Shenna Ruins

Introducing Shenna Ruins

The Shenna Ruins are located on the western terrace of Maosheng Temple, Xiaoqiao Street, Chengbei District, Xining City, Qinghai Province. It is an ancient Qiang settlement dating back approximately 3,500 years, and represents a cultural relic of the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Located on a secondary terrace at the confluence of the Huangshui River and its tributary, the Beichuan River, the site stretches from Yinpo in the north to Tomb Ditch in the south and borders Luangou in the west. The Ningzhang Highway lies below the eastern terrace, covering a total area of ​​100,000 square meters.

The site is primarily composed of Qijia culture residential remains, with smaller amounts of Majiayao culture, Banshan culture, and Kayue culture remains. Existing data indicates that the Shenna site is one of the largest, most densely packed cultural deposits, and most remarkably rich in cultural heritage, all discovered in my country, demonstrating the coexistence of multiple cultures.

The Shenna site was discovered by Mr. Pei Wenzhong, a famous Chinese archaeologist and anthropologist in 1948, and many fine cultural relics have been unearthed.

The excavation and sorting work of the Shenna site is currently in full swing. On May 25, 2006, the Shenna site, as an ancient site dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, was approved by the State Council to be included in the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

Climate and best time to travel

The Shenna Ruins, with its plateau continental climate, are located on the western terrace of Maosheng Temple, Xiaoqiao Street, Chengbei District, Xining City, Qinghai Province. The terrace borders Xiaoqiao Street to the east and is separated from the slopes of Daxi Mountain to the west by a flood ditch. This ditch contains a spring that flows from north to south (it originally fed into the Huangshui River, but has now dried up). To the north lies a large east-west ditch, commonly known as Wayaogou. The northern wall of the Xiaoqiao Brigade Primary School campus abuts the cliffs on the southern edge of the terrace, making it a suitable spot for summer travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The Qinghai Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and the Xining Municipal Cultural Relics Management Office conducted a trial excavation at the Shenna site, uncovering a total area of ​​2,000 square meters, primarily on the southwest edge of the terrace. Five houses, 10 ash pits, and eight tombs were excavated, unearthing approximately 10,000 artifacts (including pottery fragments). The cultural deposits are roughly divided into two layers: the upper layer is dominated by coarse, sanded pottery fragments, while the lower layer contains more argillaceous red pottery fragments. The pottery is finely crafted, fired at high temperatures, and has a hard, thin base. The shapes are diverse and complex, including jars, urns, basins, zun, li, and platter vessels (large, flat-bottomed jars cut into four pieces and fired). Stone tools unearthed include stone axes, knives, chisels, stone slabs, stone arrowheads, and disc-shaped objects, with disc-shaped objects being the most prevalent.

Suitable for playing for about 3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Shenna Ruins

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Shenna Ruins are the remnants of an ancient city that dates back over a thousand years. The site holds significant archaeological value, revealing insights into the local civilizations that thrived in the Qinghai region during the early periods of Chinese history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Shenna Ruins are located in the outskirts of Xining, Qinghai. The best way to reach the site is by taxi, as public transport options are limited. It is approximately 30-40 minutes by car from the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler and the site is less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for the Shenna Ruins is generally low. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, as online purchasing options are not common.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival, but it’s advisable to visit early in the day to avoid potential crowds during peak times.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to the Shenna Ruins typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how thoroughly you wish to explore the site and surrounding areas.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Key highlights include:

• The ancient stone carvings: These are some of the most interesting features of the ruins, reflecting the artistic culture of the past civilizations.
• The remnants of structures: Explore the foundations of ancient buildings that once made up the city.
• The scenic view: The ruins are situated in a picturesque location, with mountains and open landscapes surrounding the site.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available, usually in Mandarin. It's best to inquire on-site if English-speaking guides are available, though these may be limited.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are from the higher areas around the ruins, where you can capture panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the ruins themselves.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the main ruins area, where most of the archaeological findings are located. Afterward, take a walk around the outskirts to enjoy the scenic views and natural beauty of the area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no night visits or light shows at the Shenna Ruins. The site is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the historic and natural beauty.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The Shenna Ruins are not typically crowded, but weekends and public holidays may see an increase in visitors. Weekday mornings tend to be the least crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities like toilets are available. However, there are no food vendors or shops inside the ruins, so it’s recommended to bring your own snacks and water.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may require walking on uneven terrain. It may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors due to the nature of the ruins.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is typically required to purchase tickets, though mobile payments may be accepted for small purchases in the area. It’s best to bring cash just in case.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants or cafes inside the Shenna Ruins. However, there are several local restaurants in Xining, offering traditional Qinghai and Tibetan food.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

In Xining, there are many vegetarian, vegan, and halal options, particularly around the city center and Muslim quarter.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels in the city center of Xining, such as the Xining Hotel and the New Century Hotel, offer convenient accommodations with easy access to transportation to the ruins.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include:

• Qinghai Lake: About a 2-hour drive from Xining, a beautiful spot for outdoor activities.
• Dongguan Mosque: A historic mosque in Xining worth visiting for its architectural beauty.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no souvenir shops directly at the Shenna Ruins. However, you can find local crafts, Tibetan textiles, and jewelry in Xining’s markets.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

The best transportation options are taxis or buses to continue your trip. Xining has a central train and bus station that can take you to other parts of the province.