Southern Great Wall of China: All You Should Know Before You Go

Also called the Miaojiang Great Wall, the Southern Great Wall of China is a military defense system built in the Ming and Qing dynasties of China. It stretches 190 kilometers long from Hunan to Guizhou with the largest part of it in Fenghuang County. As the only Great Wall in southern China, the Southern Great Wall in Fenghuang not only boasts historic relics but also stunning landscapes, and it offers a good opportunity for you to learn the history of the Miao ethnic group.

Overview of the Southern Great Wall of China

The Southern Great Wall of China is a huge project with a tremendous amount of work, and it has a history of over 400 years. Used to be a frontier wall against the Miao minority, it was initially built to separate the Miao people who surrendered to the imperial sovereign from those unassimilated. Besides, there are 578 relic sites in total, including watchtowers, checkpoints, fortresses, stone steles, military camps and stations, and more.

By the way, if you are interested in the history and architecture of the Southern Great Wall and planning a visit there, we can customize your Zhangjiajie tours to the Southern Great Wall of China, ensuring a wonderful experience.

Southern Great Wall of China in Hunan

Fast Facts of the Southern Great Wall of China 

  • Location:10 kilometers from Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province
  • Opening time:7:30 – 18:00
  • Ticket: CNY45 per person
  • Time needed: 1hour
  • Best time to visit:April to November
  • Suited to: Hikers and anyone interested inancient architecture

What to See and Do at the Southern Great Wall

Hike the Southern Great Wall

The best way to learn about the Southern Great Wall of China is by hiking there. It is challenging as the Great Wall is long with many stages and steps. But don’t worry, there are platforms for you to rest. By the way, there are mountain climbing activities from time to time, and it must be a great experience for you to join them on your Zhangjiajie tours to the Southern Great Wall.

Marvel at the Stunning Views 

Compared to the Great Walls in Beijing, the Southern Great Wall in Hunan is more graceful. When you tour the Southern Great Wall, it’s hard for you to find a trace of the battles in the past, and what moves you exactly are the blue sky, white clouds, green trees, a continuous chain of mountains, and magnificent walls.

Discover the Historical Relics

It’s also meaningful for you to discover the historical relics there after your trip to Zhangjiajie. When exploring the Southern Great Wall of China, you will marvel at the exquisite designs of the crenels and forts of it. Besides, there are many other relics for you to explore, including Jingbian Fort, Lahao Camp, Quansheng Camp, and more.

Visit Huangsiqiao Ancient Town

Located near the Southern Great Wall of China, Huangsiqiao Ancient Town is recognized as the best-preserved “town of stones.” People live there peacefully, they feed goats and ducks and shuck corn outside their residences. Unlike Fenghuang Ancient Town, this place is more tranquil and has fewer crowds. Take a visit there, experience the folk customs, and taste delicious specialties.

Great Wall in South China

Best Time to Visit Southern Great Wall of China

The Southern Great Wall of China welcomes visitors all year round, but the best to visit there is from April to November when the climate is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Avoid getting there in winter, as it will be chilly.

How to Get to the Southern Great Wall of China

To travel to the Southern Great Wall of China from Zhangjiajie, you can take a train from Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Fenghuang Ancient Town Railway Station. Afterwards, head to Fenghuang Bus Station take a bus in the direction of Alaying, and get off at Quanshengying Camp. Then you will be there.

Attractions nearby the Southern Great Wall of China

  • Fenghuang Ancient Town:Located 16 kilometers from the Southern Great Wall of China, this ancient town is famous for its ancient architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties and beautiful natural scenery.
  • ShanjiangMiao Village: Located 21 kilometers from the Southern Great Wall of China, this Miao Village is seated in a valley and people there have kept the old Miao traditions.
  • Qiliang Cave: Located 10 kilometers from the Southern Great Wall of China, it is a typical carbonate cave that presents peculiar landscapes.

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