The First Mansion in Western Beijing, the Shield of the Capital Ancient City·Zhangjiakou

Xuanhua Ancient City is located in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. It was built during the Ming Dynasty with a side length of six li and thirteen steps, a perimeter of more than twenty-four li, and city walls that are two zhang and eight chi high. The city has seven gates and one pass, and is known as the 'First Mansion in Western Beijing.'
Xuanhua Ancient City has a long history. During the Warring States, Qin, and Han periods, the country was divided into 36 prefectures, and Xuanhua belonged to Shanggu Prefecture. In the Tang Dynasty, Wuzhou and Wende County were established. In the Ming Dynasty, it was known as Xuanfu Town, and in the Qing Dynasty, it was changed to Xuanhua Prefecture of Zhili Province. It was also once the capital of Chahar Province.
Xuanhua Ancient City holds significant strategic importance. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty personally inscribed the plaque 'Shield of the Capital' and awarded it to be hung on the Zhenshuo Tower in the center of Xuanhua City, indicating Xuanhua's important role as a barrier to the capital.
Main attractions of the ancient city: Qingyuan Tower, with its majestic shape, is known as the 'Second Yellow Crane Tower.' The top of the arch is decorated with an eight-petal lotus pattern made of blue bricks, and its bell sound can be heard 20 kilometers away. Zhenshuo Tower, built in the fifth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty, was named after the 'General Zhenshuo Seal' held by the general. Emperor Qianlong's handwritten 'Shield of the Capital' plaque hangs on it. Gongji Tower, commonly known as the South Gate Tower, is a double-eaved Xieshan-style building with a tiled roof. Daxin Gate is the west gate of Xuanhua Ancient City and part of the Xuanhua city wall. The former site of the Chahar Provincial Democratic Government (Xuanhua Museum). The murals of the Liao Tombs outside the city (not yet open to the public).
After visiting, don't forget to stop by 'Chaoyang Tower,' where Li Zicheng entered Beijing and Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Xuanhua, to taste some authentic halal cuisine from this time-honored Chinese brand!

Post by BRIDGER POWELL | Aug 7, 2024