“Western water resort.” That’s what some call the area around Jiuduhe Town Xishuiyu Village Northwest 281. But today, we’re focusing on a specific defensive tower. This tower stands as a silent sentinel. It has watched over the landscape for centuries.
Jiuduhe Town is located in the southwestern part of Huairou District, Beijing. It is a place steeped in history. The town has 18 villages including Xishuiyu. In 2020, the population was just over 12,500. Jiuduhe has seen many changes. It was once part of Changping Department during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later it was part of Changping County.
Now, consider Xishuiyu. It is a popular tourist resort with hotels and restaurants. Boat rides and walkways offer scenic views. But the true draw is the Xishuiyu Great Wall. The wall combines spectacular views with access to the wild, unrestored sections. A dam and reservoir were built in 1974. This added another layer to the area’s beauty.
The Great Wall around Xishuiyu is mostly in decent condition. Some parts are deteriorated, but not collapsed. It connects with Zhuangdaokou and Erdaoguan to the east. It stretches to Longquanyu in the west. About one kilometer of the wall was restored in 2009-2010. Only the top surface was replaced.
Reaching the wall can be a bit of a puzzle. It appears to be high on the mountains. Enter the main gate and paths lead to a high point. Some paths may be fenced off. Others are clear. Once on the wall, you can follow it east. This leads towards Yaoziyu and Zhuangdaokou.
Alternatively, you can access the wall west of the park. Take the first left turn after entering. Follow the path along the reservoir’s south side. The path crosses the wall. Go right and the wall stops abruptly. Go left and it curves back to the path.
Continue straight and you’ll cross the wall again. It’s barely noticeable. To the right, the wall is steep and overgrown. It ends at the water. Straight ahead, a tower sits atop a hill. A trail leads down to a stream. Cross the stream and climb the other side. This leads to the Great Wall. From here, you can go east to a high tower. Going west soon leads to a blocked-off tower. Climb through the woods to rejoin the wall. Hike west toward Longquanyu.
As you hike, enjoy views of the Xiaoxihu reservoir. You’ll see Ming Dynasty chestnut fields. A path circles the reservoir. Another path parallels the Great Wall to Longquanyu.
Jiuduhe Town Xishuiyu Village Northwest 281 isn’t just an address. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. The defensive tower stands as a reminder of the past. It invites us to explore the beauty and challenges of this unique landscape.