Hengdian Qingming Shanghe Tu
engdian Qingming Riverside Scenery Park, located in the town of Hengdian in Zhejiang Province, China, is a sprawling theme park that recreates the vibrant life of ancient China as depicted in the famous painting Qingming Shanghe Tu (Along the River During the Qingming Festival) by Zhang Zeduan from the Song Dynasty. This painting, which captures the daily life and bustling activities of Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng), is considered a national treasure and a masterpiece of Chinese art.
The park is part of the larger Hengdian World Studios, often referred to as the Hollywood of China, and it serves as a major filming location for many historical Chinese dramas and movies. Visitors to the Qingming Riverside Scenery Park can step back in time and experience the architecture, culture, and atmosphere of the Song Dynasty, which ruled China from 960 to 1279 AD.
Covering an area of over 600 acres, the park features meticulously reconstructed buildings, streets, and waterways that mirror those in the painting. Highlights include the grand city gate, traditional marketplaces, teahouses, and bridges that span the parks network of canals. Actors in period costumes roam the streets, engaging in activities such as calligraphy, traditional crafts, and performances that bring the ancient world to life.
The park also offers interactive experiences, where visitors can dress in traditional Song Dynasty attire and participate in cultural activities like archery, pottery making, and ancient games. At night, the park is illuminated with lanterns, creating a magical ambiance that enhances the historical immersion.
Hengdian Qingming Riverside Scenery Park is not only a tourist attraction but also an educational journey through one of Chinas most prosperous and culturally rich periods. It provides a unique opportunity to understand the historical context and daily life of the Song Dynasty, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.