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Explore the region
About Danggar Ancient Town
Its east and west gates, Yingchun and Gonghai, provide a clear way to understand the old street axis. Temples dedicated to the City God and other deities reflect the commercial community’s varied religious life. The present visitor streets include restored fabric, so focus on the town’s layout and historical role rather than assuming every shopfront is original.
The old town was built during the Hongwu era (明洪武年间) of the Ming dynasty, when the area was administratively part of Xining County (西宁县) under Xining Prefecture (西宁府). In the ninth year of the Daoguang era (道光九年, 1829) the Qing government established Danggar Subprefecture (丹噶尔厅) at the site, and in the second year of the Republic of China (民国二年, 1913) Danggar Subprefecture was reorganised as Huangyuan County (湟源县). Its main buildings include Jinfo Temple (金佛寺) and Huozu Pavilion (火祖阁), along with temples dedicated to further deities such as the Jade Emperor (玉皇庙).
What to look for
- Yingchun and Gonghai gates define the old east–west axis.
- The City God Temple adds a civic religious landmark.
- The trading-town setting complements a journey towards Riyue Mountain.
Location & getting there
Getting to Danggar Ancient Town
Use Danggar Ancient Town in Huangyuan as the exact arrival point. It is a separate stop from central Xining and from the Riyue Mountain scenic entrance farther along the western route.
Combine your visit
Choose from these complementary stops when planning your visit.
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Yingchun Gate迎春门
Begin on the eastern approach.
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Old-town street and City God Temple古城街巷与城隍庙
Follow the historic commercial axis.
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Gonghai Gate拱海门
Finish at the western gate if the route is open.
This is a suggested combination, not a timed route; confirm the opening and transport arrangements for your date.
Find Danggar Ancient Town
丹噶尔古城 · 西宁
The pin marks the area, not the entrance.
More places nearby
Approximate straight-line distances between map pins, not travel distances.
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View guide →Sources & visit information
The linked encyclopedia sources support background and place descriptions. Current opening hours, ticket prices, booking rules and transport schedules have not been independently verified for this guide. Confirm them with the venue or operator before travelling.
- 丹噶尔古城 — Wikipedia geographic and historical reference ↗
- Chinese Wikipedia: 丹噶尔古城 (revision 92680977, 2026-05-16) ↗
Geographic and historical facts selectively adapted from Wikipedia contributors, 丹噶尔古城 · CC BY-SA 4.0. Source revision 92680977.
Background paragraphs translated and condensed from Wikipedia contributors, "丹噶尔古城", Chinese Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0. Source revision 92680977.