First City Under Heaven: Hebei's Ming-Qing Dynasty Replica & Cultural Theme Park

The First City Under Heaven

First City Under Heaven, located in Xianghe County, Langfang City, Hebei Province, is a modern cultural theme park replicating the architectural grandeur of Ming and Qing Dynasty Beijing. Built between 1992 and 1998, the park spans 1.33 square kilometers and features a 5-kilometer-long city wall, 22 restored watchtowers, and 88 scenic spots. Designed as a "living museum," it blends imperial history with recreational facilities, including golf courses, hotels, and performance venues. The park’s centerpiece, the Round Ming Garden, reconstructs eight iconic pavilions from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, offering visitors a condensed journey through China’s dynastic legacy.

Historical Overview

The park’s concept originated in 1992, inspired by Xianghe County’s historical significance as the site where Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) of the Ming Dynasty considered establishing his capital. While the Ancient City no longer exists, the modern reconstruction aims to revive its architectural spirit. Construction began on October 18, 1992, with over 10,000 workers participating. The park opened to the public on April 28, 1998, and has since evolved into a multifunctional destination hosting cultural Festivals, such as the Spring Festival Temple Fair and Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, which feature traditional music, dance, and acrobatics.

Structural Layout

The park is divided into two main sections:

Outer City (Cultural Heritage Zone):
- Features 10 restored city gates (e.g., Yongdingmen, Zu’anmen) and two corner towers, following the Ming Dynasty’s "nine inner and seven outer gates" layout.
- Highlights include the Round Ming Garden, a 170,000-square-meter re-creation of the Old Summer Palace’s pavilions, and the Imperial Cultural Performance Square, where daily Kai Cheng Yi Shi (ancient city-opening ceremonies) are staged.
Inner City (Recreational Zone):
- Combines modern amenities like an 18-hole golf course, luxury hotels (e.g., Chaoyang Hotel), and a water park with traditional courtyards and folk art workshops.
- Key structures: Golden Art Hall (for conferences and exhibitions), Cocktail Garden, and Kangti Center (spa and fitness facilities).

Major Attractions

City Walls & Watchtowers: Climb the 8-meter-high, 10-meter-wide walls for panoramic views of the park and surrounding countryside.
Round Ming Garden: Explore reconstructed pavilions like Zhengda Guangming Dian (Hall of Supreme Harmony) and Wanfang Anhe (Ten-Thousand-Peace Pavilion).
Ancient City-Opening Ceremony: Daily 9 AM performance featuring drummers, flag-bearers, and actors in Ming Dynasty attire.
Imperial Palace Museum: Displays replicas of imperial artifacts, including jade seals and dragon robes.
Golf Course & Water Park: Modern leisure facilities set against traditional architectural backdrops.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Half-Day Tour (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Ancient City-Opening Ceremony → Round Ming Garden → Yongdingmen Gate → Imperial Palace Museum → Golden Art Hall.
Highlights: Core cultural attractions and architectural marvels.

Cultural Deep Dive (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Round Ming Garden (guided tour) → Folk Art Workshops (calligraphy, paper-cutting) → Imperial Cultural Performance → Evening Temple Fair.
Highlights: Interactive cultural experiences and traditional performances.

Full-Day Comprehensive Tour (8 hours):
Entrance → Ancient City-Opening Ceremony → Round Ming Garden → Golf Course → Water Park → Cocktail Garden Dinner.
Highlights: Blend of history, recreation, and modern leisure.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via official website (http://www.firstcity.cn/) or platforms like Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at entrance gates; peak-season queues may form.
Prices (2025):
- Standard Ticket: ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (children/seniors).
- Comprehensive Ticket (includes golf/water park): ¥200 (adults), ¥100 (concessions).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation Options

By Car:

From Beijing: 1-hour drive via G1 (Beijing-Shanghai Expressway) and Xianghe Exit.
From Tianjin: 1.5-hour drive via S30 (Tianjin-Xianghe Expressway).
By Bus:
Beijing Dongzhimen Station → Xianghe Station (¥25, 1.5 hours), then taxi (¥15) to park.
Tianjin Tongsha Station → Xianghe Station (¥30, 2 hours).
By Tour Bus:
Daily tours from Beijing Wangfujing (¥99/person, includes park ticket).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Seasons: spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October) for clear skies.
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends attract Beijing/Tianjin tourists.
Essentials:
- Wear comfortable shoes (5–8km walking possible).
- Bring cash for folk art workshops and street food.
- Photography allowed except in performance venues.
- Prohibited: Drones, large bags, and smoking outside designated areas.