A rare section of the Great Wall built with locally sourced marble has become a popular tourist attraction in Qian'an, Hebei province, drawing visitors with its distinctive stonework and centuries-old military history.
Located in Baiyangyu, the marble section stretches 1.5 kilometers along a mountain ridge in the Yanshan Mountains. Its walls, about 10 meters high and 5 meters wide, feature alternating light gray and purplish-red marble blocks, according to the local authorities. The section forms part of the 4.5-km Baiyangyu Great Wall, which includes 21 watchtowers and a range of ancient military structures.
Zhang Shujing, a guide at the Baiyangyu Great Wall scenic area, said the marble section was built during the Longqing and Wanli reigns of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), under the supervision of renowned military general Qi Jiguang.
Builders used locally available marble for the wall's foundations and exterior, while filling the interior with rammed earth. The construction improved durability and resistance to weathering while giving the fortifications their distinctive appearance, she said.
The site attracted tourists from Beijing, Tianjin, and surrounding areas during the National Day holiday in early October, with visitors climbing the ancient walls to enjoy autumn scenery and explore the historical structures.
Zhang Jie, a tourist from Tianjin, said she had traveled specifically to see the unusual marble fortifications. "Standing on the wall, I could appreciate not only the magnificent mountain scenery but also the ingenuity of the ancient builders," she said.
Qian'an has expanded its tourism attractions around the Great Wall, including scenic driving and cycling routes, countryside accommodation, and cafes, according to local authorities.
The city's Great Wall stretches 45.3 km and features 157 defensive towers, 24 beacon towers, and other military remains, reflecting the region's strategic importance during the Ming Dynasty.
Xu Zhu contributed to this story.
