Plan at a glance
The main street, ten-section layout and side lanes form the old town
Kongcheng Old Street is in Kongcheng Town, Tongcheng, with a “Kongcheng Old Street” gatehouse at the entrance. The main points are the central street, the ten-section layout, the Seven Lanes and Thirteen Alleys, and the old houses along the street. The buildings show a transitional Jianghuai style rather than one uniform version of a Huizhou old town.
The main street and ten-section divisions take about 1 hour. If you continue into the Seven Lanes and Thirteen Alleys to see old houses and the academy site, allow about 2–3 hours.
Low commercial activity is part of the experience
Kongcheng Old Street is an open district and is usually free to enter. The entry process is simple. Shops and restaurants are limited, and individual halls or old houses may have different opening arrangements; the visit centres on the street layout and traces of daily life.
People still live in the old street. Keep quiet around the side lanes and courtyards, and do not photograph private interiors or personal spaces.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
The main street and the ten-section layout
Walk south from the main-street entrance to see the dividing arches from “Section One” to “Section Ten,” the flagstones and wheel ruts. The ten-section layout is the old street's clearest historical clue, and the arches, street widths and shopfront buildings make sense as you walk through them.
Visitors who want a quick understanding of the old street can finish the main street and its main divisions. Choose side lanes according to the time and interest available.
The Seven Lanes and Thirteen Alleys
The side lanes lead to courtyards where people still live. They are quieter than the main street and show the old town at a more domestic scale. Visitors interested in architecture, photography and local history can choose one or two public lanes after walking the main street.
Side-lane surfaces and courtyard boundaries may be uneven. If you meet a closed area or residents using a courtyard, return along the public path and do not enter private yards.
Wheel ruts, arches and transitional architecture
The arches dividing the sections frame the depth of the street, while the wheel ruts in the flagstones are worth viewing from a low angle. Exposed timber, wall surfaces, windows and doors also show how Kongcheng's buildings differ from a standard Huizhou old-town style.
Early morning and late afternoon have softer light, but the street layout is worth seeing throughout the day. Photograph without disturbing residents or other visitors.
Build your day
Quick route: entrance to the end of the main street
Enter through the gatehouse → walk south along the main street → see the ten-section arches, flagstone wheel ruts and main buildings → return from the end of the street. The route is simple and suits first-time visitors or a short stop near Tongcheng.
Vehicles and residents may use parts of the main street. Keep to the side while walking, and do not occupy an archway or the wheel ruts for a long photo session.
Deeper route: main street and side lanes
Walk the main street first, then choose a public lane within the Seven Lanes and Thirteen Alleys. Look for the ten-section divisions, the Li Hongzhang Money House, the Tongxiang Academy site and the exteriors of old residences. Stay in public space and return to the main street when you meet a closed or occupied courtyard.
The deeper visit is about street and building details, not collecting a set number of attractions. With limited time, one or two side lanes are enough.
Combine it with Liuchi Alley
Liuchi Alley and Kongcheng Old Street are both in Tongcheng but are not in the same area. On the same day, visit Liuchi Alley during the city section and Kongcheng Old Street as the separate outer-town stop, with the road order between them decided in advance.
If you also want Tongcheng Confucian Temple or Tongcheng Museum, arrange them around their opening hours and place the open old street before or after them.
Get there
Driving is easiest
Navigate to “Kongcheng Old Street” (孔城老街); the entrance has a clear gatehouse. Driving makes it easier to combine Kongcheng Old Street with Liuchi Alley and other Tongcheng stops. Park in the area around the entrance and walk into the old street.
Public transport needs advance planning
Public transport around Kongcheng Town is limited. From Tongcheng city or the high-speed rail station, arrange a taxi or transfer in advance. If you rely on a taxi or pick-up, arrange the return ahead of time, especially when leaving in the evening.
Walk throughout the old street
There are no sightseeing vehicles inside Kongcheng Old Street, so the main street and side lanes are explored on foot. Flagstones, thresholds and turning lanes are uneven in places; comfortable sports shoes are useful for a continuous walk.
Know before you go
Few shops, so bring basic supplies
There are few reliable places inside the old street to buy drinking water or a full meal. Bring water and simple snacks before entering. Eat in Tongcheng city or choose a nearby shop that is open that day.
Old houses are still homes
Some old houses are still occupied, so the side lanes are not exhibition corridors. Do not open doors, climb barriers or enter closed courtyards. Avoid photographing residents face-on or looking into private interiors.
Activities and weather can change the visit
Occasional holiday events may affect the main entrance, walking routes or on-site charges; follow the entrance notice if one is in place. Flagstones and steps are slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip and slow down.