PREFACE

The Great wall is the pride and one of the symbols of China. One part of the Wall called Jinshanling falls within the territory of Luanping County is the most magnificent owing to the dense and wellpreserved watchingtowers. Someone says that “the Unique Beauty of the Great Wall just in Jinshanling”.

The Great Wall of Jinshanling part lies across Jinshan Hill of Yanshan Mountain chain which is the juncture of Luanping County of Hebei and Miyun County of Beijing, connecting Simatai in the east and Gubeikou in the west. It is 130 kilometers away from Beijing City in the southwest and 90 KM from the Mountain Resort of Chengde City in the northeast. Jinshanling is the northeast gateway of Beijing City.

The Great Wall of Jinshanling section began to be built in 1368 A. D. and the famous general named Xuda took charge of the project. In year 1567, general Qijiguang and Governor Tanlun continued a series of repairing project. Along the Wall, 5 gates,67 watchingtowers,3 beacon towers and battlements, fighting platforms, batteries, observatories, thunderstone holes, arrowshooting spaces, horseblocking wall and so on Geographically speaking, Jinshanling Mountain connects Gubeikou, Laowaguan and Heiguguan barrier from the east and the west; it is the important protective area preventing the incursion of Mongolian troops in Ming Dynasty. Also due to the exquisite architectural arts and the rounded military defense system, the Great Wall of Jinshanling section was enlisted on the name list of world cultural heritages and one of the 4A class national scenery spots; in 2010 it was commented as one of the 10 Chinese Beautiful Autumn Places and the most luxurious crest line, the most charming viewing deck, the most profound history ruins.

I had been to the Great Wall (Jinshanling Section) in the summer of 2010; although it is a short-stay there but a deep impression left in my mind for the majesty of the Wall. Now opening Mr. Gaojunhu’s book --- Picturesque Jinshanling Great Wall, my eyes are brightened by the beauty of Jinshanling: wild flowers blooming in spring; all green forests and mist in summer; red and yellow leaves cover the forests in autumn; heave snow bringing a silver world. This book, displaying the long history, magnificent and glorious beauty of the Great wall, could bring desirable enjoyment for reader; and this is the reason why I write the title and the forewords for the book.

I am sure that through these unique pictures, more and more photographers and tourists will come to Jinshanling for enjoying, recording the beauty of the Wall.

Please keep in mind that one who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero.

By Shuyi

In the spring of 2013