From the ashes of the Yuan dynasty, a new capital arose. Right before you stand the remnants of Nanxincang, a Ming dynasty granary. Nanxincang witnessed the transformation of Beijing from Dadu, the Mongol capital, to the magnificent city we know today. Emperor Yongle, the third Ming emperor, envisioned a grand new capital. He ordered the construction of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, transforming Beijing into a symbol of Ming power. Nanxincang, as a granary, played a vital role in feeding the growing population and supporting the military during this period. It was one of several granaries that helped control prices and prevent inflation. The Yongle Emperor launched multiple campaigns against the Mongols from his new capital. The construction of the Great Wall, particularly the sections in northern Beijing, took place during the Ming era to protect the city. These massive construction projects and military expeditions required a robust supply of food, a need fulfilled by Nanxincang and other storehouses. Nanxincang reminds us of Beijing’s evolution. It speaks to the city’s ability to adapt and endure through dynastic changes and historical upheavals. The granary may be in ruins, but its story continues to nourish our understanding of Beijing’s rich past.
Nanxincang
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
Learning about Nanxincang in Beijing is only the beginning of your adventure. Explory helps you go further with a powerful digital guide that transforms every walk into an experience. Using our intuitive city guide, you can easily connect stories with locations, creating your own city tour while enjoying Beijing at your own rhythm.
Explory’s goal is to make your trip unforgettable. Our guide combines storytelling with orientation, giving you the chance to uncover the rich layers of Beijing. Thanks to the integrated audio guide, you can listen to fascinating narratives while exploring the streets. Beyond the well-known attractions, Explory highlights hidden gems and secret corners that make the city truly unique.
With the city guide, you’ll gain insights and flexibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, the app offers exploration on your terms. Each curated city tour blends local culture, history, and atmosphere into one seamless experience. The emphasis on exploration ensures you won’t just see Beijing, but actually connect with it. And because our content reveals hidden gems, you’ll always discover something new.
Expand your journey by downloading the Explory App. Explore over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories, all accessible from your phone. Whether you need a trusted guide, a flexible audio guide, or a structured city tour, Explory offers everything in one place. Start your adventure today and explore Beijing like never before with Explory.
More Places in Beijing
St. Peter’s Basilica
“Have you seen the cameras?” That’s what I thought the first time I saw the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,
Jianwai Subdistrict
Thirty thousand souls. That’s how many people call Jianwai Subdistrict home. Jianwai Subdistrict sits nestled on the western side of