Plan at a glance
A walled historic site entered through the East Gate
Hetu Ala City is in Laocheng Village, Yongling Town, Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County, Fushun. The East Gate is the main entrance, with the visitor center and car park nearby. Inside the walls are the Khan's Grand Hall (汗宫大衙门), Hanwang Well (罕王井), Taksi's Former Residence, the Plain White Banner Office (正白旗衙门), the city wall and the Manchu Old Street.
Many buildings in the city have been reconstructed. The visit focuses on the layout of an early Manchu settlement, its architecture and displays about daily life. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the main buildings, or 3–4 hours if you take your time and continue to the wall and old street.
Tickets and opening hours
The reference adult ticket price is CNY 60, and advance reservation is not required. Peak season runs from April 21 to October 31, with opening hours of 08:30–17:00; in the off-season, hours are 08:30–16:00. Third-party ticket listings show last entry at 16:00 in peak season and 15:00 in the off-season. Check the ticket page for your visit date and on-site notices; confirm any ticket discounts against that day's purchase conditions.
The main sights are close enough to visit on foot. A sightseeing cart is also available for CNY 15 per person. If you want to see a performance, check that day's programme first, then choose a start time and either the short or full route.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Gates, government halls and a former residence
The Khan's Grand Hall (汗宫大衙门) is an octagonal, double-eaved building associated with Nurhaci's rise as khan. Taksi's Former Residence offers a look at traditional Manchu domestic life, including the pocket-style house layout (口袋房), a three-sided heated brick sleeping platform known as a wanzikang (万字炕), and a hanging cradle called a youche (悠车). Hanwang Well is another distinctive historic feature within the city.
If you have more time, continue to the Plain White Banner Office, climb the city wall for a view over the site, and then walk along the Manchu Old Street. The visit may appeal to people interested in early Qing history, Manchu culture and traditional architecture, as well as families who want to explore courtyards and displays at an easy pace.
Performances and folk customs
Performances such as the “Enthronement Ceremony” (《登基大典》) and “Army Departure Ceremony” (《千军万马出征仪式》) may be scheduled on Saturdays and public holidays. The reference time for the Enthronement Ceremony is around 13:00; the Army Departure Ceremony is listed at around 10:00 or 14:00. These are not daily fixed performances, so check the programme on arrival.
You can also learn about Manchu customs such as a traditional Manchu ritual pole, known as a suoluo gan (索罗杆), and paper-covered windows; some interactive activities vary with the event schedule. The East Gate, the steps of the Khan's Grand Hall and viewpoints on the city wall are commonly used for photos. Take photos only in areas open to visitors.
For a separate imperial tomb visit about 5 km away, see Qing Yongling (Yongling Tomb).
Build your day
Short route: two main buildings
Enter through the East Gate, visit the Khan's Grand Hall, then continue to Taksi's Former Residence and follow the signs back to the East Gate. Allow about 1.5–2 hours, focusing on these two buildings and their displays.
This route suits visitors with limited time or those who do not plan to see a performance. Ask at the entrance whether any performance is scheduled that day. If waiting for a show would shorten your visit, decide whether to stay for it.
Full route: follow the historic city in sequence
From the East Gate, visit the Khan's Grand Hall, Hanwang Well, Taksi's Former Residence and the Plain White Banner Office in sequence. Then climb the city wall to see the layout before finishing along the Manchu Old Street. Allow about 3–4 hours and follow the signs back to the East Gate.
If a performance is scheduled, you can fit the Army Departure Ceremony or Enthronement Ceremony into the route. Allow time for walking, and use the day's programme for the venue and time rather than relying on the reference slots.
Get there
Transfer from Xinbin Station
The Shenyang–Baishan high-speed railway serves Xinbin Station. A passenger route between Fushun and Xinbin passes near Hetu Ala City, but a connecting bus boarding point at Xinbin Station has not been confirmed. Arrange a taxi or other transfer from the station to the East Gate.
According to information published in April 2026, departures from Fushun on the Fushun–Xinbin route are listed within 07:10–17:00, and departures from Xinbin within 05:00–16:30. The route stops at villages along the way and is not a shuttle dedicated to the scenic area. Before travelling, confirm the actual boarding station, which departures pass the site and how to return.
Driving and the transfer to Qing Yongling
Navigate to “Hetu Ala City.” There is a car park near the East Gate, with parking listed at about CNY 10–20 per day. Driving takes about 2 hours from central Shenyang and about 1 hour from central Fushun; actual times vary by starting point and traffic.
Qing Yongling is about 5 km away and can be visited on the same day, but it has a separate entrance and ticket. Check opening hours and performance schedules at both sites before deciding which to visit first.
Know before you go
Stone paths and guided tours
Most paths are paved with stone. Wear non-slip shoes suitable for a longer walk. The sightseeing cart costs an additional CNY 15 per person, and the main cluster of sights can also be reached on foot.
Paid guiding is listed at about CNY 150. Before booking, confirm what the fee covers, the service duration and route, and whether the price is per person or per group. You can also visit independently by following the signs at each site.
Performances, food and combining nearby visits
Performance schedules vary between weekdays, weekends and public holidays. Check whether a show is running on your visit date. Dining options inside the scenic area are limited, so plan to eat before or after your visit; confirm the address of any nearby restaurant before going.
Hetu Ala City and Qing Yongling are separate attractions, each with its own entrance and ticket. If visiting both in one day, plan separate entry times and allow for the approximately 5 km transfer.