Beijing is home to many sections of the Great Wall, all of which are built along mountain ridges. All the open sections of the Great Wall in Beijing have undergone restoration, except for the Jiankou, which remains completely untouched.
It was built during the Ming Dynasty. After enduring over 600 years of natural wear and tear, 70% of Jiankou still stands strong.
Unlike most of the sections constructed on relatively gentle slopes and lower-altitude peaks, Jiankou Great Wall stands on ridges nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, with extremely steep terrain.
Whenever I set foot on Jiankou, I can truly feel the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of the ancient builders. The experience is so breathtaking that it can be summed up in one sentence: "Once you've seen Jiankou, there's no need to visit any other sections of the Great Wall."
Known for the steep cliffs, stunning views, and unique "arrow notch" shape, Jiankou is a favorite destination for hikers and photographers.
Hello, I'm Tom. With several years of experience, I have had the privilege of guiding visitors through the rich history and culture of this remarkable city. From the iconic Great Wall to the enchanting Forbidden City, I aim to share meaningful stories and a personal touch during each tour. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, my goal is to help make your experience in Beijing enjoyable and full of interesting discoveries.
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Is Jiankou Great Wall Open?
Our guests in Jiankou Great WallThe Jiankou Great Wall is technically not open to the public. Along its length, there are several villages, some of whose residents are responsible for guarding and protecting this wild section of the wall.
To visit this area, you need to make an appointment with the villagers in charge, as there are checkpoints at the village entrance. Since the local villagers don't speak English, they don't have their own websites for tourist bookings.
Reservations can only be made through local travel agencies that provide services in English. Feel free to contact us for reservation and car/guide booking service.
Can I Camp at Jiankou Great Wall?
Camping activities on the Jiankou Great Wall can only be arranged through the local villagers who are responsible for guarding this section of the Wall. You can check our 2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour to sleep overnight on this wild and perilously steep medieval wall.
Our guests camped on the Jiankou Great WallCamping is not permitted on any other sections of the Great Wall, and Jiankou is the only one where you can camp through special arrangements. The camping environment is very safe, but weather conditions must be considered, as it can be dangerous on rainy days, thus avoid camping during the rainy season in Beijing (June to August).
More about the Best Time to Visit Beijing.
Best Time to Visit the Jiankou Great Wall
The best seasons to visit the Jiankou Great Wall are April and May or September and October, as you can enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers in spring or autumn with golden leaves covering the mountains.
Jiankou Great Wall with flowers in AprilAutumn is also my favorite season when visiting the Great Wall. The temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, and during long hikes, I don't feel fatigued.
Jiankou Great Wall in autumnIn summer, the Great Wall is lush with greenery, and the mountains and vegetation are vibrant. However, the temperature in summer can be quite high, around 36°C (97°F).
Jiankou Great Wall in summerIn winter, the mountains on the Great Wall are bare, but it doesn't take away from the Wall's grandeur. The temperature is quite cold, but during hiking, the physical activity actually makes it feel quite comfortable.
Jiankou Great Wall in winterJiankou to Mutianyu Hiking - A Popular Hiking Route
Our guests hiked on the Jiankou Great WallJiankou is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Beijing, with 2 hours' drive in the mountainous area. It connects the Mutianyu Great Wall in the east and the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in the west. Hiking from Jiankou to Mutianyu is available and one of the most popular Great Wall hiking routes.
Starting from Zhengbeilou at the Jiankou, it takes 4-5 hours to reach Mutianyu. Though many people have hiked it, it's not easy, with sharp rises and steep descents. There's about 10 km of highly-varied wall between the Nock and the path down from Mutianyu's Tower 10.
If you are interested in the route, see our One Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour.
I remember my last hike to the Jiankou Great Wall, and I was with a British man. He was there to fulfill his late mother's wish. She had visited the Great Wall before she passed, and she was so moved by its grandeur and beauty that she requested her ashes be scattered at the base of the Wall.
With this mission in mind, we chose Jiankou. Unlike other sections, Jiankou is built on cliffs at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level and it hasn't been restored, what makes Jiankou more remarkable.
After two hours of climbing, we finally reached the Wall. We were in awe of its steepness and the breathtaking views. In the end, we chose a beautiful spot and scattered his mother's ashes, fulfilling her wish. This British guest remarked that it was the most spectacular world wonder he had ever seen in his life.
Tips:
From the top of Zhengbeilou, looking westward, you can see the most dangerous and spectacular section of the wall, perched on 1,500-meter-high cliffs. The views are breathtaking, but this part is not suitable for climbing, except for experienced rock climbers who enjoy extreme adventures.
As Jiankou is known for its steep and challenging terrain, it is highly recommended to hire a professional guide for safety reasons.
How to Get to Jiankou from Beijing
There is no direct bus or train from Beijing to Jiankou. The only way there is by driving. It's about 2½ hours' drive from Beijing.
The route to Jiankou involves driving to the home of a villager who guards the Great Wall in Xizhazi Village. Next to his house, there is a small path leading up the mountain. It takes about two hours of climbing along the path, with no cable cars available. The mountain path is generally gentle, with a low level of difficulty.
We are ready to solve the problems of planning a complex trip in an unfamiliar region, saving your time and effort while ensuring that your travel needs and desires are met. Check our Great Wall of China Tours for inspiration or just contact us to tailor make a personal trip for you.