Plan at a glance
A Yuan-dynasty capital on the steppe
Xanadu was founded in 1256 and renamed Shangdu in 1263. Together with Dadu, it served as one of the Yuan dynasty's two capitals. The site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012. Today, its remains include the Palace City, Imperial City, Outer City, walls, and building platforms; visitors see the archaeological remains, not reconstructed palaces.
Closed for the winter season
The scenic area closed on October 8, 2026, and is not receiving visitors. Neither visitors nor vehicles may enter. Reopening is expected in May 2027, but no exact date has been announced. The Ctrip attraction page currently lists it as closed, with the reopening date undetermined. Do not travel to the site during the closure or try to enter by another road.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The Palace City, Imperial City, and Outer City
The remains include the Palace City, the Imperial City around it, the Outer City, and outer settlements. The Palace City is at the center, with the Imperial City around it and the Outer City farther out. Along open paths, visitors can see rammed-earth platforms, walls, and traces of roads. A site model at the visitor center shows the overall layout and helps visitors understand where each area lies.
Remains along the city's central axis
The historic axis includes Mingde Gate, Imperial Avenue, Yutian Gate, Daan'ge Pavilion, and Muqing Pavilion. Along it are platform foundations, gate remains, and traces visible at ground level. The foundations of Muqing Pavilion and Mingde Gate were included in a conservation and repair project; after reopening, access will depend on that day's visitor map and on-site barriers.
Jinlianchuan grassland and the setting
The city site lies on the Jinlianchuan grassland, with the Shandian and Shangdu rivers and open grassland nearby. View the landscape from open platforms and paths. Do not step on foundations, cross protective barriers, or enter closed grassland or archaeological areas for a better view.
Build your day
An approximately two-hour visit to the core area
After reopening, first check the visitor map and shuttle arrangements at the visitor center, then follow the open route to the core area. If Yutian Gate, Daan'ge Pavilion, and other stops are open, visit them along the designated boardwalks. Return to the visitor center via the designated route or by shuttle, if available. Allow about two hours; the actual paths, shuttle service, and stop lengths depend on that day's operations.
A slower three- to four-hour walk along the axis
After reopening, the route from Mingde Gate along Imperial Avenue to Yutian Gate, Daan'ge Pavilion, and Muqing Pavilion can serve as a three- to four-hour reference, including time to read the site information and take a short rest. This is a planning reference for after reopening. Choose the turnaround point and return method based on which axis stops are open, repair work, and the scenic area's shuttle arrangements. The status of Muqing Pavilion's platform and any shuttle at the far end will be confirmed after reopening.
Get there
Navigate to the site visitor center
The Site of Xanadu Visitor Center is northeast of the junction of China National Highway 510 and County Road 517. The archaeological site is about 20 kilometers east of Shangdu Town, around Wuyi Ranch in Zhenglan Banner. Search for “元上都遗址游客中心” in your map app; before reopening, confirm the entrance and road for that day. The Xanadu Site Museum is about five kilometers to the south and requires separate navigation.
Drive or arrange a return ride in advance
There is no direct bus to the site entrance. Driving or arranging a car in advance is recommended; agree on a pickup point for the return trip. During the previous open season, the site offered shared bicycles and four-wheel electric vehicles. Reconfirm the vehicle types, rental locations, fees, and parking arrangements after reopening.
Know before you go
Check reopening dates and services
The site is expected to reopen in May 2027, but the exact date has not been announced; visitor services are suspended during the closure. In June 2026, the site had 100 shared bicycles and 20 four-wheel electric vehicles, and the visitor center's dining area had been upgraded. Check the new arrangements for vehicles and dining after reopening.
Tickets, reservations, and transport within the site
Ticket sales and transport within the site are suspended during the closure. After reopening, recheck reservations, discounted tickets, shuttle schedules, and fees. The archaeological site and the museum to the south have separate admission. For ticket questions, call 0479-2258834; for complaints, call 0479-2258833.
Site protection, weather, and supplies
Conservation rules prohibit damaging artifacts, signs, or protection facilities. Stay on paths open that day; do not touch, climb on, or move site structures. The grassland is dry and fire risk is high during the closure season; do not enter the protected area or bring fire-starting materials while the site is closed. In the open season, strong sun and wind are common, so bring water, sun protection, and windproof clothing. The visitor center's dining area is closed during the site's winter closure; check its post-reopening schedule.