Over a surface area of 25, ha, the site was a unique attempt to assimilate the nomadic Mongolian and Han Chinese cultures. From this base, Kublai Khan established the Yuan dynasty that ruled China over a century, extending its boundaries across Asia. The religious debate that took place here resulted in the dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism over north-east Asia, a cultural and religious tradition still practised in many areas today.
The site was planned according to traditional Chinese feng shui in relation to the nearby mountains and river. Ten noorden van de Chinese Muur liggen de overblijfselen van Kublai Khan's legendarische hoofdstad Xanadu, ontworpen door de Chinese adviseur van de Mongoolse leider Liu Bingzhong in Het gebied van ruim Hier stichtte Kublai Khan de Yuan dynastie met Xanadu als zomerhoofdstad.
Onder de overblijfselen van de stad bevinden zich tempels, paleizen, graven, nomadische nederzettingen en het Tiefan'gang kanaal, samen met andere waterwerken. The Site of Xanadu is the site of a grassland capital characteristic of cultural fusion, witnessing clashes and mutual assimilation between the nomadic and agrarian civilisations in northern Asia.
Located on the southeast edge of the Mongolian plateau, it was the first capital of Kublai Khan and later the summer capital of the Yuan Dynasty. The city site and associated tombs are located on the grassland steppe with a north south axis determined by traditional Chinese feng shui principles, backed by mountains to the north and a river to the south.
The plan of Xanadu, with Palace and Imperial cities enclosed partly by the Outer City containing evidence of the nomadic encampments and royal hunting enclosure, comprises a unique example of this cultural fusion.
As the place where Kublai Khan rose to power, hosted religious debates and entertained foreign travellers whose writings gave inspiration down the centuries, it has achieved legendary status in the rest of the world and is the place from where Tibetan Buddhism expanded.
Criterion ii : The location and environment of the Site of Xanadu exhibits influence from both Mongolian and Han Chinese values and lifestyles. The city site exhibits an urban planning pattern indicative of integration of the two ethnicities.
From the combination of Mongolian and Han ideas and institutions the Yuan Dynasty was able to extend its control over an extremely large part of the known world at that time. The Site of Xanadu is a unique example of an integrated city plan involving different ethnic communities. Criterion iii : The Site of Xanadu is exceptional testimony to the supreme rule of the Yuan conqueror Kublai Khan, the assimilation and conversion to the culture and political system of the conquered, and the determination and effort of the conqueror in adhering to and maintaining the original cultural traditions.
Criterion iv : The site location and environment of the Site of Xanadu together with its urban pattern demonstrates a coexistence and fusion of nomadic and farming cultures. Alongside was a large bas-relief of armies and courtiers crowding in on an enthroned Kublai holding an impressive pose. By now the enigmatic ridges had begun to make sense.
In the south-east corner was the imperial city, with mud brick houses for workmen, craftsmen and officials, and several temples. Inside this, the palace city of royal residences, meeting halls and the palace itself, the Pavilion of Great Peace. Xanadu was once home to about , people. There are no rivers though there is a meandering stream, the Shandian , no caverns, chasms, caves of ice, incense-bearing trees or sunless sea. But there is something in the schoolroom poem. If so, it was an astonishing and original creation, an essential part of the magic that is still part of the Xanadu we know today.
John Man is a historian and travel writer. He will be leading a tour to Xanadu with Steppes Travel in September Sign in. Back to Main menu Virtual events Masterclasses. On its right side are the Mongolian cavalry, and on the left side are the ministers of the Yuan Dynasty, including Liu Bingzhong, Kublai's Chinese advisor, who designed and built Xanadu, and Marco Polo , the Venetian explorer who served at Kublai's court between and Xanadu was greatly damaged due to unceasing wars with the Mongols to the north during the Ming Dynasty, leaving only a grassy mound, crumbling walls, and ruined curbs for the later generations to ponder over and dream about.
Jinlianchuan Prairie is part of the Xilingol Grassland on which Xanadu was built. The prairie was once the summer resort area for emperors of the Liao — , Jin — , and Yuan dynasties.
Every summer, the prairie is full of nasturtiums, looking like a golden ocean from a distance. You can not only enjoy the natural and fine pasture with clear waters and beautiful grasses there but also you can participate in traditional Mongol activities like horseback riding and archery.
The museum is about 5 kilometers 3 miles south of the site of Xanadu, showing a model of Xanadu as it was and displaying valuable antiques and maps of Xanadu. Due to the long distances and lack of public transportation, the best way to travel to Xanadu is to take a private transfer , combining sightseeing along the way. Finally, drive back to Beijing.
If you are not satisfied with the above-suggested itineraries, you are welcome to tell us your travel needs , and one of our travel consultants would be happy to customize a tour for you.
China Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy. The Layout of Xanadu Xanadu has a square perimeter of about 9 kilometers 5. The Imperial City is in the southeast corner of the Outer City sharing part of its wall.
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