The Ancient City of Wandu Mountain

The Ancient City of Wandu Mountain

The Ancient City of Wandu Mountain is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Ancient City of Wandu Mountain is located on a mountain ridge 2.5 kilometers northwest of Ji’an County, Jilin Province.

The site was first built in the year 3 AD as a defensive stronghold for the earlier capital of the Goguryeo Kingdom, Guonei City. It was used for storing weapons and provisions in peacetime, and as a fortified position in times of war.

In 209 AD, King Sansang relocated the capital to the mountain city. In 244 AD, Wei general Wang Qi launched an attack against Goguryeo, and the Wandu Mountain Fortress was sacked. Thereafter, the fortress remained abandoned for nearly a century. By 342 AD, King Micheon moved the capital again to DaDu City. However, this period of prosperity did not last long — before long, the Former Yan army once again captured Goguryeo, forcing King Micheon to flee in haste. After multiple rises and falls, the Wandu Mountain Fortress eventually became a relic of history.

The mountain fortress has a circumference of about 7 kilometers, boasts a majestic presence, and involved an enormous engineering effort. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with an oval-shaped layout. The walls were constructed from neatly cut stones, with parts in the eastern section reaching up to 6 meters in height. The tops of the walls have been newly fitted with broad walkways, and parapets have been built on the outer side. There are five known gate ruins, among which the southern gate is the most prominent remnant. It is recessed inward, facilitating defense against attacks.

Within the fortress, structures such as the Dewang Terrace, a reservoir, and the foundations of a grand palace complex remain preserved to this day. The palace site is located on the eastern slope, arranged in two terraced levels along the incline. The ground is scattered with orderly column bases, as well as roof tiles and tile ends adorned with beast face patterns, lotus petal designs, and geometric grids. The watchtower, known as the Dianwang Platform, is situated at the southern end of a central mountain ridge just north of the southern gate. Standing approximately 7 meters tall, it offers a panoramic view of the valley terrain of the ancient city. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units