This Sacred Place of Civilization that Amazes the World
On the afternoon of July 6, 2019, with the chairperson of the World Heritage Committee tapping the gavel against the desk, the great news of the Archeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City being inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage was passed on to the world through screens across mountains and waters. This not only symbolizes the official inscription of Hangzhou’s Archeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City in the list of UNESCO World Heritage, but also proclaims the solid evidence of Chinese 5000-year-old civilization.
The five-thousand-year Chinese civilization has already amazed the world by just lifting a corner of its mysterious veil. Today, Hangzhou Culture & Tourism will take you on a tour to see “the most beautiful town in China” and experience the ancient civilization in person.
The Archeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City Park 良渚古城遗址公园
Walking into the park, you will find on this land buried a non-copyable history. By pushing open the door of the history sealed by dust, what are revealed before your eyes are the mysterious Fanshan Imperial Tomb (反山王陵), the remains of Mojiaoshan Palace (莫角山宫殿), the unsolved 5000-year-old mysteries …
In the Zhongjiagang River that has been flowing for 5000 years, Liangzhu people created the pristine Jiangnan charm inside and outside the ancient city with canoes and bamboo rafts. The place also unearthed a large amount of semi-finished artifacts and production tools, taking you back in time to 5000 years ago.
Ascending the over-30-meter-high Zhishan Observation Platform (雉山观景台), you can overlook the entire ancient city. Inside the café, the elements of Liangzhu Culture were reproduced; the dialogue between the past and the present, the cross-border cooperation between the traditional and the novel, the inheritance of civilization and culture and the integration of art and creation are well demonstrated.
Mojiaoshan Palace is located on the central highland area of the ancient city, which once witnessed the supreme glory of 5000 years ago. Fanshan Imperial Tomb, opposite the palace across the river, is the highest cemetery inside the ancient city. In the Fanshan Demonstration Museum not far away, pieces of precious photos will walk you through the real process of the imperial tomb being unearthed.
The Liangzhu 5000 years ago was characterized by a warm and humid environment, an ideal living environment for deer. The park specially developed the deer garden and brought in dozens of cute sika deer.
Admission fee (for reference only): 60 CNY per person (online reservation needed in advance)
Address: the Archeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City Park, Yuhang District, Hangzhou 杭州市余杭区良渚古城遗址公园
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 (no entry after 16:00); recommended touring tour: 3.5 hours
Liangzhu Museum 良渚博物馆
The architecture of Liangzhu Museum was designed by English designer David Chipperfield. Its walls are gray and in some lights resemble the many facets of jade. There are three patio-style theme courtyards in the museum which contain elements of Chinese garden architecture and are decorated by many architectural ornaments. The exhibition’s general theme of the museum is “Liangzhu culture witnessed the five-thousand-year culture of China”. It highlights the significance of Liangzhu culture in comparison with its counterparts of the same kind or at the same time in China or in the world.
Address: No. 1 Meilizhou Road, Yuhang District, Hangzhou 杭州市余杭区美丽洲路1号
Opening hours: 09:00-16:30 Tuesday to Sunday (no entry after 16:00) except national holidays
Liangzhu Culture and Art Center 良渚文化艺术中心
At the beginning of its design, the designer Tadao Ando positioned this construction as a place where children could have a conversation and the “children” here refers to everyone. Villagers in Liangzhu Cultural Village affectionately name the Liangzhu Culture and Art Center as “Big Roof”, under which there are “three big boxes”, namely, Exhibition Building, Culture Building and Education Building. Here there are non-scheduled markets, art exhibitions, and various themed activities.
Address: Liangzhu Culture and Art Center, Yuhang District, Hangzhou 杭州市余杭区杭州良渚文化艺术中心
Meilizhou Church 美丽洲教堂
The southern end of the building complex is the main cathedral while the northern end is other facilities. The two are connected by two small cathedrals. The whole church is made of recyclable pine timber imported from Japan. There is a church service held here every weekend where you can often hear children singing in the choir or witness locals holding their wedding ceremonies.
Pick a day and invite your family and friends to start an exploration tour in the town that has accumulated the 5000-year-old Chinese civilization.