The Zhangfang Ancient War Tunnel is located in Zhangfang Village, Zhangfang Town, Fangshan District, Beijing. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty. The tunnel is 4 meters beneath the ground and made of blue bricks. It is 2 meters wide and 2 – 3 meters high. The floor is paved with blue bricks. There are side channels for water drainage, water tanks, wall lamps, and ventilation holes on the top. On both sides of the tunnel, there are soldier hiding rooms approximately 2 meters wide equipped with earthen kangs. The tunnel network is extensive and intricate underground and connects to the four city gates of the ancient town. Preliminary explorations have revealed a length of 1500 meters. Over 400 meters have been discovered and restored to date. During the confrontation between the Song and Liao dynasties, the tunnel’s excellent military capabilities of both offense and defense kept the Liao army in the Youzhou area focused on defense and unable to move southward. In the Ming Dynasty, the military significance of the ancient war tunnel was further utilized. During the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, when nobles of the Yuan Dynasty fled to the Mongolian desert but intermittently invaded the south, the ancient war tunnel served as a military stronghold for the Ming army against the Mongols. According to the Fangshan County Chronicles: ‘Seventy li southwest of the county, the north tower of Zhangfang Street has three levels with a south-facing door, several zhang high.The lower level is empty and very dark, with a tunnel leading northwest for about two li to Ren’s tomb, which is commonly believed to be the residence of a cabinet minister. On the way up from the lower level to the middle level, there is a well rumored to have blades and swords inside; falling into it means no chance of survival. In the middle level, there is a statue of the Jade Emperor. The upper level offers a distant view, and both the middle and upper levels are connected to the underground tunnels.
Zhangfang features not only ancient cities and town gates but also the ancient Liao Tianqing Tower, which complements the Iron Lock Cliff of the Juma River and the waist of Sun Bin Mountain. It is connected in a line with Yunju Temple, Zhongshan Temple, Huanggutuo, Xiasi Tang Tower, Zhenjiang Ying Tower, and Zhao Tower, welcoming tourists from around the world to share the profound Chinese civilization. The site is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00.
