Jiumenkou (Chines:九門口) is located at Suizhong (綏中) County, Liaoning (遼寧) Province, China. It is 15 kilometers from Shanhai Pass (山海關). As Jiumenkou traverses through a 100 meters wide river, this section of the Great Wall takes on the characteristics of a bridge.
Jiumenkou is actually a huge stone bridge which features eight piers and nine sluice gates, the gates would close in the period of low water level to prevent the invasion of the enemies, whilst it would open when the water level was high.
Built around 1381 under the Emperor Hongwu (洪武) of the Ming (明) Dynasty (1368-1644), Jiumenkou has undergone major repairs and renovations several times.
The piers of Jiumenkou are shuttle-shaped, which can cut open the strong current of the river.
Jiumenkou is connected to the wall built along the mountain ridge which is still well preserved.
Some locals burn ritual paper money to the dead of the Great Wall as they think that all misfortune is caused by the people who died here.
There is a big tunnel around Jiumenkou which can accommodate thousands of people inside. The tunnel is believed to be a sound military defense system dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
