“What secrets does this ancient tower hold?” I ask, gesturing towards Yanqing County 226 Hao Ditai. Today, we will explore this historic site together. We will uncover its stories and its significance.
Yanqing County 226 Hao Ditai is a defensive tower. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty. This period spanned from 1368 to 1644. The tower is located in Mentougou District, near Yanhecheng Village.
The tower stands on a hillside. Its geographical coordinates are 40°4′ North and 115°42′ East. The altitude here is 397 meters. Yanqing County 226 Hao Ditai is a single building.
The tower’s structure is somewhat unclear today. What remains is a trapezoidal platform. It has a pedestal shape. The base is made of long rectangular stones. These stones are joined with mortar and white lime. The middle section is filled with crushed stone and earth. Sadly, the buildings that once stood on the platform are gone. Only weeds and shrubs grow there now.
The tower was built using bricks and stones. It once served as an important part of the Great Wall’s defense system.
To the south, you can see the Diaozihao Ditai. The Yongding River flows between them.
Let’s turn our attention to another aspect of Great Wall history in Yanqing. An inscription brick was discovered at a Great Wall site in Yanqing. This discovery was made on November 11, 2021. Archaeologists found it near enemy tower 210. The brick was found in a gap on the south side.
The inscription brick is intact. Experts believe it dates back to the second year of the Wanli period. It lists officials who participated in the construction. They also managed this section of the Great Wall.
Such bricks were used to record construction details. This particular brick is from 1574. It measures 103 cm long, 93 cm wide and 12 cm thick. The inscription is clear and well-preserved. It details the construction time and the names of officials. The discovery highlights the meticulous management during the Great Wall’s construction. It also reflects the unique culture of the Great Wall.
Yanqing’s Great Wall is diverse. It includes brick, stone, and earthen sections. The earthen sections are unique in the Beijing area. The enemy tower where the brick was found is part of the Liugou section. This section is a key cultural relic under state protection.
Archaeological excavations reveal the original form of the Liugou Great Wall. The towers originally had stone bases encased in brick. They were also larger than they are today. This provides valuable information for future preservation efforts.
Yanqing County 226 Hao Ditai stands as a reminder of China’s rich history. Its stones whisper tales of emperors, soldiers, and builders. Take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of this remarkable structure.