The Great Khan Palace Scenic Area is located in Datan Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. With Mongolian culture at its core and the recreation of Genghis Khan’s imperial traveling palace as its theme, the scenic area integrates natural and cultural landscapes, showcasing the historical style and ethnic customs of the Mongol-Yuan period. The scenic area covers a total area of about 2 million square meters. Its main structures include the Palace Gate, Genghis Khan’s Imperial Traveling Palace, the Ovoo Group, and the Heaven Worship Platform. The architecture is grand and imposing, reflecting the distinctive architectural art of the Mongolian people. It features both vast grassland scenery and rich historical and cultural relics, making it an important destination for learning about Mongolian history and experiencing grassland culture.
Historical and Cultural
The historical and cultural background of the Great Khan Palace is closely related to the Mongol-Yuan period. As the founder of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan used his traveling palace as an important place for directing military campaigns and handling government affairs, symbolizing the power and glory of the Mongol Empire. Drawing on this historical background, the scenic area recreates the political, military, and cultural life of the Mongol-Yuan period through architecture, sculptures, exhibitions, and other means.
Many elements in the scenic area carry the connotations of traditional Mongolian culture. For example, the ovoo is an important place for Mongolian sacrifices and has meanings such as blessing and commemoration; the heaven worship ceremony reflects the Mongolian people’s reverence for nature and deities. The display of these historical and cultural elements allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the Mongolian people’s development, folk customs, and their important place in history.
Main Attractions
Palace Gate
The Palace Gate is the entrance to the Great Khan Palace. It has a solemn and majestic architectural style, standing about 13 meters high and 20 meters wide. Watchtowers stand on both sides of the gate, carved with traditional Mongolian patterns, showcasing Mongolian architectural features. Above the gate hangs a plaque inscribed with “Great Khan Palace” in vigorous and powerful calligraphy, highlighting the grandeur of the palace. After entering the gate, visitors formally step into this scenic area that recreates Mongol-Yuan history.
Genghis Khan’s Imperial Traveling Palace
Genghis Khan’s Imperial Traveling Palace is the core structure of the scenic area, occupying about 1,500 square meters. It adopts a yurt-style architectural structure and has ornate interior decorations, recreating the scene of Genghis Khan handling government affairs and receiving envoys. Inside the palace are displayed many replicas of cultural relics, murals, and sculptures, including weapons, clothing, and daily necessities, vividly presenting the lifestyle and military culture of Genghis Khan’s time.
Ovoo Group
The Ovoo Group in the scenic area consists of several ovoos of different sizes, the tallest being about 10 meters. The ovoos are made of piled stones and covered with prayer flags. In Mongolian culture, the ovoo is a sacred symbol. People hold sacrificial ceremonies here to pray for favorable weather and peace and prosperity. Visitors can follow traditional Mongolian custom by walking around the ovoo three times and making a wish.
Heaven Worship Platform
The Heaven Worship Platform is located at a high point in the scenic area and covers about 800 square meters. It was built in imitation of the place where Genghis Khan worshipped heaven. The platform is equipped with facilities related to the heaven worship ceremony. Visitors can learn about Mongolian heaven worship culture and ritual procedures here. Because the platform is situated at a relatively high elevation, visitors can overlook the surrounding grassland scenery after climbing up, making it a good spot for photography.
Folk Customs Exhibition Hall
The Folk Customs Exhibition Hall is a themed exhibition area that comprehensively displays Mongolian history and culture and nomadic life and customs. Through physical objects, scene reconstructions, and illustrated texts, it allows visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of the glory of the Mongol Empire and the unique customs of the grassland people.
Suggested Tour Route：
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first go through the Palace Gate and admire its architectural features and the watchtowers on both sides. Then proceed to Genghis Khan’s Imperial Traveling Palace to view its displays and decorations in detail and learn about Genghis Khan’s historical achievements. After leaving the palace, go to the Ovoo Group to experience Mongolian ovoo culture. Next, climb the Heaven Worship Platform to overlook the entire scenic area and learn about heaven worship customs. Finally, visit the Folk Customs Exhibition Hall to experience traditional Mongolian life. This route is about 3–4 kilometers long, and the suggested touring time is 4–6 hours, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the main attractions and cultural connotations of the scenic area.
Travel Tips：
It is recommended to visit in summer (June–August), when the grassland scenery is beautiful, the climate is suitable, and outdoor activities are enjoyable.
The scenic area is large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Visitors can take part in Mongolian-themed activities in the scenic area, such as horse racing, wrestling, and ethnic song and dance performances. These activities usually take place around 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
There are dining areas in the scenic area offering Mongolian specialty foods such as hand-grabbed meat and milk tea. Visitors can choose according to their own tastes.
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the scenic area’s history and culture, you can hire a tour guide at the scenic area for about 100 yuan per time.
Precautions：
Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area, and flammable and explosive items are strictly forbidden.
Respect Mongolian customs and traditions. At places such as the ovoos and the Heaven Worship Platform, visitors should follow relevant regulations and must not damage facilities or litter.
The temperature difference between day and night in grassland areas is large, so even in summer visitors should bring a jacket to prevent catching cold.
Summer ultraviolet rays are strong, so sun protection measures such as applying sunscreen and wearing hats and sunglasses are necessary.
Follow the scenic area’s regulations. Do not climb buildings at will or enter areas that are not open to the public.
Transportation：
By car: Starting from Beijing, drive along the Jingcheng Expressway and Daguang Expressway, exit at Datan Town, and then drive about 5 kilometers to reach the scenic area. The total distance is about 300 kilometers, taking about 4.5 hours.
Public transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Dongzhimen Long-Distance Bus Station in Beijing to Datan Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County. There is one departure daily at 7:00 a.m., and the journey takes about 5 hours. After arriving in Datan Town, you can take a taxi to the scenic area for about 10 yuan.
Tourist shuttle: Some travel agencies offer tourist shuttle services to the Great Khan Palace. You can inquire and register in advance.
Opening Hours：
Opening hours are adjusted according to the season. In summer (April 1–October 31), opening hours are 8:00–18:00; in winter (November 1–March 31 of the following year), opening hours are 9:00–17:00. Ticket sales stop one hour before closing. Visitors are advised to arrange their touring time reasonably.
Tickets：
As of August 15, 2025, the ticket price is 88 yuan per person.