Zhuyongguan, guarding the pass through the [P 008 / mountains] between Beijing and the valleys and [G 22 / steppe] beyond, is less than 40 miles from the Forbidden City. The position had long been regarded as vital. Although defended by the Han, fortified by the Northern Qi in AD554, and developed as a military farm by the Yuan, Zhuyongguan as it is seen today is a Ming fortification. The ceremonial Yuntai arch with Buddhist images and religious inscriptions was ordered by the last Yuan emperor, Shundi, who ruled from 1333 to 1368.
A garrison was first established at Zhuyongguan in 1368 by the general, Xu Da. Stone walls were built atop ancient ruins and these were repaired in 1404 and 1424. When the Ming army was defeated at Tumu in 1449, the pass, guarded by the garrison, became the first line of defence. Further fortifications were finished in 1455 south of Xu Da's garrison. The year 1481 saw further repairs. Considerable new construction was undertaken in the 16th century, including the walls visible today.
