a rich local atmosphere, where you can see elderly locals sipping tea and chatting along the riverside verandas, embodying the leisurely lifestyle of the city.
43. Nanxun, Zhejiang
Nanxun Ancient Town is crisscrossed by the South City River, East City River, West City River, and Baoshan River, forming a network of waterways. The rivers interconnect Nan East Street and Nan West Street, creating a cross-shaped structure that preserves most of the town’s rivers and water systems. Along the sides of the cross-shaped rivers, Jiangnan-style commercial buildings line the riverbanks, with numerous private gardens forming a unique landscape of small bridges, flowing water, and large gardens.
44. Shangjin, Hubei
Shangjin Ancient City is a Qing Dynasty city located in the northwest of Shangjin Town, Yunxi County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. Situated in the northwest of Hubei, close to Manchuan Town in Shaanxi Province, with the Jianghan Plain to the south and the Qinling Mountains to the north, Shangjin is known as the “key to Qin and Chu” and is situated on a tributary of the Han River.
45. Nuanquan Ancient Town, Hebei
Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in the western part of Yuxian County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, and is a famous historical town in China. The town’s name suggests the presence of a warm spring, with temperatures remaining above 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The most famous attraction here is the Tree Flower, a 500-year-old traditional craft where molten iron is poured against the ancient city walls, creating a shower of sparks.
46. Weishan, Yunnan
Weishan Ancient Town has a slower pace of life compared to Lijiang, with teahouses lining the streets, and those with chessboards becoming popular spots for afternoon tea. Walking through this ancient town feels like traversing a poem, a song, a ballad.
47. Da’an, Shanxi
Entering this ancient city with over 2,600 years of history, you’ll encounter original architecture, city towers, alleyways, mansions, shops, pavilions, and temples, all of which can be seen throughout the city. Every brick, tile, stone, and tree exudes an ancient charm.
48. Huo Tong, Fujian
Huo Tong Ancient Town is located in the Jiaocheng District of Ningde City, Fujian Province. This ancient town, with over a thousand years of history, has a rich cultural heritage. Strolling through the ancient town, you’ll feel the old-world atmosphere surrounding you. The old houses with yellow walls and black tiles stretch along the long streets, and time seems to stand still, evoking memories of a bygone era.
49. Anju, Chongqing
Anju is an ancient city with a long history, boasting a 1,500-year history as a county. It is a mountain and water city that integrates waterfront culture, religious culture, imperial examination culture, migration culture, silk culture, anti-war culture, and dragon culture. Anju was once one of the origins of the ancient Silk Road and an important material distribution center in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It also served as a major migration site during the two “Huguang Fill Sichuan” migrations. The city is rich in cultural relics and offers beautiful scenery, with two major rivers, the Qiong River and the Fu River, converging here.
50. Zhenyuan, Guizhou
Zhenyuan Ancient City has preserved Ming Dynasty walls and gates, with over 200 cultural relics including ancient buildings, traditional residences, and historical docks both inside and outside the city. It’s rare to find such a large river running through an ancient town. Zhenyuan is an underrated town, with well-developed infrastructure but not overly commercialized, striking a good balance between work and life. It is a vibrant town with a rich atmosphere, home to more than 20 ethnic groups including the Han and Dong. The integration of Central Plains culture, Jingchu culture, Bashu culture, Wu and Yue culture, Min and Yue culture, and indigenous culture has formed a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural “social museum,” leading some experts to refer to it as a “World Cultural Protection Circle.”