The bell and drum tower
The heart of town.
Pechorin04 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · 周李 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · 猫猫的日记本 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · 猫猫的日记本 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · George Wenn — CC BY-SA 3.0 · George Wenn — CC BY-SA 3.0
The most complete Ming-dynasty garrison town left in China, once called Ningyuan, a forward fortress guarding the road between the plains of the north-east and Shanhai Pass; its square walls and four gates still stand, and it has been a protected national monument since 1988. At the heart of the town stands the bell and drum tower, built in 1454 and rebuilt in 1777 on a square brick base pierced by crossing arches, with streets running from it to the gates. On the main street two stone memorial archways were raised in 1631 and 1638 for the commander brothers Zu Dashou and Zu Dale, with four pillars and stone lions, and nearby stand the Confucian temple, begun in 1428, and the fortress commander's office. Visitors climb the wall and walk it around the town, looking down over its old rooftops. A combined pass costs from about CNY 50 and covers the wall, the two archways, the temple and the commander's office, or the sights can be bought separately, the wall alone about 25, per visitor guides.
The heart of town.
In carved stone.
Around the town.
Xingcheng, south-west of Huludao, Liaoning
Xingcheng is also known for its beach on the Bohai Gulf and its hot springs, so the old town and the sea fit into one day, best in summer.
Liaoning's towns have restaurants run by Hui Muslims under the halal sign, while local restaurants serve seafood and pork, so ask about ingredients.