岔道城南二马面

“Lost in time, yet stubbornly present.” This phrase perfectly describes the essence of u5c94u9053u57ce, doesn’t it? We stand before u5c94u9053u57ce’s southern wall, specifically the section known as “u4e8cu9a6cu9762” or “Two Horse Face.” u5c94u9053u57ce itself, nestled near the Badaling section of the Great Wall, holds a pivotal role in Beijing’s history. It served as a crucial military stronghold and a vital stop for travelers heading northwest from Beijing. u5c94u9053u57ce, meaning “Supporting-the-West City”, dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It was originally a much simpler earthen barrier. During Jiajing’s reign, concerns about Mongolian raids led to substantial renovations. u5c94u9053u57ce grew into the formidable brick structure we observe today. This area saw continuous construction, with the Ming dynasty converting individual earthen mounds into the connected walls. Later, during the reign of Wanli, the brick facing and imposing gates were added. The village that now surrounds u5c94u9053u57ce is populated by descendants of the very soldiers stationed here, a fascinating link to its military past. The “Two Horse Face” section of the southern wall unfortunately suffered significant damage over time. What we see now is a shadow of its former glory. The battlements, watchtowers, and arrow slits are gone. The original gate’s stone threshold and the adjacent stone bridge bear the marks of time and weather. Yet, u5c94u9053u57ce stubbornly persists. The Cheng隍 Temple and Guan Temple within the city walls remain as spiritual anchors. Two ancient locust trees, estimated to be over 200 years old, stand sentinel in the town square, their branches spreading over the streets like a protective canopy. They’ve witnessed the transformation of this place from military outpost to bustling trading hub to tranquil village. The juxtaposition of the old and new in u5c94u9053u57ce is striking. Modern guesthouses have been ingeniously designed to blend with the historical architecture. While the exteriors retain the traditional Ming and Qing architectural styles, the interiors offer modern comfort and convenience. The spirit of u5c94u9053u57ce perseveres, not just in the physical structures, but also in the intangible qualities of the village, the way of life of its people, and the stories whispered on the wind.