Leizhou Ancient Town

A famous historical and cultural city in South China, Leizhou Ancient Town is located 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest from the city center of Zhanjiang City in southern Guangdong Province. It was the seat of government for Leizhou Prefecture in ancient China. With its unique culture and rich historical heritage, Leizhou is well-known as “the famous ancient town south of the Five Ridges (the area of Guangxi and Guangdong provinces)” and “one of the greatest wonders on the north coast of the South China Sea”.

In ancient times, lots of scholars and disgraced officials were sent there, including Kou Zhun, Li Gang, Su Shi, Su Zhe and Qin Guan. Some top historical sites in Leizhou are Leizu Temple, Sanyuan Temple, Shi Xian Temple, Tianning Temple and Xihu Garden.

Leizhou Ancient Town is located in the center of the Leizhou Peninsula, the southernmost tip of China’s mainland. The town has a total area of 145 square kilometers (56 square miles). Leizhou Ancient Town was a famous harbor city in ancient times, and it was the transportation hub in the area. Ships arrived in the town from all over the country.

As a historical town with a prominent geographical location, Leizhou has been a converging place of Central China Culture and Canton Culture. Immigrants from South Fujian and other ocean farers from other parts of the country have added diverse Chinese cultures to the aboriginal culture.

There are colorful folk customs in Leizhou, especially evident during the Lantern Festival. The Tan Dance and the Flower Spreading Dance, prevalent in March, are also quite fascinating.

Leizhou Ancient Town is a glittering pearl among South China’s attractions, a great garden full of historical culture. It is among the 99 top national-level historical and cultural cities in China.

Transportation

There are buses from Chikan Bus Station, Zhanjiang City to Leizhou every 15 minutes. They leave from 5:00 in the morning till 8:00 in the evening. The ticket price is 20 yuan.