Jiaoshan Great Wall

The Great Wall of China zigzags in northern China from Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) by Bohai Sea all the way to the desert in western China. Jiaoshan is the first mountain it climbs, so it is known as the "First Mountain of the Great Wall".  

Great Wall at Jiaoshan

The high and precipitous Jiaoshan Great Wall was first constructed in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), with a history of over 600 years. It is located about 2 miles (3 km) to the north of Shanhaiguan, and about 5 miles (8km) north of Laolongtou. Some sections have been renovated for visitors' convenience, while others are wild and genuine.
 

Gate of Jiaoshan Great Wall

The repaired section starts from Hanmen Pass, via No.1 Watchtower, No. 2 Watchtower, and ends at No. 3 Watchtower. It runs about 0.9 mile (1.5 kilometers). It measures 23 to 33 feet (7 to 10 meters) high and 4.4 to 5.5 yards (4 to 5 meters) wide, and occupies a place of strategic importance. In the steepest part, it is only about 3 yards (2.7 meters) wide. Its external battlement is precipitous and difficult to attack, while the internal side is low and convenient for climbing.
 The original section extends from No. 3 Watchtower to Daping Peak, the main peak of the Jiaoshan Mountain. Unlike the newly restored part, the ancient part provides you with a sense of historical vicissitude. In some sections, the battlement is only built on one side, with the other side being deep cliffs. Standing on the Daping Peak, you can see Yansai Lake in the west, have a panoramic view of Longevity  Mountain (Changshou Mountain) in the northeast, and admire the full shot of Jiaoshan Great Wall and Shanhaiguan in the south. If weather permits, Laolongtou and Bohai Sea can also be vividly recognized afar.

Upon arrival, you will be first attracted by the magnificent gate, an imitation of fortresses of the Ming Dynasty. Its appearance resembles the Chinese character "山". Pass through the gate, and you can start hiking northward from the Hanmen Pass.

The Jiaoshan Great Wall is not very long, but quite flexible. It can be wide and flat. Also, it can be narrow and steep. Some of the watchtowers are so high that iron ladders are added for visitors' convenience. Along the most precipitous section, there are iron staircases for you to save energy. You need to be careful while climbing. Generally, it takes about 1.5 hours to hike northwards to the No. 3 Watchtower, the end of the renovated section.

Apart from hiking, you can also take a cable car up to the renovated section. It saves a lot of energy. While riding on the cable car, you can have a panoramic view of Shanghaiguan and the Bohai Sea in the mist.

To explore the wild and authentic section, visitors have to climb over a wall cemented to No.3 watchtower of the repaired section. After a one-hour's difficult climb, you will arrive at Daping Peak. If energetic enough, you can continue to hike eastward; in about one hour, you can reach the Sandaoguan Pass.

You can also explore the Great Wall to the south of the Hanmen Pass. The section is about 2 miles (3 kilometers), and it takes about 1.5 hours to hike. But it is cut by two roads, so you need to come down the Great Wall and make a detour. At the end of this section, you will reach the north gate of Shanhaiguan.

Opening Hours	05:00- 18:30
Admission Fee	CNY 40 from April to November; CNY 10 from December to March
Cableway Fee	CNY 15 for a single trip; CNY 20 for a round trip

By Train:
You may take a train to Shanhaiguan from Qinhuangdao Railway Station. The trains are available from 05:42 to 00:47 at an interval of about 10 minutes, and the duration is about 20 minutes. Upon arrival, take bus Zhuan 5 line to the site.

 By Bus:
You may take bus line 25 to Shanhaiguan Railway Station, and transfer to Zhuan 5 line to the site.
 Take bus Zhuan 5 line from First Pass Under Heaven to the site directly.

Bus Lines	Onward Trip	Return Trip
25	05:50-19:30	05:50-19:30
33	05:50-19:30	05:50-19:30
Zhuan 5	08:00-15:30	08:00-15:30

 Recommended Tour: 
Laolongtou-Shanhaiguan-Jiaoshan Hiking 
Jiaoshan to Sandaoguan Great Wall Adventure