The “Turtle Ridge'': Simatai Great Wall East 11th Tower

Snowscape at the 11th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-02-24) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall

Built on the precipitous ridges

This section of the Great Wall was built along the ridge of the mountain, where the wall and the watchtower made a big detour. This is another example of the Great Wall built following the terrain.

Excellent sentry point

In accordance with the fortification requirements of the Great Wall construction, the watchtower has a broad field of vision.

The construction of the tower in this location is not only based on the topography, but also for surveying. Standing in this location, the mountains, ravines, and western section of the Simatai Great Wall can be seen very clearly. Therefore, it used to be an excellent sentry point.

11th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-13) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall

The stones around the tower

All facing south, this line of rocks on the ridge have strange shapes, some like an independent lookout eagle, while some are like chancellors holding the memorials to the throne. 

Most rocks look like turtles, so local people called this place the “Turtle Ridge ''.

11th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-13) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall

A broad view

With a wide view from the top to the bottom of the entire eastern and western sections of Simatai, it manifests the strategic considerations when being built.

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