Jinshanling Great Wall

金山岭长城

The best-preserved and most densely fortified stretch of the Ming Great Wall, combining restored and wild sections; hailed by photographers as 'Of all the Great Wall, Jinshan stands alone'.

Jinshanling Great Wall straddles the border between Luanping County in Chengde and Miyun in Beijing. Built under the Ming general Qi Jiguang, it stretches 10.5 km, with 67 watchtowers and 3 beacon towers, on average one watchtower every 100 metres, the highest density of any section of the Great Wall. It also features distinctive blocking walls, inscribed bricks and a qilin screen wall. The wall runs east from Longyu Pass, where it connects with the Simatai Great Wall, to Wangjing Tower. The middle section's Dajinshan, Xiaojinshan and Jiangjun towers are classic photo spots, and the wall winding through morning mist draws international photographers year-round. Recommended route: climb up from the main entrance (brick battlements), head east past Xiaojinshan and Dajinshan towers to East Five-Eye Tower, then return the same way, about 3 hours. Fit hikers can walk on to Wangjing Tower and descend, about 5 to 6 hours. The eastern section is mostly unrestored wild wall, with some collapsed parts, so take care. Tickets cost RMB 65 in peak season and RMB 55 off-season; the cable car costs RMB 40 one way. Getting there: from Wangjing West in Beijing, take the 'Great Wall Tourist Line' bus, about 2 hours direct; from Chengde city, drive about 1.5 hours; from Beijing, drive the Beijing-Chengde Expressway and exit at Jinshanling. Farmhouse guesthouses inside the scenic area offer accommodation for watching the sunrise. Notes: bring plenty of water and non-slip hiking shoes, do not climb the ruins of the wild wall sections, and do not go up on the wall during thunderstorms.

Jinshanling Great Wall

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