Planning a weekend trip to the Jinshanling Great Wall (金山岭长城) from Beijing? With its scenic views and historical significance, Jinshanling offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This guide provides detailed transportation options from Beijing, whether you prefer taking a train, bus, or even a direct shuttle. Find out the easiest and most convenient ways to reach this less-crowded, picturesque section of the Great Wall, along with useful tips for your journey.
1. By Train (Suburban Railway): Most Recommended
For a comfortable and scenic route, take the suburban railway (S501/S503) from Beijing. The train departs from three stations: Beijing North (北京北), Qinghe (清河), and Changping North (昌平北), heading to Gubeikou Station (古北口), which is the nearest train station to Jinshanling.
- Train Schedule:
- Beijing North to Gubeikou: Two departures daily at 06:55 AM and 02:20 PM, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.
- Gubeikou to Beijing North: Return trains leave at 10:00 AM and 05:29 PM, also taking around 2.5 hours.
- From Gubeikou Station to Jinshanling: After arriving at Gubeikou, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Jinshanling Great Wall, which is about 12 kilometers away. Taxi fare is around ¥40-50. It’s recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Didi (滴滴) to avoid inflated prices from taxi drivers at the station. If you’re traveling with a group, the cost per person can be as low as ¥10.
2. Direct Shuttle Bus: Convenient But May Be Canceled
For a more straightforward and less time-consuming option, consider the direct shuttle buses to Jinshanling:
- From Beijing: The shuttle bus departs daily at 08:00 AM from Dongzhimen (东直门) 942 bus station and returns at 04:00 PM. (Note: Departure times may vary with the season).
- From Chengde: A direct bus service also runs from Chengde to Jinshanling, with a one-way ticket priced at ¥35 and a round-trip ticket for ¥70.
3. By Public Bus: Cheap But Time-Consuming
- Option 1: From Dongzhimen (东直门) in Beijing, take the 980 Express Bus to Miyun Shaonian Palace Station (密云少年宫站), then transfer to bus M25 to Gubeikou (古北口), and finally catch a bus to Jinshanling. The total journey takes about 3.5 hours, and the fare is approximately ¥20.
- Option 2: Another option is to take the Beijing Subway Line 13 to Wangjing West Station (望京西站), where you can catch a bus to Luanping (滦平), which is near Jinshanling. This direct route takes about 2 hours and costs ¥32. The first bus departs at 07:00 AM, and the last one leaves at 04:00 PM, with buses running every hour. The return bus to Beijing leaves at 04:30 PM.
Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Taxi from Gubeikou Station: Taxi availability at Gubeikou Station can be limited. It’s a good idea to negotiate a fare in advance and make sure the driver has your contact information for a return trip.
- Traveling in Groups: Group travel can reduce the cost of taxis, with prices dropping as low as ¥10 per person if you share the fare.
- Check Schedules: Transportation times can vary by season, so always double-check the schedules before your trip to ensure a smooth journey.