Border Defense Tunnels Site

Border Defense Tunnels Site

The Border Defense Tunnels Site is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Border Defense Tunnels Site is located in Yongqing County, Hebei Province.

The tunnel site was discovered in the mid-20th century and was built as an underground military defense project by the renowned Song Dynasty general Yang Liulang while guarding the Waqiao Pass. It serves as a historical witness to the conflicts between the Song and Liao dynasties. In 1988, experts concluded that, unlike other ancient tunnels mainly used for attacking cities, these were underground war tunnels from the Northern Song Dynasty, built to defend against the Liao Kingdom. They functioned as enduring defensive structures, serving a similar warfare role to the above-ground Great Wall, hence earning the name “Underground Great Wall.”

The ancient tunnels extend from Xiongxian County northeastward to Bazhou, Wen’an, and Yongqing counties (cities) in Langfang, covering an area approximately 65 kilometers east-west and 25 kilometers north-south, spanning around 1,300 square kilometers in total, with 300 square kilometers located solely within Yongqing County. Xiongxian serves as the western starting point and core area of the Song-Liao border defense tunnels, where several tunnel sites have been discovered, including the relatively well-preserved Datai site. The tunnel structure is intricate, complete with soldier hiding chambers, meeting halls, and maze-like passages. The tunnel ceiling is about four meters below ground level, with varying heights and widths inside. Features include lamp niches, storage areas, air vents, as well as military facilities such as trap doors and enemy observation holes. These tunnels hold significant historical, cultural, and military value.

In 2006, the Border Defense Tunnels Site was listed by the State Council as part of the sixth group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, recognized as an ancient site from the Song Dynasty.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units