The Jinshanling Great Wall (金山岭长城), located at the intersection of Luanping County in Hebei Province and Miyun District in Beijing, is often considered one of the most picturesque and historically rich sections of the Great Wall of China. About 130 kilometers from Beijing and 80 kilometers from the Chengde Mountain Resort, Jinshanling offers visitors a unique combination of rugged landscapes, ancient watchtowers, and a less-crowded experience compared to other popular sections like Badaling. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about visiting Jinshanling, from ticket prices and opening hours to the best routes for hiking and photography.
Main Attractions
Jinshanling features several notable sights that make it one of the most impressive sections of the Great Wall:
- Watchtowers: The Wall has five key passes and 67 watchtowers, each offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Beacon Towers: There are three beacon towers along the route, once used to send signals to neighboring military stations.
- Architectural Features: Unique structures like the “Qilin Shadow Wall,” “Horse-blocking Walls,” and the “Stele Wall” add charm and mystery to the section, making it a photographer’s paradise.
The Wall extends from Longyukou (龙峪口) in the west to the Wangjing Tower 望京楼() in the east. The varied landscapes and historic architecture here create a perfect backdrop for both history enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Opening Hours
Jinshanling’s opening hours change between peak and off-peak seasons:
- Peak Season (April 1 – October 31):
- Main Gate: 04:00 AM to 06:30 PM (tickets sold until 05:00 PM, no entry after 05:30 PM)
- East Gate: 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM (Wangjing Tower open from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM)
- West Gate (Taoshu Spring Tower): 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Off-Peak Season (November 1 – March 31):
- Main Gate: 06:00 AM to 05:30 PM (tickets sold until 04:00 PM, no entry after 04:30 PM)
- East Gate: 09:00 AM to 03:30 PM (Wangjing Tower open from 09:30 AM to 04:00 PM)
- West Gate (Taoshu Spring Tower): 09:30 AM to 04:00 PM
- Cable Car Operations: The cable car operates from 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM during peak season (April 1 – November 10) and is closed during off-peak months.
Ticket Prices
- Peak Season (April 1 – October 31):
- Entry Ticket: ¥65
- Cable Car (One-way): ¥40; Round Trip: ¥60
- Shuttle Bus (One-way): ¥10; Round Trip: ¥20
- Off-Peak Season (November 1 – March 31):
- Entry Ticket: ¥55
- Cable Car (One-way): ¥40; Round Trip: ¥60
- Shuttle Bus (One-way): ¥10; Round Trip: ¥20
How to Get to Jinshanling
While Jinshanling is somewhat remote compared to sections like Badaling, it’s still accessible via several transport options:
- Bus: During peak seasons, buses run from Dongzhimen (Beijing) directly to Jinshanling. In off-peak seasons, these buses may not operate.
- Intercity Train: Take the Beijing North to Gubeikou Train, which departs at 06:58 AM and returns by 07:52 PM. The train journey provides ample time to explore the Great Wall.
- Taxi from Gubeikou Station: Gubeikou Station is about 15 kilometers from Jinshanling. Taxis are available but may be difficult to find. It’s advisable to negotiate a price (about ¥30 per person one-way) in advance.
- Shuttle Bus: From the main gate of Jinshanling to the Great Wall’s starting point (about 2 kilometers), you can take the shuttle bus for ¥10 per person one-way.
Best Routes for Hiking and Photography
Jinshanling offers a range of hiking routes, each suited to different types of travelers:
- Route 1: Easy Walk – This route is the least strenuous, suitable for casual visitors or those just looking to take photos. Enter through the middle gate, take the “Brick Stack Tower” (砖垛口) (Point 1), turn left, and follow the East Line. This will lead you to the “Shalingkou” (沙岭口) (Point 2), where you can return on a small trail. This route is perfect for photographers wanting to capture the iconic views with minimal effort.
- Route 2: Moderate Route – Enter through the middle gate and hike to the “Jinshan Tower” (金山楼下) (Point 3), then take the cable car back. This route is ideal for those who want to explore the Great Wall but prefer not to do the full hike. Note that the cable car is closed during winter.
- Route 3: Full Hike – Start at the middle gate, ascend via the “Brick Stack Tower” (Point 1), and continue along the East Line to the “Houchuankou” (后川口) (Point 4), which is about 4.5 kilometers from the Brick Stack Tower. Afterward, take a small trail to return to the ticket gate (about 2 kilometers, taking 30 minutes). This more challenging route allows you to fully experience Jinshanling’s stunning landscapes.
Accommodation Options
There are a few options for staying near Jinshanling, perfect for those who want to experience the Great Wall at sunrise or sunset:
- In the Scenic Area:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Yueyuan Hotel
- Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel
- Outside the Scenic Area:
- Several farmhouses and guesthouses offer more affordable options. They’re located outside the park but still close enough for easy access to the Wall.
Additional Tips for Visitors
- Transport Between Gates: Jinshanling has shuttle buses running between the main gate, east gate, and west gate. It’s only ¥10 per person for a one-way trip, so you don’t need to worry about which gate to enter or exit from.
- Staying Overnight: To fully experience the sunrise or the cloud sea over the Great Wall, it’s highly recommended to stay overnight in one of the on-site hotels.
- Self-Driving: Visitors arriving by car can drive directly into the scenic area. Entry tickets are valid for re-entry within 24 hours (make sure to register upon arrival).
- Shopping: Small shops are located at the “Xiaojinshan Tower” (小金山楼) and “Houchuan Tower” (后川楼) selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Sunset and Sunrise Viewing: For the best photography, head to the East Gate for sunset and the West Gate for sunrise. The route between “Brick Stack Tower” and “Houchuan Tower” offers some of the most scenic views along the Wall.