The Great Wall of Qi

The Great Wall of Qi was a defensive fortification built by the State of Qi along the border between Qi and Lu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods to fend off foreign invasions.

Constructed by adapting to local terrain and mountain conditions, the wall made full use of locally available materials. Sections were either dry-stacked with stones, rammed with plain earth, or built with a combination of both materials, with no unified standard. The height, width and thickness of the wall varied freely according to geographical conditions. Most battlements along the wall remain intact. They were neatly piled up with stones and remain extremely solid, demonstrating superb ancient construction techniques.

The section of the Great Wall of Qi within Zhangqiu stretches approximately 70 kilometres along mountain ridges. Its eastern end reaches a mountain top about 3 kilometres east of Santai Village in Yanjia Yu Township, bordering Zibo City. The western end extends to the southwest peak of Yaozi in Duozhuang Town, connecting with Licheng District. There are three major passes along this stretch: Jinyang Pass, Huangshi Pass and North Gate Pass.

Jinyang Pass lies roughly 2 kilometres south of Sanhuaishu Village in Wenzu Town. Beacon towers and Changcheng Ridge block the east and west approaches to the pass. The mountain slopes on both sides are gentle. The existing wall was reconstructed in the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1861) to resist the Nian Army, and it has been well preserved. The wall stands 6 to 7.5 metres high, with embrasures spaced 1.2 metres apart. The ancient horse path on the inner side of the wall can still be vaguely identified. The battlements are neatly arranged with high parapets. The wall climbs stepwise along the mountain ridge, winding far into the distance and presenting a spectacular view. This is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall and is listed as a key cultural relic under protection in Jinan City.

Huangshi Pass is situated 1 kilometre directly south of Santai Village, Yanjia Yu Township. It is tucked inside a canyon flanked by Pilinjianshan Mountain on the east and Junlin Mountain on the west.

North Gate Pass stands about 3 kilometres southeast of Qiaozi Village, Duozhuang Town. The mountain here forms a saddle-shaped pass cutting across the mountain col. Remains of the city walls on both sides are poorly preserved. Parts of the stone-and-earth mixed ramparts have collapsed into trapezoidal piles of rubble. Nowadays this mountain pass serves as the westbound route linking Zhangqiu and Laiwu.

As the southern defensive barrier of the State of Qi, the Great Wall constituted a massive national defence project. Initially it was built to guard against the powerful neighbouring State of Lu in the south. Later, as the State of Chu expanded northward, the wall became the major bulwark against Chu’s military threat.

After the unification of the Qin Dynasty, the Great Wall of Qi lost its military value and gradually fell into disrepair. It underwent multiple renovations in the Ming, Qing and Republican periods. On June 25, 2001, the State Council designated the Great Wall of Qi as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.