Shangdu, which literally means "Upper Capital," was the summer capital of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) in China. Located on the Jinlianchuan Grasslands of Xilingol League in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shangdu is bordered by the Xanadu River to the south and Longgang Mountain to the north. Founded in 1256, Shangdu covers a vast area of 250 square kilometers. As the first capital of the Yuan Dynasty, Shangdu played a pivotal role in connecting China with the wider world and was central to many significant historical events that influenced the course of global civilizations.

A bird's eye view of the ruins of Yuan Shangdu in Xilingol League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo by Guan Yongxin]

In the 13th century, the famous Italian traveler Marco Polo (1254–1324) visited Shangdu, where he met Kublai Khan (1215–1294), the founder of the Yuan Dynasty. His account, The Travels of Marco Polo, brought global attention to the vibrant city he referred to as "Xanadu," a name that has since become synonymous with an idyllic, paradise-like place in Western culture. Despite the passage of time and many upheavals, the Site of Yuan Shangdu remains remarkably well-preserved, earning its reputation as the best-preserved grassland capital city in the world. In 2012, it was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List, recognized for its unique cultural fusion and as a testament to the coexistence and mutual assimilation of nomadic and Han Chinese cultures, among others.

Grassland capital city

Shangdu, also known as Luanjing or Shangjing, is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Shangdu Town, Zhenglan Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia. Shangdu was commissioned by Kublai Khan in 1256, with construction led by Liu Bingzhong (1216–1274), Kublai Khan's Han adviser, over a period of three years. Initially named Kaiping, it became the temporary capital in 1260 when Kublai Khan succeeded to the throne here. In 1263, Kaiping was renamed Shangdu, and Yanjing (modern-day Beijing) was first renamed Zhongdu and later changed to Dadu, officially becoming the capital of the Yuan Dynasty in 1272, creating a dual capital system.