Jiàndé

Jiande's historical administrative centre stood at present-day Meicheng, beside waterways connecting the Xin'an and Lan river valleys with the Fuchun. It was the county seat within the larger Yanzhou jurisdiction. The Yuan administered the region as Jiande Circuit; during the rise of Zhu Yuanzhang it passed through the names Jian'an and Jiande before becoming Yanzhou Prefecture in 1362.

The fortified city was substantially rebuilt in 1361 under Li Wenzhong. Its southern defences moved closer to the Xin'an River, while streams and surrounding hills formed part of the protective landscape. Excavation has identified the south wall, gate foundations, roads and drainage works belonging to its Ming–Qing history. The main southern entrance was Chengqing Gate. Five land gates and four water gates served the city in the Wanli period. In 1825 the smaller southern Fuyun Gate opened, adding another connection between the walled administrative centre and the riverside outside.