The Wulonggou Great Wall (乌龙沟长城), built during the Ming Dynasty in the Wanli era, is an integral part of China’s ancient defensive fortifications known as the Great Wall. Stretching from the southern plains of Pingxingguan in Shanxi Province to the northeastern reaches of Laiyuan County, Hebei Province, this segment of the Great Wall covers an impressive distance of 150 kilometers, passing through 12 different townships. It has over 300 watchtowers, 42 battle terraces, 33 beacon towers, and 6 forts, and is the most primitive segment you can find in Hebei.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Wulonggou Great Wall
- Video about Wulonggou Great Wall
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Baoding
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Wulonggou Great Wall is located in Wulonggou Township, Laiyuan County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, China. This section of the Great Wall is situated at an average elevation of 1200 meters, making it a picturesque destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
To get to Wulonggou Great Wall, you can either choose the coach or drive yourself.
Public Transportation:
- Start by taking a bus or train to Baoding, a city in Hebei Province. Baoding has good connectivity with various major cities in the region.
- From Baoding, you can take another bus to Laiyuan County and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Wulonggou Township.
- From Wulonggou Township, you will need to walk a certain distance to reach Wulonggou Great Wall.
Self-Driving:
- The most convenient way to reach Wulonggou Great Wall is by self-driving. If you have access to a vehicle, you can drive from Baoding to Wulonggou Township.
- The journey typically takes approximately two hours.
Highlights of Wulonggou Great Wall
Remarkable Preservation
One of the most remarkable aspects of Wulonggou Great Wall is its remarkable preservation. For centuries, it has retained its original appearance, with both the watchtowers (known as “敌楼” or “di lou” in Chinese) and the fortress walls remaining largely unchanged. Remarkably, there has been little to no restoration work carried out on this section of the Great Wall. Several factors may contribute to this preservation. Firstly, the region surrounding Laiyuan County is rich in limestone resources, which were often used to construct and repair the Great Wall. Secondly, the remote location of Wulonggou may have discouraged human interference and vandalism.
Dense Watchtowers
The watchtowers of Wulonggou Great Wall are notable for their impressive height and density. Within a span of just one kilometer, you can find more than a dozen watchtowers, tightly packed together. Some of these watchtowers extend forward, serving as advanced sentinels, while others provide mutual support to those situated behind and on the flanks. The interiors of these watchtowers are surprisingly spacious, and the walls and rooftops are adorned with inscriptions of peculiar poems and verses.
Historical Signicance
The significance of Wulonggou Great Wall goes beyond its architectural magnificence; it also bears witness to a rich history of defense and cultural heritage. Standing amidst these ancient stones, one can’t help but be transported back in time to an era when this mighty fortress played a crucial role in safeguarding China’s northern borders.
Video about Wulonggou Great Wall
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Footwear and Terrain: The road is often covered with gravel and sand, so it is recommended to wear anti-slip hiking shoes. Protective shoe covers are also suggested for added safety.
Clothing Recommendations: It is advised to wear long sleeves due to the presence of many tree branches along the mountain path. As the mountaintop can be windy, it is crucial to bring a thicker outer layer to stay warm.
Water and Supplies: Nearby, there is only a supermarket in the village, so it is recommended to carry sufficient water for outdoor activities.
Climbing Duration and Difficulty: The ascent to the mountaintop takes approximately 40 minutes. Some parts of the path may be steep, but overall, it is described as relatively gentle. The area is less crowded, offering a strong visual appeal.
