Suiyuan City Wall and General's Office

Suiyuan City Wall and General's Office

The Suiyuan City Wall and General's Office are designated as Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.

The Suiyuan City Wall is situated on Beiyuan Street and Donghuchenghe North Lane in the Xincheng District of Hohhot. During the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, to enhance military defenses, Emperor Yongzheng moved the garrison troops stationed within the Great Wall from Datong Right Guard City to the north beyond the Wall. About five li northeast of Guihua City (now the Old City of Hohhot), a new city was constructed as a military base. Construction started in the second year of Qianlong’s reign (1737) and was completed two years later. Emperor Qianlong bestowed upon it the name “Suiyuan City” in both Manchu and Chinese. Suiyuan City is one of the few surviving examples of city wall construction during the Qing Dynasty. The original wall stood 2 zhang 9 chi 5 cun high, with a top width of 2 zhang 5 chi and a base width of 4 zhang. Today, over 700 meters of the northeastern section of the wall remain, along with four barbicans.

The General's Office is located on West Street in the Xincheng District and served as the administrative office and residence of the Suiyuan City General. It was the highest governing institution of the Qing court for political and military control over the Suiyuan area. The entire architectural complex consists of five courtyards, divided into three parts: the east and west wing courtyards and the central courtyard. The Suiyuan General's Office was constructed strictly in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Qing court’s "Collected Statutes of the Great Qing" and the requirements for Eight Banners garrison cities. Its layout, structure, and design represent the construction standards, systems, and technological level of that historical period. Its large scale and well-preserved condition make it the only remaining example of its kind from the Qing Dynasty.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level