Dingyuan Garrison Historical Town in Bayanhot, Alxa Left Banner, western Inner Mongolia autonomous region on March 15. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Dingyuan Garrison Histrocial Site in Bayanhot has taken on a brand-new look after renovation and maintenance work, following investment of over 500 million yuan ($73 million) by regional and local government in Inner Mongolia.

The renovated Dingyuan Garrison Historical Site was built on its original site during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng (1723-1735). Located at a military stronghold, it was built to quash rebellions and bolster frontier security. The garrison was led by royal officials ordained by the emperor and defended by troops. The town was well-preserved, lasting over 200 years until sabotage during the chaos of the 1960s to 1970s, with most areas falling into ruin.

In 2006, Dingyuan Garrison was recognized as a national cultural relic protection site. And two years later, China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage approved the project to rebuild the historical site. With funds rasied by the region’s government, the site has been undergoing constrction work since 2011, with a land area measuring 210,000 square meters.

Source from China Daily