UNESCO World Heritage · Cultural Site · Inscribed 2012
Site of Xanadu
元上都遗址 · Yuán Shàngdū Yízhǐ
The ruins of Kublai Khan's 13th-century summer capital, described by Marco Polo and immortalised in Coleridge's poem. Grassland, scattered foundations, and a museum. Remote and atmospheric. Full-day trip from Xilingol or combine with a grassland tour.
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Quick Answer
The ruins of Kublai Khan's 13th-century summer capital, described by Marco Polo and immortalised in Coleridge's poem. Grassland, scattered foundations, and a museum. Remote and atmospheric. Full-day trip from Xilingol or combine with a grassland tour.
Quick Facts
| Chinese Name | 元上都遗址 (Yuán Shàngdū Yízhǐ) |
|---|---|
| Category | cultural |
| Year Inscribed | 2012 |
| Province | Inner Mongolia |
| Nearest City | Xilingol / Zhenglan Banner |
| Ticket | ¥50 (site + museum). |
| Hours | 8:30–17:30 (May–October). Closed November–April due to snow. |
| Best Time | June–August (grassland is green, Naadam festival season nearby). September for golden steppe and fewer insects. |
| Duration | 2–3 hours on site. Full day including transport. |
| Transport | From Beijing: HSR to Hohhot (2.5h) or fly to Xilingol (1h), then drive 2–3 hours to Zhenglan Banner. The site is remote — self-drive or join a tour. |
Why Visit Site of Xanadu?
Xanadu is a pilgrimage site for anyone who ever read Coleridge in high school. The reality is subtle — grass-covered foundations under a huge sky, wind in the steppe, almost no visitors. I was one of four people on site that afternoon. The museum does an excellent job of reconstructing what the city looked like, and the sheer remoteness of the location adds to the sense of lost empire. It is not a blockbuster, and that is exactly why I liked it.
Overview
The Site of Xanadu (Shangdu) was the summer capital of Kublai Khan and the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), built in 1256 north of the Great Wall on the Mongolian steppe. Marco Polo visited in 1275 and described a marble palace, gilded halls, and a bamboo pavilion that could be assembled and disassembled. The city was laid out on a grid fusing Mongol nomadic tradition with Han Chinese planning, and served as the political and cultural bridge between the steppe and the sedentary world. It was abandoned after the Ming Dynasty overthrew the Yuan in 1368 and gradually reclaimed by grassland. Today, the site consists of grassy mounds, exposed foundations, and a museum.
Practical Information
Tickets
¥50 (site + museum).
Hours of Operation
8:30–17:30 (May–October). Closed November–April due to snow.
Best Time to Visit
June–August (grassland is green, Naadam festival season nearby). September for golden steppe and fewer insects.
How to Get There
From Beijing: HSR to Hohhot (2.5h) or fly to Xilingol (1h), then drive 2–3 hours to Zhenglan Banner. The site is remote — self-drive or join a tour.
How Long to Spend
2–3 hours on site. Full day including transport.
Highlights
- Outer City foundations — the grid layout is still visible from the raised viewing platforms
- Imperial Palace platform — the central mound where Kublai Khan's palace stood
- Museum — scale models, artefacts, and Marco Polo's account in multiple languages
- Surrounding steppe — the grassland itself, with herders and horses, is the larger attraction
Insider Tips
- Visit in June–August when the grassland is green and the weather is pleasant
- There is no shade on site — bring a hat, sunscreen, and 2L of water
- Combine with a Mongolian grassland homestay (yurt, horse riding, hotpot) nearby
- Read Marco Polo's account of Xanadu before visiting (book 1, chapter 57) — it makes the ruins come alive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is left of Xanadu to see?
Foundations of the palace platform, city walls, and the grid layout of the outer city are visible as raised grassy mounds. The museum contains scale models, excavated artefacts, and detailed reconstructions. There are no standing buildings — the city was systematically dismantled after 1368 and the wooden structures burned.
Is Xanadu worth the trip?
For history enthusiasts and Marco Polo fans: yes — the remoteness and atmosphere compensate for the modest ruins. For general tourists spending limited time in China: the time-to-reward ratio is low. Combine with a broader Inner Mongolia grassland trip for the best experience.
How do I get to Xanadu?
The site is in Zhenglan Banner (正蓝旗), Inner Mongolia. Fly Beijing → Xilingol (1h), then drive 2h. Or HSR to Hohhot (2.5h) then drive 3h. Public transport is impractical — hire a car or join a tour. The nearest town (Shangdu Town) is 20 km away.
What did Marco Polo say about Xanadu?
He described "a very fine marble palace" with gilded halls and a bamboo pavilion on gilded columns that could be taken down and moved. He wrote of 10,000 white horses kept for the Khan, falconry expeditions, and the Khans' ability to control weather through astrologers. His account (Book 1, Chapter 57 of "The Travels") is the most detailed Western description of a Mongol capital in the 13th century.