Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park in Beijing
Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park (元大都城垣遗址公园), located in Chaoyang District (朝阳区), Beijing, is a historical urban park built upon the ruins of the Yuan Dadu City (元大都), the capital of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). This park not only preserves important historical relics but also offers a peaceful environment for leisure and recreation. It combines the preservation of historical remains with modern urban amenities and serves as a unique blend of cultural heritage and ecological conservation.
Overview
Spanning over 9 kilometers and crossing both Chaoyang and Haidian Districts, this park is a significant cultural and natural landmark. It serves multiple purposes, including preserving historical ruins, providing a public space for leisure, improving the local ecology, and offering a safe emergency shelter.
The park was developed on the Yuan Dadu earth city ruins, a protected cultural heritage site. The city of Yuan Dadu was established by Kublai Khan (忽必烈) in 1267, and the area was once the political and cultural center of the Mongol Empire. It is a testament to the architectural and urban planning achievements of the Yuan Dynasty.
Historical Significance
In 1266, Kublai Khan decided to build a new capital city, Yuan Dadu, on the northeast of the former Zhongdu city. The construction began in 1267 and was completed in 1284. The city walls stretched 28.6 kilometers, and the capital was at the heart of the Mongol Empire.
After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) modified the layout of the city, reducing the northern walls. However, remnants of the original city remain, particularly the Yuan City Wall and other architectural features.
The park was formally established in 1988 by the Beijing Municipal Government to protect the ruins and to provide an educational space. In 2003, the park underwent significant redevelopment to integrate modern amenities and improve the surrounding environment. It was officially listed as a National 4A Tourist Attraction.
Key Features and Scenic Spots
Main Attractions
The park is divided into two main sections: Chaoyang and Haidian. It showcases the historical development of Beijing over the past 700 years, highlighting the transformation from Yuan Dadu to the present-day city.
Chaoyang Section
The Chaoyang section of the park is the largest and includes several key attractions:
Yuan Dadu New Appearance: Displays the architectural style and layout of the Yuan Dynasty capital city.
Dadu Splendor: A large sculptural installation that commemorates the grandeur of Yuan Dadu during its peak.
Longze Fish Leaping: The largest artificial wetland in Beijing, located at the park’s eastern end. It offers a serene, natural landscape with wetland flora and fauna.
Haidian Section
The Haidian section of the park features various cultural and historical sites:
Jimen Smoke Trees: Located at the westernmost point of the park, this site symbolizes the early stages of the city’s development, with vibrant spring scenes.
Iron Cavalry: A sculptural installation that reflects the military strength and influence of the Yuan Dynasty.
Gaba Chariot: An area that showcases Yuan Dynasty military achievements, including sculptures of arrows and shields.
Peach Blossom Creek: A scenic spot known for its flowering crabapple trees, it hosts the Crabapple Flower Festival, one of Beijing‘s top spring flower festivals.
Environmental Design
The park features lush green spaces, with a green coverage rate of 73%. Xiaoyue River (小月河) runs through the park, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and ecological diversity. Several water plant zones contain lotus flowers, reeds, and other aquatic plants. Visitors can also enjoy the waterfront platforms and wooden boat docks along the river.
The park also includes multiple bridges that cross the river, offering scenic views and connecting different areas of the park. This unique landscape design combines historical, ecological, and recreational elements, making it an ideal destination for visitors interested in both nature and culture.
Cultural and Artistic Highlights
The park features a series of sculptural installations and art displays that commemorate the Yuan Dynasty and its influence on Beijing’s development:
Dadu Construction: Large sculptures depict the construction of Yuan Dadu, showcasing the technical achievements and urban planning during the Yuan Dynasty.
Dadu Ceremonies: Sculptures recreate grand ceremonies from the Yuan Dynasty, reflecting the political, economic, and military dominance of the empire.
Peach Blossom Creek: A vibrant display of blooming crabapple trees that attracts thousands of visitors each spring.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Location
Address: No. 24, Xiaoguangxi Street (小关西街), Chaoyang District, Beijing
Opening Hours
Open All Day: The park is open daily and free to the public.
Admission
Free Entry: The park offers free entry for all visitors.
Public Transportation
Bus: Take 407 to Anzhen Xili (安贞西里) stop.
Subway: Take Line 10 and alight at Beitucheng (北土城) Station.
Buses: Take buses 653, 409, 380, 849, T2, and 515 to Anzhen Hospital North (安贞医院北站).
Driving Directions
From the North: Drive south on Anhua Bridge (安华桥) towards Tucheng East Road (土城东路) and turn right.
From the South: Drive north on Anhui Bridge (安惠桥), turn right onto Tucheng East Road, and continue for about 500 meters.
Special Events and Festivals
The park is home to the Crabapple Flower Festival, held annually in the Peach Blossom Creek area, with over 28 varieties of crabapple trees. This festival, which began in 1998, is one of Beijing’s most prominent spring events.
