Carved by centuries of relentless travel, the Ma Chiao Keng lie before you. These grooves etched into the rock whisper tales of a time when Beijing’s western mountains echoed with the ceaseless movement of mule trains. The Ma Chiao Keng, literally “Horse Hoof Prints,” are a striking testament to the vital role of the ancient roads that crisscrossed these mountains. Imagine the scene: long lines of mules laden with coal, the lifeblood of Beijing, traversing the steep slopes. These routes, including the Yuhe Ancient Road passing near Ma Chiao Keng, were more than just pathways. They were arteries of commerce, connecting the coal-rich areas of Mentougou to the bustling capital.
The Yuhe Ancient Road, also known as the Western Mountain Highway’s middle road, dates back to at least the late Tang Dynasty. It snaked through the heart of Mentougou’s coal production region. It stretched for approximately 27.5 kilometers, from present-day Mashan Village in Shijingshan District, all the way to Wangpingkou. The Ma Chiao Keng, located roughly 7 kilometers from the starting point and at an elevation of 800 meters, stand as a vivid reminder of this vibrant history.
Fengkou Pass, further along the route, offers another glimpse into the past. Here, remnants of a gate and a temple dedicated to the God of Horses can be found. The God of Horses wasn’t worshipped for leisure. Mules were the primary mode of transport in this mountainous terrain, making them essential to the coal trade. The pass also features several inscribed stones. One commemorates the perpetual exemption of taxes on coal transportation. Another, dating back to 1834, tells the story of the collaborative effort between officials and commoners to rebuild the Fengkou Pass road. These stones add another layer of detail to the story of the ancient road, and of Ma Chiao Keng as an integral part of the same narrative.
The Ma Chiao Keng themselves are a remarkable sight. The reddish rock face bears the deep imprints of countless mule hooves. These grooves, roughly 20 centimeters in diameter and 10 to 15 centimeters deep, stretch for about 20 meters, arranged in two main rows. This visual spectacle is a powerful reminder of the constant traffic that once flowed along this ancient road. The Ma Chiao Keng are not just a geological curiosity, but a living testament to Beijing’s rich and vibrant history. They offer a powerful connection to a bygone era. They offer a profound understanding of the human effort that shaped this landscape.