Wandu Mountain City - Ancient Korean Pyramids & Ruins in China

Amid the mountains of Jilin in northern China, are the epic ruins of an ancient Korean kingdom.

Opposite North Korea, on the Chinese side of the Yalu River, Wandu Mountain City started as a fortress to guard the nearby capital of Guonei (modern Jian).

Misty Wandu Tomb Ruins China — Misty mountains and small grass-covered tombs amid early morning light.

Tombs Morning Panorama Wandu Mountain City Ruins China — Wandering the Tombs of the Nobles early morning ruins near Jian.

Background of Wandu

In 209 AD, Wandu Mountain Fortress became the capital of the Goguryeo kingdom

While there’s not that much to see at Wandu – a stone guard tower, palace foundations and a (renovated) city wall, it’s the nearby valley of tombs that demands attention.

Kogurgyo Kingdom Wandu Tomb Ruins China — Misty early morning amid the ruins of the pyramid tombs; once part of the ancient Korean Goguryeo Kingdom.

The Tombs of the Nobles are the highlight of Wandu.

The “Tombs of the Nobles” at Wandu are mix of burial mounds, large stone cairns and small pyramids.

Wandu Mountain City Wall Ruins China — Walking the old city walls of the ancient Korean Kingdom’s capital of Goguryeo, overlooking the “Tombs of the Nobles”.

Alongside other Goguryeo tombs and sites scattered around Jian, the other stand-out is the General’s Tomb (Jiangjunfen — not pictured here).

Aerial Shot Tombs Wandu Mountain City China 1 — Aerial shot of valley of tombs. Note: part of the old city walls that follow the entire mountain ridge (in a complete – 7 km circle).

This is the biggest pyramid structure in the region, reaching up 12 meters, built in the 4th century AD and looking slightly Mayan in design.

Wandu Ruins Tomb Of Nobles Panorama China — Unfortunately, entering the tomb’s interior wasn’t possible; however, site information boards depict some murals of maidens and warriors.

Getting Around the Goguryeo Sites

All Goguryeo main sites are easily accessible by taxi.

The General’s Tomb is 4km north-east of Jian.

Bargain for at least 100 RMB for a few hours.

The Wandu site is also a few from the Jian, in another direction.

Wandu City Ruins China — TOP: Amid the circular mountain walls and ruins of a terraced palace; BOTTOM LEFT: our van parked next to tomb ruins on a country road, Wei cutting firewood for our portable stove; BOTTOM RIGHT: Wei inspects the old fort walls as we hiked up the steep surrounds above the ruined city.

If you only plan to visit the Valley of Tombs and hike some — or all — of Wandu City walls (allow at least half a day for the whole 7 km, steep, undulating wall climb).