Xingcheng Ancient City

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Spot Introduction

Xingcheng Ancient City, founded in the 20th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1387), is the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty garrison city in China and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. The ancient city is square-shaped, with a circumference of about 4 kilometers. It features corner towers at its four corners and well-preserved gates on all four sides, providing valuable physical evidence for studying Ming Dynasty military architecture and defense systems.

As an important military fortress in Liaodong Town during the Ming Dynasty, Xingcheng Ancient City witnessed significant historical events during the transition from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty. In 1626, Nurhachi led his troops to attack Ningyuan (today’s Xingcheng), where he encountered fierce resistance from Ming general Yuan Chonghuan. Nurhachi was defeated and injured in the battle, later passing away. This battle marked a crucial turning point in the Ming-Qing war, leaving a profound impact on the military history of China and etching Xingcheng Ancient City’s name in history.

The rigorous architectural layout of the ancient city reflects the typical characteristics of the Ming Dynasty’s military defense system. The city walls stand 11.6 meters high, with a base width of 6.8 meters and a top width of 5 meters, entirely constructed using bricks. Each of the four gates is equipped with a barbican, and there are 72 enemy towers built into the walls, forming a comprehensive defensive system. The streets inside the city are laid out in a grid pattern, centered around a bell and drum tower, exemplary of urban planning during the Ming Dynasty.

As the most intact Ming Dynasty garrison city in China, Xingcheng Ancient City preserves not only complete military facilities like walls, gates, and corner towers, but also numerous historical buildings such as the Confucian Temple, General’s Mansion, and City God Temple. This collection of buildings showcases the achievements of Ming Dynasty architecture, military defense, and city planning, embodying immense historical, artistic, and scientific value.

Spot Introduction

In recent years, through scientific preservation and rational development, Xingcheng Ancient City has become a comprehensive scenic area integrating historical culture, tourism, and leisure. Annual events such as the “Ancient City Cultural Festival” and the “Ming Dynasty Military Culture Exhibition” provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Ming history and culture. As a national historical and cultural city, Xingcheng Ancient City is not only a tourist destination but also an important base for researching Ming Dynasty military, architecture, and culture.

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. Ancient City Wall
  • Ming Dynasty City Wall Ruins
  • Watchtower Overlook
  • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
  1. Confucius Temple Area
  • Sacrificial site for Confucius
  • Ancient architectural complex
  • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
  1. General’s Mansion
  • Ming Dynasty General’s residence
  • Historical artifacts display
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  1. Ancient Street Area
  • Traditional houses
  • Characteristic shops
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
  • South Gate → Ancient City Wall → Confucius Temple → General’s Mansion → Ancient Street Area
  • Suggested to visit by area
  1. Visiting Schedule
  • Morning: Climb the city wall
  • Noon: Explore the ancient street
  • Afternoon: Visit historical sites
  1. Practical Tips
  • Comfortable shoes are essential
  • Bring a sun umbrella
  • Prepare drinking water

Transportation Guide

  • Train: Alight at Xingcheng Station
  • Bus: Take Bus 1 or 2 to Ancient City Station
  • Self-drive: Navigate to Xingcheng Ancient City Scenic Area
  • Taxi: About 15 minutes from the city center
  1. Xingcheng Tanghulu (Candied Fruits on a Stick)
  2. Old Street Snacks
  3. Seafood Delicacies
  4. Traditional Pasta

Special Reminders

  1. Tickets are sold by time slots
  2. Climbing the wall requires physical strength
  3. Protect cultural relics
  4. Pay attention to sun protection
  5. Be mindful of angles when taking photos
  6. Avoid summer peaks
  7. Suitable for deep tours
  8. It is recommended to hire a guide.