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At Milan Ancient City, visitors can explore the ruins of an ancient city that date back over 1,000 years, offering a glimpse into the history of the region. The site includes historical walls, towers, and relics of an ancient civilization. Visitors can also enjoy hiking through the surrounding landscapes and photography opportunities, especially at sunset when the ruins glow under the golden light.
Located in Ruoqiang County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the ancient city of Milan is a complex of intercultural sites spanning different eras. It comprises the remains of an ancient Tubo fortress from the Tang Dynasty and ancient buildings from the Wei and Jin Dynasties. The ancient fortress is a prominent structure within the site, measuring approximately 56 meters from north to south and 70 meters from east to west, forming an irregular square. Together with the Han Dynasty military farms and irrigation works and the ruins of Yixun City, it forms part of the Milan ancient city complex. Discovered later than the Loulan ruins and smaller in scale, the Milan ruins share a similar architectural style, dating from the Western Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Loulan Ancient City, 1 hour
5 yuan
Milan Ancient City, located in Xinjiang's Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, was once a thriving city on the ancient Silk Road. It holds archaeological significance for its well-preserved ruins that shed light on the historical interaction between Central Asia and China, especially during the Tang and Yuan dynasties. The city is a key cultural heritage site, demonstrating the fusion of different civilizations.
Milan Ancient City is located in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, China. To get there, visitors typically travel to Korla city first by plane, train, or bus. From Korla, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the site, which is around 50 kilometers away. Public transportation options are limited, so a taxi or private car is the best choice.
The ancient city ruins are open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the site is less crowded. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography as the lighting is more favorable.
The entrance fee to Milan Ancient City is approximately 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is also recommended to check local tourist websites or platforms for any possible online booking options.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary for regular visits. However, for peak tourist seasons or holidays, it is recommended to book at least a few days in advance to secure your tickets, especially if you're traveling in a group.
A visit to Milan Ancient City typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore, including walking around the ruins and taking in the historical artifacts. If you're interested in learning more about the site or taking a guided tour, you may want to plan for 4 hours.
The main highlights of Milan Ancient City include the city walls, ancient towers, and the remains of old streets and buildings. The most iconic part of the site is the large ancient watchtower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the archaeological exhibits showcasing relics from past civilizations.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. English-speaking tours may be arranged with advance notice. Audio guides may also be available in Mandarin, but it's best to confirm availability on-site or through local tour agencies.
The best viewpoints are from the ancient watchtower and along the city walls, offering sweeping views of the ruins and the desert landscape beyond. Sunset and sunrise provide beautiful lighting for photography, especially when the ancient structures are bathed in golden hues.
Start by entering through the main gate and explore the perimeter of the ancient walls. Then, head to the central area where the watchtower and most of the well-preserved ruins are located. Take your time to visit the archaeological exhibits before wrapping up your visit with a stroll around the outer areas for scenic views.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Milan Ancient City. However, special tours focusing on the historical significance of the site and its role along the Silk Road may be arranged for larger groups or special events.
The site can be crowded during national holidays and peak tourist seasons. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning hours. Weekends, particularly in summer, tend to attract more visitors.
Basic facilities such as public toilets, rest areas, and drinking water are available. However, there are limited food options on-site, so visitors may need to bring their own snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns. A small gift shop may sell local handicrafts and souvenirs.
While the site is generally accessible, some areas, especially the ancient ruins and watchtower, may require walking on uneven surfaces, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Families with children will find the site engaging, as it offers both educational and scenic experiences.
Cash is generally accepted at the entrance, but mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit cards are typically not accepted, so it’s best to carry cash or use mobile payment options.
There are no major restaurants inside the site, but several local restaurants in the nearby city of Korla offer traditional Xinjiang cuisine, including lamb dishes and bread. The area is known for its diverse, flavorful food offerings.
Vegetarian and halal food options are widely available in the surrounding towns, especially in Korla, which has a large Muslim population. Most local restaurants serve halal food, with a variety of vegetarian dishes also on the menu.
There are several hotels in Korla, including mid-range options like the Golden Sunshine Hotel and the Korla International Hotel. These are approximately 50 minutes by car from Milan Ancient City. Budget accommodations and guesthouses are also available in the area.
Nearby attractions include the Taklamakan Desert, one of the largest deserts in the world, and the ancient Kucha city ruins. These can be visited on a day trip or in combination with a trip to Milan Ancient City.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance of the site offering local handicrafts, such as traditional Uyghur textiles, pottery, and jewelry. These items make for unique gifts or keepsakes from your visit.
After visiting Milan Ancient City, you can continue your journey by taxi, bus, or private car to other attractions in the Bayingolin region, such as the Taklamakan Desert or Kucha ruins. The nearest city, Korla, is well-connected by bus and train to other parts of Xinjiang.
