Xingcheng Ancient City
兴城古城
One of China's best-preserved Ming-dynasty garrison towns. You can walk the square city walls all the way around, and the Bell and Drum Towers, the Commander's Mansion and the City God Temple are all located inside.
Xingcheng Ancient City was originally the Ming-dynasty Ningyuan Garrison, built in the third year of the Xuande era (1428). In the late Ming, Yuan Chonghuan used Red Barbarian cannons to repel Nurhaci here, an event known as the Battle of Ningyuan. The old city is square, with well-preserved walls on all four sides, gates and barbicans. The circuit of the walls is about 3.3 kilometres, and you can climb onto them and walk all the way around. The Bell and Drum Towers stand at the city centre. Other sites include the Commander's Mansion, the General's Mansion, the City God Temple and the Zhou Family Residence. Tickets are required for the walls and some courtyards. Combined tickets, opening hours and other details follow the official notices of the scenic area. The old streets inside serve snacks such as shaobing (baked flatbread) and whole-lamb soup.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:30 (city walls)