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Kaicheng Town, Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia, located at the eastern foot of Liupan Mountain, is a piece of yellow land that was painstakingly cultivated by Genghis Khan, Emperor Xianzong Mongke, and Emperor Shizu Kublai Khan. It is also the location of the Anxi Palace.
The Anxi Palace was a magnificent structure. In recent years, archaeologists exploring the Kaesong ruins have uncovered fragments of yellow, green, and white glazed tiles on the surface. Green and yellow glazed tiles are particularly abundant, along with yellow glazed round tiles with dragon motifs. In feudal China, the dragon was a symbol of the emperor, and only the emperor's palace could feature yellow glazed tiles decorated with dragon motifs. Unfortunately, these buildings were destroyed by an earthquake, leaving only ruins.
In the center of the city, a massive rammed earth platform rises over 2 to 3 meters above the ground. The numerous bricks and glazed tiles scattered on the platform indicate that it was undoubtedly the foundation of a palace, and an important one at that. Regarding the structure of the platform of the central hall of the Yuan Dynasty's Anxi Palace, Xia Nai concluded, "Based on the platform's plan and the location of the foundation stone, it is likely that the palace on this platform had three sections, front and back, similar to the three main halls of the Forbidden City in Beijing." This suggests that the architectural structure of the central platform of the Anxi Palace is similar to that of the Daming Hall in Yuan Dadu, with the main court hall in the front, the middle hall in the middle, and the sleeping hall in the back.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about half an hour
free
All day
Anxi Palace is a historical palace located in Guyuan, Ningxia. It was once the administrative center of the region, serving as a symbol of the power and governance of the local rulers. The palace is historically significant for its architectural style and its role in the development of the region.
Anxi Palace is located in the city of Guyuan, Ningxia. To reach the palace, take a taxi or a local bus from the city center. Public transportation is available, but taxis are more convenient for direct access.
Anxi Palace is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant, avoiding the summer heat and the winter chill.
The entrance fee for Anxi Palace is around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance of the palace. There are no online ticketing options available at the moment.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. However, if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or weekends, it may be advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines.
It takes about 1-2 hours to fully explore Anxi Palace, including time spent on guided tours, photography, and exploring the palace grounds.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. There is no audio guide service, but guides are knowledgeable and provide detailed explanations about the palace's history and significance.
Start by entering the main gates and proceed through the central courtyard, then explore the surrounding halls and rooms. Don’t miss the elevated platforms that offer great views of the palace and the landscape. End your visit with a walk around the gardens.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Anxi Palace. The best experience is during daylight hours when you can appreciate the palace’s beauty and history.
Anxi Palace is not typically crowded. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the off-season months (spring and autumn).
There are basic facilities available, including public toilets, rest areas, and a small shop near the entrance for snacks and drinks. However, there are no full-service restaurants on-site.
The attraction involves some walking and steps, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and families can enjoy the visit with ease.
Cash is commonly accepted at the entrance, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted for tickets and souvenirs.
There are no restaurants within Anxi Palace itself, but there are several local restaurants and eateries in the surrounding area of Guyuan offering traditional Ningxia cuisine.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in nearby restaurants in Guyuan, where local specialties cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
There are several hotels in Guyuan, including budget options and mid-range hotels. The closest accommodations are within a 10-15 minute drive from the palace.
There are small souvenir shops near the palace entrance selling traditional Ningxia crafts, including textiles, pottery, and small religious artifacts.
The best options for continuing your trip are to take a taxi or local bus back to the city center of Guyuan. Alternatively, renting a car provides more flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas.
