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Tongwancheng, located in Baichengze Village, Hongdunjie Township, 58 kilometers north of Jingbian County, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, is the site of the Xiongnu capital. Locals call it Baichengzi (White City Wall) for its white walls. The city consisted of three parts: the palace, the inner city, and the outer city. The walls were rammed earth, so thick that a needle could not be inserted. The city walls, gates, battlements, and corner towers are still visible. The southwest corner tower, at 31.62 meters high, is the tallest structure remaining at the site.
This ancient city has stood in the Mu Us Desert for more than 1,600 years. Tourists who love history and frontier culture should not miss it.
Temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
30 yuan
All day
Tongwan City was an important military and administrative center during the Tang dynasty. Known for its strategic location and unique city design, it played a critical role in defending northern frontiers and is a valuable site for studying ancient Chinese urban planning and military architecture.
Tongwan City is located in Yulin, northern Shaanxi Province. Visitors typically reach Yulin city by train or bus, then take a taxi or local bus to the site. Walking within the ruins is required to explore most areas.
The site is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and photography conditions are optimal.
Tickets are affordable and can be purchased on-site. Some travel agencies or tourism websites may offer online booking, particularly for guided tours.
Booking in advance is recommended during holidays or weekends, ideally a few days ahead, to secure guided tours and avoid long queues.
A thorough visit usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on the number of ruins explored and time spent at key viewpoints.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, with limited English-language services. Audio guides may not be widely available, so hiring a local guide is recommended for detailed historical context.
Start at the visitor center, proceed to the main city gate, follow the walls to view defensive towers, explore central ruins, and finish at scenic viewpoints for photography.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available. Special tours can be arranged through local travel agencies for small groups.
Weekdays and non-holiday periods are least crowded. The site can be busy on weekends and during national holidays.
Basic facilities include toilets, water stations, and rest areas near the entrance. Small souvenir shops may offer snacks and drinks.
Some uneven terrain may be challenging for the elderly or disabled. Children should be supervised on wall sections and ruins.
Cash is commonly accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted.
Nearby local restaurants serve Shaanxi cuisine. More options, including small cafes and snack shops, are available in Yulin city.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants; halal food may be limited and is best found in Yulin city.
Accommodations range from guesthouses near the site to mid-range hotels in Yulin city, 30–50 minutes away by car.
Nearby attractions include Wave Valley, Yulin Museum, and desert landscapes, making it feasible to combine in a single day trip.
Souvenirs include local crafts, postcards, replicas of ancient artifacts, and small trinkets related to Tongwan City.
After visiting, taxis or local buses can return travelers to Yulin city, where trains and long-distance buses connect to other cities in Shaanxi province.
