Haomen Ancient City

Haomen Ancient City is located three li southeast of Menyuan County. The city is bordered by high cliffs to the south, backed by ridges to the north, and surrounded by deep gullies on the east and west. Perched high above, it presents a majestic and imposing sight. To the north, the city backs onto the towering Qilian Mountains, whose rugged peaks stretch out like an unfurled grand scroll. The city wall lies about one li from the northern bank of the Haomen River, more than 80 meters above the riverbed. It is rectangular in shape, with the eastern...

Haomen Ancient City

Haomen Ancient City

Haomen Ancient City is located three li southeast of Menyuan County. The city is bordered by high cliffs to the south, backed by ridges to the north, and surrounded by deep gullies on the east and west. Perched high above, it presents a majestic and imposing sight. To the north, the city backs onto the towering Qilian Mountains, whose rugged peaks stretch out like an unfurled grand scroll. The city wall lies about one li from the northern bank of the Haomen River, more than 80 meters above the riverbed. It is rectangular in shape, measuring 260 meters east-west and 240 meters north-south, with a base width of 4.5 meters and a top width of 4 meters. There is only one southern gate, which is 18 meters wide. The east and west sides feature continuous walls, along with a defensive moat dug as a trench. Inside the city, there were once three main streets forming a T-shape running east-west and south, with orderly lanes and alleys. Across the river from the southern gate stand verdant pine-covered mountains, forming a screen-like backdrop to the city known as Screen Mountain. Its shape resembles a peach, with the peach peak piercing the sky and forming a perpendicular wall. The cliff face is covered with spruces, interspersed with shrubs, remaining lush green year-round, creating a spectacular view. Along the base of the southern wall, there are several springs where water gushes forth, clear and clean, with a sweet taste that is refreshing to drink.

Haomen Ancient City was built during the Xining era of Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty (1068–1077). Originally named Danan City, it was renamed Datong City in the second year of the Chongning era. Historical records indicate that for 210 years after its construction, the city was alternately occupied by the Jin and Xia dynasties. It continued to be used during the Yuan Dynasty, and was repaired in the eighth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, when troops were stationed there for defense.

Outside the northern wall, nine streets ran north-south. At that time, trade between inland areas flourished without interruption, business thrived, markets prospered, and residents lived in wealth and peace. During the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty, the ancient city fell to the Mongols. The Mongols had attempted to capture the city for ten years but failed due to its strong defenses. Eventually, they devised a clever strategy and succeeded in taking it.

The incident took place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month hundreds of years ago. It is said that on this day, a caravan of over 300 Mongols came from the Lenglongwan Pass. Each person led a camel, and each camel carried two wooden boxes. In the afternoon, they arrived at the Tea-Horse Market north of the city. The locals, seeing that they were Mongol merchants, paid them little mind.

The residents of the city had a custom of releasing river lanterns on the evening of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. As soon as it got dark, the soldiers and civilians in the city opened the gates widely and rushed to the riverbank, eagerly placing lit river lanterns into the water to float downstream, competing to see whose lantern was the most beautiful and lasted the longest. At that moment, the over 300 Mongols, leading their camels and colluding with insiders, slipped into the city. They unloaded the wooden boxes from the camels, and upon opening them, it was discovered that each box concealed two armed individuals. These people jumped out of the boxes and joined forces with the over 300 outsiders, totaling more than 1,000 people who suddenly launched an attack. Immediately, chaos erupted in the city. The defenders were caught off guard and unable to fight back. As a result, flames soared into the sky, blood flowed through the streets, and the entire city fell.

Centuries have passed, but even now, standing before the ruins of the ancient city, one can almost still hear the crisp sounds of ancient warhorses neighing and weapons clashing.