Zhenbeitai Great Wall
There is a saying comparing the Great Wall to a giant dragon, with the head at the Shanhaiguan Pass and the end at the Jiayuguan Pass. ‘So where is the heart of the dragon?’ you may ask. ‘Zhenbeitai, also called Pacify the North Tower in English’, definitely, either because of its location or because of its military importance, Zhenbeitai all fully deserves the title of ‘the Heart of the Great Wall’.
 Zhenbeitai Great Wall |
 Zhenbeitai Great Wall |
Standing on Zhenbeitai Tower and taking a panoramic view, the landscapes are different on the inner and outer sides of the Great Wall. To the north of the Great Wall is continuous desert, presenting a lonely and desolate prospect. To the south of the great Wall are areas of growing woods, part of the ‘Three North’ (the north-east China, north China and north-west China) sand-break forests, presenting a scene vibrant with life.
Located three miles north of Yulin City in Shannxi Province and lying at the top of Mt. Hongshan, Zhenbeitai Great Wall is the biggest city terrace on the Great Wall. Built in the year 1607 in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), it originally served as an observation post for maintaining order at the Horse Trade Market where the Han people and the Nomadic people carried on business transactions. The tower measures over 98 feet tall and has four levels.
 Zhenbeitai Great Wall |
 Zhenbeitai Great Wall |
Zhenbeitai Great Wall Travel Tips:
You can take a taxi from Yulin City to Zhenbeitai, or you can take the tourist bus or bus No.3 at Guangji Mansion in Yulin, and get off at Zhenbeitai Great Wall.
Admission Fee: CNY 10.00
–Remember that much of Great Wall is in a state of ruin. So safety is the first.
–In parts, the way is steep and hazardous and is not for the feint hearted! It is not really suitable for more elderly people who should always be accompanied. As with all dangerous exploits it is advisable to have an experienced guide or someone who has been before to go with you.
–Take particular care not to loose your footing when stopping to take photographs! Never take unnecessary risks and keep to the recognized paths.
–You will be visiting military fortifications that are built mainly along high, steep and exposed mountain ridges. You will need light, loose fitting, comfortable clothing that is waterproof, wind-resisting and air permeable. In autumn and winter, warm sweaters and gloves are recommended.
–Gloves should not be too thick as you will need to use your hands when climbing particularly steep sections of the route.
Shannxi Great Wall List |
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| Wei Dynasty Great Wall | Yulin Great Wall |
| Zhenbeitai Great Wall | |
