National Heritage Check-in: Taizicheng Ruins (National Heritage 8) & Chongguang Tower (National Heritage 7)

Taizicheng Ruins (National Heritage 8): Located in Taizicheng Village, Sitai Mouth Township, Chongli District, it is a national key cultural relic protection unit of the eighth batch, from the Jin Dynasty, classified as ancient ruins. The Taizicheng Ruins have been confirmed through exploration to be a rectangular city site. The unearthed relics mainly include various architectural components such as tubular tiles and dragon-phoenix ridge decorations made of gray clay pottery. Among the white-glazed porcelain, 15 pieces of bowls and plates with the inscription "Shangshiju" (Imperial Food Bureau) have been found, further proving the royal nature of the Taizicheng Ruins. From the analysis of the unearthed relics, the Taizicheng Ruins date back to the mid-to-late Jin Dynasty. According to relevant historical records and the excavation results of the Taizicheng Ruins, Taizicheng might be the Taihe Palace where Emperor Zhangzong of Jin resided during the summer, as recorded in the History of Jin. The site has been turned into a park with flowers and plants planted everywhere. The museum on-site displays unearthed relics and provides textual and pictorial introductions. Chongguang Tower (National Heritage 7): Located in Longguan Town, Chicheng County, it is a national key cultural relic protection unit of the seventh batch, from the Ming Dynasty, classified as ancient architecture. Chongguang Tower is located at the site of the Huayan Temple from the Tang Dynasty. It was rebuilt and renamed Pujisi Temple in the 14th year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1449). After the famous general Yang Hong recaptured the northern territories during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, the tower was renovated and renamed Chongguang Tower, meaning "restoration of light". Chongguang Tower is an octagonal, five-story pavilion-style brick tower, with a total height of 33.67 meters and covering an area of 126 square meters. The base is made of six layers of strip stones, with two arched doors on each level and blind windows as decorations. The fourth and fifth floors each have 26 lookout holes, and the eaves are decorated with imitation wooden brackets. The tower's finial is an iron-covered stupa. Inside the tower, there is a brick staircase that allows one to climb to the top floor. This tower is the only military ancient tower outside the Great Wall. Chongguang Tower is located in a small alley. Walking out of the alley and heading east for about 200 meters along the main road, you can also see two beautiful and simple stone lions.