Sanhe Ancient Town Scenic Area is located in Feixi County, Hefei City, Anhui Province. Situated on the shore of Chaohu Lake, it borders Lujiang County and Shucheng County. It is known as the place where "one step spans three counties, and crows in three counties can be heard at dawn." The town covers a total area of 2.9 square kilometers, with the scenic area itself approximately 2 square kilometers. With a history of over 2,500 years, it is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Named after the confluence of the Fengle River, Hangbu River, and Xiaonan River, the town features a unique water-town charm and rich cultural heritage, forming the distinctive "Eight Ancient" landscapes of the Jianghuai region: ancient rivers, ancient bridges, ancient dikes, ancient streets, ancient residences, ancient teahouses, ancient stage towers, and ancient battlefields. It preserves numerous ancient buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China periods, with architectural styles blending southern and northern characteristics, mostly wooden structures mixed with brick and stone, representing the architectural features of central Anhui during the late Qing Dynasty.
History and Culture
Sanhe Ancient Town has a long history. Over 2,550 years ago, it was a highland emerging from Chaohu Lake, serving as a habitat for birds, hence the ancient names "Quezhu" and "Que'an." During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the town began to take shape, and the Battle of Que'an between the states of Wu and Chu took place here. After the unification of China by the Qin Dynasty, Sanhe was under the jurisdiction of Jiujiang Commandery, and during the Han Dynasty, it was part of Lujiang Commandery. During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao trained his navy here. After the Eastern Jin Dynasty, its administrative division changed frequently, belonging mainly to the Eastern Jin, Southern Dynasties (Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen), and was also known as "Quewei" and "Sanchahe" during this time. In the early Sui Dynasty, Luzhou was established, and since then, Sanhe has been part of Luzhou. In the Tang Dynasty, during Emperor Xuanzong's reign, the former Shuxian County was divided into Lujiang and Shucheng counties. From then until the Republic of China, Sanhe was located at the junction of Hefei, Shucheng, and Lujiang counties. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Xianzhong's rebellion forces established a navy in Sanhe. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Sanhe Town was officially set up. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, the Taiping Army defeated the Qing army in the Battle of Sanhe, which took place here. Sanhe Ancient Town was once a prosperous commercial hub due to its developed shipping, earning the reputation of "Endless Sanhe, the Commodity Corridor of Central Anhui." During the Anti-Japanese War, a large influx of people boosted its commercial development, and it was known as "Little Nanjing." However, during the Liberation War, its commerce declined. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, commerce revived. After the reform and opening up, with the development of land transportation, its shipping industry shrank, leading to a decline in its commercial status. Nevertheless, it had an early start in industrial development. Before liberation, it had factories in more than a dozen industries such as textiles, cigarettes, and food, with about 20 products exported overseas. It has since gradually transformed into an industrial and commercial town.
Main Attractions
Dajie Gate
Regarded as the main entrance to Sanhe Ancient Town Scenic Area, it is located on Yingwang Road. This memorial archway with four side gates was built to commemorate the Taiping Army's victory over the Xiang Army in the Battle of Sanhe in 1858. The three characters "Dajie Gate" were written by calligrapher Ke Dalin, and the couplets on both sides were composed by poet Liu Zuci.
Former Residence of King Ying
Situated north of Dajie Gate and south of Wannian Stage, this was once the Taiping Army's headquarters during the Battle of Sanhe. The current building was reconstructed on the original site. There is a 12-meter-long screen wall outside with the words "Former Residence of King Ying." The mansion's gateway is made of blue stone, 4.8 meters wide, with auxiliary buildings on both sides. Inside, there is a memorial hall displaying historical documents related to the Taiping Army's victory in the Battle of Sanhe.
Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Ancient City Wall
Located on the east bank of Xiaonan River, northeast of Dajie Gate. In 1855, the Taiping Army built the city and its walls here. By the early 21st century, two sections remained: one about 50 meters long, 10 meters to the right of Dajie Gate, which is the northern city wall; the other about 30 meters long, in front of Xiaomen, which is the eastern city wall. These walls preserve important traces of the ancient battlefield in Sanhe.
Wannian Stage
Located on the banks of Xiaonan River, diagonally opposite the Former Residence of King Ying, it is the center of the ancient town. Originally built during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty and later reconstructed, it features a frame structure with an antique style and upturned eaves. In front of the stage is a 2,000-square-meter cultural square paved with bluestone, which serves as a venue for cultural activities in Sanhe Ancient Town and can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators.
Memorial Hall of Dong Yichu
Located on the west street of Sanhe Ancient Town, it was built on the original site of Dong Yichu's ancestral residence. With a five-courtyard layout, it was officially opened to the public in 2015. Through texts, pictures, physical objects, wax figures, and other forms, it showcases the selfless and fearless life of Dong Yichu, a patriotic overseas Chinese leader, under 15 themes such as "Descendant of a Military Family," "Patriotic Family," and "Studying in Suzhou." In 2016, it was listed as an education base for the united front in Anhui Province.
Former Residence of Yang Zhenning
Adjacent to Gunan Street, its predecessor was the Sun Dasheng Old-Fashioned Pharmacy, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a brick-and-wood structured Anhui-style residence with an ancient Ming and Qing architectural style, consisting of five courtyards. The first two courtyards exhibit pictures and materials related to Yang Zhenning. The third courtyard is where Yang once lived, and the last two courtyards showcase his scientific achievements through audio, video, and electronic displays. The former residence also retains the Apricot Garden, where Professor Yang lived at that time. Yang Zhenning was born in Hefei, Anhui, in 1922. In 1937, at the age of 17, he came to Sanhe Ancient Town with his mother and studied here for three months. He revisited Sanhe in 2001.
One-Person Lane
The oldest and narrowest alley in the ancient town, adjacent to the "Former Residence of Yang Zhenning," it is 50 meters long and 80 centimeters wide, named because only one person can pass through at a time. Located on the antique street of Nanjie, with high horse-head walls on both sides, it was the path that Professor Yang Zhenning took four times a day during his studies in Sanhe.
Xianggu Tower
Located beside the middle street of the ancient town, it was built in 1898 by Shi Daosheng, a merchant, who gathered contributions from various businesses. Inside, there is a golden statue, an incense altar, and a stele engraved with "Benevolence to Help the World" from 1936, preserving traditional religious and cultural practices.
Wangyue Tower (National Essence Tower)
A seven-story ancient pagoda, 37 meters tall, located on the banks of Xiaonan Lake, it is one of the iconic buildings in the ancient town. The tower houses exhibition halls displaying nearly a thousand ancient art treasures collected by local residents. The second floor exhibits plaques of different styles from various dynasties; the third floor displays carved and gilded furniture from the Qing Dynasty; the fourth floor showcases plaques and stone carvings of officials and celebrities; the fifth floor mainly displays official plaques; the sixth floor exhibits daily utensils such as wine pots from the Tang and Song dynasties and tin pots from the Qing Dynasty; and the seventh floor displays Buddhist statues from different periods.
Ancient Bridges
Spanning the Xiaonan River are five ancient bridges: Erlong Bridge, Quezhu Corridor Bridge, Sanxian Bridge, Wangyue Bridge, and Duiyue Bridge. There is also the Xiangui Bridge, which marks the boundary between the Xiaonan River and the moat. The oldest bridge is the Quezhu Corridor Bridge, with a history of over 1,500 years. It was rebuilt in 1982, with "beauty chairs" on both sides for visitors to enjoy the view, and four blue-stone lamp posts at the bridgehead for nighttime lighting. The Sanxian Bridge, also known as the Stone Bridge, is a three-arch bridge, 38 meters long and 7 meters wide. It was built in 1926 through donations collected by a Buddhist monk named Baoheshang.
Local Cuisine
Sanhe Rice Dumplings
A signature dish of Sanhe. Made from indica rice flour for the wrapper and filled with marinated minced pork, dried tofu, and scallions, the dumplings are deep-fried until golden brown. They offer a crispy exterior and a savory, flavorful filling.
Sanhe Bean Curd
Made from high-quality soybeans through traditional processes including screening, boiling, curdling, and pressing. The bean curd is firm, chewy, and rich in soybean flavor, suitable for both direct consumption and cooking in various dishes.
Sanhe Rice Wine
Brewed from local high-quality glutinous rice using traditional methods. The wine is clear, aromatic, sweet on the palate, and relatively low in alcohol content, making it suitable for most people and having certain health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Sanhe Crispy Duck
Prepared from locally raised fat ducks through slaughtering, marinating, air-drying, and deep-frying. The finished dish features crispy skin, tender meat, golden color, and a fragrant aroma, representing a characteristic local delicacy.
Shrimp with Rice Flour
Fresh small shrimp are cleaned, coated with rice flour, seasoned with ginger and garlic, and steamed. The shrimp remain tender, while the rice flour absorbs their freshness, resulting in a soft and savory dish.
Tofu Noodles in Fish Soup
Fresh fish is used to make a rich soup, into which tofu cubes and handmade noodles are added. The soup is flavorful, the tofu is silky, and the noodles are chewy, creating a harmonious and comforting dish.
Admission Tickets
All-in-one ticket: 110 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "三河古镇旅游" for the latest updates or online ticket purchasing.
Opening Hours
The ancient town is open 24 hours a day. The internal attractions generally operate from 8:00 to 17:00.
Recommended Itinerary
Start from Dajie Gate and visit the Former Residence of King Ying to learn about the history of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Proceed to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Ancient City Wall to experience the atmosphere of the ancient battlefield. Then, head to Wannian Stage to appreciate the centerpiece of the town. Continue along the ancient street to visit the Memorial Hall of Dong Yichu, the Former Residence of Yang Zhenning, One-Person Lane, and Xianggu Tower. Conclude your journey at Wangyue Tower, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sanhe and admire the cultural relics on display. Along the way, take time to appreciate the ancient bridges on the Xiaonan River and soak in the charm of the water town.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Hefei City to Feixi County, then transfer to a bus or shuttle to Sanhe Ancient Town.
- Self-Driving: Navigate directly to Sanhe Ancient Town Scenic Area. Parking is available around the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Former Residence of Yang Zhenning: A brick-and-wood structured Anhui-style residence showcasing Yang Zhenning's growth and scientific achievements.
- Dajie Gate: A commemorative archway built to mark the victory in the Battle of Sanhe, holding historical significance.
- Wangyue Tower: The iconic landmark of the ancient town, offering panoramic views and housing numerous cultural relics.
- Ancient Bridge Group: Including Quezhu Corridor Bridge and Sanxian Bridge, these bridges feature unique architectural styles and historical value.
Travel Tips
- Allocate 1-2 days to fully experience the charm of the ancient town.
- Stay in a local-style homestay to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
- Savor local specialties such as Sanhe Rice Dumplings, Bean Curd, and Rice Wine.
- Consider hiring a guide if you are interested in the historical and cultural background to gain deeper insights.
Precautions
- Respect and protect the ancient buildings; avoid touching or damaging them.
- Apply sunscreen and insect repellent during summer visits.
- Exercise caution near the river to prevent falls.
- Keep an eye on your belongings as the scenic area can get crowded.