Plan at a glance
A film-and-TV set with live shows
Longquan Ancient Town is built around period-style architecture, film sets, live performances and character interactions. It is not a historic town. It suits visitors interested in traditional-style streets, Republican-era scenes, Hanfu photography and lively shows. If you are looking for authentic historic buildings, keep in mind that the main draw here is a recreated setting.
Admission and opening hours
Tickets cost about RMB 98 online or RMB 128 at the entrance. Students and visitors aged 60 or over pay about RMB 78 with valid ID. Children under 1.2 metres and visitors aged 70 or over enter free. The town is open 10:00–22:00, with last entry at around 21:30. No advance reservation is required; online tickets can be used soon after purchase.
How much time to allow
Two to three hours is enough for the Ming–Qing streets, Republic of China-era street (民国街) and basic night views. Allow four to five hours if you want to join interactive activities and see evening shows; arriving after 16:00 lets you stay for the lights and night programme. Show times, content and schedules are listed on the day’s performance programme.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Streets and night views
The main photo route includes the Twin Dragons Playing with a Pearl stone arch, Ming–Qing streets, a Republican-era street, Yingyue River and Lantern Alley. After the lights come on at dusk, the river reflections, vintage streetcar and black-awning boats (wupeng chuan, 乌篷船) make good photo subjects. From the North Gate, the main route passes these sights in sequence.
Shows and character interactions
“Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu” (《三英战吕布》) is a live horseback show, while “Zhengtai Hotel” (正太饭店) is more interactive and close-up. “Su Dongpo” (《苏东坡》) uses a waterside stage and illuminated water screen; “Jing Ke Assassinates the King of Qin” (《荆轲刺秦》) is another large-scale horseback show. Costumed characters around the town play games, exchange passwords with visitors and hand out small prizes in return for game notes (“silver notes”). These activities suit visitors who enjoy joining a story.
Who will enjoy it
Young visitors, families with children, Hanfu fans and people who enjoy night scenes and performances can focus on the streets, character interactions and show schedule. Visitors expecting historic ruins will mainly find commercial period-style sets and performances, so this is a different kind of visit from an archaeological or heritage site.
Build your day
A quick 2–3-hour visit
Enter through the North Gate and follow the main route through the Ming–Qing streets. Continue to the Republican-era street for vintage streetcar and street-scene photos, then spend time by Yingyue River for the water views and evening lights. If time is short, focus on the streets and night views rather than waiting for several shows; leave toward the North Gate.
A 4–5-hour evening route
Enter through the North Gate after 16:00. Pick up the day’s programme and photograph it, then explore from the Ming–Qing streets toward the Republican-era street, joining character activities along the way. After 18:00, watch the lights by Yingyue River, then choose shows such as “Su Dongpo” or “Jing Ke Assassinates the King of Qin” from the schedule.
Queues and choosing shows
Popular performances such as “Su Dongpo” and “Jing Ke Assassinates the King of Qin” may require an early queue on weekends and holidays; seating is first come, first served. Choose the shows you want to see before planning street visits and meals so you do not cross the park and miss the start. Photograph the programme after entering and order your stops by venue; allow time to walk between theatres and after each performance.
Get there
Metro and bus
Take Metro Line 1 to Xiwang Station, then transfer to Bus 329, Tourist Route 9 or Bus 304 and get off at Longquan Ancient Town stop. From Shijiazhuang Railway Station, a taxi takes about 35 minutes and costs around RMB 40–50. Set the North Entrance as your navigation destination.
Driving and parking
Drivers can navigate to “Longquan Ancient Town North Entrance Car Park.” The North Gate is closer to the ticket check and main streets. Parking charges may change with operating arrangements; check the posted rate at the entrance. Private parking guides along the roadside are not part of the official parking service.
Know before you go
Pick up the day’s show programme
Show times may change with the season, weather and visitor numbers. Pick up the latest programme after entering and plan around it. Popular theatres may have queues on weekends and holidays, so allow time to wait and walk between venues.
Stone paving and getting around
The grounds are large, some signs are not easy to follow, and most paths are stone-paved. Wear comfortable flat shoes. Check where the performances are, then visit Ming–Qing Street, Republican Street, Yingyue River and Lantern Alley in one direction to avoid doubling back between shows.
Food and show choices
Most food inside is sold in the snack street; you can bring a small amount of food and water. In Luquan District, Chenglaozhao Hotpot Chicken is another option, with an average spend of about RMB 50–60 and opening hours of 10:00–22:30. If you prefer to avoid animal performances, check the programme and skip those time slots.