Guarding secrets of emperors and soldiers, stands \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9. It whispers tales of battles and strategic importance. This Ming Dynasty fortress is more than just old stones. It is a testament to Beijing’s defense.
\u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 is located in Yanqing District. You will find it in Badaling Town’s Caidao Village. This relic is a protected historical site in Beijing. It offers a window into China’s military past.
Imagine a time when Mongol armies threatened the capital. The early Ming Dynasty needed strong defenses. Watchtowers like \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 sprung up along the borders. These earthen walls guarded against invasion. Soldiers watched for smoke signals or wolf howls signaling danger.
As the Ming Dynasty prospered, the defenses grew stronger. Separate earthen walls became connected. They formed stone structures stretching for miles. \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 transformed from a simple outpost into a fortified town.
This strategic location was once an earthen structure. Legend says it was first built during the Han Dynasty. In 1551 the Ming court reinforced \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9. Wang Shizheng suggested strengthening border defenses. His advice led to the restoration of \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9. In 1571 the fortress underwent further enhancements. Brick was added to the outer walls. This created the \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 we see today.
Garrison troops were stationed at \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9. It was also known as the “Barracks.” The fortress housed a garrison command. Three generals oversaw 788 soldiers.
\u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 held great significance northwest of Beijing. It marked one of the eight scenic spots of Yanqing. It was also a crucial passage and relay station to the vast desert.
\u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 served as a military outpost. It was a crucial defense for Juyongguan and Badaling. “Defending Caidao means defending Badaling” was a common saying. “Defending Badaling means defending Juyongguan. Defending Juyongguan means defending the capital.”
Even Li Zicheng’s rebel army faced challenges here. In the late Ming Dynasty, they failed to capture \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 after three days. This forced them to detour through the Stone Gorge Pass. They then entered Juyongguan and seized Beijing.
Today \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57ce\u58a9 stands as a testament to strategic military architecture. It followed the mountain’s southeastern slope. The irregular shape spans 449 meters east to west. It reaches 185 meters north to south.
The fortress had east and west gates. These originally featured barbicans. Northern ramparts and platforms served as defensive walls. The southern wall included an enemy tower. The inscriptions on the west and east gates read “Caidao West Heroic Pass” and “Caidao East Heroic Pass.” Both inscriptions date back to 1575.
The walls of \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57c3\u58a9 stand 8.5 meters high. They were constructed using blue bricks and stone. Gray mortar and loess were also used. The top of the wall features crenellations. Inner walls are lower than outer walls. Drainage ditches face inward. This prevented enemies from using them to scale the walls. It also helped ease drought during scarce rainfall.
While time has taken its toll, the main structure remains. The embrasures and loopholes are gone. Restoration work has rebuilt parts of the east and west gates. The stone paving inside the gate is uneven. You can still see the stone bridge outside. Inside the west gate, you’ll find a restored Temple of Guan Yu and a City God Temple.
Within \u5c94\u9053\u57ce1\u53f7\u62a4\u57c3\u58a9 were inns and relay stations. There was also the Temple of the Three Officials and garrison headquarters. A mosque stood here too. Several ancient trees still stand.
Today over two hundred families live inside and outside \u5c94\u9053\u57c3\u58a9. Some villagers are descendants of the soldiers. They once defended this vital outpost.
\u5c94\u9053\u57c3\u53f7\u62a4\u57c3\u58a9’s legacy remains. It is a reminder of the Ming Dynasty’s resolve. It also reflects the enduring spirit of Beijing’s defenders.