Yazhou Ancient City

The Ancient City of Yazhou is located in Yacheng Village, Yazhou District, Sanya City, Hainan Province. It is the southernmost ancient city in China. Initially built in the Southern Song Dynasty, it has a history of nearly a thousand years. It is the predecessor of Sanya City and is also one of the four major ancient prefectural cities in Hainan.

Highlights of Yazhou Ancient City

Confucian Temple | Yazhou Prefectural School

Yazhou Prefectural School

The Confucian Temple in Yacheng, also known as the Yazhou Prefectural School, Confucius Temple or the Temple of Confucianism, is located on Middle Street in the urban area of Yazhou District, Sanya City, Hainan Province. It is the southernmost temple dedicated to Confucius in China, as well as the best-preserved and largest ancient architectural complex in Sanya, covering an area of 6,798 square meters. First built in 1044 (the fourth year of Qingli era in the Song Dynasty), its current architectural layout dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912).

The Confucian Temple in Yacheng maintains the typical central axis ritual order of traditional Chinese Confucian temples. Its wooden framework, construction materials, decorative craftsmanship, and artistic colors genuinely reflect the construction techniques of traditional architecture in the southern coastal regions. Thus, it has become a local symbol of traditional Chinese culture.

Wenming Gate

Wenming Gate is the landmark building of Xuegong, symbolizing the prosperity of culture and education, and has been renovated. This is the south gate of Yazhou ancient city. According to the data, it and the small walls on both sides are the only authentic ancient city that survived several disasters. The gate is arched and ochre-red, and the crib openings of the door are all imitated and repaired. At this time, this tower stands here quietly, like an old man who has experienced many vicissitudes telling us about its past lives.

The Shaositu Archway

The Shaositu Archway

The Shaositu Archway is located in front of the Confucius Temple in Yacheng. It commemorates Zhong Fang, the Right Minister of the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue in ancient Yazhou Prefecture, as well as Zhong Yunqian, a scholar, and Zhong Yunzhi, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations at the provincial level. On the front of the archway tablet, the characters "Shao Situ" are inscribed, while on the back, the characters "Shi Ke" are written. During the "Cultural Revolution" in 1966, it was forcibly demolished, leaving only some stone strips, slates, and other remnants. In 2006, it was rebuilt on the original site as it was before.

Yingwang Pagoda

Not far from the city gate, there is also a Yingwang Pagoda. The pagoda was built in the first year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1851), and was donated and constructed by Xu Yongshao, the magistrate of Yazhou Prefecture, together with the local people of the prefecture. This pagoda is an octagonal, seven-story geomantic omen brick pagoda in the style of a wooden-structure pavilion, with a height of 12 meters. Having withstood the trials of over 170 years of wind and rain, it is known as the "First Pagoda of Hainan".

Educational Value

The construction of the Ancient City of Yazhou utilized local materials and unique construction methods, demonstrating the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient architects. It allows you to gain an intuitive understanding of ancient architectural scientific knowledge. Moreover, the Ancient City of Yazhou has a long history and has witnessed the changes of multiple dynasties. By visiting the ancient city, you can learn about the development of China's politics, economy, culture, and other aspects during different historical periods, enhance your understanding and perception of Chinese history, and cultivate historical thinking skills.

Activities to do at Yazhou Ancient City

Architectural Exploration of Ancient Buildings: Observe the structure, style, and materials of the buildings, analyze their construction techniques and historical evolution, learn about the scientific knowledge of ancient architecture, and cultivate your observation and analytical skills.

Historical and Cultural Research: Visit local residents to understand the historical changes, folk customs, religious beliefs, and other aspects of the ancient city, and cultivate your historical research ability and cultural literacy.

Folk Culture Experience: Participate in the folk culture activities of the ancient city, such as traditional festival celebrations and folk art performances. Experience the local folk customs, learn folk handicrafts like paper-cutting, weaving, and pottery, and feel the charm of traditional culture.

Ancient City Treasure Hunt Game: Design a treasure hunt game set in the ancient city, which increases the fun and interactivity of visiting the ancient city.

Ancient Costume Photography: You can rent ancient costumes to experience the ancient clothing culture. Take photos inside the ancient city while enjoying its beautiful scenery.

Tasting of Special Cuisines: Taste the local special cuisines in the ancient city. The special dishes mainly include five-color rice, bamboo tube rice, coconut custard, and watermelon custard.