Guyaju Caves

Guyaju Caves (古崖居) are the ruins of a cave complex that may have served as dwellings for a fortified community situated in a valley near present-day Dongmenying, Yanqing District, Beijing, China.[1][2][3][4]

Main group of cliff homes

The origins of the community are mysterious due to uncertainty about the founding people and later disappearance of the community.[5] The settlement may have been established by a tribe of people belonging to the Kumo Xi during the Liao Dynasty. Other theories are the complex was built by outlaws on the run or served as a military garrison during the Tang Dynasty.[6] However, there are no clear answers as to the history of the caves with the historical literature stressing "its origins are a continuing archeological cipher."[5]

The dwellings and worship hall are hewn from the rock face of cliffs. The cave rooms are packed close to each other and in some places are cut at different levels of the same cliff face, giving the appearance of a multistory building. There are 350 chambers inside of the complex's 117 caves.[6] A Chieftain's Palace is located at the bottom of one of the rock faces of the complex. This more elaborate residence has 8 rooms and is supported by columns cut from the rock.[5]

References
  1. "Guyaju caves covered in snow- China.org.cn". www.china.org.cn. China: China Internet Information Center. Retrieved 2019-09-02.
  2. "Beijing to Longqing Gorge and Guyaju Caves Private Nature Tour: China". www.lonelyplanet.com. Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2019-09-02.
  3. Sengar, Resham. "Yanqing". Times of India Travel. India: The Times of India. Retrieved 2019-09-02.
  4. "Escape the busy crowds of central Beijing". www.chinadaily.com.cn. China: China Daily. Retrieved 2019-09-02.
  5. Kirch, John (June 13, 2018). "One hour out: Beijing Beyond the Great Wall to the Guyaju Caves". Wall Street Journal.
  6. "Prepare to be amazed at caves in Guyaju" (China Daily). August 12, 2013.

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