[2025 Zhangjiakou Attraction] Travel Guide for Xuanhua Ancient City (Updated Mar)

🌄 **First Impressions of Zhangjiakou** 🌄 Zhangjiakou, an ancient city in Hebei Province, is a new favorite among tourists thanks to its rich history and stunning natural scenery. 🏰 **1. Ancient City Wall Ruins** Explore the history of Zhangjiakou starting with the ancient city wall ruins. The ruins have witnessed the city's changes and are a great place to learn about the history of Zhangjiakou. 🌳 **2. Grassland Sky Road** Drive along the Grassland Sky Road and enjoy the endless grassland scenery. This is a paradise for photographers and a great place to experience the beauty of nature. 🏞 **3. Chongli Ski Resort** As one of the venues for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chongli Ski Resort is the perfect place to experience the fun of skiing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find fun here. 🌉 **4. Guyuan Reservoir** The tranquility and beauty of Guyuan Reservoir make it a great place to relax. Here, you can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 🌿 **5. Zhangbei Grassland** The vastness of Zhangbei Grassland is refreshing. Here, you can ride horses, have a picnic, and experience grassland life. 🏰 **6. Xuanhua Ancient City** The historical relics of Xuanhua Ancient City will take you back in time. Stroll through the streets of the ancient city and feel the weight of history. 🌄 **7. Great Wall Ruins** Explore the Great Wall ruins and feel the grandeur of China's ancient military defense project. Although the Great Wall has weathered many storms, it still stands tall. 🍁 **8. Huapiling** Huapiling in autumn is a great place to see red leaves. The mountains are covered with red leaves, like burning flames, and are breathtakingly beautiful. 🏔 **9. Xiaowutai Mountain** The majestic peaks of Xiaowutai Mountain are a challenge for mountaineers. Here, you can climb to the top and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 🏰 **10. Yuxian Ancient City** The ancient charm of Yuxian Ancient City is unforgettable. Here, you can taste authentic Hebei snacks and experience the local customs. 🚗 **Travel Tips:** - Zhangjiakou is easily accessible by train, car, or self-driving. - Public transportation and taxis are the main modes of transportation in the city, and some scenic spots offer tourist buses. 🍽 **Food Recommendations:** - Zhangjiakou's lamb skewers, oat noodles, and stewed lamb are must-try local delicacies. 🛍 **Shopping Recommendations:** - Zhangjiakou's handicrafts and specialty agricultural products make great souvenirs. 🎉 **Zhangjiakou, a city full of history and natural beauty, is waiting for you to explore.** Whether you're exploring history and culture or enjoying the natural scenery, Zhangjiakou will give you an unforgettable travel experience.

【Xuanhua Ancient City·Shenjing Pinghan, Important Town of Nine Borders】Arrive in the Ming and Qing town—Zhangjiakou Xuanhua in the afternoon. The three towers of Xuanhua are representative of the ancient city, located on the central axis, from south to north they are Gongji Tower, Zhenshuo Tower, and Qingyuan Tower. Among them, Qingyuan Tower has the highest aesthetic value, with pavilions extending from the north and south sides, and flying eaves on all four sides, as if ready to dance gracefully and take off at any moment. There is also a Gothic church in the ancient city, which stands out under the blue sky and white clouds. The small Xuanhua Museum also has treasures, such as a bronze kettle with a handle from the Warring States period (with wine still inside), colorful murals from the Liao tomb in Xiabali, and yellow-glazed porcelain, all of which are top-notch. The mountains are silent, the river is desolate, and the border town is distant, with a vast sky and earth in sight! 📝Note tips: The ancient city can be entered for free, but tickets are required to climb the towers🎫, 10 yuan. The Xuanhua Museum is very small and free to visit.

On the weekend, we took the high-speed train to Xuanhua North Station. Our first stop was the Lotus Grape Town. It is said that Xuanhua's famous specialty is milk grapes, which have thin skin and are very juicy. Eating a bunch is truly unforgettable!! The second stop was Xuanhua Ancient City, where we took a 🚍. You can go up to Qingyuan Tower for free!! The scenery is amazing, and you can overlook the entire South Street from here. The people in the small town are walking and stopping, with the sound of hawking. At noon, we went to Chaoyang Tower for lunch. It is said that it used to cook exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi. The snacks inside are not only affordable but also very delicious!! Highly recommended ★★★★★ In the afternoon, after lunch, we followed this street to visit the Xuanhua Museum. You can visit for free with an ID card. It records the history of Xuanhua in detail from ancient times to the present. It is very meaningful to visit. After the museum, we also saw the Xuanhua Nine-Dragon Wall and the Catholic Church. Taking photos here is very photogenic!!! Girls who love taking photos should not miss it! After the visit, we went to South Street to buy a cup of milk tea, then went to Xuanhua People's Park to sit and enjoy the breeze, look at the scenery, and listen to the laughter and joy. It is very healing for the soul!! In the evening, you can visit the night market, where there are many stalls, snacks, and knitted products. After strolling around, we went to eat grilled fish!! It was really delicious! You can choose a double-flavored option. I forgot the exact place 😣, but it's on the street coming out of Chaoyang Tower. You can look around 👀 After dinner, we strolled through the bustling area, then took a taxi to the high-speed train station to go home.

Xuanhua Ancient City is located in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. It was built during the Ming Dynasty with a side length of six li and thirteen steps, a perimeter of more than twenty-four li, and city walls that are two zhang and eight chi high. The city has seven gates and one pass, and is known as the 'First Mansion in Western Beijing.' Xuanhua Ancient City has a long history. During the Warring States, Qin, and Han periods, the country was divided into 36 prefectures, and Xuanhua belonged to Shanggu Prefecture. In the Tang Dynasty, Wuzhou and Wende County were established. In the Ming Dynasty, it was known as Xuanfu Town, and in the Qing Dynasty, it was changed to Xuanhua Prefecture of Zhili Province. It was also once the capital of Chahar Province. Xuanhua Ancient City holds significant strategic importance. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty personally inscribed the plaque 'Shield of the Capital' and awarded it to be hung on the Zhenshuo Tower in the center of Xuanhua City, indicating Xuanhua's important role as a barrier to the capital. Main attractions of the ancient city: Qingyuan Tower, with its majestic shape, is known as the 'Second Yellow Crane Tower.' The top of the arch is decorated with an eight-petal lotus pattern made of blue bricks, and its bell sound can be heard 20 kilometers away. Zhenshuo Tower, built in the fifth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty, was named after the 'General Zhenshuo Seal' held by the general. Emperor Qianlong's handwritten 'Shield of the Capital' plaque hangs on it. Gongji Tower, commonly known as the South Gate Tower, is a double-eaved Xieshan-style building with a tiled roof. Daxin Gate is the west gate of Xuanhua Ancient City and part of the Xuanhua city wall. The former site of the Chahar Provincial Democratic Government (Xuanhua Museum). The murals of the Liao Tombs outside the city (not yet open to the public). After visiting, don't forget to stop by 'Chaoyang Tower,' where Li Zicheng entered Beijing and Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Xuanhua, to taste some authentic halal cuisine from this time-honored Chinese brand!

I accidentally learned about this thousand-year-old small town, Taking advantage of the wandering days to check in alone. This place used to be the political center of western Beijing, and now the only things worth seeing are Qingyuan Tower, Zhenshuo Tower, and Gongji Tower. ✅ Qingyuan Tower is known as the 'Second Yellow Crane Tower.' ✅ Zhenshuo Tower has a plaque with the inscription 'Shen Jing Ping Han' written by Emperor Qianlong himself. ✅ The architectural style of Gongji Tower reflects the typical techniques of Ming Dynasty official large wooden structures, showcasing the aesthetics and craftsmanship of ancient architecture. 🗓 Itinerary: Xuanhua Catholic Church ➡️ Xuanhua Museum (avoid lunchtime) ➡️ Nine-Dragon Wall ➡️ Chaoyang Tower (where you can taste local delicacies) ➡️ Qingyuan Tower (free to climb and overlook) ➡️ Five-Dragon Wall ➡️ Zhenshuo Tower ➡️ Shien Temple (closed) ➡️ Gongji Tower 📝 Tips: ✅ The museum and ticket window for climbing the towers have lunchtime breaks, so avoid those times. ✅ The lamb skewers at Chaoyang Tower are very delicious, with good meat quality. There is a takeaway window, and it is recommended to try it when passing by, as Empress Dowager Cixi once ate there. The sesame cakes are also good and fragrant. ✅ The location of Xuanhua Hotel is very convenient, and you can basically walk to these places. ✅ The melons sold near Qingyuan Tower are very sweet and affordable. ✅ The small train on the pedestrian street 🚂 costs 1 yuan per ride, stops on a wave, and is very convenient. ✅ Although the Liao Dynasty murals are national protected units, they are not open to the public, so there is no need to go specifically.

Xuanhua, one of the nine border towns in history, has a profound heritage and is more than 160 kilometers away from Beijing, a two-hour drive, and one hour by high-speed train. Even during the May Day holiday, there are not many tourists, which makes it a great choice for a holiday trip around Beijing without the crowds. 🖼️🖼️🖼️🖼️ The attractions of the entire Xuanhua Ancient City are relatively concentrated, and you can basically get to them on foot. There is also a small train in the main urban area that runs back and forth between several city towers on the central axis, costing only 1 yuan per ride, and you can hail it to stop at any time; it's simply a city walk artifact. 1️⃣ Gongji Tower 10: The former southern gate of Xuanfu Town, rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, has the Changping Gate that even Beijing's Changping doesn't have 2️⃣ Zhen Shuo Tower 10: The ancient city's drum tower, ancient Ming architecture, the fourth batch of national protection, with Qianlong's imperial inscription 'Shenjing Binghan' on it 3️⃣ Qingyuan Tower 10: The ancient city's bell tower, ancient Ming architecture, the third batch of national protection, with ancient Ming steles and a bronze bell above, and ancient wheel ruts below 4️⃣ Daxin Gate 20: The ancient city's west gate, the city wall was newly built on the earth city in 2005 5️⃣ Xuanhua Museum: The former site of the Chahar People's Government, the seventh batch of national protection, you can see the exhibition and the ancient architecture at once, but note that the lunch break is quite long, so plan your visit time wisely 6️⃣ Xuanhua Catholic Church: Next to the museum, a microcosm of the city and history, not open to the public, with a newly built Nine Dragons Wall from 2001 next to it 7️⃣ Chaoyang Building Restaurant: A century-old brand, next to the Nine Dragons Wall, a restaurant that both Li Zicheng, the King of Chuang, and Empress Dowager Cixi have dined at 8️⃣ Qingzhen Nandasi: The largest mosque in Xuanhua, moved to its current location on Miaodi Street during the Daoguang period, and just completed its latest major repair between 2021-2022 9️⃣ Shi En Temple: Ancient Ming architecture, the sixth batch of national treasures, but I really can't see much 1️⃣0️⃣ Five Dragons Wall: Ancient Qing architecture, provincial protection, located inside Xuanhua Science and Technology Vocational College, not open to the public, the security guard did not let us in at the gate 1️⃣1️⃣ Sister of St. Joseph's Convent: Provincial protection, not open to the public, this street is now probably the local flower and bird market, quite lively 1️⃣2️⃣ Zhenguo Prefecture Former Site: The former home of Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao in Xuanfu, only a plaque remains 1️⃣3️⃣ Liao Dynasty Mural Tomb: National protection, not open to the public 1️⃣4️⃣ Xuanhua People's Park: The lights are still on at night, a gathering place for locals to stroll

🔔Hebei Province, Zhangjiakou Xuanhua Ancient City. Xuanhua Ancient City is located 28 kilometers southeast of Zhangjiakou City. The ancient city has a perimeter of six li and thirteen steps, with a total length of over twenty-four li. The city walls are two zhang and eight chi high, the low battlements are seven chi high, and the total height including battlements is three zhang and five chi. There are seven gates and one pass along the city. ⛩️About the ticket 🎫 The main ticket is free. 🚌: Take bus 102/103 | Get off at the West Gate Station ♥️Tickets for the four city gates are 10 yuan each, and a through ticket is 38 yuan, which can be purchased at the ticket office under each city gate. ⛩️Attractions: Xuanhua Ancient City is known as 'the first prefecture west of Beijing', and every spot fully reveals the historical origins of Xuanhua ⛩️Summary of attractions: Main attractions include Qingyuan Tower, Zhenshuo Tower, Liao Mu murals, Gongji Tower, and the former site of Chahar Provincial Democratic Government. ⛩️Brief introduction of attractions 1⃣️Zhenshuo Tower, also known as the Drum Tower, is five bays wide and has a double-eaved two-story hip-and-gable roof. The overall color scheme is dominated by blue and green, located on the central axis of the ancient city, with Gongji Tower to the south and Qingyuan Tower to the north echoing each other. 2️⃣Qingyuan Tower, also known as the Bell Tower, has plaques on all four sides of the tower floor with the inscriptions 'Qingyuan Tower', 'Sound Communicates with Heaven', 'Lofty and Strict Borders', and 'Calming the Frontier Mists'. It is also known as the 'Second Yellow Crane Tower'. 3️⃣Gongji Tower (Changping Gate): The south gate of Xuanhua 4️⃣Daxin Gate: Located in the west of Xuanhua District, it was the west gate of Xuanhua during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was rebuilt and restored in 2005 at the original site, consisting of a platform, city gate tower, and horse road. Visitors can climb the city wall. 5⃣️The former site of the Chahar Provincial Democratic Government is a courtyard house that integrates Chinese and Western architectural styles. This three-entry courtyard, originally built east of the Catholic church, was a Joseph's General Seminary.

🚀 Explore Zhangjiakou! 🌍 A journey full of adventure and surprise awaits you. I have personally prepared this guide, let's embark on this wonderful journey of food, history, and scenery together. 🍜 Must-try food 😋 In Zhangjiakou, food is the soul of a trip. Don't forget to try the local snacks, each bite is a challenge and enjoyment to the taste buds of this city. My personal favorite is... (share your food experience here). 🚊 Recommended itinerary: 📍 Dajingmen Scenic Area ➡ 🌟 The history here is not just confined to the ancient city gate. Wandering in the Dajingmen Scenic Area is like traveling through time. My netizens all say that this is a great place for photo check-ins, especially in the evening, the sunset shines on the city gate, it's breathtaking. 📍 Zhangjiakou Fort Scenic Area ➡ 🏰 The ancient city is filled with the taste of history. I felt a strong cultural heritage here, especially the Guandi Temple, which made me feel as if I was in an ancient mysterious atmosphere. 📍 Xuanhua Ancient City ➡ 🏛 Stepping into Xuanhua Ancient City is like traveling through time and space. Each stone slab here records an ancient story. My netizens say that the ancient city at night is picturesque, strolling along the ancient lanes, feeling the ancient breath. 📍 Jiming Post Ancient City ➡ 🕍 This well-preserved Ming Dynasty post station is a place I have always longed for. Although the alleys are narrow, places like Hejia Courtyard and Taishan Temple are all fascinating. Netizens suggest not to miss the special handicrafts in the ancient town. 📍 Nuanquan Ancient Town ➡ 🏰 Walking in Nuanquan Ancient Town is like being in an ancient fairyland. I found the architectural style here unique, especially the North Gate Urn City, which is really amazing. At night, the tree flower performance makes the whole ancient town full of vitality. 📍 Yuzhou Ancient City ➡ 🕌 Yuzhou Ancient City is not only a witness to history, but also a city full of spirituality. I felt a sense of tranquility and solemnity here. Netizens have said that this is a good place to slow down and settle the mind. Zhangjiakou Olympic Village Vacation Apartment

Xuanhua used to be the capital of Zhangjiakou region. Such an important place is worth a visit. From the establishment of Jianwu State in the Tang Dynasty to the present, it has a history of more than 1000 years and has preserved a large number of cultural relics. The existing city wall was built by Zhu Yuanzhang's 19th son, the King of Gu, in 1392 AD. Except for the Daxin Gate, which was rebuilt later, Qingyuan Tower, Zhen Shuo Tower, and Gongji Tower have all experienced vicissitudes and are preserved to this day. These three towers have high cultural value and are very worth seeing. When you climb up and look far away, you can see the whole Xuanhua Prefecture. During a day trip to Xuanhua, you can also visit the former site of the Chahar People's Government, Xuanhua Museum, Shien Temple, Catholic Church and other cultural relics and ancient sites. Xuanhua's Nine Dragon Wall is also well built.