Tiger Mountain Great Wall – The Eastern Starting Point of Great Wall

Originally called Ma’ershan (Horse Ear Mountain), Tiger Mountain was named for its two towering peaks that resemble a pair of upright tiger ears. Over time, the name evolved into Tiger Mountain (Hushan) during the Qing Dynasty. The mountain spans an area of four square kilometers, with its main peak standing at an elevation of 146.3 meters. This peak marks the location of the first beacon tower along the Great Wall, making it a historically significant starting point.

From the top of this beacon tower, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Notably, the city of Uiju in North Korea, the Ma Market Sandbank in China, and the Yalu River Bridge connecting Dandong and Sinuiju are all clearly visible. The scenic beauty of the area is remarkable, with the Great Wall winding up and down along the mountainside, and boats cruising through the nearby lake and along the Yalu River. The lush greenery of the mountains, combined with the vivid colors of flowers and the clear blue waters of the lake, creates a picturesque scene.

What makes the experience truly extraordinary is that from the summit of Tiger Mountain, visitors can take in the natural landscapes of both China and North Korea. The pristine environment and daily life of the North Korean side are easily observed, providing a rare glimpse into the neighboring country.

The Thousand-Meter Plank Road is a thrilling feature of the Tiger Mountain Great Wall. Historically, plank roads were built with wooden posts and boards attached to steep cliffs, serving as precarious pathways along the mountains. In the Tiger Mountain area, a new plank road has been reconstructed on the site of the original one. Walking along this path is both exciting and nerve-wracking, particularly when passing through a section known as the “Tiger’s Mouth.”

The “Tiger’s Mouth” is a 20-meter-long, naturally formed stone passage resembling the half-open mouth of a tiger. This part of the trail is especially challenging, as towering, jagged rocks hang overhead, while the narrow path beneath feels almost nonexistent. Navigating through the “Tiger’s Mouth” requires courage, as visitors are surrounded by looming rock formations, enhancing the sense of adventure. After passing this tricky section, visitors descend a slope and are greeted by a suspension bridge. The bridge, made of five thick steel cables, stretches for more than 30 meters, swaying with each step and offering an exhilarating test of balance and nerve.

The Tiger Mountain Great Wall History Museum, which opened in May 2003, is the fourth museum in China dedicated to the history of the Great Wall, following those at Jiayuguan, Badaling, and Shanhaiguan. The museum provides a detailed exploration of the defensive functions of the Great Wall across various dynasties.

The museum is spread over two floors and features a variety of exhibits. These include relics such as Ming Dynasty Great Wall bricks and pottery unearthed from the Tiger Mountain area, large oil paintings depicting historical scenes of the Great Wall, and sculptures of historical figures related to the Wall’s construction and defense. Historical documents related to the Great Wall are also on display, offering a comprehensive view of the Wall’s significance throughout Chinese history.

Two large panoramic paintings are particularly captivating. One vividly recreates the massive scale of the construction of the Great Wall during the Qin Dynasty, while the other portrays the tragic fall of the Ming Dynasty and the moment the Great Wall was breached. These lifelike depictions provide visitors with a sense of being transported back in time, evoking the emotions and drama of these pivotal moments in history.

Jinjiangshan Park (Jinjiang Mountain Park), Dandong

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