Historical Context
The Goguryeo Kingdom, founded in 37 BCE by ethnic minority groups in Northeast China, became a regional power spanning modern China and the Korean Peninsula. Its relics, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v), include:
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Capital Cities:
- Guonei City: A rare plains-city with intact stone walls (2,738m perimeter), serving as the administrative hub after 3 CE.
- Wandu Mountain City: A military stronghold with 7 gates and triple-walled defenses, used as a provisional capital.
- Wunu Mountain City: The first capital (37 BCE) in Huanren, partially excavated.
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Tombs:
- 14 Royal Tombs: Stepped-pyramid structures like the General's Tomb (31m base, 7-tier granite) and King Jangsu's Mausoleum.
- 26 Noble Tombs: Decorated with murals depicting feasts, hunting, and lotus motifs (Buddhist influence).
Architectural and Cultural Highlights
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Defensive Innovations:
- Wandu Mountain City's water reservoirs and dry-stone walls (no mortar) demonstrated advanced engineering.
- Guonei and Wandu's "plains-mountain twin-city system" influenced later Goguryeo capitals.
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Artistic Legacy:
- Murals: 101 tombs feature paintings of daily life, celestial beings, and Chinese-inspired calligraphy.
- Gwanggaeto Stele: 6.3m monument documenting Goguryeo's conquests and Chinese cultural impact.
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Cultural Fusion:
- Ondol heating systems in tombs.
- Lotus designs in murals post-Buddhism's arrival.
Visitor Experience
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Key Sites:
Attraction Highlights General's Tomb "Oriental Pyramid" with 1,100 granite blocks Wandu Mountain City Panoramic views of Yalu River Gwanggaeto Stele Oldest surviving Goguryeo text -
Practical Information:
- Hours: 8:30–17:00 (Apr–Oct); 9:00–16:30 (Nov–Mar).
- Tickets: ¥70 combo pass (cities + tombs).
- Transport: Buses from Ji'an Railway Station (20 mins).
Conservation Status
- Protected under China's Cultural Relics Protection Law since 1961.
- Digital preservation projects for fragile murals.
This site bridges Korean history and Chinese archaeology, offering unparalleled insights into ancient Northeast Asian civilization.