Jiumenkou, Great Wall section in Liaoning, China
Jiumenkou is a Great Wall section in Liaoning extending roughly 2 kilometers with a height of about 10 meters. The structure combines stone and brick construction with twelve watchtowers distributed along its length, incorporating an underground troop tunnel of about 1 kilometer.
The structure was built in 1382 under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty and served as a key military outpost between northwestern and central China. The fortification witnessed the dynasty's power and control over northern frontiers during this period.
The name 'Jiumenkou' means 'Nine Gates' and refers to the nine arches of the bridge that define the structure. Visitors can observe how the wall here merges with the river landscape, making the natural terrain part of the defensive design.
The best time to visit is during dry seasons when pathways are secure and the bridge is safely passable. Stairs are steep in sections and the tunnel requires a flashlight, so bring appropriate footwear and a light source.
This is the only section of the entire Great Wall that runs directly over a river, using a nine-arch bridge complex. Archaeological finds from the 1990s uncovered iron cannons and blue-and-white porcelain offering insights into the daily life of Ming soldiers.
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