“Can you hear that sound?” It is the wind whispering tales of Shixia. This village is nestled in the Yanqing District of Beijing. It is more than just a place. Shixia is a living testament to history and resilience.
Shixia was built in the Ming Dynasty around 1368 to 1644. Back then Shixia was an important pass. It guarded the northern section of the Juyongguan Great Wall. Imagine soldiers standing guard centuries ago. They watched from these very mountains.
Today Shixia has transformed. The village is now a tourism destination. Visitors come from all over the world. They want to experience its unique charm and history. The Great Wall is central to Shixia’s appeal. The wall embraces the village on three sides. From nearly anywhere in Shixia, the Great Wall is visible. It meanders along the mountain ridges.
The people of Shixia are dedicated Great Wall protectors. They understand the importance of their heritage. The villagers wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping. They shared their love for the Great Wall. They also spoke about the village’s transformation. They went from an impoverished hamlet to a countryside getaway.
President Xi Jinping replied to the letter. He applauded their efforts to protect the Great Wall. He emphasized its role as a symbol of the Chinese nation. He also called it an emblem of Chinese civilization. He encouraged them to pass down this precious heritage.
Meet Liu Hongyan. She is a village representative and a Great Wall protector. Liu and other villagers were overjoyed by the President’s reply. She felt immense pride and responsibility. Her uncle Mei Jingtian started the village’s protection efforts in 1980. He patrolled the mountains for four decades. He prevented damage and safeguarded the heritage.
In 2006, Mei started a voluntary protectors’ team. Over 40 villagers signed up. They regularly patrol the Great Wall. They tackle pollution and repair damage. Shixia has about 130 permanent residents. Nearly all are involved in heritage protection.
The Great Wall brought vitalization and prosperity to Shixia. It used to be very poor with muddy roads. Now, it is a popular destination.
He Yuling is an entrepreneur from Yanqing district. She observed city dwellers seeking countryside getaways. A trip to Shixia in 2014 showed her an ideal spot. She rented courtyards from villagers. She transformed them into Stone Light Hotels. The designs kept the buildings’ original simplicity.
He Yuling also set up public spaces. These spaces include a cafe and a bookshop. They enrich the lives of residents and tourists. The locals are also involved. They established a brewery, a teahouse, and an oil mill. Visitors learn about folk culture. They also help villagers sell local specialties.
The village continues to make good use of its resources. It promotes economic development and rural vitalization. Great Wall preservation remains most important. The villagers improve their living conditions because of it. They will continue to protect this heritage for generations.
As you leave Shixia remember its spirit. Shixia’s people protect the past. They embrace the future. The Great Wall stands tall. Shixia stands with it.