Wunü Mountain City

Background

Wunü Mountain City stands about 8 km north of Huanren Town, on the north bank of the Hun River, and is representative of early Goguryeo mountain fortresses. In 2004 the "Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom" (No. 1135) were inscribed on the World Heritage List; Wunü Mountain City is one of its three city sites, alongside Guonei City and Wandu Mountain City, and the property also includes 40 tombs. The fortress follows the lie of the mountain and has city walls, palaces, granaries, barracks and water sources — the elements of a defensive city — reflecting Goguryeo's practice of "using the mountain as a fortress for long-term defence"; the surviving walls also include defensive works built on the southern side in 1424 under Li Manzhu, chieftain of the Jianzhou Jurchen. Tradition holds that this was Holseunggolseong, the early Goguryeo capital (37 BC – AD 3), but scholars disagree. The site was named one of China's Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries of 1999 and became a national 4A tourist attraction in 2002. The main peak rises to 821 metres (another figure gives 804 metres), and Huanlong Lake below mirrors the fortress; on the mountain there are also memorial buildings linked to the "Five Maidens" legend, such as the Five Maidens Shrine. The area has a north-temperate climate with four distinct seasons and more than 60 natural sights: flowers, trees, butterflies and birds in spring and summer, sweetgum leaves turning red in autumn, and snowscapes in winter.

Local customs

• Climb the mountain to see the Goguryeo-period west gate, walls and building remains
• visit the Five Maidens Shrine to learn about the "Five Maidens" legend
• climb the main peak for a view over Huanlong Lake
• enjoy red leaves in autumn and snowscapes in winter.

Travel tips

• The visit involves a lot of walking and the mountain paths are steep, so wear non-slip shoes, bring enough water and go at your own pace. From Huanren county town, take a vehicle or drive about 8 km north to the foot of the mountain, then climb on foot
• if you are coming from farther away, travel to Huanren county town first and transfer there. Check the latest local information for routes and schedules. You can combine the visit with Huanren county town.
• Spring and summer bring lush flowers and trees and are good for climbing
• autumn, when the sweetgum turns red, is the time for autumn leaves
• winter brings snowscapes, but the paths are slippery, so take extra care.