The name "Jiumenkou" means "Entrance to Nine Gates." The Jiumenkou wall section running from the north to south, located within the area of Xintaizi village of Suizhong county in Liaoning province traverses over the 110 meter Jiujiang River and the walls take on the characteristics of the bridge. Towering on steep precipice-covered riverbed, the stone bridge, which features eight shuttle-shape piers and nine sluice gates, has propped up the magnificent wall for more than six centuries. These nine sluice gates regulated the flow of water and held off any invading enemy.
Location
Jiumenkou section of the Great Wall holds the only access between northern and central China. It is located on the border shared by Funing County of Hebei and Suizhong County of Liaoning provinces. It consists of sixteen watchtowers and one beacon tower.
Jiumenkou Section was originally built during the Northern Qi period (550-577).
In the Hongwu period (1328-1398) under the supervision of General Xu Da of the Ming dynasty, it was further expanded.It is 15 km from Shanhaiguan Pass and was known as "The First Pass East to Beijing."
Recent Discoveries
In recent years Jiumenkou Section has been an area of great interest for archeologists, historians and military experts. Numerous cultural relics, large indigenous iron and stone guns, porcelain bowls and big jars, have been excavated from the site. Archaeologists believe that a sound military defense system was in place at the site.
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