Lying 15 kilometers west of the county seat on the north bank of the Mian River, Tianchang Ancient Town is backed by Phoenix Ridge. The Mian River flows from the west to the north, winding around most of the town. Across the river, Hedong Slope and Snowflake Mountain stand facing each other in a strategic defensive formation, making this a place of exceptional geographical advantage. Since ancient times, it has served as an important military stronghold on the thoroughfare between Hebei and Shanxi provinces.

In the Tang Dynasty, Tianchang Army was established here, together with military administrative mansions and city walls. In the 7th year of the Tianhui reign of the Jin Dynasty (1129), it became the seat of Jingxing County. It retained this status through the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the early Republic of China and the initial years of the People's Republic of China. In 1958, the county government moved to Weishui Town, leaving a great number of ancient buildings and historical relics well preserved. The town still largely retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The city wall and surrounding areas boast numerous scenic spots and cultural relics. Among them, Jingxing Porcelain Kiln is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Seven sites are protected at the provincial level: the ancient city wall, Xiansheng Temple, Tongji Bridge, Longwo Temple, the ancient post road, Confucian Temple and Town God's Temple. Three municipal-level protected sites include Jieshan Academy, Wang Family Courtyard and Yixian Bridge. There are also eighteen county-level protected sites, such as Cai Mansion, Huo Mansion, General Li's Residence, General Xu's Residence and the ancient county government yamen.

One kilometer southwest of the city wall stands Snowflake Mountain, a renowned ancient stockade locally known as Lincheng Ancient Stronghold. It was the main battlefield of the Jin-Feng War in 1927. In October 1937, Chinese troops stationed here put up fierce resistance against the westward advance of Japanese invaders. The fierce battle lasted for two days and one night, gaining precious time for the defense of Taiyuan. Perched on the mountain is an ancient Taoist temple dedicated to Goddess Bixia, the largest Taoist shrine in the county.