This beautifully preserved Ming-dynasty castle is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, prime minister under Emperor Kangxi in the late 17th century, and co-author of China’s most famous dictionary. The Chen family rose to prominence as senior officials in the 16th century and the castle walls were originally constructed to keep revolting peasants out. There are now all the tourist trappings – souvenir sellers, flag-waving guides with microphones – but it remains an attractive maze of battlements, courtyards, gardens and stone archways.
Don't bother buying the pricier ¥120 ticket which includes entry to a nearby garden. Regular buses (¥15) run to the ticket office from Jìnchéng’s east bus station. If there isn’t a minibus back to Jìnchéng, get a minibus to the small town of Běiliú (北留; ¥3, 15 minutes) then catch an ordinary bus back to Jìnchéng (¥10).
