Jiumen Yanmu Stele

　　    Destination Introduction
　　    During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the State of Yan had its capital in Jicheng, which was anciently called Jiumen. Since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, some people have regarded the earthen gate known as Tuchengguan outside Deshengmen, originally built during the Yuan dynasty, as the former site of Jiumen. It is said that there were two earthen mounds outside the gate covered with lush trees, appearing deep green and majestic, with mist floating in the air under clear skies, unchanged throughout all seasons, hence the name “Jiumen Yanmu” (Misty Trees at Jiumen). Currently, the stele is located at Huangtingzi on Xueyuan Road.

　　　　       A staff member from the Greening Office of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry mentioned that “Jiumen Yanmu,” as one of the scenic spots in the Xitucheng Relics Park, has received attention and protection from the bureau. Xitucheng Relics Park is an open public green space. At present, high railings have been installed around the “Jiumen Yanmu” stele. Historical changes have made it impossible to restore the original landscape, and the only historical witness is this stele inscribed with calligraphy by Emperor Qianlong.

　　　　    The Jiumen Yanmu Stele is situated on the site of the Yuan Dynasty earthen city wall in Huangtingzi Village on Xueyuan Road, Haidian District. Since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, the Jiande Gate (commonly called Tuchengguan) of the Yuan Dadu City outside Deshengmen has been regarded as the former site of Jiumen from the Warring States period. Known as "Jiumen Flying Rain" in the Yuan Dynasty, it began to be called “Jiumen Yanmu” in the Ming Dynasty. Legend says there were two earthen mounds outside the gate where “lush trees flourished, appearing deep green and majestic, with mist floating in the air under clear skies, unchanged throughout all seasons,” thus giving the name. This scene was counted among the “Eight Scenic Views of Yanjing,” but that view no longer exists today.

　　　　    Location: Located on the earthen city wall five li outside Deshengmen

　　　　    The stele is about 3 meters tall, 80 centimeters wide, and 25 centimeters thick. It has a monk’s-hat-shaped top carved with thunder patterns, and a square base. The front of the stele bears four characters “Jiumen Yanmu” handwritten by Emperor Qianlong, while the back features a seven-character regulated verse composed and inscribed by the emperor: “Ten miles of light willows with mist afloat, / Point to Jiumen, a desolate mound in sight. / Where to buy wine with a green-hung sign? / More graves in yellow earth appear with time. / Can’t detain guests from long parting farewells, / Who’d go for a pure outing to hear orioles? / Buddhist bells try to wake one from mortal dreams, / Their sounds drifting o’er towers beyond the streams.” It was renovated in 1985, and the surrounding area has been turned into a park.  

　　     Haidian District, Beijing