The Guangou Valley, 18 kilometers in length, lies more than 50 kilometers away from Beijing in Changping County. The Juyongguan Pass section of the Great Wall protects this valley. The southern section is called Nan Pass, while the northern is Badaling. Tourists often walk from Badaling to have a look at the valley.

The Guangou Valley is one of the main access points to China and Beijing from the north, so Juyongguan Pass was built during the Ming Dynasty to protect it. From time to time the section was renovated and strengthened, to make sure it continued to serve its purpose.

The Cloud Platform, also called Crossing Street Tower, stands 9.5 meters tall at the center of Juyongguan Pass.  It was built during the Yuan Dynasty of white marble, both beautiful and strong. The railing at the top of the tower is delicately carved stone. A huge arch for men and carriages is cut out of the platform’s base. This arched doorway is intricately carved, with animals on the outside and scriptures and gods on the inside. Three great white towers once stood atop the platform, but they were destroyed in the transitional period between the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. A temple was built in their place during the Ming Dynasty, but it fell into ruin during the Qing Dynasty.

The climb to the top of Juyongguan Pass is steep but the view is worthwhile. So green and lush is the surrounding land that it is also called the Juyong Green Layer.

Technorati Tags: Beijing Changping County Cloud Platform Great Wall Guangou Valley Juyongguan Pass Major Attraction Ming Dynasty Qing Dynasty Tourist Attraction World Heritage Yuan Dynasty