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Gubeikou Great Wall

Great Wall Sections

1The Great Wall at Mutianyu

the longest fully-restored section open to tourists.
2The Great Wall at Badaling

the best preserved section of the Great Wall.
3The Great Wall at Simatai

steep with many watchtowers and breathtaking views.
4Shanhai Pass

known as the First Pass Under Heaven since ancient times.

Quick Facts

Chinese Pinyin: Cháng Chéng
Location: North China
Length: 6,260 km (3,890 miles)
Great Wall Facts »

Gubeikou Great Wall

Gubeikou, situated in Beijing's Miyun County, is 125 kilometers away from Beijing proper. It has long been a town of military significance and an important passage to the capital city. The Yanshan Range winds from east to west and is cut off at Gubeikou, forming a natural narrow pass here. To the west of the pass are the Chaohe River and the Wohu Mountain, and to the east is the Panlong Mountain. From ancient times, Gubeikou has served as a route of strategic importance, linking the southern and northern areas of the YanshanRange. As early as 2,500 years ago, a fortification was built here and was constantly reinforced throughout the following dynasties. Search a Great Wall Tour

The main part of today's Gubeikou Wall was constructed under the supervision of Xu Da, a noted general in the Ming Dynasty. It runs for more than 20 kilometers and consists of four sections: Wohushan, Panlongshan, Jinshanling, and Simatai. It has 143 beacon towers, each positioned at an average interval of 156 meters. The nearest two are only 30 meters apart. The inside of these towers varies in design. While some have a flat ceiling, others either have an arched ceiling, a domed ceiling, or an octagonal, painted ceiling. Each tower has two floors, six archways, and ten arched doors, allowing garrisoned soldiers to advance and retreat freely. The towers are also different in size. The largest one can accommodate a garrison of 100 soldiers, and the smallest one a garrison of 10 soldiers. The towers often have one to six portholes.

The Gubeikou Great Wall was built along the precipitous mountain ranges, rising and falling at various sections. Simatai, built on a cliff, is extremely steep. A famous Great Wall specialist said: "The Great Wall is the best of Chinese architecture, and Simatai is the best of the Great Wall."