The Evolution of Juyong Pass of the Great Wall China

Juyong Pass ( Pass of Conscripted Laborers ) is one of the most famous passes of the Great Wall. In ancient poems, the pass was described as the most precipitous one that even birds could not fly across. According to the stone tablets carved in Ming Dynasty, the Juyong Pass was ranked as the No.1 pass of the country.

60 kilometers to the northwest of Beijing city, Juyong Pass locates in Changping county. As a natural barrier, it serves as the strategic gateway connecting Beijing city and the north of the Great Wall. The pass lies in the central part of the Pass Valley. 5 kilometers from the Badaling Section to the south, it can be accessed along the Pass Valley.

The title of Juyong firstly appeared during Spring & Autumn edited by Lu Buwei, the Juyong Pass was just one of 9 passes in china at that time. Other scholars say it derives from the facts that Emperor Qin Shihuang exiled yongtu to inhabit here. Yongtu refers to the conscripted latorers of Qin Dynasty. Passes were started to be built in Han Dynasty but only between the Juyong and Jundu Counties not on the Great Wall. According to the experts, the government of the Northern Wei Dynasty began to erect wall on Juyong Pass. A 900-mile-long wall was completed from Xiakou of Beijing to Hengzhou of Shanxi in 555, the 6th year of Tianhe Reign of Northern Qi. Later, the construction was continued and went eastward to Shanhai Pass. From then on, the Juyong Pass was asociated with the Great Wall and became one of the most important passes.

The name of Juyong Pass had been frequently changed. It was called West Pass in 3 Kingdoms Period, Jundu Pass in Wei Dynasty, Nakuan Pass in Northern Qi Dynasty, and Jimen, Jundu, and Juyong Pass in Tang Dynasty. In Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was fixed with its name of Juyong Pass.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-Natural Barrier of the Juyong Pass

Among precipitous mountains, Juyong Pass lies in the central part of the Pass Valley. those mountains belong to the Taihang Ranges, and are the northernmost one of the 8 ranges. With the steep terrain, it was critically hard for the access of the army. gao Shi, the famous poet in Tang Dynasty, had described the Juyong Pass in his poems. Its geographic feature determines its strategic importance of military defense. Ancient people commented it as the colossal defensive project, which dominated the trasportation to north and south. In YHuan Dynasty, it served as a key gateway between Dadu and Shangdu. Because Emperors always went through the Pass and needed to take rest here, the living complex of palaces, temples and gardens were also constructed to the south of the Great Wall. the reason why it was raNKED AS THE No.1 pass of china in Ming Dynasty could be attributed to its strategic significance. Ming Emperor Zhu di described the pass as the strategic passage with steep terrain and believed the garrison of 100 troops could resist 100,000 invading enemies. Other passes were set to guarantee the safety of the Juyong Pass, which clearly evidenced the close concern of the feudal gobernment. Playing the vital role of the military defense, the Juyong pass witnessed numerous wars through ages. The Wall served well. Only when a dynasty had weakened from within were invaders from the north able to advance and conuer. The Pass was ever captured in History, not because the weakness in the wall but because of weakness in the feudal government and the poverty of the people.

in 1122, the 4th year of Northern song Emperor Xuanhe, the final war broke out between Liao and Jin Regimes. the Jin regime, which rose vigorously, captured the Jyong Pass, which was the first time that the Pass was taken over by offending enemy in history. the Jin troops soon pushed forward to the south and occupied the capital of the Liao Dynasty. the liao regime was conquered. in 1211, the 3rd year of Jin Emperor Da'an, the great genghis khan of the Mongolians defeated 400,000 Jin troops. the khan pursued the Jin army in retreat and captured juyong Pass.

In 1367, Ming troops crushed the defense of the Yuan army and occupied Juyong Pass, which led to the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty.

In 1644, an army of peasants rose up in revolt under the leadership of Li Zicheng. they broke into the Juyong Pass firstly and then overthrew the corrupted Ming Dynasty.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-General Xu Da and the Juyong Pass

The Juyong Pass and the wall nearby that we see today were built in Ming Dynast by General Xu Da, entitled as Duke Wei. Zhu Yuanzhang, zhe founding emperor, established Ming Dynasty in 1368 and successfully drove the Yuan Emperor yuanshun out of beijing. The Yuan Emperor, however, was unwilling to admit defeat and still struggled to stage a comeback. the Juyong Pass was the only gaeway leading to the south. Thus the Ming government aimed to further strengthen the defensive facilities and turn it into a stronger military stronghold. During the early years of Emperor Hongwu, General Xu Da and chang Yuchun were appointed by the Ming government to build the fortification of Juyong Pass. Sitting astride the Valley and connecting 2 mountains, the Ming Juyong Pass measured 13 li and was 12.6 meters high. The successive emperors continuously renovated and fortified the Pass. especially during the reign of Emperor Jing tai, the Pass was again enlarged and reinforced. 2 gates were added and small towns were built adjacent to the North and South Gate to intensify the defensive function of the Juyong Pass. The inscription tablet on the surface of the Juyong Pass. The inscription tablet on the surface of the Juyong Pass is the original one made in 1459, the 10th year of Emperor Jingtai. The defensive construction of the Juyong Pass was perfected to the outmost. the defensive system consisted of Chadao Pass, Outer Pass, upper Pass, Central Pass and Lower pass from north to south. those Passes spaced 5 kilometers apart. The Juyong pass functioned as the Headquarter of the military defense. upper pass was constructed by General xu Da. Only ruins can be found here today. Outer Pass is the Badaling Section and pass, which are thronged with millions of visitors nowadays.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-Battle Fort of the Juyong Pass

The battle fort of the Juyong Pass is the Central Pass of the defensive system of the Great Wall. the Battle fort was erected in the midterm of the Ming Dynasty. Yu Qian, the Minister of the Department of War, suggested that defensive facilities in Juyong Pass should be enhanced to better assure the safety of the strategic gateway to Beijing.

The Ming Government then heavily guarded the pass and further renovated it. the wall  was raised and widened. the defending troops were Longqing Corps, equipped with helmets, armors, spears, bows, arrows and firearms. Other related buildings, such as offices, storages, libraries, weapon storehouse, temples and classrooms, were all available in the fort. Emperors of the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties always went through the Juyong Pass, so its political and military importance was unparallel. the walls range abruptly to both sides of the Pass along the ridges of the mountains, looking like a hovering roc spreading its wings. coordinating with the undulating terrain, the battlements of the Wall were concaved on gentle slopes and built to be serrated steps on steep ridges. Small towns, South and North Gates were added to consummate the defensive complex. the road went through the South and North Gates. The battle fort was so perfectly erected that invading enemy could hardly access. We can still find the inscription of "Ju yong Guan" on the surface of the tablets hanging on the south side of the battle fort, dated in August 1454, the 5th year of Ming Emperor jingtai. The tablet on the north side was dated in May 1454. It Proves that the battle fort of the Juyong Pass was constructed in the midterm of Emperor Jingtai.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-The Features of The Juyong Pass

The 4142-meter-long walls winding eastward and westward along the ridges were renovated on the ruins of the Great Wall in 1993. Looking atop the watchtower of the Juyong Pass, you will find the walls originated from the both sides wriggle their ways eastward and westward along the ridges of Cuiping and Jingui Mountains accordingly, and finally integrate with each other. the crests of Cuiping and Jingui Mountains are 1150 meters in distance. The wall measures 1500 meters long on Cuiping Mountain, which is 150 meters high, while 2100 meters long on 351-meters high, while 2100 meters long on 351-meter-high Jingui Mountain. A 57-meter-long wall on the bend of the river links the 2 mountains with each other. the dual walls constructed to consolidate the defense make people realize the strategic importance of the Juyong Section. the Juyong Section features as the followings: First of all, the architecture is mainly in circle and closed formation. Secondly, the engineering of the Wall varies upon different terrains. The widest part is 16.7 meters and narrowest part is 1.2 meters. the wall on East Mountain is 370 meters higher than that on the river bend. The outer side of the Wall was built higher than the inner side. the battlements buiilt on the outer side enable soldiers to fight against the invading enemy. Thirdly, the structures of the building vary and symbolize the essential part of the Great Wall. the building materials of the foundation of the Wall include granite slabs, kiln-fired bricks and crushed stones, which prove that different parts of the Juyong Wall were built in different years. Finally, the Juyong Section maximizes its defensive coverage. the total area of the Juyong Section is 50 hectare. the North and South Gates are distanced 850 meters. It is 1150 meters long between the tops of East Mountain to West Mountain. the defensive facilities contain North and South Gates, towers, water gate, water locks, watchtoers, residential houses, beacon towers, turrets, emplacements, ect. Watchtows, beacon towers and quarters are shelters or living places for soldiers. 25 of them are now restored. the kiln-fired bricks made according to the specifications of the Ming bricks are carried by manpower or livestock. a tall tower is built both in north and south. Based on the 10-meter-high terrace, the 21-meter high tower is built with 3 eaves and covered with green glazed tiles. Tallin height, the tower is the commanding center in war and convenient to monitor the movements of the invading enemy. An arched gate leads to the small town, which is pruposely built to fortify the defense of the tower.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-Cloud Terrace

An exquisitely decorated building, known as the Cloud Terrace, situates in the right center of the Battle Fort of the Juyong Section. It was built in 1345, the 5th year of Yuan Emeror Zhizheng. 3 pagodas, named as Guojie Pagodas ( Crossing-Street Pagaoda ), were erected toghther with the terrace. The pagodas were destroyed at the turning point of the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Later, a temple was completed on the terrace. In 1439, the 4th year of Ming Emperor Zhengtong, the temple was renovated and named as Tai'an Temple ( Temple of Stability and Peace ). In 1702, the 41st year of Qing Emperor Kangxi, the temple was burnt down and left the Cloud Terrace only.

The Cloud Terrace is 9.5 metter high and 26.84 meters wide, and its underneath archway measures 17.57 meters. Appeared in the form of half octagon, the archway features in the Chinese characteristics. The marble balustrades are severely eroded through ages. Only some base of the column can be found on the terrace nowadays. The eave of archway is in the broken line form, which is rarely adopted by Chinese ancient architects. The archway is symmetrically decorated with carvings of elephants, lions, flowers, God of dragons and Bird Kings with the golden wings as well as charms of Buddist Sutras in six languages-Sanskrit, Tibetan, Phats Pa (Mongolian ), Uygur, Weatern Xia and Han. Those carvings are the best historical materials to study.

On the walls of the archway, there are carvings in relief of 4 Celestial Kings, namely they are Eastern Heavenly King of Lute, Southern Heavenly King of Sword, Western Heavenly King of Umbrella and Northern Heavenly King of Dragon. The subscribers and the date of construction of the temple are also inscribed on the wall. Those materials provide us with the most important data for historical study. The decorative pattern is generally in stramonium form with a Buddha statue in the center. Highly praised as " white lotus in a peaceful valley ", those delicate carvings are the precious treasures of Yuan Dynasty.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-The Scenic Spot of Juyong Die Cui

Juyong Die Cui ( Lush Greenness of Juyong Section ) is one of the most famous 8 attractions of beijing. At the turning point of the end of the spring and the beginning of the summer, the Juong Section luxuriates with trees, grass, flowers and many other plants,which almost totally covers the Juyong Section. People will definitely be indulged in the lush greenness. Even 800 years ago, the scenery was ranked as the top one among the 8 attractions. A stone tablet carved with Chinese characters of Ju Yong Die Cui written by emperor Qinglong Was set up along the road 7 kilometers to the south of the Juyong Section. The tablet, however, could not be found nowadays and left its base to the west of the road.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-5 Giants Cave, Qin-Playing Valley and Fairy Bridge

5 Giants Cave

According to the folklore, there were 5 giants lived in Juyong Section. It was said that the 20-kilometer-long Pass Valley was excavated by the 5 giants at one night. Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty had ever mentioned the 5 giants in his poem. To memorize the 5 giants, a cave was cut and named after them. So comes the scenic spot of 5 Giants Cave.

Qin-Playing Valley

It is said that there is a valley to the east of the 5 Giants Cave. the narrow valley is surrounded by precipitous mountains. A spring flows briskly along the valley. the rippling water sounds like the music played with Qin, which is a traditional Chinese musical instrument. Hence the name Qin-Playing Valley. The valley is also one of the famous scenic spots of the Pass Valley area. The sound of babbling water echoes in the valley, which deeply charms visitors.

Once a man nicknamed Taihang Taoist ever tried but ultimately failed to discover the valley. So he left words on the Fairy Pillow Stone that the Qin-Playing Valley was vanished. His failure should be ascribed to the lack of adventure spirit. He dared not go further so that he could not reach the Valley. Of course, the Valley is not that easy to be discovered. The Valley could be identified by Chinese words inscribed on the cliffs. Those words are Tan Qin Xia and Wu Gui Tou ( Qin-Playing valley and 5 Giants Cave ). The Valley, however, was regretfully destroyed to build the Jing-Zhang Railway. the Qin-Playing Valley, one of the most attractive scenic spots in the Pass Valley, was thus really vanished forever.

Fairy bridge

Adjacent to the scenic spot of 2 Dragons Dallying with a Pearl, the Fairy Bridge lies on the mountain nearby Sanbao Railway Station. 1 meters long and 50cm wide, it is actually a huge stone bridges among the mountains. Xian Ren Qiao, chinese characters standing for Fairy bridge, is carved on the stone.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-Fairy Pillow Stone,72 Scenic Spots, Time_honored Juyong Pass

Fairy Pillow Stone

2.5 kilometers to the north of the Juyong Pass, the valley suddenly turns to be wide. Covered with cobblestones, the terrain becomes plain. Each year during the summer and autumn, mountain streams run wildly if it heavily rains. During winter and spring, the stream is minimized to be a brook flowing eastward along the south side of the road. There are all granite stones on the mountains. In the center of the Valley, there is ahuge stone, whiche is 10 meters long, 8 meters wide and 4 meters high. It is called as the fairy Pillow Stone. As one of the famous tourist attractions, many scholars and poets wrote their poems to magnify the natural beauty of the Valley. there are 2 words of Xian Zhen ( Fairy Pillow ) inscribed on its south surface. but now, the stone is popularized as the female General Mu Guiying's platform to gather and review her troops. Altogether, there are 28 small pits on the stone, which are said to be the place that General Mu Guiying set up her tent. So the stone also has another nickname of Tent Stone.

72 Scenic Spots of The Pass Valley

72 is not the real number of the scenic spots. Actually, nobody can list what the 72 scenic spots really are. Many people even try to conspire some attractions to make up the 72 scenic spots, such as 2 Dragons Dallying with A Pearl and Fairy Pillow Stone. besides, folklores of heroes in many dynasties are also related to the natural scenic spots to enrich the contents of the 72 scenic spots.

Time-honored Juyong Pass

Prior to 2 thousands years ago, the Juyong Pass served as a strategic gateway opening the central plain to the comerce and culture with north China. In the year of 1971, a fresco depicting the prosperous vision of the Juyong Pass was discovered in an ancient Han tomb in Inner Mongolia. It shows that the Juyong Pass had been functioned as the gateway connecting north China with the central Plain for a long time.

Juyong Pass of the Great Wall-The Renovations of the Juyong Pass

After Ming Dynasty, the juyong Section was in a state of disrepair. In 1961, it was promulgated as the first batch key cultural relics under state protection. Complied with the principle of effective protection, scientific management and rational utilization, the central government invested altogether RMB100 million to restore the Juyong Section. After 4 years of hard working, the renovation was basically completed. the massive renovation was implemented according to both the field work of the ruins and the records of the Juyong Section mentioned in the Xi Guan Zhi ( The Records of West pass ), written by Wang Shiqiao, the Censor of the Ming Dynasty. The renovation endeavored to follow the rule to repair the Juyong Pass with exactly the same structure, same materials and same craftsmanship. The renovated Great Wall measured 4142 meters long, together with 28 watchtowers, quarters and beacon towers. Inside of the Great Wall, 30 buildings were restored, including temples, pavilions, storages, weapon storehouses, branch offices of the Department of Revenue and Population, and even some libraries, which covered a total area of 7000 square meters. After the smooth completion of the renovation works, the majestic Great Wall takes on a new look. Numerous visitors flock here to climb the Wall and watchtowers, appreciate the awe-inspiring view of the Great Wall, discover the delicacy of the stone-carving craftsmanship of the Cloud Terrace, and also visit all kinds of temples. Restaurants and shops of arts and crafts are mushrooming along the Wall and form a vibrant market. Convenient in transportation, the Battle Fort of Juyong Section can be directly accessed by limousines along the Badaling Expressway.