“A maze carved into a cliff” I whisper. This is Guyaju. Prepare to be amazed by this ancient cliff dwelling. It is located northwest of Beijing. Guyaju is a testament to the ingenuity and mystery of ancient China.
Guyaju boasts over one hundred stone rooms. These rooms are carved into a steep cliff face. The site covers a vast area. It is the largest of its kind in China. Imagine the effort it took to create this community. It was carved by an undefined group of ancient people.
The exact origins of Guyaju remain an enigma. Theories abound. The most popular suggests the Kumo Xi people built it during the Five Dynasties Period. Others believe it dates back to the Han Dynasty. This uncertainty adds to the charm of Guyaju. It invites speculation and wonder.
Explore the layout of Guyaju. You will discover a cell-like spectacle. There are 117 caves in total. Experts estimate that one hundred people working for five years could complete this. Guyaju is known as the First Maze in China. It is also called the Second Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site. Ninety-one caves dot the southern, northern and eastern slopes of the front gorge. Twenty-six more are on the eastern slope of the rear gorge.
Notice the orderly arrangement. The caves resemble a multi-storied building. Entrances are adjacent. Stone stairs and ladders connect rooms on different levels. Caves vary in size and shape. They all have features of modern dwellings. Some rooms are rectangular. Others are square or round. The largest room spans over twenty square meters. The smallest is just three square meters. There are single rooms, suites, and three-room apartments. None have pillars or beams.
Traces of human occupation are everywhere in Guyaju. You can see gateways, windows, and stone beds. There are closets, lamp stands, cooking stoves, and horse mangers. A stone bed is large enough for two people. Rooms with mangers once housed horses.
Behold the exquisite duplex apartment. It is located at the highest point on the cliff. This is the Guantangzi or Kumo Xi Chieftain’s Mansion. Four carved stone columns support its roof. Inside the main hall is a large bed. There are also stone desks and stools.
Consider the possible origins of Guyaju. One theory suggests the Kumo Xi tribe built it. They moved to this area around Yanqing. They created the caves after betraying the Khitan Empire. Another theory proposes it was a government granary. The Tang Dynasty may have needed a secure place to store grain. A final theory suggests it was a garrison of the Han Dynasty. Archaeologists found a residual wall on top of the mountain. This could have been a guard platform.
Visiting Guyaju requires a bit of planning. Take bus 919 or 919 Express from Deshengmen Station. Get off at Yanqing Dongguan Station. Transfer to Y40 and get off at Guyaju Station. Remember to check the Y40 departure times.
The admission fee is CNY 55. Children under 1.2 meters enter free. Opening hours vary by season. From May to October, it’s open 7:30 to 18:00. From November to April, it’s open 8:00 to 17:00.
As we leave Guyaju let us reflect. This ancient cliff dwelling holds secrets. Its purpose is debated. Its builders are unknown. Yet its existence inspires awe. It reminds us of the enduring spirit of human innovation.