Shijingli Town

Historical Overview

The Book of Songs, compiled between 11th–7th centuries BCE, contains 305 folk songs and ritual hymns that shaped early Chinese Literature. Shijingli Town was conceived in 2015 as part of Xi’an’s “Cultural Revival Plan,” aiming to recreate the poetic world of the Zhou Dynasty. The town’s design draws inspiration from Shijing verses, with structures named after famous poems like “Guanju” (“Cooing and Wooing”) and “Mulan.” In 2020, it hosted the Shijing International Forum, solidifying its role as a global center for classical Chinese studies.

Structural Layout

The town is divided into three zones:

1. Literary Zone: Features the “Guanju Pavilion,” “Poetry Wall,” and “Confucius Academy” for lectures on Confucian classics.
2. Craft Zone: Home to workshops for paper-making, calligraphy, and bronze casting, using Zhou Dynasty techniques.
3. Performance Zone: Includes the “Feng River Stage” for traditional music and dance, and the “Hanfu Experience Center.”
   Key infrastructure includes 8 bridges, 12 themed courtyards, and a 500-meter “Poetry Path” inscribed with Shijing verses.

Major Attractions

1. Guanju Pavilion: A five-story tower offering panoramic views and recitals of the eponymous poem.
2. Poetry Wall: A 100-meter-long murals depicting scenes from Shijing with augmented reality explanations.
3. Confucius Academy: Hosts daily tea ceremonies and Shijing chanting sessions.
4. Hanfu Experience Center: Rent traditional attire for photoshoots among lotus ponds.
5. Bronze Age Workshop: Cast miniature ritual vessels using ancient lost-wax techniques.
6. Feng River Stage: Nightly performances of “The Ballad of Mulan” and guqin (zither) concerts.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Half-Day Classic Route:
   South Gate → Poetry Wall → Guanju Pavilion → Confucius Academy → Return.
   Highlights: Iconic pavilion and literary exhibits in 3 hours.

2. Full-Day Cultural Route:
   South Gate → Hanfu Center → Craft Workshops → Feng River Stage → Night Market.
   Highlights: Dress-up, craft workshops, and evening performances.

3. Multi-Day Scholarly Route (2 Days):
   Day 1: Shijing lectures, calligraphy, and bronze casting.
   Day 2: Boat tours on Feng River and guided hikes to Zhou-era ruins.
   Highlights: In-depth cultural immersion and local history.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip, Fliggy, or the official Shijingli WeChat account (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available at the South Gate ticket office; arrive early for weekend visits.
• Prices:
  • Day Pass: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
  • Night Show Add-On: ¥60 (includes priority seating and tea).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

• By Metro:
  • Line 5 → Fengdong Station (Exit C), 10-minute taxi ride to South Gate.
• By Bus:
  • Routes 823, 833, or 862 → Shijingli Stop.
• By Taxi:
  • Direct from Xi’an North Station (40 minutes, ¥60).
• By Tour:
  • Group tours from Xi’an city center include Terracotta Warriors and cultural combos.
• Departure: Shuttle buses depart every 20 minutes to downtown Xi’an.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: April–June (spring blooms), September–October (cool weather).
• Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; weekends host literary Festivals.
• Weather: Pack layers (15–25°C) and rain gear (June–September).
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes (cobbled streets).
  • Carry cash for craft workshops and street food.
  • Reserve Hanfu rentals in advance.
• Prohibitions: Drones, littering, and flash photography in academies.