City wall of Jingzhou, Ming Dynasty defensive wall in Jingzhou, China
The City wall of Jingzhou is a fortified structure encircling the city with six gateways topped by towers and wide walkable sections along its length. The walls rise to a considerable height and are constructed from thick blue bricks, featuring openings and raised platforms that offer views across the city.
The wall's origins trace back to the Spring and Autumn period, but the structure visible today took its main form during the Ming Dynasty and was refined in the early Qing era. These changes reflect the evolving defensive needs of the city across different historical periods.
The wall serves as a daily gathering place where local residents walk, exercise, and socialize along its paths. It connects the city to stories that shaped regional culture and remains central to how people experience their community.
The main entry point is through the eastern gate, which provides easy access to the wide pathways on top where you can walk the full circuit. Wear appropriate footwear since the routes are long and the walking surface can be uneven in places.
The blue bricks are held together with a special mortar made from lime and glutinous rice liquid, an ancient technique that gave the wall exceptional strength and longevity. This distinctive bonding method remains visible in the joints today and reveals the craftsmanship of that era.
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