Xiadu

Step into ancient history at Xiadu, also known as the Lower Capital of Yan, an extraordinary Warring States period capital located in Yi County, Baoding, Hebei Province. Nestled in the defensive terrain of the Taihang Mountains between the Beiyi River to the north and the Zhongyi River to the south, this ancient metropolis spanned 30 square kilometers, making it the largest excavated city from its era.

Between 400 and 300 BC, it may have been the largest city in the world, housing an estimated peak population of over 300,000 people. As you explore the site, you can marvel at remaining portions of the ancient rammed earth city wall, which once stood surrounded by a moat and measured up to 40 meters wide at its base, with sections still reaching up to 6.8 meters high today.

The square layout of the city was divided into eastern and western halves by a north-south canal and wall. You will discover that the eastern city held the palace, royal cemeteries featuring pyramidal tumulus tombs across two distinct sites, and massive historic workshops dedicated to casting iron and bronze, minting coins, crafting weapons, making pottery, and fashioning bone objects.

What to see at Xiadu

• Surviving rammed earth city walls measuring up to 6.8 meters high
• The largest excavated city site from the Warring States period, spanning 30 square kilometers
• Royal cemeteries containing tombs covered by distinctive pyramidal tumuluses
• Ancient workshop areas in the eastern city once used for casting bronze, iron, and minting coins

Visiting tips

To see the artifacts uncovered during excavations of the city, be sure to visit the dedicated museum built in Beijing.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Xiadu is easy to reach on Baoding’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nanzhuangtou. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Baoding travel guide.