Beijing: the Ancient Town of Yongning

Located in the middle area of Yanqing jurisdiction, about 90 kilometers away of downtown Beijing, the ancient town of Yongning is the second largest town in Yanqing County. With a long history, the town is named after the city of Yongning. During the period of three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the town was the capital city of Jinyun family, and in the 12th year of Yongle reign(1414 A.D.) of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was renamed as “Yongning”, with the wish of permanent peace. Just like the original name of Xian, Chang’an, which also means “perpetual peace” — as what I heard from the tour guide in my Xian tour.

The site of Yongning Town, Yongning City was originally built in Ming Dynasty, and it has a history of over 600 years. In early years of the Republic of China, it was affiliated to Yanqing County. Now the ancient town of Yongning has been listed as the second group of “Historical and Cultural Protection Block” by Beijing. It is also hailed as “the first cultural town in suburb of Beijing ”.

One cannot know Yanqing without going to Yongning. The landmark building Yuhuang(Jade Emperor) Tower in the central town is grand and magnificent, which is an embodiment of the artistic accomplishments of the ancient working people in China.

Many toursits choose a Beijing Xian tour  to get the best interpretation of Chiense history.