The post station where Empress Dowager Cixi stayed while fleeing! How many secrets does this ancient city hide?

Jimingyi Ancient City is located at the foot of Jiming Mountain in Huailai County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. This ancient post station, existing since the Yuan Dynasty, still retains the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is known as the "World's First Post Office." As the most complete and largest ancient post station complex preserved in China to date, every brick here is engraved with the code of ancient information transmission, and every courtyard echoes with the crisp sound of post riders' horse hooves.

🌟【Main Attractions and Highlights】:
1️⃣ Ancient City Wall and City Tower: The most stunning sight of Jimingyi, the intact rammed earth city wall surrounds the entire city (about 2000 meters in circumference). Walking on the 11-meter-high and 6-meter-wide wall, you can clearly see defensive features such as horse faces and battlements. Standing on the West City Gate, you can overlook Jiming Mountain and the entire ancient city, feeling the grandeur of "all mountains appear small." Strolling on the city wall is the best way to experience the ancient city’s charm. (Important note: This is not the filming location of the classic movie "A Chinese Odyssey." The iconic final scene (the classic dialogue between Zhi Zunbao and Zixia Fairy on the city wall) was actually filmed at the Western Film Studio in Zhenbeibu, Yinchuan, Ningxia, not at Jimingyi in Hebei. The misconception may stem from the "ancient fortress" appearance resembling the movie scene or confusion in tourism promotion.)
2️⃣ He Family Residence (He Family Courtyard): During the invasion of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance, Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu stayed here while fleeing west. This five-compound linked courtyard is well preserved, with portraits of Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu hanging inside. The west wing room also features brick carvings of the four characters "Hongxi Jiefu" (Great Fortune and Blessings).
3️⃣ Taishan Palace (Taishan Temple): The palace houses 48 existing colorful mural paintings depicting the Taoist cultivation journey of Bixia Yuanjun. The colors are bright and vivid, and the paintings are exquisite and magnificent.
4️⃣ Postmaster’s Office: This was the administrative center of the post city during the Qing Dynasty, where the highest official, the postmaster, and his staff worked.
5️⃣ God of Wealth Temple: The murals inside use the powder gold gilding technique, shining with gold and brilliance. The murals depict envoys from Eastern and Western countries bringing rare treasures to worship the Chinese God of Wealth, showcasing the prosperity of the time.
6️⃣ Wenchang Palace: This is the place dedicated to Wenchang Dijun, the God of Culture, and a sacred place for scholars at the post station to seek knowledge.
7️⃣ Postal Relay Museum: Through artifacts and illustrations, it vividly tells the historical changes of ancient postal transmission, military, and transportation, making it a must-visit place to understand Jimingyi’s core postal functions. In 1995, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of China Post, a commemorative stamp featuring the Jiming Mountain Post was issued with a face value of 50 cents.

❤️【Attractions】:
✅ Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage: Jimingyi was established in the Yuan Dynasty and is the largest, most fully functional, and best-preserved ancient post station in China. During the peak of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was not only a military post for transmitting official documents and military intelligence but also an important hub for merchants and travelers. It had complete facilities including the postmaster’s office, official residences, horse stables, and soldier barracks. At its peak, it housed 80 post horses and over 200 post riders, earning the title "Ancient Postal Museum."
✅ Beautiful Natural Scenery: Jimingyi backs onto Jiming Mountain in Xiahuayuan, Zhangjiakou, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it a great place for summer retreats and leisure.
✅ Film Shooting Location: It is also a famous filming location, with many movies shot here, such as "Battle of Tai'erzhuang," "Battle of the Great Wall," and "The Decisive Battle."

🚩【Travel Tips】:
📌 The full tour takes about 2 hours (3-4 hours if you want to savor it slowly):
📍 Start from the East Gate → Postal Culture Museum → Taishan Palace → Wenchang Pavilion → Dragon King Temple → God of Wealth Hall → Postmaster’s Office → He Family Residence → Climb the West Gate City Tower → Walk half the city wall → Return to the East Gate.

🚙【Transportation Guide】:
🚗 Self-driving: Navigate to "Jimingyi Ancient City." From Beijing, take the Jingzang Expressway (formerly Badaling Expressway) to the Jimingyi exit, then head west to reach the destination. The whole trip takes about 1.5 hours.
🚎 Public Transport: From Sha City or Xiahuayuan in Huailai County, take a bus heading in the opposite direction and get off at Jimingyi.

🔴【Notes】:
⏳ Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 (may vary by season, please refer to the daily announcement of the scenic area).
💰 Ticket Price: 40 RMB per adult; discounts available for students and seniors.
🍱 Accommodation and Dining: Accommodation within Jimingyi Ancient City is limited; it is recommended to stay in Huailai County or nearby guesthouses. Dining facilities inside the scenic area are scarce, so it is advisable to prepare drinking water and simple snacks in advance. Jimingyi Ancient City is less commercialized, making it more suitable for visitors who appreciate authentic ancient sites and historical culture.