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Juyongguan Great Wall

Juyongguan Great Wall, also known as Juyong Pass, is one of the most famous and scenic sections of the Great Wall of China, located 60 kilometers (37 miles) from downtown Beijing. As one of the three famous passes along the Great Wall of China, it has a history of over a thousand years and features a well-designed fortified city and exquisite watchtowers, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Unlike other parts of the Great Wall, the area enclosed by the wall forms a “circle” that houses temples and ancient buildings. It is not merely a section of the wall but rather like an ancient town protected by the wall. Moreover, with a diverse range of tour routes and abundant activities, it serves as an ideal destination for tourists to experience the charm of the Great Wall.

Juyongguan Pass

Photos

Why Visit Juyongguan Rather Than Others

Juyong Pass ranks as the first of the three impregnable passes along the Great Wall (the other two are Jiayuguan Pass and Shanhaiguan Pass).

Besides the ancient wall, many old buildings, like towers and temples, can be seen there.

The stairs on the west side are steeper, and those on the east side are gentler, enabling both energetic adventurers and families with children to find a suitable route.

Compared to Badaling and Mutianyu, Juyongguan has fewer tourists, enabling you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet visit.

Guanwang Temple, Juyongguan

Iron Cannons

Basic Facts of Juyongguan Great Wall

Situated in a valley surrounded by mountains on two sides, it has long been a military stronghold.

It was first built in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC) and Warring States Period (476 - 221 BC) by Yan State as a fortification, and was linked to the Great Wall of China in the Southern and Northern Dynasties (386 - 589).

Zhu Yuanzhang (1328 - 1398), the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), ordered the pass to be rebuilt to protect the northern borders from Mongol invasions. The extant pass was built then, and renovated in 1992.

The mountain to the east is the 150-meter (490-foot) high Cuiping Mountain, with 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) of wall on its ridges. To the west is 350 meters (1,150 feet) Jingui Mountain, with 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) of wall built on it. The walls on the two mountains look like giant arms cradling the buildings of the valley.

The pass is roughly circular with a perimeter of about 4,142 meters (4,530 yards) long. The widest point of the wall is 16.7 meters (55 feet), while the narrowest measures only 1.2 meters (3.9 feet).

It consists of two gates, one in the south and the other in the north, respectively called Nan (south) Guan (gate) and Bei (north) Guan. Two high watchtowers were built at each gate.

Must-see Attractions in the Juyongguan Great Wall

1. Juyong Pass

Juyong Pass is known as the “First Pass under Heaven”, a complex defensive structure that was once the most difficult place for ancient soldiers to live and guard. Standing at 32 meters (105 feet) high and having three layers, its solid structure and commanding position made it an indispensable fortress, symbolizing the tenacity and strength of ancient China's defense system.

Juyong Pass

Juyongguan Cloud Platform

2. Cloud Platform

The Cloud Platform is located at the center of the Juyongguan Great Wall. From a distance, it gives the impression of being “in the clouds”, hence its name. Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), it is made of white marble and stands 9.5 meters (31 feet) tall, with exquisite decorations like stone railings on top. Although the original Buddha tower on top has been destroyed, the remaining stone carvings of scriptures and Buddha statues still demonstrate superb artistic skills. Moreover, the Cloud Platform offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

3. Juyongguan Great Wall Museum

The Juyongguan Great Wall Museum has six exhibition halls. It showcases the history and cultural heritage of the Great Wall of China over nearly 1,800 years from multiple aspects through pictures, real objects, materials, models, scenes, digital interactions, etc.

4. The Horse God Temple

The Horse God Temple is dedicated to the worship of the Horse God. Inside the temple, one can find statues of the Horse Ancestor, the Horse King, the Water God, and the Grass God. In the past, during times of war when warhorses were needed, the Horse God Temple mainly served the purpose of praying for blessings for the warhorses.

How to Tour the Juyongguan Great Wall

Map of Juyongguan Great Wall

The Juyongguan Great Wall forms a semicircle around the valley, with 14 watchtowers divided into the East Great Wall and the West Great Wall. The East Great Wall has six watchtowers from No. 1 to No. 6, characterized by a relatively gentle incline and a shorter tour distance. In contrast, the West Great Wall consists of eight watchtowers from No. 7 to No. 14, which is steeper and has a longer route. Tourists can select an appropriate itinerary based on their personal preference. The following are the available tour options:

1. Leisurely East Route Tour; 1 hour

Commence the journey by entering through the North Pass Tower. Ascend from Watchtower 1 to the East Arrow Tower, the zenith of the eastern section. After relishing the scenery, descend all the way to Watchtower No. 5, an idyllic spot for admiring the spring blossoms along the railway and the autumn foliage. Subsequently, proceed to Watchtower No. 6 and conclude at the South Pass Tower. This route presents a gentle terrain, demanding minimal exertion, and is thus suitable for families with children or senior citizens, as well as those who prefer a laid-back tour experience.

2. Challenging West Route Tour; 2 - 3 hours

Enter from the North Pass Tower, hike from Watchtower No. 14 to Watchtower No. 12. This segment represents the most arduous part of the entire Juyongguan Great Wall, posing a significant climbing challenge. Watchtower No. 12 is the highest point, offering a panoramic view of the winding Great Wall. After exploring Watchtower No. 12, descend to Watchtower No. 7 and reach the South Pass Tower. This route covers about 80% of the most challenging sections, with some stone steps even exceeding knee height, making it an ideal choice for hikers seeking a shorter yet more intense adventure.

For those who wish to avoid the stretch from Watchtower No. 14 to Watchtower No. 12 but still desire to savor the western section's scenery, they can enter from the South Pass Tower and hike from Watchtower No. 7 to Watchtower No. 12 before retracing their steps.

West Great Wall

East Great Wall

3. Comprehensive Loop Tour; 3 - 4 hours

Initiate the tour by entering through the North Pass Tower, pass by Watchtower 14, and proceed counterclockwise until you circle back to the North Pass Tower at Watchtower 1. This entire journey demands substantial physical stamina and is most suitable for tourists who are in good physical condition and engage in regular exercise.

4. Night Tour Route

Only the watchtower No. 1 to No. 2 in the eastern section is open for night tours. Enter from the North Pass Tower and tour along the watchtower No. 1 to the watchtower No. 2, then return along the same route. During the night tour, you can not only see the golden Great Wall illuminated by lights but also have the opportunity to enjoy martial arts and acrobatic performances.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best times to visit Juyongguan are April, May, September and October. In April and May, the green mountains are dotted with beautiful flowers. The ancient wall is immersed in a sea of flowers. In autumn, the flamboyant leaves form another highlight of the scenic area.

Juyongguan Great Wall in Spring

Opening Hours:

Day time	March 16 - October 7	North Gate (North Pass Tower): 6:30 - 18:00, last admission at 17:30 South Gate (South Pass Tower): 8:30 - 17:00, last admission at 16:30
Day time	October 8 - March 15	8:30 - 17:00, last admission at 16:30
Night time	Friday, Saturday, and holidays from April 29 to October 15	18:30-22:30, last admission at 22:00

Admission Fee:

Day time	April to October	CNY 40
Day time	November to March	CNY 35
Night time	CNY 40

Note: It’s free for people under 18 and over 60.

How to buy the tickets?

You can buy tickets for the Juyongguan Great Wall either online through its WeChat official account at least one day in advance or on-site. However, as there's no English service available for online purchases, and tickets might be sold out when you try to buy them on-site, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance through a third-party travel agency to prevent any impact on your travel plans.

How to Get to Juyongguan Great Wall from Downtown Beijing

By City Bus:
Option 1: Bus 919
Take Bus 919 at Deshengmen bus station and get off at Juyongguan Great Wall Station. The entire journey costs CNY 11 and typically lasts around 2 hours.
Note: Avoid taking the 919 express as it doesn't stop at Juyongguan Great Wall Station. It is advisable to double-check with the driver prior to boarding the bus to ensure you're on the right one.

Option 2: Bus 870/883 + Bus 879/Chang 20
Take Bus 870 or 883 at Deshengmen and get off at Nankou Dongjie Station, then transfer to Bus 879 or Chang 20 to reach Juyongguan Great Wall Station. This option takes approximately 2.5 hours and the total fare amounts to CNY 12.

Non-stop tourist bus:
Deshengmen ⇔ Juyongguan Great Wall, only runs on weekends from May to October
- Departure: At 08:30, catch the bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station.
- Arrival and Exploration: Around 10:00, arrive at the Juyongguan Great Wall. You will then have 4 hours to freely explore the Great Wall.
- Return: Gather at around 14:00 to board the bus for the return journey to Dongzhimen, arriving at approximately 15:30.
Single journey time: 1.5 hours
Ticket fare: CNY 80 for a round-trip

If you are not familiar with Beijing, a group tour may be the most worry-free option. The tour group will offer pick-up services from the city center, along with round-trip transportation and professional tour guide commentary, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Where to Eat at the Juyongguan Great Wall

There's a McDonald's on the north side of Parking Lot 3 where you can have a meal. Along the Great Wall, there are some shops selling food too, but the prices are relatively high. It is recommended that you bring some food and water with you.

Tips for Visiting the Juyongguan Great Wall

1. The mountain temperature varies significantly and the mountain wind is strong. Even if it's scorching hot at the foot of the mountain, you should bring enough clothes when going up the mountain. A coat is essential.
2. Wear comfortable, non-slip sports shoes and gloves.
3. There is no cable car service at Juyongguan Great Wall. If you're not good at sports, it's advisable to choose the east route.
4. If time allows, you can also visit the Badaling Great Wall or the Ming Tombs near the Juyongguan Great Wall. They are approximately a 20-minute and a 30-minute drive from Juyongguan respectively.

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- Last updated on Jan. 13, 2025 by Gabby Li -