[1] It is a small town in rural Beijing but has a long history as an economic and military center.

A government initiative in the 2000s to rehabilitate the town has restored its architectural landmarks.

[3] During the Ming dynasty it was an important military town, serving as the eastern command of the Xuanfu garrison area.

They are listed as follows:[6] The town has benefited from a government initiative in the 2000s to restore some of the glory of its condition during its Ming dynasty height.

Yongning Catholic Church, a church tracing back to the Qing dynasty, stands today as a curious Gothic Revival architecture in contrast to the appearance of the rest of the town.