Jiangjunguan Great Wall

Distinct from other Great Wall sections, Jiangjunguan Great Wall lacks side walls and neatly paved steps. Instead, it only has high stone-built platforms. Its steep terrain, combined with the stunning surrounding natural scenery, makes it a perfect challenge for hiking enthusiasts. 
 

Inside the Jiangjun Pass, there is a six-meter-tall (20-foot) natural columnar vertical stone with the three characters “General Stone” carved on it. Legend has it that a general once stood on this stone to command his troops and won numerous battles. Upon hearing this, the emperor named the stone General Stone as a reward, after which this Great Wall section was named, literally meaning General Pass in Chinese.
 

Jiangjunguan Village is divided into an old village and a new village. The old village preserves ancient residential buildings and temples, while the new village features neatly arranged European-style buildings and has been honored as “the most beautiful village in Beijing”. The harmonious blend of the old and the new, as well as the integration of Chinese and Western styles, offers visitors a rich and diverse experience. If you’re fortunate, you may encounter the local farmers’ market, where you can savor the freshest local produce and the most authentic rural cuisine.

Jiangjunguan Great Wall

Hike on Wild Jiangjunguan

First, it is recommended to take a stroll in the Jiangjunguan Village at the foot of the mountain and watch the General Stone. Then, climb up to the ruins of the Jiangjunguan Gate Tower and overlook the remains of the Great Wall along the continuous mountain ridge. After that, walk eastward to the foot of the mountain and start your hiking adventure.
 

Hiking Route: Jianggunguan - Zhangzuoguan

Length: 11 kilometers (7 miles)

Duration: 6 - 7 hours

Difficulty: Challenging
 

The hiking route from Jianggunguan to Zhangzuoguan is quite popular among hikers. It comprises two restored sections of the Great Wall and an intermediate section of the original, unrestored stone Great Wall, enabling hikers to experience different Great Wall styles in one journey. However, this route is quite challenging, featuring steep slopes and several cliffs, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.
 

- Front Section: Jianggunguan - Top of the Mountain: Eagle’s Beak Tower

This section has been restored and is made of stone walls. There are two steep slopes, so watch your step. Once you reach the highest point, Eagle’s Beak Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Jiangjunguan Village and the winding Great Wall below.
 

- Middle Section: Eagle’s Beak Tower - Kaerdun

This section is the original Great Wall, entirely built of stones and well-preserved. It is worth climbing as it is one of the few intact sections of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) stone Great Wall. There are four cliffs along this section, which can be crossed with the help of ropes or by taking a detour through the mountain path. After this section, you will reach Kaerdun, a restored large stone platform.
 

- Back Section: Kaerdun - Zhangzuoguan

From Kaerdun, head east to Zhangzuoguan. This section is all downhill with relatively good conditions. After reaching Zhangzuoguan, follow the mountain path down to Zhangzou Village.
 

Note: If not interested in hiking for that long, you may get down anywhere there is a side path and return.
 

Free
 

All day
 

The temperature during these months is neither too hot nor too cold, which is perfect for hiking.
 

Take bus No. 852 from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub to Pinggu Bus Station, then transfer to bus Ping29 and get off at Jiangjunguan Terminal to reach Jiangjunguan Village.
 

Bus Schedule

Route 852:

Departure from Dongzhimen: 06:30 - 19:30

Departure from Pinggu Bus Station: 05:00 - 18:30
 

Route Ping29:

To Jiangjunguan: 06:00 - 19:30

Departure from Jiangjunguan Terminal: 05:40 - 18:40
 

If you want a more convenient and time-saving way to travel, chartering a car with a driver is a better choice. The driver can pick you up directly from your hotel, sparing you the trouble of transportation planning.
 

When the hiking is over, reach the Zhangzuo Bus Stop or Jiangjunguan Bus Stop before 18:30 to catch the last return bus Ping29. If you finish the hike too late, you can stay in a local farmhouse for one night and return to Beijing the next day.
 

1. As a one-way trip from downtown Beijing to the scenic area would take about 3.5h, you are suggested to arrive at Dongzhimen before 7:00 to take bus No. 852.

2. Jiangjunguan is a section of the wild Great Wall, so there is no booth or facilities like a cable car or elevator. We suggest you pack some snacks and bottled water to help you maintain your strength.

3. Some ramparts are severely damaged and are so narrow that only allow one person to go through at a time, so make sure you wear hiking boots and take an alpenstock. Besides, watch your steps during the hike.

4. Be sure to check the weather in advance. This section of the wall is very slippery, so don’t hike in bad weather like rain or snow.