Dingyuanying Ancient Town
定远营
A garrison town built in the Qing dynasty that became the seat of the Alxa Prince's palace. Its courtyard houses and palace complex are well preserved, earning it the nickname “Little Beijing on the frontier.”
Dingyuanying was a garrison town built by the Qing dynasty for the Alxa Khoshut Banner. It later became the seat of the Alxa Prince (Jasagh Prince). Successive Alxa princes intermarried with the Qing court, and the palace was laid out in the style of a Beijing courtyard house, which is why it is known as “Little Beijing on the frontier.” The ancient town is now a national 4A-level scenic area and a regional leisure district. Highlights include the Alxa Prince's Palace, the palace commercial street, the Stone City and folk culture exhibition halls. The city walls follow the contours of the hills. Entry to the district is free, but opening hours and fees for the palace and other exhibition halls vary and should be checked on site. Located on Wangfu Street in the old town of Bayan Hot, it can be explored on foot together with the neighboring Yanfu Temple in about 2 hours.
Opening hours
Neighborhood open all day; exhibition halls approx. 09:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Yanfu Temple
- Alxa Museum
- Guangzong Monastery (Nansi) & Helan Mountain Scenic Area
- Fuyin Monastery (Beisi)
- Swan Lake (Tengger Desert)
- Dream Desert Motor Park
- Moon Lake (Tengger Desert)
- Tonghu Grassland