Mutianyu Great Wall-The History of Mutianyu Section

Lies in Huairou County, Mutianyu Section is 73 kilometers away from Beijing City. It links with Juyong Section in Changping County in the west and Gubeikou  Section in Miyun County in the east. Commanding the strategic importance, Mutianyu Section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains. It is integrated with Juyong Section and Frontier Fort, and constitutes a complete defensive system. It is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall.

According to historical records, a wall was built here 1400 years ago during Northern Qi Dynasty. The Wall we see nowadays was constructed on the fragments of Northern Qi wall by General Xu Da, apointed by Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. During the early years of Ming Dynasty, General Xu Da fiercely battled with the Yuan troops here. Yuan Dynasty was ultimately crushed, and its troops were chased away from Beijing and retreated to Mongolia. Right after the triumph against Yuan troops, a massive construction of Passes and the Great Wall was begun. Remnants of Yuan Dynasty still schemed to reoccupy Beijing and frequently marauded the border area of Ming Dynasty. As one of the most strategic part of the whole defensive system, Mutianyu Section played a vital role. In order to further consolidate the defense of Beijing, the capital of the feudal dynasty, Ming government specially assigned General Qi Jiguang as the governor of Jizhen Garrison to restore the construction of the Great Wall in north China. Qi Jiguang was the most famous general, who successfully won the war against Japanese pirates in south China. The Mutianyu Section was built with the best architectural techniques and finest craftsmanship.

Mutianyu Great Wall-The Features of Mutianyu Section

Due to its relatively gentle terrain, watchtowers of Mutianyu Section were built in large numbers to strengthen its defensive functions. The closest watchtowers spaced less than 50 meters apart. both arms of Mutianyu Section stretch upwards along the ridges of continuous mountains. Mainly built on precipitous mountains and 5-7 meter high, the Mutianyu Section we see today is expanded on the foundation of Ming Wall. It is characterized with a thick cluster of watchtowers atop, strategic passes, majestic vigor and unique structure. the gate tower is the most unique building of Mutianyu Section.

Gate Tower

Different with gate towers of Badaling Section, Shanghai Pass and Jiayu Pass in structure, the gate tower is composed of 3 cavity platforms. The central platform is with 3 cavity watchtowers atop. The 2-storeyed cavity watchtower are 12 meters tall and 12 meters wide on average. The first floor is used for storage or quarters. The second floor functions as the post to monitor enemy's movements. The central tower is the tallest and looks the most majestic one. Quarters are built on each of the 3 watchtowers. They are jointed together with each other and stairways leading to central hall and chambers are also built. The Gate of the Tower is not burrowed out in the right center of the platform, but follow the direction of the stairway. The unique architectural feature can be rarely found on other parts of the Great Wall.

Mutianyu Great Wall-3 Walls and Battlements

3 Walls Merging Into One is a peculiar scenery of Mutianyu Section. It resfers to the central platform, battlements and branch wall joining with each other and merging into one. The battlements are also unusual. Generally, the outer side of the Wall is higher and built with battlements for soldiers to shoot at the enemy, while the inner side is lower with no battlements. Mutianyu Section, however, is built with battlements on both sides. The reason is mainly attributed to the geological location. the Great Wall can be roughly classified as the main wall and branch wall. Mutianyu Section belongs to be the branch wall. Each side of it would be possibly attacked, so battlements are built on both sides to intensify the defense of the main wall. Famous buildings of Mutianyu Section include Ox's Horn, Arrow Nock, Tower with 9 Embrasures and Eagle Flying Belly-Up.

Mutianyu Great Wall-The Scenic Spot of Ox's Horn

Looking atop of Mutianyu Section, people can find the wall winds from both sides of the gate Tower into distance along the ridge of mountains. The wall to the left side of the Gate Tower rises from the mountainside to the peak, suddenly falls to the other side of the mountain after the watchtower, and rises again to the point of 940 meters above the sea level. It turns a U-turn along the terrain, which looks like an ox's horn. so it is called Ox's Horn.

Mutianyu Great Wall-The Scenic Spot of Arrow Nock

Running forward from Ox's Horn, the wall of Mutianyu Section reaches the spot of Arrow Nock. It is also called Jiankou ( gully mouth ) by local residents. 10 kilometers to the west of Mutianyu Section, the wall extends along even steeper ridges of mountains. the average altitude is 1040 meters above sea level. Using whit stone as its building material, the wall is definitely conspicuous. No matter under what kind of weather conditions, people can take very nice pictures of the natural scenery here. Known as the Great Wall In Arrow Nock, its scenic spots are frequently printed on picture albums and postcards. the Great Wall In Arrow Nock features in its variations of terrains. It is said that in the area of Arrow Nock, there is a precipice, which blocks the Great Wall. Spanning 2 iron girders on edges of the cliffs to let the Great Wall built on them, ancient architects then solved the problem wisely. Nobody ever knows where the suspension wall is or even whether it does exist or not. It might be folklore only.

Mutianyu Great Wall-3 Eagle Flying With Belly-up and Tower With 9 Embrasures

The Scenic Spot of Eagle Flying With Belly-Up

The wall of Eagle flying With Belly-Up is close to the Ox's Horn. The wall is built along the precipitous cliffs. The average gradient is about 50 degress. The steepest part of the wall almost reaches 90 degrees and its steps are minimized to its limit. Local people jokingly say that even an eagle has to fly with its belly-up if it wants to cross it. The joke clearly describes the steepness of the terrain. Hence the wall running here gets its nickname, Eagle Flying With Belly-Up.

Tower With 9 Embrasures

The tower with 9 embrasures is a watchtower of Mutianyu Section. Its structure is unique. Looking afar from the tower, you will have a commanding view of the wriggling Great Wall along the terrain. Arrow Nock and Eagle Flying With Belly-Up are right in your eyes. dragon Pond and ruins of brick kiln could be probable found as well. Spring water forms a pond at the foot of the mountain. Fishes swim freely and fully enjoy their freedom and tranquility.

Mutianyu Great Wall-Best Section of the Beijing Great Wall

Encircled with the mountains, Mutianyu Tourist Zone boasts beautiful sceneries. In 1992, it was awarded as the best tourist zone of Beijing. Covered with all kinds of exuberant plants, the tourist zone is definitely one of the best places to climb the Great Wall.

Melting the beautiful natural scenery with the majestic Great Wall, Mutianyu Section is uniquely characterized. A world-class cableway is established to facilitate tourists with their sightseeing. the tourist zone has invested RMB50 million to build 3 new tourist attractions. Namely, they are China Stone City, Luming Safari, and Shibide Slideway. harmonized cultures of the Great Wall, Stone and Sports together, Mutianyu Section enriches its programs of sightseeing and attracts more and more tourists.