Jinggang Historic Water Town
A Millennium Heritage Town in Wangcheng District of Changsha
- Best for: history & architecture lovers, enthusiasts of traditional folk culture & crafts, and slow‑travelers seeking a serene Jiangnan water‑town experience.
- Highlights: Less than an hour’s drive from Changsha, this authentically historical ancient town, unlike its newly built counterparts, offers a captivating journey into the past, making it a must-visit destination.
- Tickets: 65 RMB
Why Visit Jinggang Historic Water Town
Changsha, a culturally renowned city with over a thousand years of history, is surrounded by numerous ancient towns. While some of these towns were recently constructed to resemble historical sites, designed to boost the tourism industry, Jinggang Ancient Town stands out as a true historical treasure with centuries of authentic heritage. Named after the Tang Dynasty general Li Jing, famously known as the father of the mythical Nezha, Jinggang was once one of Hunan’s four major rice markets, bustling with merchants and trade in its heyday.
Situated by the water, Jinggang Ancient Town features well-preserved stone-paved roads that instantly immerse visitors in a serene, timeless atmosphere. The architecture, predominantly wooden, includes iconic stilted buildings (diaojiaolou) lining the river, embodying the distinctive charm of southern China’s water towns. The town’s historic shops and ancient bridges further enhance its rich historical ambiance. Its layout, comprising eight streets, four lanes, and seven docks, includes 1,008 residential buildings with 3,546 rooms, covering a total area of 12,607 square meters.
Hongtai Fang, a Qinglou (historical brothel) built in 1769, features a blue-brick and wooden structure with a courtyard layout. Qinglou establishments are prohibited in modern China. When visited over a decade ago, Hongtai Fang displayed numerous stone carvings of erotic tools and sexual organs, likely causing significant controversy. Today, it primarily showcases wax figures and restricts entry to visitors aged 18 and older. The exhibits vividly depict the diverse lives of women who worked in the Qinglou. Visitors to Jinggang can also enjoy boat tours, shadow puppet shows, Hunan flower drum opera, and face-changing performances, with actors engaging tourists to create an immersive experience that feels like stepping back into the vibrant 1980s.