Song Dynasty Town(宋城) Travel Guide
Nov 11, 2024
by orient china travel
Song Dynasty Town Travel Guide for Foreigners
General Information
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- Name: Song Dynasty Town, also known as Songcheng, is a renowned theme park that showcases the cultural characteristics of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD).
- Location: It is located in the Zhijiang District of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. With Wuyun Mountain in the north and the West Lake to its northeast, it is on the northern bank of the Qiantang River.
- Theme: The layout and architectural style of the park are based on the precious ancient painting "Along the River during the Qingming Festival" by the famous painter Zhang Ze Duan, vividly displaying the urban landscape and people's living conditions of that dynasty.
Highlights
- Architectural Beauty: The moment you step into the park, you will be greeted by ancient architecture that replicates the style of the Song Dynasty. The buildings, streets, and bridges all exude an antique charm, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
- Cultural Performances:
- Romance of the Song Dynasty: This is a large panoramic show based on the historical stories and ancient myths of Hangzhou City. It combines dancing, acrobatics, and high-tech stage effects to present a magnificent visual feast. The show has been performed over 17,000 times and is praised by overseas media as one of the world's three most famous shows, along with the O Show in Las Vegas and the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
- Other Performances: In addition to the main show, there are also various other performances such as puppet shows, shadow plays, singing, and drama on the streets, allowing you to fully experience the rich cultural atmosphere of the Song Dynasty.
- Unique Experience Areas:
- Haunted Houses: There are two distinctive haunted houses in the park, using advanced technology to create a realistic and mysterious atmosphere. It's a thrilling adventure for those who are brave enough to explore.
- Replicas of "Along the River during the Qingming Festival": The park features a reproduction area of this famous painting, allowing you to see the bustling scenes of the Song Dynasty up close and feel the prosperity of that era.
- Traditional Folk Activities: You can participate in traditional folk activities such as the embroidered ball-throwing. In ancient China, daughters of wealthy families would choose their husbands by standing on a balcony and throwing an embroidered ball to the crowd. Here, you can experience this ancient custom for yourself.
Opening Hours
- The opening hours are from 09:30 to 21:00 from January 1st to June 30th and from September 1st to December 31st2.
- From July 1st to August 31st, it is open from 09:00 to 21:002.
- During Chinese legal holidays, it opens at 08:30 and closes at 21:002.
How to Get There
- By Air: If you arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation such as the subway and then transfer to a bus to reach Song Dynasty Town.
- By Train: If you arrive at a railway station in Hangzhou, you can take a subway or a bus to get to the destination. For example, if you are at Hangzhou East Railway Station, you can take Metro Line 6 and then walk for a while to reach the town5.
- By Bus: There are several bus routes that pass by Song Dynasty Town, such as Hangzhou Bus Routes 334, 39, 510, and 14035.
- By Car: You can use a navigation app to drive directly to the park, which has a parking lot for visitors.
Tickets
- The ticket price is around 300 yuan for adults, and there are corresponding discounts for children, students, and other groups. You can purchase tickets through the official website, cooperative travel websites, or at the ticket office on site5.
Food and Beverage
- There are many restaurants and snack bars in the park, offering a variety of local and traditional Song Dynasty-style cuisines. You can taste delicious food such as Song Dynasty pastries, tea, and local specialties while enjoying the ancient atmosphere.
Tips
- It is advisable to plan your visit in advance and check the performance schedule to make the most of your time.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the park is quite large and requires a lot of walking5.
- Respect the cultural traditions and historical relics in the park, and do not damage the facilities or litter5.