Wunü Mountain
| Wunü Shan | |
|---|---|
 Boot-sole-like profile of Wunü Mountain | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 821 m (2,694 ft) |
| Coordinates | 41°19.6′N 125°24.7′E / 41.3267°N 125.4117°E |
| Geography | |
| Location | Liaoning, China |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | cable car |
Wunü Shan (Chinese: 五女山; pinyin: Wǔnǚ Shān; Korean: 오녀산 Ohnyeosan), which means mountain of Five Women, is a mountain of historical and cultural significance located in the north of the town of Huanren, in Huanren Manchu Autonomous County, Liaoning Province, China. The tallest peak is the 821 metre-high Main Peak. Wunü Shan is the birthplace of the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo.
History
Wunü Shan has a long history of human living. Recent years some archaeologists found historical remains and relics on the mountain. The oldest ones that had been proven are the potteries of the late Neolithic Age, more than 4500 years ago. Those relics also include some human-used weapons and producing tools which have thousands of years of history. According to the Samguk Sagi, Goguryeo was founded above the mountain in 37 BC, and the mountain city remained its capital until King Yuri moved it to Gungnae Fortress in 3 AD.
In 1424 when the third king of Jurchen Li Manzhu invaded Liao Ning with his troops, they quartered at this mountain and founded the Manchu tribe.[1]
Location
Wunü Shan is located in the northeast of Huanren County and the northwest of the Hun Jiang River, 8 km from the county. Its main peak measures 821 metres above sea level, has a length of 1500 m from the north to the south side and a width of 300 m from the east to the west side. Its central coordinate is 41°19’36”N，125°24’44”E.[1]
Natural significance
Wunü Shan is located in the north temperate zone so it has four distinct seasons. There are more than 60 natural tourist spots. In the spring and summer one will find flowers, trees, butterflies, and birds, and there are tourist ships that travel down the river. In the fall, the mountain turns red because of the famous Chinese sweet gums. In the winter, the mountain receives snow.
Cultural significance
Wunü Shan has all the elements of a defensive city wall---temple, palace, barn, barracks, water source, and a city wall of more than 200 metres above sea level. Therefore, the Goguryeo kingdom could quarter at the mountain for extended periods in the cold weapon era.[2]
Prominence
- 1994 Awarded as the Most Protected Culture Relic
- 1999 One of the Top10 National Archaeological Discovery
- 2002 Rated as AAAA Class National Tourist Spot
- 2004 Nominated on the UNESCO World Heritage List[2]
Gallery
- Sole-like profile of Wunü Mountain
Present-day pillar at the entrance to the Wunü Mountain complex, with the three-legged bird finial
A rock inscribed with the name of Wunü Mountain City, and the UNESCO logo
Goguryeo-era western gate of Wunü Mountain City
Shrine to the five women after whom Wunü Mountain is named
Remains of a Goguryeo-era building at Wunü Mountain City
Remains of a Goguryeo-era residence at Wunü Mountain City
View of the vast reservoir neighboring Wunü Mountain
Goguryeo-era Wunü Mountain City wall
Wunü Mountain entrance through the narrow TianChang Gate
See also
References
- 1 2 "Wu Nu Shan". travel.tom.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2004.
- 1 2 "The Historically Famous Wu Nu Shan". baike.baidu.com.
