{"id":11730,"date":"2022-02-27T10:31:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-27T02:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/?p=11730"},"modified":"2022-02-28T09:47:45","modified_gmt":"2022-02-28T01:47:45","slug":"site-of-xanadu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/inner-mongolia-travel\/xilingol-travel\/site-of-xanadu","title":{"rendered":"Site of Xanadu (Tips, Photos & Map)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Site of Xanadu encompasses the remains of Kublai Khan\u2019s legendary capital city, designed by the Mongol ruler\u2019s Chinese advisor Liu Bingzhdong in 1256.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Stone Tablet “Site of Xanadu” <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location of Site of Xanadu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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The location of Yuanshangdu Relic Site<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to Get to Yuanshangdu Relic Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019d 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<\/a> and Xanadu Sites Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About 460km north of Beijing by road<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Tour of the Ruins of Xanadu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A 38km scenic drive from Duolun County to Site of Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ticket office is designated in a huge yurt. The entrance fee is 40 yuan per person. The electric golf cart<\/small>s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The ticket office is designated in a huge yurt at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mingde Gate ( the south gate of Imperial City) at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The North-south axis of Royal Road in Palace City at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Today, only the ruins remain, and surrounded by a grassy mound that was once the city wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The ruin site of Da’an Pavilion at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Many palaces built out of stones in the city at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Royal Road in the Palace City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Royal Road in the Palace City at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Muqing Pavilion – the living place for emperors at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The grassy mound that was once the imperial  city wall at Xanadu <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The City Wall and Royal Road at Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The vast expanse of the ruined palace city at Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Friday, June 29, 2012, Xanadu (China) was listed as the World Cultural Heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinlianchuan Grassland ( Xar Tala )<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jinlianchuan G<\/a>r<\/a>assland <\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The globeflowers (Trollius) on the Jinlianchuan Grassland at Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jinlianchuan Grassland at Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Golden globeflowers grassland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Xandii Gool ( Xanadu River)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xandii Gool Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Xandii Gool wetland at Xanadu<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Add-on<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

Hassle-Free Private Tour to Visit Xanadu and other parts of Inner Mongolia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Day Beijing Shangdu (Xanadu) Tour<\/a> 
4-Day Beijing Xilinglo Glassland Shangdu Mongolia Culture Tour<\/a>   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inner Mongolia Tour<\/a>
Mid-Inner Mongolia Tour<\/a> (Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos)
East Inner Mongolia Tour<\/a> (Xanadu,Wulan Butong, Xilinhot, Chifeng)
Northeast Inner Mongolia Tour<\/a> (Hulunbuir)
West Inner Mongolia Tour<\/a> (Alashan \u201cAlxa\u201d League)
Hohhot Tour<\/a>
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 3 Day Tour<\/a>
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 2 Day Tour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Readings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Top Places to Visit in Inner Mongolia<\/a>
Top 10 Attractions in Hohhot<\/a>
Best Time to Visit Hohhot<\/a>
Meidaizhao Temple<\/a>
How to go to Hohhot from Beijin<\/a>g<\/a>
Top Souvenirs in Hohhot<\/a>
Hohhot Taxi: Hohhot Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones<\/a>
Baotou Taxi: Baotou Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones<\/a>
Ordos Taxi: Ordos taxi Fares, Tips and Phones<\/a>
What to see in Hohhot, what to do in Hohhot<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 Attractions in Alxa League<\/a>
Heicheng Historic Site in Ejin Banner (Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a>
<\/a>Guai Shu Lin in Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia (Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a>
Populus Forest in Ejin Banner (Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a>
Badain Jaran Desert (Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunrise Glow over Hulunbuir Grassland<\/a>
Top 10 Places for Photography in Hulunbuir<\/a>
How to visit Hulunbuir Grassland<\/a>
Top 10 Attractions in Hulunbuir<\/a>
Hulun Lake Travel Tips<\/a>
World Anti-fascist War Hailar Memorial Park<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Road Trip from Ergun to Linjiang Village<\/a>
Ergun Travel Guide<\/a>
Aoluguya Travel Guide
<\/a>Moerdaoga Travel Guide
<\/a>Shiwei Travel Tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wusu Langzi Lake \uff08Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a>
Dujuan Lake in Aershan National Forest Park<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beihu Park Skyline at Night in Manzhouli<\/a>
Night View of Manzhouli City<\/a>
Architecture of Manzhouli<\/a>
Top 10 Attractions in Manzhouli<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any questions, just drop a line.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s legendary capital city, designed by the Mongol ruler\u2019s Chinese advisor Liu Bingzhdong in 1256. The Site of Xanadu is the site…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2230],"tags":[4088,3490,4089,3489,3488,2248,2250,2249,2251,4090,4091,4087],"class_list":["post-11730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-xilingol-travel","tag-how-to-ge-to-yuanshangdu-relic-site","tag-how-to-get-to-shangdu-from-beijing","tag-how-to-get-to-xanadu-site","tag-how-to-visit-shangdu","tag-how-to-visit-xanadu","tag-shangdu","tag-shangdu-guide","tag-xanadu","tag-xanadu-guide","tag-xanadu-travel","tag-xanadu-travel-guide","tag-yuanshangdu-relic-site"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11730"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11730"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11730\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28901,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11730\/revisions\/28901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}