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Gaojiabao Ancient Town is located on the east bank of the Tuwei River, 50 kilometers southwest of Shenmu County, Shaanxi Province, and approximately 5 kilometers northwest of the Ming Great Wall. Once a necessary route from Yulin to Shenmu, its location at a road junction and along the Tuwei River gave rise to a large town. The town's current structure gradually took shape during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty.
The filming location for the 2015 TV series "Ordinary World," Zhongyuanxi County, has revived this ancient city as a tourist hotspot. Zhongxing Tower and the Temple of the God of Wealth still exist within the city. Streets radiate east-west from the Central Tower, forming East-West Street, and south-north from South Street and North Lane. East, West, and South Streets each lead to a laneway. The residential buildings within the laneways reflect the unique architectural style of ancient northern cities. With the exception of Kuixing Tower, its parapet, battlements, and observation holes, which have been destroyed, the rest of the structure remains intact. The east, south, and west walls are each built with a urn.
Temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate;
Suitable for spring and autumn
free
All day
Gaojiabao Ancient City is a historic site in Yulin, Shaanxi, known for its ancient fortifications and traditional architecture. It represents the region’s historical urban planning and cultural heritage, reflecting the lifestyle and defensive strategies of past centuries.
The ancient city is located near Yulin city in Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus from Yulin city center. Walking is required to explore the interior streets and walls.
The site is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and best visibility for sightseeing.
Tickets are available at the entrance. Prices are usually low, and online booking may be possible via local tourism websites.
Booking in advance is recommended during holidays or weekends, ideally 1–2 days ahead.
2–3 hours are sufficient to explore the main areas, walls, and streets.
Guided tours are generally available in Chinese. English-language guides may be limited, so arranging a local guide is recommended for international visitors.
Enter through the main gate, walk along the walls, explore the streets and houses, visit any local museums, and finish at the scenic viewpoints for photos.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special cultural tours may be arranged by local guides on request.
Weekdays and off-peak seasons are less crowded. Holidays and weekends attract more visitors.
Facilities include restrooms at entrances, some small food stalls, drinking water, rest areas, and souvenir shops.
Some areas involve uneven paths and steps. Elderly and children should exercise caution. Accessibility for disabled visitors is limited.
Cash is accepted. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly available; credit cards may be limited.
Several local restaurants and small cafes near the entrance serve traditional Shaanxi dishes and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available. Halal food may be limited and is better found in Yulin city center.
Guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Yulin city are within 10–20 minutes by car from Gaojiabao Ancient City.
Nearby attractions include Red Rock Gorge, Tongwan City, and other historical sites in Yulin, suitable for a combined day trip.
Souvenir shops sell postcards, local crafts, models of ancient buildings, and traditional Shaanxi cultural items.
Taxis or local buses can take visitors back to Yulin city center, where trains and long-distance buses connect to other destinations in Shaanxi Province.
