Imagine soldiers shooting arrows from both sides of the wall. That’s the Mutianyu Great Wall. It stands here today as one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. We are about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing, in the Huairou District.
This section of the wall is not just old. It’s strategically brilliant. The Mutianyu Great Wall once served as the northern barrier. It defended the capital and imperial tombs. Its history stretches back further than you might think. Construction first began in the 6th century during the Northern Qi Dynasty. This makes Mutianyu older than the popular Badaling section.
Later during the Ming Dynasty, General Xu Da oversaw a rebuild. This construction built upon the previous wall. A pass was added in 1404. Then, in 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt again. Much of what you see today dates back to this time.
Notice the watchtowers. They’re densely packed along this section. There are 22 watchtowers on this 2.25-kilometer stretch. Look closely at the parapets. Both the outer and inner walls have crenellations. Archers could fire arrows from either side. This feature is rare on the Great Wall.
The Mutianyu Pass has a unique design. It consists of three watchtowers. A large tower sits in the center. Two smaller towers flank it on either side. They connect to each other inside. This creates a structure rarely seen on the Great Wall.
In 1568, the Longqing Emperor appointed Qi Jiguang as governor. He helped maintain this 2000-li section of the Great Wall. Qi Jiguang suggested the installation of abutments. His suggestion was approved.
The Mutianyu Great Wall has seen some changes in recent times, too. The State Council approved restoration in 1983. The local government established a tourist area in 1985. It opened to select tourists in 1986. In 1987, the Great Wall became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mutianyu was rated as the best tourist spot in Beijing in 1992.
This area is known for more than just the wall. The woodland and streams add to its beauty. The forest coverage is over 90 percent.
There are several ways to ascend and descend this section of the wall. You can climb the 4000-plus steps. Or you can ride a chairlift or gondola. For a fun descent, try the toboggan. It’s a single-rider wheeled sled that winds down a metal track.
Adjacent to the wall is Mutianyu Village. The Chinese government hails it as a model village. Tourism and glassware industries have revitalized it.
The Mutianyu-Jiankou trail has become a popular hike. It combines the restored Mutianyu section. It also has the unrestored Jiankou section.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people who built it. Its history spans centuries. Its beauty endures today. Take a moment to appreciate this incredible feat of engineering and its vital role in protecting China.