[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Jiankou Great Wall (Updated Aug)

I. Preparation Before Departure • Equipment: The Jiankou Great Wall is quite steep and dangerous, so you must wear non-slip hiking shoes with good grip to prevent slipping on the loose stones and steep slopes. Also, wear thick gloves as some sections require climbing and gloves will protect your hands. If you plan to camp on the mountain, bring equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and moisture-proof mats. • Food and Water: Hiking consumes a lot of energy, so bring enough water—at least 2-3 liters per person. Choose high-calorie, easy-to-preserve foods like chocolate, nuts, and beef jerky that can quickly replenish energy. • Other Items: Pack sun protection items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, as UV radiation is strong on the mountain. If hiking during the rainy season, bring a raincoat in case of rain. Also, prepare some basic medications such as band-aids, anti-diarrhea medicine, and motion sickness pills. II. Transportation Routes • Public Transportation: From Dongzhimen Long-Distance Bus Station in Beijing, take bus route 916 to the second stop after Huairou, then find a private car to West Zhazi Village. Note that minibus transportation costs 100 yuan round-trip or 55 yuan one-way, and you'll need to wait about 4 hours. • Driving: From Sanyuan Bridge on the Third Ring Road in Beijing, take the Jingmi Highway. At the roundabout to Huairou, turn north and continue straight. After passing Yanqi Roundabout, turn west at Fule Roundabout (toward Shentangyu). Continue straight on the road, pass the intersection to Shentangyu (which turns right), and follow the winding mountain road. At the Badaohe intersection, look for a sign reading "Gold Smelting Factory" on a local house, turn left, and follow the dirt road all the way. This valley contains West Zhazi Village, and at the end, there's a relatively large parking lot. III. Hiking Routes • One-Day Route: Starting from West Zhazi Village, first reach "West Great Wall," then follow the wall southeast, passing famous spots like "Beijing Knot," "Flying Eagle," "Sky Ladder," and "General Guarding the Pass," before returning to West Zhazi Village. This route is about 10 kilometers and takes approximately 5-6 hours. • Two-Day Route: On the first day, start from West Zhazi Village and hike to camp near "General Guarding the Pass." On the second day, continue east along the wall from the campsite, passing landmarks like "Jiankou," "Little Potala," and "True North Tower," before returning to West Zhazi Village. IV. Important Notes • Safety First: Jiankou is an unrestored section of the Great Wall with no guardrails, and some parts are very steep. Be careful and avoid dangerous areas. If you have a fear of heights or limited physical strength, choose a relatively gentler route. • Environmental Awareness: Don't litter on the Great Wall. Take all trash with you when you leave to protect the environment. • Plan Your Time Wisely: Arrange your hiking pace according to your physical condition and available time to avoid excessive fatigue. If you get tired, rest at watchtowers or relatively flat sections of the wall.

Address - Beijing, China Ambiance/Facilities - Highlights - hiking Avg. Price per Person - free Rating - 9/10 this section of the wall is my favorite, is much less crowded that mutianyu or Badaling and you can walk freely ( when the structure allows it of course😂) get ready to have an adventurous hiking session while experiencing some of the more Step sections of the wall. You can't get there by bus but you can pick one to the nearby village, from there you will have to call a DiDi to take you to the closest access that would be at the foot of some mountain, this I not a restored section so there are not many signs and to know where you are going you will either truat your gut or bring a compass, I would advice the 😂. then again there are no facilities so bring your own food and water 😁. jiankou great wall is an amazing adventure, highly advised if you are the adventurous type.#gooutside

"Third time's a charm" they say... My third visit to the wall was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. We drove 4 hours from Beijing and hiked/camped on the wall. What an experience! Having the wall all to ourselves was unforgettable. The Chinese don't call the wall the "Great Wall," they call it the "10,000 Li (a Chinese unit of length ~0.5km) Long Wall". #万里长城 #greatwall #leaveyourmark#urbanexplorer

Wild Great Wall  Hike, climb and crab-walk on Jiankou, the most wild and dangerous section of Great Wall . #mynovgetaway#awesomepic#instagramworthydestinations

#greatwall #familieswhotraveltogether. Our family loved camping at The Great Wall of China! We were astonished by the beauty and felt connected to the history the great country of China. Stepping on the Wall was a great life moment for all of us! #happynewyear

The Great Wall of China is Beijing’s crown jewel, but with so many sections to choose from, it’s like picking your favorite dumpling at a feast—tricky! From iconic hotspots to wild trails and even underwater views, we’ve rounded up seven top sections accessible from Beijing, along with tips on what to expect and how to choose the perfect one for your vibe. Let’s find your Great Wall adventure! 1️⃣ Badaling (八达岭长城): The Classic Crowd-Pleaser Just 1–1.5 hours from Beijing, Badaling is the Wall’s rockstar—fully restored, with epic views and crowds to match. Cable cars, paved paths, and facilities (restrooms, snack stalls) make it super accessible. Expect a lively vibe, especially on weekends. 💡 Pro tip: Venture past North 8 for quieter spots. ❤️ Fun fact: Badaling opened to tourists in 1957, making it the OG visitor section. 💥 Best For: First-timers, families, or those short on time. 2️⃣ Mutianyu (慕田峪长城): The Scenic Sweet Spot About 1.5–2 hours away, Mutianyu is a traveler's favorite for its lush forest views (90% greenery!) and slightly fewer crowds than Badaling. With cable cars, chairlifts, and a thrilling toboggan ride down, it’s great for families or thrill-seekers. The 5.4 km wall features 20 watchtowers, perfect for epic photos. 💡 Pro tip: Hit it on a weekday for calm vibes and snap the hills at sunset. ❤️ Fun fact: Mutianyu’s name, meaning “admire the fields,” nods to its nearby orchards. 💥 Best For: Photographers, families, or those seeking a blend of history and fun. 3️⃣ Jinshanling (金山岭长城): The Hiker’s Dream A 2–3 hour drive, Jinshanling is a photographer’s paradise with 10 km of partially restored walls and 67 watchtowers. It’s quieter, with moderate-to-challenging hikes over uneven paths and jaw-dropping views. 💡 Pro tip: Pack water and hiking shoes; facilities are basic. ❤️ Fun fact: Watchtowers here have poetic names like “Flower Tower.” 💥Best For: Hikers and photographers craving solitude. Opt for a private hiking tour. 4️⃣ Juyongguan (居庸关长城): The History Buff’s Pick Just 1–1.5 hours from Beijing, Juyongguan is a historic pass with well-preserved walls and stunning mountains; less crowded than Badaling. As a key military stronghold, it’s rich in stories, with shorter trails for quick visits. Cable cars and some wheelchair-friendly paths add accessibility. 💡 Pro tip: Snap the Cloud Platform gate for a unique shot. ❤️ Fun fact: Its name, “common valley pass,” reflects its strategic role. 💥 Best For: History lovers or those wanting a quick, less hectic trip. 5️⃣ Jiankou (箭扣长城): The Wild Adventure About 1.5–2 hours away, Jiankou is the Wall’s untamed side—unrestored, steep, and thrilling. Crumbling watchtowers and rugged trails offer stunning views but demand fitness and caution. There are no facilities, so bring snacks and consider hiring a guide for safety. 💡 Pro tip: The 4-hour Jiankou-to-Mutianyu hike is bucket-list-worthy. ❤️ Fun fact: The “Sky Stair” climb is as epic as it sounds. 💥 Best For: Adventure seekers and fit hikers. 6️⃣ Huanghuacheng (黄花城水长城): The Lakeside Stunner Roughly 1.5–2 hours from Beijing, Huanghuacheng is nicknamed the “Water Great Wall” for its unique reservoir views, with parts of the wall submerged under a shimmering lake. It’s partially restored, with moderate hiking trails and serene scenery, perfect for nature lovers. Expect fewer crowds but basic facilities. 💡 Pro tip: Snap the wall meeting the lake for a surreal photo. ❤️ Fun fact: The reservoir was created in the 1970s, giving Huanghuacheng its one-of-a-kind look. 💥 Best For: Photographers, nature enthusiasts, or those seeking a peaceful and scenic escape. 7️⃣ Simatai (司马台长城): The Nighttime Magic A 2–3 hour drive, Simatai stands out for its dramatic, steep terrain and exclusive night tours, where the wall glows under lights. Partially restored, it’s less crowded and offers a mix of rugged trails and restored sections. Night tours (seasonal, check availability) are a unique draw. 💡 Pro tip: Book a private tour for night access and capture the lit-up watchtowers. ❤️ Fun fact: Simatai’s 10 watchtowers include the famous “Fairy Tower” with panoramic views. 💥 Best For: Night owls, photographers, or those seeking a unique experience. Private tours ensure access. ❓ How to Choose Your Vibe ➜ Short on time? Badaling or Juyongguan are the closest and easiest. ➜ Want photos? Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or Huanghuacheng deliver stunning backdrops. ➜ Craving adventure? Jiankou or Simatai’s night tours bring the thrill. ➜ Family-friendly? Mutianyu’s toboggan and Badaling’s cable cars win. ➜ On a budget? Take public transport to Badaling or join a group tour. 💡 Pro tip: Visit in spring or fall for comfortable weather. Your Great Wall snaps will be epic! Search "Beijing" to get more ideas and travel tips from our Local Guide! #GreatWall #BeijingTravel #ChinaAdventures #LocalGuides #TravelChina

Escape the crowds and rediscover the Great Wall in its raw, majestic form at Huairou, just 1.5 hours from central Beijing. Unlike the polished paths of Badaling or Mutianyu, Huairou’s rugged stretches — like Jiankou, Huanghuacheng, and Xizhazi — offer a wild, authentic hiking experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Here, the Wall snakes dramatically across untouched mountains, with crumbling watchtowers and panoramic views you won’t need to share with tour groups. Jiankou is the showstopper — steep, dramatic, and photogenic — perfect for serious hikers. Huanghuacheng, partially submerged by a shimmering reservoir, offers a gentler walk with stunning lake reflections. For a more remote vibe, Xizhazi Village makes a great base with local homestays and direct trail access. 🧭 Getting There: Take a bus or private driver to Huairou District, then transfer to a local minivan or taxi to the village nearest your desired Wall section. Or book a guided hike for ease and safety. 📷 Photo Tips: • Catch sunrise at Jiankou for golden light and mountain mist. • Drone shots? Ask locals first — some zones are restricted. • Bring sturdy shoes — some sections are steep and unrestored. 🍜 After Your Hike: Refuel in a local farmhouse with wild mushroom stew, hand-pulled noodles, or crispy river fish. It’s hearty, home-cooked, and earned after the climb. 💡 Why Go? No queues. No megaphones. Just you, the Wall, and the silence of history. If you’re craving a slice of the Great Wall that few travelers see — Huairou is your secret path.

#discoverchina Compared to the touristic great walls, Jiankou is one of the wild great walls, and it is the most steep one. Scrambling skills are needed for some parts, and definitely should avoid during rainy and thundering time. There are many sections of this wall, we did the section from Jiankou to General's Post. an incredible untouched piece of the wall beautiful scenery. When we went they had started repairing the southern end of the wall and are making their way up.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Jiankou Great Wall is a section of the Great Wall of China. The mountain got its name because its shape resembles an arrow, with collapsed ridges flaring out, reminiscent of an arrow nock. The Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China is located between the Mutianyu section and the Moshikou section of the Great Wall of China. It is built on a steep ridge. When you stand on the Great Wall and look out, you will see beautiful scenery everywhere. The steep mountains hidden by the mist are like a natural ink-splashed landscape painting, and the dilapidated watchtowers dotted on the high points make them look even more lonely and vicissitudes of life. In short; it was not until I arrived at the Great Wall that I realized that what makes people marvel at the Great Wall is not just its length of thousands of miles. Every brick and tile of the Great Wall as far as the eye can see carries a sense of desolation and grandeur... Every brick and tile represents the hard work of man, and one can deeply appreciate the concept that man can conquer nature! On the return trip, we took the cable car down the Great Wall from Mutianyu. There were quite a few tourists visiting the Great Wall!

🏯 First of all, the Jiankou Great Wall is located in Miyun District, Beijing, and is the most challenging and scenic part of the Great Wall. Its name comes from a special structure of the Great Wall - the Jiankou Gate Tower, which looks like a lock that locks a section of the Great Wall. 🔒 When you walk into the Jiankou Great Wall, you will be amazed by its magnificent scenery. The mountains here are undulating, and the Great Wall winds through them, like a giant dragon crouching on the earth. Moreover, every stone and every section of the wall here is full of historical traces, making you feel as if you have traveled back to ancient times. 🏞️ The Jiankou Great Wall has so many advantages! First of all, the natural scenery here is breathtaking, and there are different beautiful scenery waiting for you to discover in all four seasons. In spring, the mountains are full of flowers, in summer, the trees are green, in autumn, the mountains are full of red leaves, and in winter, the mountains are covered with snow. Every season is worth a visit! 🌸🍂❄️ Secondly, the Jiankou Great Wall is very suitable for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Great Wall trails here are very suitable for hiking and climbing.

I checked in at the Jiankou Great Wall, it was really amazing! The weather was great when I went there, with blue sky and white clouds, and every shot I took was a great movie! My friend and I drove for more than an hour from downtown Beijing to get here. At first I was worried whether it would be boring, but it turned out not to be! The scenery along the way was beautiful, especially when we were about to reach the Jiankou Great Wall, the mountain road was winding and exciting! After arriving at the Jiankou Great Wall, I was stunned! It was so spectacular, and some places were really dangerous, such as the Eagle Flying Upside Down and the Ghost Seeing Scary Place. Some places were even vertically at 90 degrees and more than ten meters high. I was so scared to climb up that my legs were shaking. It was really shocking. Although a little tiring, it was still worth it. The bricks of the Great Wall are rough, but they are full of history and shocking. Overall, the experience of checking in at the Jiankou Great Wall was great. Who knows, my family! 😍If you haven't been there yet, you must find a chance to go there once. You will definitely not be disappointed!

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

🅿️ Navigation Route 2: Search for Beigou Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District in the navigation system Beigou Village After arriving at Beigou Village, follow the road north until you reach the mountain trailhead. There will be a fire prevention officer at the entrance for registration. If allowed, you can drive along the cement road to the mountain entrance (depending on your luck). Arriving at the location shown in picture 9 indicates you've reached the mountain entrance. ▼▼▼▼▼▼ 🛣️ Route: The direction the ox head in picture nine is facing is the direction to head up the mountain. Next to it, there's a Jiankou stone monument (picture 10). Follow the stone-paved mountain path. Midway up the mountain, you can see the Mutianyu Great Wall. Generally, keep following the stone path until you pass the 20th watchtower at the northernmost end of Mutianyu. Find the entrance to the Great Wall, which marks the start of this journey. 🏁 Destination: Zhengbei Tower From the 20th watchtower of Mutianyu, follow the Great Wall forward Offline maps: Two Steps, Six Feet ⚠️ Caution: This section of the route is somewhat dangerous, with slippery slopes, collapsed walls, and deep pits on the beacon towers. Remember to walk attentively and within your limits. Equipment recommendations: Sun hat, sunglasses, trekking poles, quick-dry shirt, storm jacket, storm pants, hiking socks and shoes, plenty of water, and lightweight instant food. tips: This route share lacks pictures regarding the route. If you have any questions, leave a message, and I will answer in detail.

Over the weekend, I drove to the Jiankou Great Wall with friends who love the outdoors. The last time I went was many years ago. However, the Jiankou Great Wall in Beijing is not very suitable for beginners in mountaineering, because it is really dangerous. Everyone must pay attention to safety. The Jiankou Great Wall is located in Badaohe Township, northwest of Huairou, a suburb of Beijing, with a maximum altitude of 1141 meters and about 30 kilometers from Huairou County. It starts from Niujiabian in the east, passes through the North Tower, the East and West Suobolou, the Small Potala Palace, the East and West Youlou Top, Jiankou Beam, General's Guard, Sky Ladder, Eagle Flying Upside Down, Beijing Knot, and ends at Jiuyanlou in the west, stretching for more than 20 kilometers. Overall, the Great Wall winds and undulates, forming a W shape, like a full bow and arrow, hence the name. The Jiankou Great Wall is one of the most famous dangerous sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. The terrain is very changeable. The Great Wall on the dangerous peaks and cliffs is even more majestic and dangerous, fully demonstrating the shock, danger, wonder, special, and uniqueness of the Great Wall. Here you can appreciate the original ancient Great Wall landscape. Mountain climbers must bring enough water and food, because there is none for sale on the mountain. Climbing water is very important, as well as outdoor equipment. For this kind of dangerous terrain, it is recommended that everyone wear professional climbing shoes. Safety first, the important thing is said three times!

Jiankou Great Wall is a famous wild Great Wall in Beijing. This section of the Great Wall is backed by steep mountains, dangerous and beautiful, without artificial repairs, it appears simple and natural. Due to its original and steep features, for the protection of cultural relics and safety, tourists are not allowed to climb without the permission of the relevant departments. The Jiankou Great Wall roughly starts from the Jiuyanlou in the north and ends at the Niujiujiao in the south, with a total length of about 20 kilometers. The Great Wall can basically be divided into three sections: from Jiuyanlou to Beijing Knot is the north section, from Beijing Knot to Jiankou (also known as Jiankou) is the middle section, and from Jiankou to Niujiujiao is the south section. The uniqueness of the Jiankou Great Wall lies in its simple and natural without artificial repairs. Walking on the Great Wall, you can feel the heaviness of history and the vicissitudes of time. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and ancient city wall ruins. In order to protect cultural relics and safety, tourists are not allowed to climb the Jiankou Great Wall without the permission of the relevant departments. If you want to experience this simple and natural Great Wall, you can join a regular tour group and visit under the guidance of a professional guide.

The Jiankou Great Wall is located in Badaohe Township, northwest of Huairou District in the suburbs of Beijing. It is 1141° above sea level and 30 kilometers away from Huairou County. It is one of the most famous dangerous sections of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. It is also a popular location for the Great Wall photography in recent years. The Great Wall is a section of the Great Wall without any artificial decoration. It has been weathered naturally and is already an elder of the old age. From east to west, from the side of the Niujiaojiao, the South Building (Zhenbei Building), the ghost gate, the east and west shrinking neck, the east and west oil dome, the arrow buckle beam, the general guarding the gate, the ladder, the eagle flying backwards, the Beijing knot to the nine eye building (Wangjing Building) stretches more than 20 kilometers, fully demonstrating the surprise, danger, oddity, speciality and absoluteness of the Great Wall. This is also the route that can best appreciate the ancient Great Wall. Overall, the difficulty of the arrow is concentrated on three cliffs, one in front of Xiyouyu, one in front of Little Budala, and one in front of Zhenbei Building. The west line is the Beijing knot, the eagle flies backwards, the ladder, these difficult points can basically be overcome by the detour. That is to say, there is absolutely no need for everyone to harden, and most of the rest are seemingly dangerous, but in reality No difficulty, overall it is shocking, photos because the angle and the artistic rendering relationship often have enlarged components in it, so bold to come, for some outdoor enthusiasts who like rock climbing, this is a A rare place to go.

The most famous wild great city in Beijing is the arrow buckle, the mountainous terrain, the vigorous rock wall, the damaged wall and the high platform. This is the way the Great Wall, which has survived countless external strengths and experienced vicissitudes of life, should have . As the Great Wall of Defence Facilities, Yanshan is built on the ridge, and it doesn't matter how hard it is to climb to the ridge. If there is a modern iron ladder on the cornice, I don't know how to climb this tall wall, let alone. It was harder to climb the fortress than the one who was under the heavy guards. In order to protect the monuments, today's Wild Great Wall is forbidden to climb. We just came to the beacon tower on the mouth of the mouth to feel the remains of this history.

The Jiankou Great Wall is located in the Badaohe Township in the northwest of Huairou District in the suburbs of Beijing. It is 1141 meters above sea level and 30 kilometers away from Huairou County. The mountain is very rich, and the Great Wall above the dangerous peaks is even more dangerous. The Great Wall of the Jiankou was named after the entire section of the Great Wall. The Jiankou Great Wall is one of the most famous dangerous sections of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. It is the highest-selling section of the Great Wall albums in recent years. It has always been a hot spot in the Great Wall photography. The Great Wall is the most dangerous and majestic Great Wall in Beijing. It is naturally weathered and has no artificial decoration. It is from the side of the Niujiaojiao, the South Building, the Ghost Gate, the East and the Neck, the East and West Oil domes, the Arrow and the Liang, and the Generals. The sky ladder, the eagle fly backwards, and the Beijing knot to the nine-eyed building stretch for more than 20 kilometers, fully demonstrating the surprise, danger, strangeness, speciality and absoluteness of the Great Wall, and can appreciate the original ancient Great Wall landscape. The ladder, the eagle fly backwards, the Beijing knot, the nine-eye building, and the section of the road are the most dangerous. It is a little better to go from east to west, and it is more difficult to go from west to east. The section from Beijing to Wangjinglou is in the Great Wall, the east side is the city wall, the west side is a shrub, there is no step, it is very difficult to walk. At present, the government does not have much protection measures for the Arrows Great Wall. It is called a zipper for many outdoor enthusiasts. It is not recommended, and please pay attention to environmental protection and not throwing garbage.