Shuiguan Ruins

　　 The Shuiguan Ruins are located within the Yulin Residential Area on Yu’nanwai Street in Fengtai District (50 meters north of Liangshui River, No. 41 Yulin Li). In 1995, the State Council designated it as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

　　 In 1990, during the construction of residential buildings, the ruins of the water gate on the southern city wall of the Jin Dynasty’s Zhongdu were discovered. It was ranked among the top ten archaeological discoveries in China that year. In 1991, the Municipal Institute of Cultural Relics conducted excavations on the site and subsequently built the "Liao-Jin City Wall Ruins Museum" to preserve the Shuiguan Ruins in situ. The site was opened to the public on April 23, 1995.

　　 A shuiguan (water pass) is an architectural structure beneath ancient city walls that allows rivers to flow in and out. The remaining foundation of the Jin Zhongdu Shuiguan Ruins is “][” shaped in plan, running north-south with a total length of 43.4 meters. The overall structure is made of timber and stone, with densely packed wooden piles forming the lowest foundation. The spaces between the wooden piles were filled with broken stones, bricks, tiles, and compacted sand and soil. Above the wooden piles lie衬石枋 (lining stone beams), and above them are laid floor stones. The wooden piles, lining stone beams, and stone slabs are closely interconnected, forming a sturdy and rational structure. The discovery of the Shuiguan Ruins not only confirmed the location of the southern wall of Jin Zhongdu but also helped determine the direction of the ancient river channel through archaeological probing to the north. This clarified the path of one branch of the city’s eastern water system after it flowed past Longjin Bridge—heading south and entering the city moat at a specific point along the southern wall.

　　 The Shuiguan Ruins are the largest and best-preserved ancient water pass ruins known in China. They mark the location of Jin Zhongdu, represent the urban architecture and craftsmanship of the Jin Zhongdu period, and enrich the study of ancient Chinese architecture. The ruins also confirm the direction of the city's internal water system, providing important physical evidence for research on the waterways of Jin Zhongdu.

　　 [Location] No. 41 Yulin Li, Yulin Residential Area, Yu’nanwai Street, Fengtai District

　　 [Transportation] Take bus 59, 19, or 351, get off at Daguan Yuan, and walk south

　　 [Contact] 010－63054991

　　 [Admission] 10 yuan

　　 [Opening Hours] 09:00–16:00