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Ji An Border City Travel Guide
Located in Jilin Province, China, Ji’an (集安) is a historic border city situated along the Yalu River, facing North Korea across the river. With its unique location and rich cultural heritage, Ji’an has become an important destination for travelers interested in ancient history and archaeology.
The city gained worldwide recognition in 2004, when the extensive archaeological remains of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom, including ancient cities, royal tombs, and ruins, were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the official name “Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom.”
The heritage area preserves the remains of the Koguryo Kingdom’s political, military, and cultural achievements, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into one of Northeast Asia’s most powerful ancient civilizations.
1. Guonei City — The Ancient Capital of Koguryo
The Koguryo Kingdom was founded in present-day Huanren County, Liaoning Province, before moving its capital to Guonei City (present-day Ji’an, Jilin Province) in 3 AD.
To strengthen the capital’s defense, another military fortress called Weina Mountain City was constructed outside Guonei City. Later, this defensive city was expanded and renamed Wandu Mountain City.
Guonei City served as the political center of Koguryo for several centuries and played a vital role in the development of the kingdom.
2. Wandu Mountain City — An Ancient Mountain Fortress
Located about 2.5 kilometers from downtown Ji’an, Wandu Mountain City sits on the rugged Wandu Peak, with its highest point reaching 676 meters above sea level.
As a typical mountain city of the early and middle periods of the Koguryo Kingdom, Wandu served both as a military fortress and an imperial city. Although most original buildings have disappeared, the remaining city walls and ruins still reveal the impressive scale and strategic design of the ancient city.
The original city had a circumference of approximately 6,395 meters and included six gates. Together with Guonei City, the combined layout of the two cities represents a unique example in the history of ancient urban and palace construction, demonstrating the remarkable architectural achievements of the Koguryo civilization.
3. Jiangjunfen (General Tomb) — The “Oriental Pyramid”
Located at the foot of Longshan Mountain, about 4 kilometers northeast of Ji’an’s city center, the General Tomb (Jiangjunfen) is one of the most famous Koguryo royal tombs.
Because of its pyramid-like appearance, the tomb is often called the “Oriental Pyramid.” It is believed to be the burial site of the 20th king of the Koguryo Kingdom.
The tomb is constructed with seven layers of carefully arranged marble stones. A passage leading into the tomb can be found on the fifth layer. Behind the main tomb are several smaller accompanying tombs, reflecting the burial customs and royal traditions of the Koguryo period.
With its ancient capitals, mountain fortresses, and magnificent royal tombs, Ji’an Ancient City is a remarkable destination for exploring Northeast China’s history and the legacy of the Koguryo Kingdom.
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