Water Pass Great Wall (Shuiguan)

The Water Pass Great Wall, nestled within a valley, forms a vast “V” shape. At the base of this “V” lies an Arrow Tower. Historically, a river flowed beneath it, giving rise to its name “Water Pass” or “Shuiguan” in Chinese. Positioned just east of the globally renowned Badaling Great Wall, it's sometimes referred to as the Badaling Shuiguan Great Wall. However, it's crucial to note that Badaling and Shuiguan are two distinct sections of the Great Wall.
 

 Although not as famous as Badaling to its west and Juyongguan Pass to its east, this section is not crowded. Hence, you can better enjoy the scenery and the climbing.

 Compared with others, this section is steep, especially the western part. Therefore, it is a great destination for hiking lovers and energetic young travelers.

 Located 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown Beijing, it is relatively close and can be reached with ease.
 

 With a history of about 400 years, it was constructed under the supervision of the great general Qi Jiguang in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

 It has a length of about 8 kilometers (5 miles). About 6.8 kilometers (4 miles), eight watchtowers, and one arrow tower have been renovated and opened to tourists so far.

 It is V-shaped, with an arrow tower (Zhengguan Arrow Tower) in the valley and two sections of walls stretching along the mountains to the east and west. The east section has three watchtowers open to visitors, while the west section has five.

 In the past, a stream flowed through the arrow tower, forming a natural defense, hence the name "Water Pass".

 Some parts of the wall were built on mountain cliffs angled at about seventy degrees. Some of the highest stairs measure 50 cm (20 inches).

 There is a battlement wall on both sides. Hence, soldiers could defend against enemies from both sides.

Water Pass

Water Pass Great Wall

After arriving at the scenic area, you will first be attracted by the Zhengguan Arrow Tower. It was once used as a water gate and also a place for soldiers to shoot arrows. The watchtower is 16 meters (52 feet) high and has an average width of 12 meters (39 feet). Standing on the watchtower, you can enjoy the winding Great Wall in the distance.
 

Chuanzi No. 1 Tower is located at the highest point on the east side of the Water Pass Great Wall. It is a two-story magnificent watchtower with six holes on each side, which is quite rare among the watchtowers along the Great Wall.
 

Foye Terrace is located near the entrance of the Water Pass Great Wall. There are thirteen stone statues enshrined on it. These statues date back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368). Their carving techniques are simple and ancient, costumes distinct, and the figures come to life with vivid expressions.
 

The Stone Buddha Temple was destroyed in the war in 1900, and many of the stone Buddha statues were damaged, with their bodies and heads separated. In the early 1990s, during the restoration of the Water Pass Great Wall, the temple was relocated to its present site and rebuilt. More than ten stone Buddha statues are enshrined here.

Water Pass Great Wall

A Tower on the Water Pass Great Wall

The Water Pass Great Wall is divided into two parts: the east and the west sections. The east section features five watchtowers and has a very steep terrain, while the west section has three watchtowers with most of its terrain being relatively flat. There are no cable cars at the Water Pass Great Wall, and it can only be visited on foot. You can visit either the eastern or the western part, or you can walk the entire section. Here is the detailed route for your visit:
 After entering through the Zhengguan Arrow Tower, head west. Along the way, you will come across three long ladders with a large drop along the way. Each of them has an inclination of over 60 degrees, which requires you to use both your hands and feet. It's quite challenging and is suitable for tourists with good physical strength and who have no fear of heights. The West Tower 5 marks the end of the west section and is the highest point. From here, you can catch sight of the rare “herringbone” Great Wall in the distance. After enjoying the view from the West Tower 5, retrace your steps back to the Zhengguan Arrow Tower.
 Enter from the Zhengguan Arrow Tower and head east. Firstly, you will climb a rather steep staircase, and then it will be a gentle slope. Keep walking east until you reach the famous “Chuanzi No. 1 Tower”, where you can have a panoramic view of the entire Water Pass Great Wall. Finally, return to the Zhengguan Arrow Tower. The east section is an easy route with a short distance, suitable for most tourists.
 Since the east section is relatively straightforward, it is recommended to start the tour from the east section. After finishing the tour of the east section, return to the Zhengguan Arrow Tower, and then head west to explore the west section.
 

The best time to visit the Shuiguan Great Wall is in April, May, September, and October, when the temperature is moderate and the scenery presents its utmost beauty. April and May are especially charming as the warmth ushers in a profusion of colorful wildflowers. Come October, the foliage transforms into a sea of intoxicating red, making it a feast for the eyes.
 

Adult	CNY 35
Children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet)	Free of charge
People under 18 and over 60	CNY 17.5

 

April to October	6:30 - 17:00
November to March	9:00 - 16:30

 1. Wear non-slip shoes and gloves, as some sections require you to use both your hands and feet.
2. The Water Pass Great Wall and the Badaling Great Wall are different sections. Often, tourists who want to visit Badaling are brought here, especially during holidays or peak seasons. So, it is recommended that you double-check your destination before joining a tour group.
3. You can visit the Badaling Great Wall and the Shuiguan Great Wall on the same day. First, go to Badaling to experience the most representative part of the Great Wall, and then come to the Water Pass to enjoy a quiet hike away from the crowds.
4. Bring some food and water to replenish your energy.