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Site of Xanadu (Tips, Photos & Map)

Sunday, February 27th, 2022

Xanadu, also known as Yuanshangdu in Chinese, literally means “Upper Capital”, which was the summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty (1274-1364) in China.

The Site of Xanadu encompasses the remains of Kublai Khan’s legendary capital city, designed by the Mongol ruler’s Chinese advisor Liu Bingzhdong in 1256.

The Site of Xanadu is the site of a grassland capital characteristic of cultural fusion, witnessing clashes and mutual assimilation between the nomadic and agrarian civilisations in northern Asia (whc.unesco.org).

Location of Site of Xanadu

If you want to google “Site of Xanadu”, you’d better use the word “Yuanshangdu” ( Upper Capital in Yuan Dynasty in mandarin). Now Google Map recognizes “Site of Xanadu” as “Yuanshangdu Relic Site”.

Yuanshangdu Relic Site is located about 37km to the northwest of Duolun County, 27km to the northeast of Zhenglan Banner. See the map below:

How to Get to Yuanshangdu Relic Site

Basically, people usually combine the Site of Xanadu and Xanadu Sites Museum on a day trip. The two attractions are 7km apart. You may come to visit the Site of Xanadu from Duolun County or Zhenglanqi County (Zhenglan Banner).

Google Map uses Yuanshandu ( mandarin) instead of its old name Xanadu. So you can easily find the Yuanshangdu Relic Site on Google Map, which is also known as the Site of Xanadu.

You’d better off arranging your own transport to visit the two places since there is no public transport connecting Zhenglanqi (Zhenglan Banner) or Duolun Country with the two sites. Even there is no bus service between the Site of Xanadu and Xanadu Sites Museum.

Yuanshangdu Relic Site is about 460km north of Beijing. You may arrange your own transport going to the relic site directly by road from Beijing. Overnight you may choose to stay either in Zhenglan Banner or Duolun County.

Virtual Tour of the Ruins of Xanadu

I take a taxi from my hotel in Duolun County and drive along the wide National Highway 510 to the west, then turn to the north along the provincial highway X517, soon I get to the Site of Xanadu, a scenic 38km drive.

A 38km scenic drive from Duolun County to Site of Xanadu

The ticket office is designated in a huge yurt. The entrance fee is 40 yuan per person. The electric golf carts within the relic site cost 10 yuan per person , good for those who don’t have strong legs since the relic site park is quite expansive.

The ticket office is designated in a huge yurt at Xanadu

In the ruins of Xanadu, a spectacular civilization, a masterpiece of the multi-culture mix was discovered. It was a green city built by the nomads in Yuan Dynasty incorporating multi civilizations. The site was a unique attempt to assimilate the nomadic Mongolian and Han Chinese cultures.

Mingde Gate ( the south gate of Imperial City) at Xanadu

The city, originally known as Kaiping, was later renamed Xanadu. The plan of Xanadu, with Palace and Imperial cities enclosed partly by the Outer City containing evidence of the nomadic encampments and royal hunting enclosure, comprises a unique example of this cultural fusion (whc.unesco.org).

The North-south axis of Royal Road in Palace City at Xanadu

Today, only the ruins remain, and surrounded by a grassy mound that was once the city wall.

The famous Venetian traveller Marco Polo visited Xanadu (Shangdu) in about 1275 was received by Kublai Khan in the city. In his book, He described the city of Xanadu: “A city called Xanadu (Shangdu), which was constructed by the Khan who is now in power.”

The ruin site of Da’an Pavilion at Xanadu

There are many palaces built out of stones in the city. All the houses are covered with gold and decorated with the pictures of birds, animals and flowers.

Many palaces built out of stones in the city at Xanadu

The Royal Road in the Palace City.

These buildings and patterns are so pretty that they are appealing to the eye.” From what Marco Polo described, we can imagine how prosperous and luxury the city was at that time. Muqing Pavilion – the living place for emperors.

Muqing Pavilion – the living place for emperors at Xanadu

The design of the upper capital reflected the layout of a traditional Han Chinese city and at the same time incorporating the habit of Mongolians’ nomadic life style. The grassy mound that was once the imperial city wall.

The grassy mound that was once the imperial city wall at Xanadu

In 1369 Xanadu was taken and destroyed by the Ming army. The Site of Xanadu was abandoned in 1430. Today, only the ruins remain, and surrounded by a grassy mound that was once the city wall.

The plan of Xanadu, with Palace and Imperial cities enclosed partly by the Outer City containing evidence of the nomadic encampments and royal hunting enclosure, comprises a unique example of this cultural fusion (whc.unesco.org).

The vast expanse of the ruined palace city at Xanadu

Xanadu was immortalized as Xanadu by English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who wrote the well-known poem titled Kubla Khan. Coleridge’s description of Xanadu has the elements of the works of both Marco Polo and Samuel Purchas.

In his description of Xanadu, Marco Polo wrote: ” The Palace circled by a wall, inside the Park there are fountains and rivers and brooks and beautiful meadows, with all kinds of wild animals”. Thanks to the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Xanadu has become a metaphor for splendour and prosperity.

On Friday, June 29, 2012, Xanadu (China) was listed as the World Cultural Heritage.

Jinlianchuan Grassland ( Xar Tala )

Jinlianchuan G r assland or Globeflower Grassland abounds in wild plants and animals. It is a natural pasture and a also resort for horse riding, hunting and taking shelter from summer heat.

The globeflowers (Trollius) on the Jinlianchuan Grassland at Xanadu

It used to be a summer resort for the emperors of Liao, Jin, Yuan and Qing dynasties. Now much part of Jinlianchuan Grassland is located within the ruins park of Xanadu.

On the way from the entrance to the actual site of the Xanadu ruins you will see the grasslands on both sides of the road dotted with golden globeflowers.

Xandii Gool ( Xanadu River)

Xandii Gool is the upper reach of Today’s Luan River with a length of 82 km. It is regarded as the ” Holy River” the local Inner Mongolian herdsmen. Now it is also the wetland among Jinlianchuan Grassland.

Add-on

Site of Xanadu (Tips, Photos & Map)
Xanadu Sites Museum
Jinlianchuan Grassland
Wulanbutong Grassland
Asihatu Stone Forest
Gong Geer Grassland
Duolun Travel Guide
How to visit Asihatu Stone Forest
Xi Wuzhumuqin Grassland
Top 10 Attractions in Chifeng

Hassle-Free Private Tour to Visit Xanadu and other parts of Inner Mongolia

If you don’t want go the daunting do-it-yourself-route and prefer an organized hassle-free private tour to visit Xanadu and other parts of Inner Mongolia, no worry and we have the following options:

3 Day Beijing Shangdu (Xanadu) Tour
4-Day Beijing Xilinglo Glassland Shangdu Mongolia Culture Tour

Inner Mongolia Tour
Mid-Inner Mongolia Tour (Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos)
East Inner Mongolia Tour (Xanadu,Wulan Butong, Xilinhot, Chifeng)
Northeast Inner Mongolia Tour (Hulunbuir)
West Inner Mongolia Tour (Alashan “Alxa” League)
Hohhot Tour
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 3 Day Tour
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 2 Day Tour

Location of Grassland in West Ujimqin Banner

It is located in West Ujimqin Banner (Xi Wuzhumuqin Qi) in the east of Xilin Gol League of Inner Mongolia. West Ujimqin Banner is also known as Xi Wuzhumuqin Qi and West Wuzhumuqin Qi.

“West Ujimqin” in Mongolian literally means “grape pickers”, the tribal people who lived in the present border area (Alay Mountains) between the northern Xinjiang and Mongolia in the 13th century. They moved here in the 17th century and in 1641 the tribe head recovered the name of ”West Ujimqin”.

The wildflower rich grasslands at West Ujimqin Banner

The present name of West Ujimqin Banner was formed in 1954 in contrast to the other Banner known as East Ujimqin Banner, or Dong Wuzhumuqin Qi (东乌珠穆沁旗) which is now also under the jurisdiction of Xilingol League.

The Grassland in West Ujimqin Banner is typical of the temperate grassland in China. The grassland boasts of of marshlands, meadow grassland, sand dunes, and wetlands, which is well known as the grassland mecca and the most beautiful grassland in the northern China.

Under the blue sky and white clouds lies the endless grassland

The local herders are very skilful at raising and training the Wuzhumuqin horses. West Ujimqin horses have a long and glorious history. The legend goes that Genghis Khan’s famous Guard regiment used the West Ujimqin horses galloping along the west expedition.

West Ujimqin Nomadic Tribe 西乌珠穆沁游牧部落

To preserve the most beautiful part of the Xilingol Grassland, in West Ujimqin Banner there is a large well preserved pasture of the West Wuzhumuqin Grassland known as West Ujimqin Nomadic Tribe (West Wuzhumuqin Nomadic Tribe 西乌珠穆沁的游牧部落).

West Ujimqin Nomadic Tribe (西乌珠穆沁游牧部落 ) is located 50km south of Balaga’ergaolezhen (巴拉嘎尔高勒镇), the seat of West Ujimqin Banner ( 西乌珠穆沁旗). And Balaga’ergaolezhen is about 150km to the northeast of Xilinhot (capital of Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia).

So West Ujimqin Nomadic Tribe (西乌珠穆沁游牧部落 ) is about 200km east of Xilinhot, the capital of Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia.

West Ujimqin Nomadic Tribe is located 50km south of **Balaga’ergaolezhen**.

Also in the central part of Xilingol Grassland, the Nomadic Tribe Area is very large, said to be the size of over 100 Tian’anmen Squares in Beijing. In the nomadic tribe, you have the chance to feel the nomadic culture and the pristine grassland views – the meadow grass, the desert-steppe and the forest, a transition belt from the meadow grass to the forest.

The galloping horses on the Grassland in West Ujimqin Banner

In the West Wuzhumuqin Nomadic Tribe, Genghis Khan Cultural Plaza is constructed to accommodate travelers who would stay overnight on the grassland. It is a reproduction of a splendid and luxury palace of ancient Mongolian style.

he white Mongolian yurts look like giant mushrooms dotting on a green jadeite plate.

Travelers can feel and touch the 13th mythical palace life of the ancient Mongolian people. The cultural plaza has over 100 yurts including 60 deluxe yurts, holding 350 people each night. Its huge dining hall can accommodate 1000 people at the same time. It organizes a small-scale Naadam Performance of horse racing, wrestling during the day and a exciting bonfire party under the starry sky in the evening during the tourist season.

Best Time to Visit: June – September

How to get to West Wuzhumuqin Nomadic Tribe （西乌珠穆沁的游牧部落）:
1) Take a private vehicle from Xilinhot and drive about 150 km along the Road No.307
2) Take a local bus from Xilinhot to the tribe.
Xilinhot is the capital city of Xilingol League and it is connected to Beijing by flight.

The wildflower rich grasslands at Xi Wuzhumuqin Qi

Add-on

Site of Xanadu (Tips, Photos & Map)
Xanadu Sites Museum
Jinlianchuan Grassland
Wulanbutong Grassland
Asihatu Stone Forest
Gong Geer Grassland
Dalinur Lake
Duolun County
Asihatu Stone Forest
Grassland in West Ujimqin Banner
Top 10 Attractions in Chifeng

Hassle-Free East Inner Mongolia Guided Tours:

6-Day Beijing Duolun Xilingol Chengde Culture Tour
Beijing Chifeng 4 Day Round Trip Tour
4-Day Beijing Xilinglo Glassland Shangdu Mongolia Culture Tour
3 Day Beijing Shangdu (Xanadu) Tour

Meaning of Duolun and Dolon Nur

“Duolun” here refers to Duolun County (多伦县）under the jurisdiction of Xilin Gol League in Inner Mongolia. The Dolon Nur Town （多伦淖尔镇, also known as 多伦诺尔镇), is the seat of Duolun County.

Dolon Nur in Mongolian literally means “seven lakes” named after the numerous lakes in the county. The county name of “Duolun” originates from Dolon Nur (seven lakes).

Duolun County administrates 2 towns ( including Don Nur Town), 3 townships with a populations of over 100, 000 people with ethnic groups mainly composed of Han Chinese, Mongolian, Hui, Manchu and Uyghurs with an area of 3863 sq km.

Location of Duolun County

By road, Duolun County is 45km situated to the east of Zhenglan Qi (Zhenglan Banner正蓝旗), 234km to southwest of Keshiketeng Qi ( Hexigten Banner 克什克腾旗) , 255km to the west of Chifeng City （赤峰市）, about 458km to the north of Beijing.

History of Duolun County

Duolun once had a splendid culture and history. In 1691, after defeating Ger Dan who had allied with Russia invading China, the Qing Emperor Kangxi met with the 48 dukes and 3 chieftains in Inner Mongolia and Outer Mongolia for reconciliation.

A Monument to the Duolun Meeting in 1691 (康熙会盟)

The Duolun Meeting (康熙会盟) greatly enhanced the unity and formally finalized the northern frontier. Later in memory of the historical meeting in Duolun, Emperor Kang Xi ordered the building of Huizong Temple (汇宗寺）in Duolun.

Later Emperor Yongzheng, the third emperor (reigned 1722–35) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911/12), he ordered the construction of Shanyin Lamasery (善因寺). As a result, many important monasteries were founded there with imperial patronage, and Duolun became a most important center of Mongolian Buddhism in southern Mongolia.

In Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi, under the request of the dukes in Mongolia, permitted the merchants from inland China to set up business channels here in Duolu and gave preferential policies to the inland merchants who would do business in Duolun. Thus, numerous businessmen from Beijing, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Shandong flooded Duolun that formed a large team of businessmen travelling in Mongolia.

At its peak, Duolun had over 4000 registered shops and stores. It became the largest commercial capital in Mongolia, the most important economic center in Mongolia during the Qing Dynasty.

Today, its glorious past could be found from the well preserved Shanxi Guild Hall (山西会馆), Niang Niang Temple (娘娘庙), Longxing Temple (兴隆寺), City God Temple (城隍庙), Corporate Buildings and four Muslim mosques in Duolun County.

In addition to its glorious past, Duolun is endowed with natural gifts – beautiful grassland since it is set on the southern edge of the Xilin Gol Grassland (锡林郭勒草原).

Duolun is also teemed with sands as it lies on the southern rim of Hunshandake Sandlands(浑善达克沙地), one of the China’s top ten desserts. Duolun is an ideal place to recall the interesting history especially in Qing Dynasty as well as experience the massive desserts and picturesque grassland.

Where to Stay in Duolun County

Duolun County is quite large in geophysical mass. So when we go visit Duolun County, basically people would choose to stay overnight at Dolon Nur Town （多伦淖尔镇, also known as 多伦诺尔镇), is the seat of Duolun County. There are some inns and hotels around the town. We recommend the Duolun Grand Hotel, the best hotel in the town at the time of my writing.

Duolun Grand Hotel
Add: Zhengfu Road West, Dolon Nur Town, Duolun County 锡林郭勒盟多伦县多伦大街与政府东路交叉路口往东北约100米
Booking hot line:：0479-6786666
Fax：0479-6786088

How to get to Duolun and go around

A trip to Duolun is often connected with side trips to Zhenglan Qi and Xanadu, a triangle travel route. You may go to Duolun from Chengde (Weichang), Beijing, Chifeng, Xilinhot and Hohhot using the long-distance buses.

The Long-distance bus Station in Dolon Nur Town （多伦淖尔镇, also known as 多伦诺尔镇)

Taxi Service available in Dolon Nur Town （多伦淖尔镇, also known as 多伦诺尔镇)

In the town, you can easily hail a taxi going around, or make a side trip to the Site of Xanadu or Zhenglan Banner.

Add-on

Site of Xanadu (Tips, Photos & Map)
Xanadu Sites Museum
Jinlianchuan Grassland
Wulanbutong Grassland
Asihatu Stone Forest
Gong Geer Grassland
Dalinur Lake
Duolun County
Asihatu Stone Forest
Xi Wuzhumuqin Grassland
Top 10 Attractions in Chifeng

Hassle-Free East Inner Mongolia Guided Tours:

6-Day Beijing Duolun Xilingol Chengde Culture Tour
Beijing Chifeng 4 Day Round Trip Tour
4-Day Beijing Xilinglo Glassland Shangdu Mongolia Culture Tour
3 Day Beijing Shangdu (Xanadu) Tour

Archive for the ‘Xilingol Travel’ Category

Site of Xanadu (Tips, Photos & Map)

Location of Site of Xanadu

How to Get to Yuanshangdu Relic Site

Virtual Tour of the Ruins of Xanadu

Jinlianchuan Grassland ( Xar Tala )

Xandii Gool ( Xanadu River)

Add-on

Hassle-Free Private Tour to Visit Xanadu and other parts of Inner Mongolia

Further Readings

Grassland in West Ujimqin Banner (Tips, Photos & Map)

Location of Grassland in West Ujimqin Banner

West Ujimqin Nomadic Tribe 西乌珠穆沁游牧部落

Best Time to Visit: June – September

Add-on

Hassle-Free East Inner Mongolia Guided Tours:

Further Readings

Duolun County (Tips, Photos & Map)

Meaning of Duolun and Dolon Nur

Location of Duolun County

History of Duolun County

Where to Stay in Duolun County

How to get to Duolun and go around

Add-on

Hassle-Free East Inner Mongolia Guided Tours:

Further Readings

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