(Into the Chinese countryside) Watch the changes at the foot of the ancient Great Wall- from defending against foreign enemies to opening the door to welcome guests
In an interview conducted on October 20th, amidst the majestic backdrop of the ancient Great Wall, a transformation story unfolds—one where the site shifted from a stronghold against invaders to an inviting gateway for visitors.
“I’m always amazed by the grandeur of the ancient Great Wall and the serene charm of the old villages,” said Ye Hui, a tourist from Sichuan, who recently shared stunning photos from her trip on social media. Her visit to Shanxi allowed her to appreciate the unique allure of the historical architecture and landscapes.
As we explored Wangjiacha Village in the heart of the Lüliang Mountains, the Great Wall, composed of stone slabs, stretched across the hills. Surrounded by ancient streets and towering city walls, this quaint village reveals its deep-rooted connection with the Great Wall.
Located in the central northern part of Shanxi Province, Ke County has historically been a battleground between the Han Chinese and various northern ethnic groups. The area served as a crucial defensive location, leading to the construction of the Great Wall during various dynasties, starting from the Warring States Period to the Northern Qi, Sui, and Song Dynasties.
According to Guo Ruifang from the Ke County Cultural Relics Protection Bureau, the existing Great Wall in the area stretches over 57,074 meters, divided into 59 sections, with 13 beacon towers from the Ming Dynasty. The oldest segment dates back to the seventh year of the Tianbao era under Northern Qi (556 AD). The Song Dynasty section was later built upon earlier structures, representing local defensive architecture.
Wangjiacha Village, once a deeply impoverished area, has undergone significant changes since 2015 when various initiatives were enacted to support poverty alleviation. The development of the Ke County Song Dynasty Great Wall scenic area turned Wangjiacha into a relocation hub, integrating the nearby villages into the new tourism framework.
Liu Wenqi, the village’s Party branch secretary, noted, “The transformation in the past decade has been remarkable. Previously, the village was filled with dilapidated houses and dirt roads, severely suffering from depopulation. With the construction of the Song Dynasty Great Wall scenic area, villagers moved into new homes, found jobs, and started ‘cashing in’ on tourism.” He explained that during the construction phase, locals took on roles as cleaners and forest rangers while also opening barbecue stands and convenience stores, providing them with additional income right at their doorstep.
October 16 marked a bustling day at the scenic area, where tourists from Deyang, Sichuan flocked to enjoy the attractions. Since being designated as a key cultural heritage site in 2019, Wangjiacha has become a popular destination. During holidays, the area buzzes with visitors eager to explore the Great Wall, stroll through ancient streets, and attend performances. Villagers have also benefitted economically, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
“We opened a barbecue shop as a family upon the scenic area’s launch. The shop is rent-free, and during peak season, we can earn over a thousand yuan a day. Thanks to rural tourism, we have year-round job opportunities and a stable income,” shared villager Kang Xue Mei.
Another local, Yang He, who grew up at the foot of the Great Wall and once served as the village’s Party secretary, has embraced his new role as a cultural heritage protector in retirement. His activities include litter collection, distributing flyers, photography, preventing vandalism, and educating visitors about the Great Wall’s significance.
Guo emphasized that Ke County aims to prioritize the preservation of the Great Wall while practicing minimal intervention and emergency restoration. The county hopes to explore new ways to integrate cultural tourism that supports rural revitalization while safeguarding this ancient treasure.
