Hike one of the wildest and most impressive sections of the reconstructed Great Wall of China and discover watchtowers, battlement walls and far-reaching views.
The Jinshanling Great Wall is a beautiful and uncrowded stretch of the world-famous wall that snakes its way across great swathes of China. Enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere here, and imagine the colossal effort it took to build such a magnificent and sturdy fortification.
The Jinshanling Great Wall has been fully restored, allowing for easy climbing and hiking as well as a complete picture of the extent of the wall as it was in its heyday. Hike past barrier walls and watchtowers, gun emplacements and shooting holes on your way from Jinshanling to Simatai.
This section of the wall was constructed under the command of General Xu Da in 1368 during the Ming Dynasty and was renovated in 1567. Stop and read the English inscriptions in the wall to get a better understanding of the different defensive structures.
There are hikes of various lengths which can be undertaken. Choose a gentle 1.5-hour hike which starts from the Zhuanduokou Pass and continues via the General Tower to the Shalingkou Pass. If you still have energy left, continue on to the Small Jinsham Tower before riding the cable car back down. For an even more challenging hike, continue on to the Big Jinshan Tower, the Houchuankou Pass, the Eastern Five-window Tower and the Kylin Screen Wall for a total of four hours. As you trek, take time to appreciate the wild, remote beauty of this stretch of the wall and the views of the Big and Small Jinshan Mountains.
Jinshanling Great Wall is located in Hebei Province, some 80 miles (130 kilometers) from downtown Beijing. Hop on a bus departing from near the Wangjing West Subway Station and get off at the main gate. This section of the wall is open year-round and a small admission fee is charged. For those who prefer not to hike, there is a cable car that runs from the Front Gate to the Small Jinshan Tower from where there are beautiful views.
