基本内容

Mutianyu Pass

Located in Huairou County about 45 miles from Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wallenjoys alonghistory and is part of the glorious culture of China. It connects Juyongguan Pass in thewestand Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. The wall was first built in Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 557). In Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang, two famous patriotic generals, rebuilt it inorderto strengthen its defensive potential when they guarded the strategic pass. It served as the northern protective screen, guarding the capital and imperial mausoleums for generations.

Mutianyu Great Wall winds 1.4 miles through lofty mountains and high ridges, many sections of which are made of granite. The unique structure makes the wall almost indestructible. It measures 23 to 26feethigh and four tofiveyards wide. Both of the wall's inner and outer sides have parapets to defend against enemies coming from the two sides. Some parapets are saw-toothshaped instead of the regular rectangularform. Below the parapets, there are square embrasures the top of which are designed in an arc structure, different from the traditional round embrasures.

There are 22watchtowers distributed atcloseintervals along the wall. They are located not only in themainwall but also at the distinctive 'branch cities'. Branch cities are built on thehillridge against the inner or outer side of the wall. They measure from several yards to dozens of yards across. On the northwest over 3,281-feet hills, lies a section of the wall called 'Ox Horn Edge'. On the steep and lofty peaks, there are two walls named 'Flying Eagle Flies Facing Upward' and 'Arrow Lock'. What is more rarely seen on the southeast side is a general gateway platform guarded bythreewatch towers together. In locations of strategic importance, batteries are set up to reinforce the defense capabilities. Mutianyu Great Wall really deserves to be the archetype of the ten thousand li Great Wall.

Besides its strategically important location and compact layout, the Mutianyu Great Wall is also famous for the breath-takingly beautiful scenery. Woodscoverover ninety-six percent of the total scenic area. The wall presents different aspects of beauty in the four seasons. Flowersbloomall over the mountains in spring. Grasses dress the hillside green in summer. Trees are laden withsweetfruits in autumn, and especially in October, leaves are turningredor yellow, touching the mountain tops withgold. In winter, the wall is covered by snow, making itseemmore magnificent. The pine trees around Mutianyu Great Wall are well-known. There are more than 20 pines over 300years old and about 200 pines over 100 year old. Besides, springwaterat thefootof the wall tastespureand fragrant, much appreciated by visitors.

What's more, the national first-rate cablecaris installed in Mutianyu Great Wall. A sled named 'Speed' will give you an opportunity to experience thrills by taking you swoop down from the high mountains. China Stone City collects weird and beautiful stones, attracting more and more visitors tocomeand see.

Tip: Depending on the weather conditions, thebest season to enjoy the beautiful leaves in Mutianyu Great Wall is from October 16 to October30.