Located in Guangfu Town, Yongnian District, Handan City, Hebei Province, the Guangfu Ancient City Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Characterized by its "ancient city, water town, and Taiji town" features, it perfectly preserves the city layout of the Ming Dynasty. Surrounded by the natural moat formed by the Fuyang River, it is also the birthplace of Yang-style and Wu-style Taijiquan, boasting profound cultural heritage. The ancient city wall has a circumference of 4.5 kilometers, a height of 12 meters, and a width of 8 meters. The city covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers and houses over 200 Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. It is one of the most completely preserved water-based ancient cities in northern China.
Historical Culture
Guangfu Ancient City was first built in the Spring and Autumn Period. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it became the administrative center of Fuyang Commandery, and in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it served as the seat of Guangping Prefecture. With a history of over 2,600 years, the city's low-lying terrain and the meandering Fuyang River have created a unique water town landscape of "being surrounded by water on all sides and filled with reeds." It was once the political, economic, and cultural center of southern Hebei during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Yang Luchan and Wu Yuxiang, the founders of Taijiquan, practiced and developed their martial arts here, making Guangfu the cradle of Taijiquan. Yang-style Taijiquan is known for its graceful and expansive movements, while Wu-style Taijiquan is compact and delicate. Both styles have spread nationwide from here. Today, the city hosts an annual international Taijiquan exchange event, attracting Taiji enthusiasts from around the world.
In 1993, Guangfu Ancient City was designated a key cultural relic protection unit in Hebei Province. In 2017, it was upgraded to a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The city's ancient city wall, Hongji Bridge, and Yang Luchan's former residence are among the national key cultural relic protection units.
Main Attractions
Guangfu Ancient City Wall
Built in 1542 during the reign of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty, the city wall is made of bricks and stones, with a circumference of 4,522 meters and a height of 12 meters. It features four city gates and two water gates. Well-preserved, it offers a panoramic view of the ancient city and the surrounding wetland scenery. With 1,752 crenels and 57 watchtowers, it is an important example of Ming Dynasty military defense architecture.
Hongji Bridge
Located outside the east gate of the ancient city, spanning the Fuyang River, the bridge was originally built in the Sui Dynasty and renovated during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli period. Measuring 48.9 meters in length, 6.82 meters in width, and 6 meters in height, this single-arch stone bridge has a deck paved with 18 large stone slabs carved with exquisite reliefs of lions, monkeys, deer, and other animals. Similar in architecture to the Zhaozhou Bridge, it is known as the "sister bridge" and was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2006.
Yang Luchan's Former Residence
Situated on South Street in the ancient city, this is the birthplace and early home of Yang Luchan, the founder of Yang-style Taijiquan. Built in the Qing Dynasty, it covers an area of 980 square meters and features a typical northern Chinese courtyard layout. The residence displays exhibits on Yang Luchan's life, the development of Taijiquan, and cultural relics such as Taijiquan manuals and weapons, providing insights into Taijiquan culture.
Wu Yuxiang's Former Residence
Located on Yingchun Street in the ancient city, this was the ancestral home of Wu Yuxiang, the founder of Wu-style Taijiquan. Covering 1,920 square meters, it consists of three courtyard complexes with over 70 rooms. The residence preserves Wu Yuxiang's study and bedroom, as well as displays of Wu-style Taijiquan manuals, weapons, and family relics, showcasing the origins and development of this martial art style.
Guangfu Ancient City Wetland
Surrounding the ancient city, the wetland covers an area of approximately 2,000 hectares and is formed by the confluence of the Fuyang and Niuwei Rivers. It features a unique ecological landscape of "reed marshes and lotus ponds." With over 100 bird species, visitors can take boat tours during the summer lotus bloom to experience the charm of a "northern water town."
Cuisine
Guangfu Crispy Fish
A local traditional dish, it is made from fresh fish caught in the Fuyang River, processed through multiple steps to achieve crispy bones and tender meat. Rich in calcium, it is known for its "edible bones and long shelf life." Mainly sold on South Street in the ancient city, it costs around 35 yuan per jin and is available in vacuum packaging for takeaway.
Yongnian Donkey Meat Sausage
A specialty snack of Guangfu, made from donkey meat and sweet potato starch, flavored with various spices. Sliced and pan-fried, it has a fragrant, sticky, and savory taste. Available in many restaurants in the ancient city at around 25 yuan per serving, it is recommended to visit the "Guangfu Time-Honored Restaurant" to try it.
Guangfu Stewed Pork Knuckle
A traditional marinated meat dish, pork knuckles are marinated in old broth, wrapped in cotton paper, and tied with hemp rope before cooking. The result is tender, fatty but not greasy meat. Sold on North Street in the ancient city at around 40 yuan per jin, it makes an excellent gift.
Surrounding Specialties
Within 5 kilometers around the scenic area, there are several featured restaurants. For example, "Tai Chi Banquet" Restaurant offers Tai Chi-themed banquets, with signature dishes including Tai Chi Yin-Yang Fish Balls (68 yuan per serving) and Tai Chi Vegetarian Feast (58 yuan per serving). "Fuyang River Fish Restaurant" specializes in river delicacies, recommending Steamed Fuyang River Carp (88 yuan per fish) and River Shrimp Stir-Fried with Chives (45 yuan per serving), catering to different taste preferences.
Admission Tickets
The scenic area is free to enter, but individual attractions require separate tickets.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "广府古城" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online. It is recommended to buy the combined ticket for attractions, which is more cost-effective than buying individual tickets.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24 hours. Individual attractions are open from 8:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30), with winter hours (November to February) from 8:30 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00). Boat tours in the wetland are available from 9:00 to 17:00, extending to 19:00 during the summer lotus festival.
Tour Routes
Cultural Exploration One-Day Tour
Morning: Enter through the South Gate, climb the city wall for panoramic views, then visit Yang Luchan's Former Residence to learn about the origins of Yang-style Taijiquan. Have lunch in the ancient city and try local specialties like Guangfu Crispy Fish and Yongnian Donkey Meat Sausage. Afternoon: Visit Wu Yuxiang's Former Residence to study Wu-style Taijiquan, proceed to Hongji Bridge to admire its architecture, and end the day with a boat tour in the wetland.
Taiji Wellness Two-Day Tour
Day 1: Morning: Visit Yang Luchan's and Wu Yuxiang's former residences and participate in a Taijiquan experience class (10:00-11:00 daily, 50 yuan per person). Lunch: Enjoy a Taiji-themed health meal. Afternoon: Climb the city wall and visit Hongji Bridge. Evening: Bird-watching in the wetland. Day 2: Morning: Join a free Taijiquan morning practice (7:00-8:00 daily). Visit the Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complex and Guangfu Museum. Lunch: Try stewed pork knuckles and other local delicacies. Afternoon: Bike ride in the wetland (bike rental is 20 yuan per hour) to experience the water town scenery.
Transportation
- Bus: Take Bus No. 605 from Handan Urban Area directly to Guangfu Ancient City Scenic Area. Buses run from 6:30 to 18:00, approximately every 15 minutes. The fare is 5 yuan, and the journey takes about 50 minutes.
- Self-Driving: Exit at Handan North on the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway and drive west along Yongnian Connecting Line for about 20 kilometers; or exit at Handan East on the Qinglan Expressway and drive north along Hanlin Highway for about 15 kilometers. The scenic area parking lot charges 10 yuan per day, with approximately 800 parking spaces.
- Tourist Shuttle: Tourist buses are available from Handan Railway Station and Handan East High-Speed Railway Station to Guangfu Ancient City, departing from 8:00 to 16:00. The fare is 10 yuan per person, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Guangfu Ancient City Wall: Ming Dynasty brick and stone structure, 4.5 kilometers in circumference, 12 meters high. Walk around for views of the city and wetland. Ticket: 20 yuan.
- Hongji Bridge: Ming Dynasty stone arch bridge, 48.9 meters long, 6.82 meters wide, with exquisite stone carvings. Known as the "sister bridge" to Zhaozhou Bridge. Ticket: 10 yuan.
- Yang Luchan's Former Residence: Birthplace of Taijiquan, covering 980 square meters. Displays Yang-style Taijiquan culture. Ticket: 30 yuan, includes Taijiquan experience.
- Guangfu Ancient City Wetland: 2,000-hectare wetland with blooming lotuses in summer. Boat tours available (40 yuan per person) to experience the northern water town.
- Wu Yuxiang's Former Residence: Origin of Wu-style Taijiquan, covering 1,920 square meters. Exhibits martial arts manuals and relics. Ticket: 20 yuan, ideal for cultural exploration.
Tour Tips
- Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days. Allow two days for a deeper experience of Taiji culture and wetland scenery.
- Rent a bicycle (30 yuan per hour) or take a sightseeing cart (50 yuan per person) inside the city to save energy, especially suitable for visitors with elderly or children.
- Taijiquan performances are held at 9:00 and 15:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at Yang Luchan's Former Residence Square. Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.
- There are more mosquitoes in the wetland in summer, so mosquito repellent should be carried; the ancient city wall has strong winds in winter, so pay attention to keeping warm and carry scarves and gloves.
- Specialty stores are concentrated on South Street. Guangfu Crispy Fish and Yongnian Donkey Meat Sausage are available in vacuum packaging. Compare prices before purchasing. Average prices: 35 yuan per jin for crispy fish, 25 yuan per jin for sausage.
Precautions
- The city wall steps are steep. Take care while climbing, especially with children.
- Wear life jackets during boat tours in the wetland and follow the boatman's instructions. Standing or frolicking on the boat is prohibited.
- Do not touch cultural relics in Yang Luchan's and Wu Yuxiang's former residences. Flash photography is prohibited.
- Some roads inside the city are paved with bluestones. Wear non-slip shoes, especially for the elderly and pregnant women.
- The parking lot tends to fill up on weekends and holidays. Use public transportation if possible. The last Bus No. 605 departs at 18:00.
- When dining on local snacks like donkey meat sausage, choose restaurants with clearly marked prices to avoid disputes. Average per capita consumption is about 30-50 yuan.