Deshengbu Great Wall

Brief Introduction

In the Ming Dynasty, there were five crucial fortress in north frontier of China: Juqiang Fortress, Jumen Fortress, Zhuma Fortress, Baoan Fortress, and Desheng Fortress. The ancient people call the fortress so in hope that win victory in fights with Tater. Deshengbu Fortress, an important pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It locates 45km north of Datong city. And since the ancient time the fortress functioned as the key point that connects Shanxi and Inner Mongolia.

Why Visit the Deshengbu Fortress?

1.It’s a part of Great Wall

Deshengbu Fort originally was built 1538 during the reign of Jiajing Emperor in Ming Dynasty.  In 1574 the fortress was blanketed with bricks and stones. 18 guide-towers were constructed atop the  surrounding wall with 4 turrets on the four corners of the wall.  In 1607, Deshengbu Fortress was renovated, which was recorded on the stone plaque that can be still seen on the wall inside the south gate.

2.It’s a symbol of Ming Great Wall

Deshengbu Fortress  was one of the 52 fortresses built along the Datong Great Wall in Ming Dynasty ( 1368-1644). Deshengbu, literally “Victory Fort” Like other fortresses, Deshengbu Fortress was one of the military bases along the Wall, where the frontier soldiers stationed defending the Wall against the Mongol nomads. In Ming Dynasty the Mongol warlords often came across the borderland, looting and slaughtering, often forcing the Ming Dynasty Government to open the border market.So, in addition to the defence garrison town, Deshengbu Fortress also served as a bridge connecting the  cultural  and commercial exchange between Ming and Mongols.

Highlights ofthe Deshengbu Fortress

Deshengpu Fortress was a key access and trading hub between the central plain and the Mongolian areas. In the Ming Dynasty, a market was set up here for the merchants of the Han and Mongolian tribes to do business.

Zhenchuanbao is one of the five “Inner Fortress” in history. The wall here mostly made of earth tamped down between planks in layers one on top of the other. The earth rammed wall is hard and firm, it still well kept despite of the wind and rain for the past 500 years.