How did the once mighty White Sheep City disappear? Many know White Sheep City as the Qing Dynasty’s Prince Qing’s family graveyard. But few realize its history as a significant Ming Dynasty fortress. This is the story of the White Sheep City city wall.
This military stronghold once housed nearly 1000 Ming soldiers. Now only ruins remain. Imagine a time when this strategic location buzzed with activity. Picture soldiers guarding Beijing’s northern approaches. The White Sheep City was vital for defense.
In the Jingtai period, White Sheep City was constructed. It formed one of five fortresses. These guarded the valleys leading to Changping. Mongol forces often breached the inner Great Wall. They raided the imperial tombs and Beijing.
These five fortresses became Beijing’s inner defense line. They were known as the “Five Border Towns.” White Sheep City guarded the White Sheep Valley. This valley provided access to the plains.
White Sheep Valley is also called White Sheep Pass. It stretches about 12 kilometers. The narrow valley could be used by horsemen.
As early as the Yuan Dynasty, White Sheep Valley held strategic importance. Troops guarded this key military choke point. The White Sheep City was like a side door to Nankou Pass. It was second only to Juyongguan in importance.
After the Tumu Crisis, the Ming Dynasty strengthened border defenses. In 1451 White Sheep City was built upon older foundations. According to historical records, the city wall was about 8 meters high. It was 5 meters wide. The city perimeter spanned approximately 2.5 kilometers.
The White Sheep City had east and west gates. The east gate featured a barbican. Due to frequent flooding, two water gates were added. These gates drained floodwaters protecting the fortress.
Ming forces built eight beacon towers west of White Sheep City. These towers relayed smoke signals. Each tower housed five soldiers. Besides defending the city the Ming soldiers also guarded nearby passes.
In 1550 Mongol forces attacked White Sheep City. They retreated through White Sheep Valley. Due to the valley’s narrowness, their retreat was slow. The Mongols then exited the valley. They returned via Gubeikou.
By 1569 the city became overcrowded. White Sheep New City was built. It lies about one kilometer southwest. In the Qing Dynasty Prince Qing Yonglin occupied the city. He destroyed the New City to build his tomb. The Qing Prince’s graveyard expanded. A village of tomb keepers formed. Even today place names such as South Gate Outer remain.
Within White Sheep City were many Ming Dynasty temples. They include City God Temple and Zhenwu Temple. There was also Three Officials Temple and Two Lang Temple. Dragon Spring Temple Guandi Temple and Chengen Temple were present.
In 1937 the National Anti Japanese Army was formed. This took place in front of the Guandi Temple. In 1939 a massive flood damaged White Sheep City. The east and west gates collapsed. Many residents fled. Over time White Sheep City turned into ruins.
In 1959 Wangjiayuan Reservoir was built. Workers dismantled White Sheep City’s wall. They used the stones to build the dam. Residents relocated.
Today relatively intact watchtowers remain on the northern mountains. Sections of the city wall still stand. The White Sheep City wall became a Beijing cultural relic in 2021. White Sheep City Village is now a tourist destination. It showcases Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty culture. Though changed White Sheep City still echoes with history. Its thick historical atmosphere can still be felt.