Jimingyi, Ancient post station in Huailai County, China
Jimingyi is a large fortified post station complex surrounded by thick stone walls arranged in a square layout. The perimeter walls stretch about 1,900 meters around the site and rise approximately 11 meters high, creating a substantial enclosed compound in the hilly terrain of Hebei Province.
Emperor Taizu founded this postal station in 1219 during the Yuan Dynasty, and the complex later became the largest post house on the northern route under Ming rule. The structure reflects centuries of importance for communication and trade networks spanning east and west.
The site contains a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mount Taishan and the residence quarters of the He family, where traditional Chinese architectural details appear in decorative gates and tower structures. Walking through these spaces shows how religious and domestic life were woven into the layout of the post station.
The best way to reach this site is by train to Xiahuayuan station from Beijing, followed by a short taxi ride to the entrance. A full walk around and through the grounds requires some time and comfortable footwear, as you will cover considerable distance exploring the perimeter and interior areas.
The walls underwent major renovation under Emperor Qianlong in 1738, showing that the route remained important long after the original construction. This investment in upkeep helped the structures survive centuries of harsh weather and freeze-thaw cycles in northern regions.
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