Outside view of Dingyuanying Ancient City. [Photo/WeChat Account of Alshaa League Culture and Tourism]

Dingyuanying Ancient City Tourism and Leisure Street has been designated as part of China's fourth batch of national-level tourism and leisure streets.

Located in Bayanhot town, Alshaa Left Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Dingyuanying Ancient City dates back to 1731 when the emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) granted it as a residence to Abao, a royal member.

Today, it is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a key cultural heritage site under national protection. The ancient city features the Royal Palace Museum, traditional quadrangle dwellings, ancient city walls, remnants of city gates, and historic streets.

The ancient city flourished as a commercial hub during the Qing Dynasty and peaked during the Republic of China era. It developed a unique historical landscape characterized by ancient architectural styles, commerce-driven prosperity, and a rich cultural heritage, earning it the nickname "Little Beijing Beyond the Great Wall".

An aerial view of Dingyuanying Ancient City. [Photo/WeChat Account of Alshaa League Culture and Tourism]

As the most well-preserved historical town in western Inner Mongolia, it boasts traditional residences, historical streets, an intangible cultural heritage base, museums, themed accommodations, ethnic handicrafts, and educational tourism facilities. Its commercial offerings encompass entertainment, lodging, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

In recent years, the ancient city has integrated urban commercial streets with traditional tourism, enriching its nighttime cultural and tourism scene. It has linked scenic areas, pedestrian streets, marketplaces, and commercial districts by incorporating heritage and entertainment elements, creating a dynamic "day-and-night" tourism model.

Themed market events are regularly held during major festivals such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. These events bring the city's rich history, folk traditions, cultural arts, and local delicacies to life, immersing visitors in Dingyuanying's vibrant past and present.

The ancient wall of Dingyuanying Ancient City. [Photo/WeChat Account of Alshaa League Culture and Tourism]