Merry Wanderer of the Night + Historical Heritage

East Asia: Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
At two kilometres in circumference and protected by an imposing 12-metre wall, the Ming Dynasty's 'Martial City' had a reputation that struck fear into opposing armies.

Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
The fortress was built in 1393 and managed to repel all 
attacks by the invading Mongolian armies 
[Credit: Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]

So much so that battle plans would be drawn up to specifically give the castle at Zhangjiakou, in China's northern Hebei province, a wide berth.

Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
The fortress measures some two kilometres in circumference 
and was protected by an imposing 12-metre wall 
[Credit: Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]

Now archaeologists have begun a daunting project to restore the once-mighty site to something approaching it previous glory, in particular the dilapidated outer wall that repelled every attack which invading Mongolian armies could throw at it.

Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
Among the works being carried out at Wanquan Castle is 
the restoration of the fortress' dilapidated outer wall 
[Credit: Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]

The restoration of the fortress - which was given the coveted title of 'Wucheng' or 'Martial City' after its construction in 1393 - will see building work completed in the original Ming Dynasty style of architecture, Cinese sources report.

Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
Workers restore the southern barbican entrance to Wanquan Castle, 
which was known as the Ming Dynasty's 'Martial City' 
[Credit: Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]

The project will see the restoration of the Ming and Qing era commercial districts, the Great Wall Martial Museum, the Golden Harvest Academy and performance theatres as well as the opening of the Red Tourist Route, with all work planned to be complete in 2016. The restoration work will also include the ongoing protection of surviving structures.

Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
While much of the interior city is in good condition, the outer wall is somewhat 
dilapidated and will be the focus of much of the work
 [Credit: Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]

The castle in Wanquan county - known in China as a 'living fossil of the Ming military system' - was built in 1393 but is relatively well-preserved, especially the interior city area which includes the residences of generals and wealthy merchants.

Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province
The restoration work, which is due to be completed next year, will where
 possible be carried out in the style of Ming Dynasty architecture
 [Credit: Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]

The fortress has huge historical, cultural and military significance and has key cultural relic status in China.

Author: Edward Chow | Source: Daily Mail Online [April 07, 2015]

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East Asia: Military castle of Ming Dynasty under restoration in Hebei Province + Historical Heritage