Hwando Mountain City
丸都山城
An early-to-middle-period Goguryeo capital, the Wandu Mountain Fortress was built into a mountain in a corn-cob-shaped layout. Dozens of noble stone-mound tombs cover the slopes below and form a core part of the World Heritage listing.
Wandu Mountain Fortress lies on a mountain about 2.5 km northwest of the city centre. In 3 CE, after the Goguryeo court moved to Guo'nei City, it served as a military stronghold and capital. The walls, built of stone following the contours of the mountain, are about 7 km in circumference. Surviving remains include the South Urn Gate, palace ruins, watchtowers and reservoirs. On the banks of the Tonggou River below the fortress is the Noble Cemetery of Wandu, where more than a hundred stepped stone-mound tombs are scattered in rows. The view from the observation deck is spectacular, and the site is a popular spot for autumn foliage photography in Ji'an. The palace ruins require a steep climb, and the full visit takes about 2 hours. Mosquitoes are common on the mountain, so bring insect repellent. A combined ticket for the Goguryeo heritage sites (Tomb of King Jangsu, Gwanggaeto Stele and Wandu Mountain Fortress) costs about 70 yuan, and individual tickets cost about 30 yuan (subject to the scenic area's official announcement).
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Ji'an Museum
- Ji'an Morning Market
- Gungnae City Ruins
- Yalu Riverside Square
- Yushan Tombs (Wukuifen Tomb No.5)
- Tomb of King Gwanggaeto
- Gwanggaeto Stele
- Tomb of the General (Tomb of King Jangsu)