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Visitors can explore the historical ruins, walk around the ancient settlement sites, and view the remnants of ancient architecture. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the ancient civilization that once inhabited this area and the archaeological efforts to preserve the site.
The Liaozhongjing Ruins are located on the north bank of the Laoha River in Tianyi Town and Daming Town, Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It was first built in the Liao Dynasty and was one of the five capitals of the Liao Dynasty. It was the capital during the heyday of the Liao Dynasty and the political, economic and cultural center of the Liao Dynasty. It was used by the Jin, Yuan and Ming dynasties.
The ruins of Liaozhongjing have a circumference of over 15 kilometers. The city consists of an outer city, an inner city, and an imperial city. Three brick towers remain within the site: the Large Tower (Daming Tower), the Small Tower (a Jin Dynasty small tower), and the Half Tower (Lotus Tower). The original name of the Daming Tower was probably the Daning Tower (a poem inscribed on the Daning Tower by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty still exists, suggesting that "Daming" is a homophonic misreading).
Most of the surface remains of the Liaozhongjing site are Liao Dynasty buildings, which basically preserve the original appearance of Liaozhongjing's urban buildings. It is one of the important sites for studying the history of the Khitan ethnic group.
On March 4, 1961, the Liaozhongjing Ruins were announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
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The Liaozhongjing Ruins are an important archaeological site in Inner Mongolia, Chifeng City. They are believed to be remnants of an ancient civilization that dates back thousands of years, offering valuable insights into the region’s history and early human settlement patterns.
The Liaozhongjing Ruins are located near Chifeng City in Inner Mongolia. Visitors can take a taxi or private transport from Chifeng city center. Public transportation options are limited, so a taxi is the most convenient option.
The ruins are open daily, typically from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee is generally around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance of the ruins. Online ticketing is typically not available.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance on the day of the visit.
A visit to the Liaozhongjing Ruins typically takes about 1-2 hours, allowing time for exploring the site and taking in the historical significance of the ruins.
The must-see highlights include the ancient stone structures, pottery remnants, and the excavation areas that provide insights into early human life in the region. The surrounding landscape is also worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it's recommended to arrange them in advance. Audio guides are generally not provided.
The best viewpoints are from the elevated parts of the ruins, offering a great view of the surrounding landscape and the remains of ancient structures. The excavation sites also make for interesting photography spots.
Start by exploring the main excavation sites to see the largest and most significant ruins. Afterward, take a walk around the perimeter to see smaller remnants and the surrounding landscape.
Night visits or light shows are not available at the Liaozhongjing Ruins. The site is best visited during the day when you can fully appreciate the historical significance of the ruins.
The Liaozhongjing Ruins are typically not crowded. The least crowded times are early in the morning or on weekdays, especially outside of the summer months and public holidays.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available near the entrance. There are no major food or shopping outlets within the ruins, but vendors may offer snacks and drinks near the entrance.
The site is mostly outdoors with uneven terrain, which may make it difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate. However, it is suitable for children, especially if they enjoy outdoor historical exploration.
Cash is the primary method of payment at the Liaozhongjing Ruins, though some vendors might accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Credit cards are generally not accepted.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the ruins, but there are several local eateries in Chifeng City offering traditional Mongolian food, such as lamb dishes and dumplings.
Halal food options are available at local restaurants in Chifeng City due to the significant Muslim population in the area. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available at most restaurants.
There are several hotels in Chifeng City, ranging from budget to mid-range. These are located about 20-30 minutes by taxi from the Liaozhongjing Ruins.
Nearby attractions include the Chifeng Museum and the Xilinhot Grassland. These can easily be combined into a day trip from the Liaozhongjing Ruins.
There are no souvenir shops inside the ruins, but visitors can find traditional Mongolian handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles at local markets or near the entrance.
After visiting the ruins, taxis or private cars are the best options for continuing your trip to other attractions in Chifeng City or beyond. Public transport options are limited.
