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Mutianyu Great Wall History

Why Is It Called Mutianyu Great Wall?

A long time ago, Mutianyu was not called Mutianyu. It was known as ‌Apricot Valley because the entire valley was filled with apricot trees. The local villagers relied on apricots for their livelihood, trading them for food. When the Great Wall was being constructed, the workers often became exhausted and hungry, so they would pick the sweet apricots to eat. Over time, all the ripe apricots were picked, leaving the villagers without their source of income or food, plunging them into a survival crisis.

At this time, a scholar came to the village. He told the villagers, “Do not rely on apricots for survival; switch to farming, and you will survive.”‌ From then on, the villagers began to grow crops for their livelihood. Apricot Valley was renamed ‌Mutian Valley, meaning‌ “Valley Aspiring for More Fields.”‌ The Great Wall built here was also named ‌Mutianyu Great Wall‌ after the village name.

The Construction History of Mutianyu Great Wall

The historical roots of Mutianyu Great Wall trace back to the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577). To fend off incursions by northern nomadic tribes, the imperial court erected the earliest defensive structures here - rudimentary in scale and design, yet laying the groundwork for a future military stronghold. It was not until the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) that large-scale reconstruction elevated Mutianyu into a paragon of ancient Chinese military defense architecture.

Preliminary rammed earth Great Wall

Early Stone Great Wall

In 1368, shortly after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328 - 1398) ordered the overhaul and expansion of the Great Wall to repel Mongol raids from the north. Under the command of General Xu Da (1332 - 1385), construction unfolded atop the ruins of the Northern Qi Great Wall, with Mutianyu emerging as a pivotal segment of this grand defensive project.

A milestone came in 1404 with the completion of Mutianyu Pass, now known as Zhengguan Terrace. Comprising three interconnected watchtowers, this architectural ensemble stands as an iconic landmark of Mutianyu Great Wall, embodying the ingenuity of Ming military engineering.

Exquisite watchtower on the Mutianyu

Qi Jiguang statue

By the mid-Ming Dynasty, to fortify the capital’s northern defenses, the renowned general Qi Jiguang (1528 - 1588) was summoned from southern China. Recognizing Mutianyu’s strategic significance, he personally oversaw its reinforcement in 1569, strengthening walls, adding beacon towers and watchtowers, and refining its defensive layout to render it virtually impenetrable. What we witness today is largely the grandeur of Mutianyu Great Wall as shaped by Qi Jiguang’s vision.

The Protection and Development of Mutianyu Great Wall

The modern restoration of Mutianyu Great Wall commenced formally in 1983. Focusing on the area centered around Zhengguan Terrace, the project encompassed the restoration of walls and watchtowers spanning from the No. 1 Watchtower to the No. 14 Watchtower, covering a total length of 2,000 meters (2,200 yards).

The restored Mutianyu Great Wall

After two years of trial operation, Mutianyu Great Wall opened its gates to domestic and international visitors on April 29, 1988, swiftly establishing itself as a premier tourist destination renowned for its pristine architecture and scenic vistas.

In 2000, further development transformed it into a comprehensive scenic area, with upgraded tourism facilities enhancing visitor experience while preserving its historical integrity.

The year 2011 marked a significant milestone when Mutianyu was designated a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction - a recognition that elevated its conservation standards and management practices. Today, it welcomes millions of travelers annually, serving as a living testament to China’s architectural heritage.