The ancient Huiyuan City

The ancient Huiyuan City,located on the north bank of River Yili,was built in 1736.It used to be the Residence office of Yili general of the Qing Dynasty as well as the political and military center of the then Xinjiang.It was recorded that it was very prosperous with shops lining up the streets and businessmen coming and going at the time.In 1871,the city was destroyed by the invading Czar Russian troops and it was rebuilt later.A three-story Bell Tower with typical ancient Chinese style still stands in the center of the city and tourists can have a birds-eye view of the city and landscape of Yili River Valley.The site of the Yili General Mansion is another attraction to tourists for its wingding paths,corridors and pavilions and remains of the ancient park.