Ancient Xianzhou City

Ancient Xianzhou City

Ancient Xianzhou City is a cultural tourism attraction.

Ancient Xianzhou City is a historic city with over 1,000 years of history and the largest ancient city in northern China. It is a renowned scenic destination featuring well-preserved ancient city architecture in Northeast China.

The city wall of Xianzhou stretches 6.5 kilometers, and it was once one of the most important political, economic, military, and cultural centers in the region’s history. It also served as the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty, Eastern Liao Dynasty, and Eastern Xia Dynasty. Historical records refer to it as the “strategic heartland of six dynasties and the ancient capital of three kingdoms,” making it a truly deserving historical and cultural city of Northeast China. Many emperors in history have left their footprints in Xianzhou. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, came to Xianzhou during his eastern campaign against Goguryeo. Emperor Taizu of Liao, Yelü Abaoji, gathered troops in Xianzhou before marching north to attack the Bohai Kingdom. Emperor Taizu of Jin, Wanyan Aguda, captured Xianzhou. Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji, and Emperor Qinzong of Song, Zhao Huan, were held captive here—evidence of which remains in the form of the so-called “Dragon Locking Pillar.” Emperor Taizu of Qing, Nurhaci, and Emperor Taizong of Qing, Hong Taiji, conquered Xianzhou and killed the Kaiyuan regional commander Ma Lin in battle. Emperors Kangxi (Xuanye) and Qianlong (Hongli) of the Qing Dynasty each stayed in Xianzhou twice. Emperor Guangxu (Zaitian) visited Xianzhou and left the imperial plaque inscribed with “Majestic Calm Over Vast Waves” at Longtan Temple. As for the many virtuous officials and celebrated generals who visited Xianzhou, they are too numerous to list—such as Xu Maogong, Xue Rengui, Wanyan Wushu, Pu Xian Wan Nu, Wang Xuanyou, Li Chengliang, among others. Xianzhou Ancient City is the northernmost city in Chinese history to have retained a complete city wall system. It also hosted the northernmost provincial-level administrative institution established by the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Hence, it has been hailed as the “First City of the North”

and the “Northernmost Post Station.” Xianzhou Ancient City boasts numerous historical relics and abundant tourism resources. Four of the ancient eight scenic spots of Kaiyuan are located in Xianzhou: “Ancient Pagoda at Dawn,” “Dragon Hill to the North,” “Moonlit Qing River,” and “Willows Along Thread River.” Qing Dynasty poet Wang Enming praised Xianzhou Ancient City, saying: “In the distance, a boundless expanse of splendor unfolds; treading through the renewed willows of Sucheng. Emerald blossoms stretch beyond the frontier, while crimson hills rival the spring of Luoyang.” Notable attractions include the Chongshou Temple Pagoda built during the Jin Dynasty, the Bell and Drum Tower that chronicles the city’s storied past, the vast and misty Thread River, and the ancient mosque. Having endured over a thousand years of wind and rain, Xianzhou Ancient City now reveals an even more distinctive charm, establishing itself as one of the most promising tourist destinations in Northeast China.