Huiyuan Ancient City is located in Huocheng County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The total area of the scenic area is approximately 8.6 square kilometers. Its characteristic lies in that it is a typical city of the Qing Dynasty, and the architectural style integrates the characteristics of various ethnic groups such as Han, Hui, and Uyghur. There are still ancient buildings such as the former site of the General's Mansion and the Bell and Drum Tower within the city. The city walls are tall and thick, and buildings such as the city gates, city towers, and watchtowers on the city walls are well-preserved.
Historical Culture
Historically, Yili was an important passage from Xinjiang to Central Asia. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong established the Yili General here to strengthen the governance of the Yili region, built Huiyuan City, and constructed eight satellite cities around it, collectively known as the "Nine Cities of Yili". The name "Huiyuan" was personally bestowed by Emperor Qianlong, meaning that the kindness of the Qing emperor extended to distant places. The old city of Huiyuan was once prosperous and was known as the "Little Beijing". At that time, the buildings within the city were neatly arranged, with four horizontal and vertical streets leading directly to the four city gates. In the center of the city, a tall and majestic Bell and Drum Tower was built to safeguard all directions. There were many military facilities both inside and outside the city, with numerous temples and shops. However, due to wars and the aggression of Tsarist Russia, the buildings within the city were damaged during the wars, and many buildings were demolished, causing the old city of Huiyuan to gradually decline. The current Huiyuan City was built by the Qing government 15 li north of the old Huiyuan City in 1882 (the 8th year of the Guangxu period) following the model of the old city. The famous patriotic general Lin Zexu once lived here for two years and one month, leaving behind many deeds.
Main Attractions
Yili General's Mansion
Located on the East Street within Huiyuan Ancient City, Huian Town, Huocheng County, it is a garden-style ancient architectural complex. The two stone lions at the entrance integrate the carving art characteristics of the north and the south, and there are 4 ancient trees in the courtyard. The main building is in the style of a siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard), a flat-roofed house with a wooden structure and overhanging eaves in the shape of a "ren" (person) beam. To showcase history, there are four "Exhibition Halls of the Historical Relics of the Yili General's Mansion in the Qing Dynasty" and the interior furnishings restored according to the layout of the Qing Dynasty.
Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower
Located at the center of the cross street in Huiyuan City, it was first built in 1883 (the 9th year of the Guangxu period). It is a wooden structure building with a four-story, three-eave hip roof, with a total height of 23.76 meters. The base layer is paved with blue bricks, and there are blue brick flower walls on the platform. The inner wall is inlaid with square timbers and blue bricks. There is a three-story colorful building on the platform, with overhanging eaves and brackets, and the painted beams and carved rafters. The roof and the eaves of each layer are covered with green glazed tiles, and the beams, columns, foreheads, and brackets under the eaves are painted. In the past, copper bells were hung on the eaves corners of each layer, and large bells and drums were placed on the second and third floors for telling the time.
Huiyuan Confucian Temple
It was first built in 1763 (the 28th year of the Qianlong period in the Qing Dynasty) and was destroyed together with the old city of Huiyuan during the occupation of Yili by Tsarist Russia. The current Confucian Temple is a building of the same period when Huiyuan City was rebuilt in 1891. It is a temple dedicated to commemorating Confucius and is a sacred place for respecting Confucius and advocating Confucianism, promoting the context of culture, respecting teachers and valuing education, and the tradition of promoting education and providing assistance for learning.
Delicacies
Gao's Mooncakes
It is a traditional delicacy in Huiyuan Town, inheriting the old flavor. The mooncakes made by their ancestors were once dim sum presented to the imperial court and are deeply loved by tourists.
Ancient City Ice Bowl
It is said that it was made by the chef in the mansion when General Jin Shun garrisoned Yili. It is made of fresh milk, eggs, fruits, and other ingredients and is a characteristic cold drink.
Stir-fried Mutton Entrails
It is a famous dish in Yili and can be tasted on the food street around Huiyuan Ancient City. It has a fresh and fragrant taste and a rich texture.
Admission Tickets
It is free to enter. However, other scenic spots within the scenic area require a fee. For example, the admission ticket for the Yili General's Mansion is 45 yuan per person. Please refer to the actual prices in the scenic area.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:30, and entry stops at 17:00. The business hours in winter may change. Please refer to the announcements within the scenic area for specific information.
Itinerary for Visiting
Tourists can start the tour from the Bell and Drum Tower. Taking the Bell and Drum Tower as the center, visit along the four streets running east-west and north-south. First, go to the Yili General's Mansion to learn about the history and life of the Yili Generals in the Qing Dynasty. Then, visit the Huiyuan Confucian Temple to experience the cultural atmosphere of respecting Confucius and advocating Confucianism. Finally, take a stroll within the ancient city, admire the ancient buildings and streets, and experience the historical charm of the ancient city.
Transportation
- Take a flight from Urumqi to Yining City, then transfer to a car to Huocheng County, and then charter a car to the scenic area, which costs about 100 yuan.
- There is a direct bus in Huocheng. Take the bus at the station opposite the post office, and the ticket price is 2 yuan.
- You can also take a taxi, which costs 5 yuan per person.
Must-visit Attractions
- Yili General's Mansion: It was the political and military center of Xinjiang in the Qing Dynasty. The ancient buildings are well-preserved, allowing you to deeply understand the historical governance of the border areas in the Qing Dynasty. The stone lions at the entrance and the ancient trees in the courtyard are of great characteristic.
- Huiyuan Bell and Drum Tower: It is the only traditional high-rise wooden structure building with a long history remaining in Xinjiang. Climbing up, you can overlook the scenery of the ancient city and feel the vicissitudes of history.
Suggestions for Visiting
- Learn about the historical background and cultural characteristics of the ancient city in advance to better appreciate and experience it.
- You can choose to take a carriage for the tour to feel a different travel experience.
- It is more suitable to visit in summer, and you can also enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
- Reserve 3 to 4 hours for the visit to fully tour each scenic spot.
Precautions
- Comply with local regulations and customs, protect the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient city, and do not scribble on the ancient buildings.
- Pay attention to safety, especially when visiting ancient buildings, and do not climb casually.
- Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When visiting in winter, pay attention to the changes in the business hours of the scenic area and make a travel plan in advance.