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Baimaguan Great Wall

Baimaguan Great Wall is located in Miyun County, a 2-hour drive from downtown Beijing, consisting of Baimaguan Ancient Fortress, Baimaguan Pass and defensive walls. Constructed in 1368 - 1398 and lacking renovation, many parts of it have collapsed or are in bad condition. But visitors can still tell its grandness from the relics. Being a typical wild Great Wall section, it’s very steep and narrow, attracting many hiking enthusiasts to challenge it. The highlight attraction here is the Perfect Watchtower, which is almost impeccably preserved and rare among the many watchtowers of the Great Wall.

Why is it Named Baimaguan?

The name “Baimaguan” has an interesting legend behind it. “Baima” in Chinese means “white horse.” Long ago, there was a ferocious white horse that terrified the local villagers. Yang Liulang, a great general of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1276), tamed the white horse after a fierce battle. From then on, he rode this white horse into every war. To protect the castle from enemy invasion, General Yang left his white horse on the Great Wall. The sight of the white horse made the enemy believe that General Yang was stationed there, so they dared not attack. To show their gratitude to General Yang, the locals named this section of the Great Wall White Horse Pass, or Baimaguan in Chinese.

What to See in Baimaguan?

1. Perfect Watchtower

The Perfect Watchtower was named so by hiking lovers because compared with other wild Great Wall towers, this one has been perfectly preserved. Different from other simple watchtowers, it consists of two storeys with the upper one looking like an ordinary residence in a small version. You can see four vivid beast’ statues at each upward cornice. Stairs at the foot of arches are decorated with blooming lotuses, which represent “peace” because of the similar pronunciation in Chinese.

2. Baimaguan Pass

There is a bluestone slab inlaid on Baimaguan Pass, on which is carved with “Baimaguan Pass”. After hundreds of years of erosion by wind and rain, the characters have become blurred. There is a high platform in its east corner. To the west and east of the pass, Great Wall relics extend to the mountain cliffs. They were originally built with stones and bricks. As the outer big stones and bricks were peeled off by locals or wind and rain, only the inner part remained.

3. Baimaguan Ancient Fortress

The Baimaguan Ancient Fortress is not very large, with only a dozen ancient houses inside. The south gate of the ancient fortress is well-preserved, guarded by a white stone horse. Within the ancient castle, there are stone steps leading to the Great Wall. Strolling around inside, one can still see some ancient stone houses, wells, and grinding stones, just as they were in the past.

4. Hongtongyu Water Pass

The Hongtongyu Water Pass is made of stone and rock and is used to discharge floodwaters. Since floods are usually not large, the water pass is well preserved. Looking up from under the arch, a long strip of stone will definitely catch your attention. On both sides of Hongtongyu, there are also ruins of the Great Wall extending into the distance.

How to Tour the Bamaguan Great Wall?

Distance: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles)

Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours

Difficulty: High difficulty with steep slopes and loose stones, suitable for experienced hikers.

Route: Baimaguan Pass - Bimaguan Ancient Fortress - Hongtongyu Water Pass - Perfect Watchtower - Bimaguan Ancient Fortress

From the Baimaguan bus station, walk ahead for about 400 meters (440 yards) along the asphalt road, and then you will find the Baimaguan Pass. Then, walk back to visit Baimaguan Fortress and experience the ancient rural life of the local residents. After the visit, go back along the asphalt road for about 1.5 km (0.9 mi), and then go upstream along a rocky and dried riverbed, and you will soon reach the Hongtongyu Water Pass. After admiring the majestic water pass here, return to the asphalt road and walk back for about 2 km (1.2 mi) until you can see a small bridge. Hiking through the narrow valley below it, you will find the Perfect Watchtower upon the mountain top. Continue hiking up the mountain road until you reach the Perfect Watchtower. Here, you can take a closer look at the watchtower here and even sit down to enjoy some food, before heading down the mountain back to Bimaguan Ancient Fortress.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bamaguan Great Wall?

The best months to visit Baimaguan Great Wall are April, May, September, and October. During these months, the temperature is pleasant, and the surrounding scenery is at its most beautiful.

Admission Fee	Free
Opening Times	All day
Recommended Tour Time	4 hours

How to Get to Baimaguan Great Wall from Beijing Downtown?

1. By bus: 3.5 hours; CNY 26

→ Reach Dongzhimen Transit Hub by subway line 2 or line 13.

→ Get on bus no. 980 Express there to Miyun Binhe Daqiao station.

→ Walk about 10 meters (11 yards) to Reach Yanhu Ximen station.

→ Take the bus no. Mi60, Mi61, or Mi62 and get off at Baimaguan station. Then walk about 100 meters (110 yards) north to reach Baimaguan Fortress.

Bus Schedule:

980 Express	From Dongzhimen: 06:00 - 20:00 From Miyun Bus Satation: 04:30 - 18:30
Mi60	Get to Baimaguan: 10:00 - 17:00 Return Departure: 07:30 - 14:00
Mi61	Get to Baimaguan: 06:30 - 17:00 Return Departure: 06:10 - 15:30
Mi62	Get to Baimaguan: 10:00 - 15:00 Return Departure: 05:30 - 12:00

2. By car rental: 2 hours; CNY 700 - 1,200

To travel from Beijing to the Baimaguan Great Wall, hiring a car with a driver is a more convenient and time-saving option. It takes about 2 hours one way and costs about CNY 700 - 1,200 per day.

Tips

1. It is not suggested that you set out on this backpacking tour to Baimaguan alone. Find a guide or some experienced hikers to help you complete this tour.