One of the 13 ancient academies in the Douzhou Ancient City Scenic Area in Xinyi, a county-level city in Maoming. [Photo/WeChat account: mmslyj]

Douzhou Ancient City in Xinyi, a county-level city in Maoming, was built during the reign of Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities and villages in west Guangdong province.

It is home to 13 ancient academies, seven ancient memorial temples, two mansions, Madam Xian Temple, and Zhongshan Park, which are of great historical and cultural significance and value.

Due to its time-honored history, the city also boasts a rich and colorful culture, including festive lanterns and piaose, a traditional style of Lingnan performance that includes acting, magic tricks, acrobatics, music, and dancing.

A woman makes festive lanterns at the Douzhou Ancient City Scenic Area. [Photo by Liang Han/WeChat account: mmslyj]

The Douzhou Ancient City Scenic Area was rated as a national 4A-level scenic area by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism on Aug 20.

To date, Maoming boasts 14 scenic areas at or above the national 3A level, of which eight are national 4A ones.

Address: Bafang village, Xinyi, Maoming, Guangdong province

Entrance ticket: Free