Xifengkou Gateway
Xifengkou Great Wall, one of the 32 important passes built by General Xu Da during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), is located 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Qianxi County, Hebei Province. It occupies Luanhe Valley, a strategically important location where lofty mountains reach to the sky. Many famous battles took place in this area. 
Xifengkou Great Wall in Hebei
In terms of military considerations, Xifengkou Great Wall is divided into two parts: Guan Cheng (frontier pass city) and a citadel. Guan Cheng is the pass where it is said one solider could guard against ten thousand invaders. It is the most concentrated stronghold along the defense line of the Great Wall. The architectural structure of Guan Cheng in Xifengkou Great Wall is peculiar in that the three Guan Cheng are linked together by an array of strong stone walls.The strongly fortified walls together with the watch towers strengthen the defensive capability of the Xifengkou Great Wall.
Now, due to the construction of the Panjiakou Reservoir, the main part of the wall has been submerged by the rising water but it is still dimly visible, which makes it a unique sight along the Great Wall. Look down at the Xifengkou Great Wall from the top of the mountain and you will see that it looks like a giant dragon zigzagging through the water.Sandaoguan Great Wall
Located five miles northeast of Shanhaiguan Pass, Sandaoguan Great Wall (meaning "Three Passes Great Wall") was built to defend against enemy intrusions in the ancient wars. The wall was strategically important and gives the appearance of a giant dragon surging forward to the top of the cliffs and then suddenly rushing down to the bottom of the valley.
The wall was built by layering stones. It is over fifteen feet high, 6.5 feetwide and over 500 yards long. The first pass is a gully surrounded by steep cliffs; the second lies between two precipices standing face-to-face and the third pass is located high on the mountain.
It is no exaggeration to say Sandaoguan Great Wall is one of the most wondrous segments of the Great Wall. Amazingly, some segments of the wall here were builton cliffs at a 90 degree incline. It appropriately earned the nickname "The Wall Hanging Upside Down.
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Travelers' Voices on Xifengkou Gateway & Sandaoguan Great Wall
1.
Jun. 20,2009 20:52 Reply
Mr.Ergent said:
How to aviod thunder on Great Wall? Plz help! I heard the tragedy about thunder hit hikers, and I think it is not enough just to hear the forecast before travel. The weather is so changealbe on the wall!
Jun. 21,2009 01:57
Mr.Gordon replied:
Here are some advices I can give it to you:
1. Don't go to the wild sections if possible.
2. If you would like to make an exploration to the wild section, you'd better consult the weather forecast in advance. Don't go to the wall in rain, storm or snow days.
3. In case it rains or thunders over the wall while you are visiting, go to the nearest beacon tower for shelter, but go in small steps as big steps would cause step voltage. Close all wireless communications such as cell phones, broadcast and even cameras, wait until the rain stops.
2.
Apr. 20,2009 13:14 Reply
Ms.Emilee(United States of America) said:
Who was the great wall of China built for?
Apr. 21,2009 03:12
Mr.Mickey boy(USA) replied:
The Great Wall of China was built for the ancient common people in China, to ensure them a peaceful life free from the attacks from the ancient northern nomadic tribes.