Yimacheng Ruins
易马城
A Ming-dynasty frontier trading town between Zhenbei Tower and Hongshixia, where Han and Mongol traders once exchanged horses for tea and cloth. The rammed-earth walls are still clearly visible.
Yimacheng was one of the sites of Han–Mongol trade after the Ming dynasty's Longqing peace agreement. It lies southwest of Zhenbei Tower and east of Hongshixia. Mongol tribes traded horses and furs here for Chinese tea and cloth. The rammed-earth walls survive almost intact on all four sides, and the interior is now open ground, where a protection sign and corner ruins can be made out. The site is open and free to enter, with very few facilities. It suits visitors interested in the history of Great Wall border trade, and it is a few minutes' walk or drive from Zhenbei Tower, so it's easy to stop by on the way.
Opening hours
All day (site open)