[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Desheng Gate (Updated May)

A complete guide to visiting the Great Wall, tried and tested! Friends, after climbing the Great Wall, all I can say is, it's truly awe-inspiring! Today, I'm sharing my real experience and practical tips with you, hoping to help you avoid detours and fully appreciate the charm of the Great Wall. 1. Itinerary🔥🔥 I chose the Badaling Great Wall, which is easily accessible and has excellent facilities. I got up early that day, left the city center, and arrived at the scenic spot around 9am. There are relatively fewer tourists on the Great Wall in the morning, so you don't have to wait for a photo spot and can fully enjoy the fun of climbing. Walking along the winding wall, every step resonates with the weight of history. I finished climbing around 3pm, had a delicious meal of local specialties nearby, and returned home feeling completely satisfied. 2. Practical Tips🔥🔥 Transportation: - Take Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station, exit from Exit A or B, walk to Deshengmen Bus Station, and take Bus No. 877 directly to the Badaling Great Wall. Using the Beijing public transportation card offers a discount, with a one-way fare of about CNY 12. The journey takes about 1 hour and goes directly to the scenic spot, which is very convenient. - You can also choose to take the S2 Line Suburban Railway from Beijing North Railway Station at Xizhimen. There are frequent trains and the scenery along the way is beautiful, but you need to book tickets in advance on 12306. Ticket prices start from CNY 6. 💰💰💰Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance on the "Great Wall Inside and Out Tourism" WeChat official account or the Badaling Great Wall official website. Peak season (Apr 1 - Oct 31): CNY 40/person; off-season (Nov 1 - Mar 31 of the following year): CNY 35/person. You can enter the park directly by swiping your ID card, saving queuing time. Tour Route:🔥🔥🔥 - If you're in good shape, you can choose to climb the whole way on foot, which allows you to fully experience the magnificence of the Great Wall and the sense of accomplishment from climbing. Starting from the Gucheng entrance, the wall extends to the north and south. The South Great Wall is relatively shorter and gentler, while the North Great Wall is longer, steeper, and more spectacular. - If you want to save energy, you can also choose the cable car or toboggan. The cable car goes directly to the North Tower 7, suitable for families with elderly people and children; the toboggan only reaches the North Tower 4, after which you need to climb a section yourself. 3. Tips🔥 Sun Protection and Warmth: There is basically no shade on the Great Wall, and the UV rays are very strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a sun hat, and sunglasses. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large in spring and autumn, so it's best to bring a jacket. Comfortable Clothing: Wear a pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking boots. The steps of the Great Wall are uneven and the road conditions are complex, so comfortable shoes will make your journey much easier. Items to Bring: Bring enough drinking water, generally 2-3 bottles are needed to climb the whole way. You can also bring some snacks to replenish your energy. Respectful Sightseeing: Do not scribble on the Great Wall. Take care of this precious historical and cultural heritage. I hope everyone has an unforgettable trip to the Great Wall! Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section~

Near Beijing lies a stunning hidden gem known as "Little Erhai" – Guanlan Lake! With its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains, it feels like you've been transported to Yunnan's Erhai Lake without the long journey. Summer vacation is the perfect time to escape the city and embrace nature! This guide reveals how to enjoy Guanlan "Little Erhai" for free, including the best routes, photo spots, transportation tips, and pitfalls to avoid, making it easy to explore this suburban treasure! 📍 Detailed Address Guanlan Lake (Little Erhai) - Address: Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District, Beijing (near Songshan Nature Reserve) - Navigation Tip: Search for "Guanlan Lake" or "Guanting Reservoir." Some areas are wild spots, so check the latest guides in advance. 🌟 Why Visit? ✅ Free entry, scenery rivaling Erhai Lake, fewer crowds! ✅ Clear waters with reflections of blue skies and white clouds—perfect for photos! ✅ Great for camping, cycling, hiking, and photography—plenty of activities! ✅ Just 1.5-2 hours from downtown Beijing—ideal for weekend trips! --- 🎫 Admission Fee Free! (Some nearby farm stays or campsites may charge; optional) ⏰ Opening Hours Open all day (recommended to visit during daylight; no lighting at night) 🌤 Best Time to Visit - Best Season: May to October (summer for blue waters, autumn for colorful foliage) - Recommended Time: Early morning (6:00-8:00) or evening (16:00-19:00) for soft lighting and great photos! 🚶‍♂️ Best Routes 1. Entrance → Lakeside Boardwalk → Viewing Platform → Instagrammable Spots → Camping Area → Return 2. Cycling Route: ~10 km around the lake with stunning views! 3. Hiking Route: Stroll along the lake and enjoy the breeze. 🎯 Free Activities Guide ✔ Picnics & Camping: Bring your own tent and mat to enjoy the scenery (practice leave-no-trace camping). ✔ Photography: Use reflections, reeds, and the "lonely tree" for Erhai-style shots! ✔ Water Fun: Kayaking available in some areas (bring or rent your own). 🚗 Transportation - Drive (recommended): Navigate to "Guanlan Lake" or "Guanting Reservoir," ~1.5-2 hours. - Public Transit: Take Bus 919 Express from Deshengmen to Yanqing Dongguan Station, then a ~30-minute taxi. 📸 Must-Visit Spots 1. Erhai-like Lakescapes: Blue skies and waters—just like Yunnan! 2. The Lonely Tree: A photogenic lakeside tree! 3. Reed Fields: Golden in autumn, super atmospheric! 4. Sunset Viewing Deck: Stunning evening reflections! 📷 Photo Tips - Spot 1: Lakeside boardwalk—shoot low for reflections. - Spot 2: The Lonely Tree—wide shots for cinematic vibes! - Spot 3: Sunset backlighting for silhouettes! 💰 Average Cost - Free (bring your own food/gear) - Budget: ~¥50-100/person for tent/kayak rentals. ⚠️ Tips & Notes 1. Sun & Bug Protection: Wear hats, apply sunscreen, and bring repellent. 2. Leave No Trace: Pack out trash! 3. Safety First: Some areas lack railings—watch your step and avoid deep water. 🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid ❌ Ignore "paid entry" scams—Guanlan Lake is free! ❌ Skip weekends for fewer crowds. ❌ Avoid rainy days; visit when sunny. 🍜 Local Eats - Yanqing Huoshao: Crispy local pastry! - Guanting Reservoir Fish: Fresh and delicious at farm stays! - Iron Pot Stew: Hearty and flavorful! 🏨 Accommodations - Budget: Chain hotels in Yanqing (Home Inn, Hanting) - Boutique: "Hawthorn Courtyard" (artsy, near the lake) - Luxury: ClubMed Joyview Yanqing (family-friendly) 🎉 Final Notes This summer, skip Yunnan and enjoy "Little Erhai" right in Beijing! Save this guide, grab friends, and embark on a refreshing getaway! ✨ 📌 Like + Save, and share with friends! 🚀

🌸Effortless! A complete guide to a Juyongguan Great Wall day trip! **Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, sea of flowers, and panoramic views**. Unlock a unique experience at "The First Strategic Pass Under Heaven". Tested and approved!💥 --- ### 📍Itinerary (easy version) **Depart from the city ➡️ Juyongguan Great Wall (East Route) ➡️ Yuntai Viewing Platform ➡️ Challenge the Hero Slope ➡️ Take photos of the train at the No. 3 Watchtower ➡️ North Pass Tower ➡️ Return and check out the famous S2 line** ⏰Total duration: 4–5 hours | Moderate intensity, perfect for both photo opportunities and hiking --- ### 🚗Transportation Guide ✅**Self-driving**: Navigate to "Juyongguan No. 1 Parking Lot". It takes about 1 hour from the city center. Free parking. ✅**Bus**: Take bus No. 919 from Deshengmen → Juyongguan Great Wall Station, then walk 10 minutes to the entrance. 🎫Tickets: CNY 45/person during peak season, CNY 35 during off-season (book via "Great Wall Inside and Outside Tourism") --- ### 🌟Must-see Highlights 1️⃣ **Sea of Flowers Train** (limited to March–April) 📍No. 3 Watchtower Viewing Platform, keep an eye out for the Beijing Suburban Railway S2 Line✨ ⏰Train schedule: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM (check the schedule for the day) 📸Bring a telephoto lens! With cherry blossoms/apricot blossoms as the background, capture the famous scene of the train passing through the sea of flowers. 2️⃣ **Free Choice of East and West Lines** 👉East Line (right): Gentle slope, dense watchtowers, 30 minutes to the top, beginner-friendly 👉West Line (left): Steep and wild, fewer people, great for photos, suitable for challengers 3️⃣ **Yuntai Relief** A Yuan Dynasty stone carving treasure! Four Heavenly Kings + Sanskrit/Tibetan/Western Xia scriptures, a delight for history buffs 4️⃣ **Great Wall Sunset** 🌄Overlook the panoramic view from the North Pass Tower. The atmosphere is at its peak when the sunset dyes the mountains red. --- ### 📸Photo Spots & Outfits ✔️No. 3 Watchtower: Train + Great Wall in the same frame (lighter-colored clothes look better in photos) ✔️Top of Hero Slope: Shoot back at the winding Great Wall, wide-angle lens is a must ✔️Watchtower window frame: Frame composition to capture mountain silhouettes 👗Outfit suggestions: Sneakers + windproof jacket, bright scarf/hat to add a pop of color --- ### 💡Tips ⚠️The steps are steep and there are no handrails! It is recommended to wear gloves and be cautious on rainy days. 🚾No restrooms at the entrance/top of the mountain, so it is recommended to use the restroom in advance. 🥪Bring your own snacks & water. There is only a small shop in the scenic area. 🚄You can experience the S2 line "Train to Spring" on the return trip. Get on at Nankou Station. --- ### 🍲Nearby Food Recommendations ✅Must-eat in the city on the way back: 🔥【Xian Lao Man】Gulou Branch: Giant Kung Pao Chicken Dumplings 🔥【Xinhe Restaurant】Yonghegong Branch: Old Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles + Sweet and Sour Pork --- **💌 Reminder:** Juyongguan has fewer people and wild scenery, but some sections are steep, so proceed according to your ability! Save this guide and take your friends to be a "hero" for a day! (Tap ❤️ and if the likes exceed 100,000, we will release a hidden "Night Tour of the Great Wall" guide in the next issue!)

This trip to Beijing was particularly captivating, especially the encounters under the night sky. As darkness fell, the Fayuan Mosque appeared even more solemn and majestic, each brick and tile seemingly whispering stories of the past. Not far away, the ancient city wall of Deshengmen stood magnificent. Later, a walk through Shichahai Park revealed a few cherry blossoms illuminated by colorful lights, their reflections dancing in the water, creating a delightful contrast with the lively crowds on the shore. A bite of sweet and sour tanghulu brought a burst of sweetness to the palate. The sign of the Kirin Folk Music Tavern emitted a warm glow, and the sound of music drifted through the air. This is Beijing by night, a night in Beijing.

Great Wall Travel Guide: Experience the Charm of a Thousand-Year-Old Wonder The Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, carries a rich history and culture, attracting countless tourists to explore it. This guide will help you easily experience the magnificence and splendor of the Great Wall. I. Choosing Your Great Wall Destination 1. Badaling Great Wall: Located at the north entrance of the ancient Guandao Pass in the Jundu Mountains, Yanqing District, Beijing, it is an essential part of the Great Wall and the most popular section for both domestic and international tourists. It is well-developed with complete facilities and convenient transportation, offering cable cars and toboggans, suitable for all types of travelers. 2. Mutianyu Great Wall: Located in Huairou District, Beijing, it boasts high vegetation coverage and fresh air. With relatively fewer tourists and beautiful scenery, it enjoys the reputation of being the "most beautiful section of the Great Wall". It also offers a unique "Great Wall Afternoon Tea", adding a special touch to your trip. 3. Simatai Great Wall: Located north of Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, in the northern part of Miyun District, Beijing, it is adjacent to the Jinshanling Great Wall in Hebei Province. It retains a more pristine appearance with challenging terrain, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Combining a visit with the nearby Gubei Water Town allows you to experience the tranquility of the ancient town alongside the grandeur of the Great Wall. II. Itinerary Planning One-Day Trip: • Badaling Great Wall: Depart from the city center in the morning. You can take the S2 suburban railway line (reservations required) from Huangtudian Station directly to Badaling Great Wall Station. Alternatively, take bus route 877 from Deshengmen, which goes directly to the foot of the Badaling Great Wall. Upon arrival, you can choose to hike and experience the magnificence of the Great Wall or take the cable car directly to the Fourth Tower to save energy. After visiting the "Hero Slope" at the North Eighth Tower, you can return the same way or take the toboggan down. • Mutianyu Great Wall: Depart in the morning. Take the express bus route 916 from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub to Huairou North Street, then transfer to bus route H23 to reach Mutianyu Great Wall. Climb the Great Wall in the morning, enjoy the scenery, have lunch at a restaurant within the scenic area, continue exploring in the afternoon, and experience the "Great Wall Afternoon Tea" before returning to the city center in the evening. Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Head to the Simatai Great Wall. Climb the Great Wall in the morning, marvel at its steepness and magnificence, and take photos. After descending in the afternoon, go to Gubei Water Town, check in to your accommodation, stroll through the water town, admire the scenery, and savor local delicacies. Day 2: Get up early for another glimpse of the Great Wall, then enjoy free time in the water town, experience handicraft workshops, and have lunch before returning to the city center. III. Transportation Guide 1. Public Transportation: In addition to the S2 suburban railway line, bus route 877, express bus route 916, and related transfers mentioned above, you can also take the high-speed train from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Station for a convenient and fast journey. 2. Driving: If driving, pay attention to traffic conditions and parking information for the scenic area. Badaling Great Wall has multiple parking lots with fees per entry; Mutianyu Great Wall also has dedicated parking lots, making parking relatively convenient. IV. Tickets and Fees 1. Badaling Great Wall: Entry ticket is CNY 40 per person (subject to official updates), round-trip cable car is CNY 140 per person, one-way is CNY 80 per person; one-way toboggan is CNY 100 per person. 2. Mutianyu Great Wall: Entry ticket is CNY 45 per person, round-trip cable car is CNY 120 per person, one-way is CNY 80 per person; combined cable car and toboggan ticket is CNY 120 per person. 3. Simatai Great Wall: Entry ticket is CNY 40 per person, round-trip cable car is CNY 160 per person, one-way is CNY 90 per person. Gubei Water Town entry ticket is CNY 140 per person. V. Travel Tips 1. Clothing: Wear comfortable athletic or hiking shoes suitable for long walks and climbing. Choose appropriate clothing according to the season. In summer, take sun protection measures, bringing a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. In winter, dress warmly with thick cotton-padded clothes, scarves, gloves, etc. 2. Food and Drinks: There are restaurants and convenience stores in the scenic area, but prices are relatively high. You can bring your own water and food, such as bread, sausages, fruit, etc., to replenish your energy. 3. Safety: Pay attention to your footing while walking on the Great Wall. Do not run or jump on the wall. Be careful and walk slowly on steep sections. 4. Environmental Protection: Protect every brick and tile of the Great Wall, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.

When you visit Beijing, Deshengmen Arrow Tower is a must-see! When you see this majestic arrow tower, you will be overwhelmed by its historical significance. It stands in the north of Beijing, with solid and heavy brick walls. The mottled marks seem to tell the story of the past. The gray bricks have withstood the test of time, and the arrow windows on the tower are staggered. In the past, this was an important defense line of Beijing, guarding the peace of the city. As you approach the arrow tower, the stone road under your feet has witnessed countless footsteps, and the surrounding greenery complements the ancient buildings. Climb the tower and look into the distance, and you will see the bustling city of Beijing. The perfect blend of modern city and historical sites is truly amazing. After your visit, buy some old Beijing snacks at a nearby shop and take a bite to taste the charm of Beijing. Deshengmen Arrow Tower carries history and connects the present. Come and start this unique journey!

🌟Highlights: Deshengmen Arrow Tower is one of the nine gates of Beijing's inner city. It was built in the fourth year of the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty (1439) and consists of a gate tower, arrow tower, and barbican. ❤Recommended reason: Deshengmen Arrow Tower is known as the "military gate" and is a must-pass place for the capital's expedition. It is named after the homonym of "victory" to seek good luck. 👍Most recommended: Deshengmen Arrow Tower stands on a tall brick and stone city platform. The arrow tower faces north, with a gray tube tile and green cut edge double-eave hip roof. The plane is in an inverted "凸" shape, and the front building and the corridor are integrated. 📝Tips: Convenient transportation, get off at Deshengmen by bus. The ticket is CNY 4.

Address: No. 9, Deshengmen East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Currently not open to the public I wrote a note about the arrow tower at the beginning of March. At that time, there were no flowers or greenery in the photos. Everyone can flip through and go see it again at the beginning of April, when the flowers and willows are in full bloom, making such a solemn and majestic city tower look like a young maiden. I personally think it's more beautiful to take pictures from the south side of the city tower. The begonias and red kapok are competing in beauty, a feast for the eyes! The white begonias are pure and as clean as jade, the pink begonias are delicate and dripping, and the red kapok is fiery and blood-red! Last night's wind blew down a carpet of begonia petals, but fortunately, the begonias on the trees are still smiling in the spring breeze. From afar, you can see this garden of spring colors. There are not many visitors to the arrow tower, and to the north of the arrow tower is a bus station and a public square park. Four large begonia trees stand symmetrically east and west, standing straight, each in full bloom, with a posture as if guarding the city gate, unrivaled! The best viewing period for begonias is about 17 to 18 days, so those who want to see them should hurry.

Deshengmen Arrow Tower is located on the west side of the northern wall of Beijing, and is one of the nine gates of Beijing's Inner City. It was originally built in the second year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1437). Since then, the gate and arrow tower have been maintained by successive dynasties. In the first year of the Hongwu era (1368), the great general Xu Da attacked the Yuan Dynasty's capital and renamed it Beiping. He then changed the name of the 'Jiande Gate' on the west side of the northern wall to 'Deshengmen', and built a new earthen wall five miles south of the northern wall to prevent the Yuan army The Deshengmen Arrow Tower stands on a city platform 12.6 meters high, with gray tube tiles and green trimmed double-eaved hipped roofs, seven bays wide at the front and five bays deep at the rear, with the tower connected to the platform reaching a total height of 31.9 meters. The three external walls have four rows of arrow windows, totaling 82 holes. In the fourth year of the Hongwu era (1371), the northern wall of the Yuan capital was demolished, and the newly built northern wall was widened and heightened, with two gates opened, and the western gate was still called 'Deshengmen'. From the first to the fourth year of the Zhengtong era (1436-1439), the city towers, arrow towers, corner towers, and sluice gates of the nine gates of the Inner City, including Deshengmen, were constructed. Since then, Deshengmen has undergone repairs. In 1915, the barbican and sluice tower of Deshengmen were demolished, and in 1921, the city tower of Deshengmen was demolished. In 1980, the state carried out repairs on the Deshengmen Arrow Tower, which were completed in 1982, and the Deshengmen Cultural Relics Preservation Office was established. In 1993, it was converted into the Beijing Ancient Coin Exhibition Hall. In 2006, the Deshengmen Arrow Tower was announced by the State Council as a national key cultural relics protection unit.