Juyongguan Great Wall- highlights/how to get there
Juyongguan Great Wall is a famous pass in the Great Wall of Beijing, 20 kilometers away from the Badaling Great Wall. Compared with the fame and popularity of the Badaling Great Wall, the Juyongguan Great Wall allows you to see the architecture and vegetation here more clearly.
Quick Facts About Juyongguan Great Wall
- Name in Chinese: Jū yōng guān 居庸关
- Opening Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (in peak season), 8:30 to 16:00 (in slack season)
- Ticket Price: CNY 40 from April 1 to October 31, and CNY 35 from November 1 to March 31. Admission is free for those under 1.2 meters, and half-price tickets are available for students and people over 60 years old.
- Location: Changping District, Beijing
How Long is the Juyongguan Great Wall
The Juyongguan Great Wall has a total length of approximately 4,000 meters, and the entire Great Wall is composed of two city gates in the north and south and the Weng City in the middle. Among them, the South City Gate is the starting point, while the North City Gate is the ending. Connecting these two city gates is an 8-kilometer tunnel.
Here is more about the length of the Great Wall in China.
Highlights of the Juyongguan Great Wall
During your visit to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass, there are some scenic spots that you cannot miss.
1. Cloud Platform
The Cloud Platform, located in the center of Juyongguan Pass, gives the feeling of standing on the clouds when viewed from the terrace. It is a large stone sculpture artwork of the Yuan Dynasty. The central part of the pedestal of the Platform has a gateway, which allows people, vehicles, and horses to pass through.
2. Ancient Cannons
The ancient cannons include the General Iron Cannon and the Bamboo-jointed Cannon. The General Iron Cannon measures 1.7 meters in length with an 8-centimeter caliber, while the Bamboo-jointed Cannon is also 1.7 meters long but with a 15-centimeter caliber.
3. Water Gate
The Water Gate, located at the intersection of the Great Wall and the river, was mainly built to control water flow, water storage, and flood discharge.
4. Mashen Temple
The Mashen Temple (马神庙) is dedicated to worshiping the Horse God. There are statues of the Horse Ancestor, Horse King, Water God, and Grass God. In the past, when wars required war horses, the Horse God Temple mainly served the purpose of praying for the well-being of war horses.
5. Chenghuang Temple
The Chenghuang Temple (城隍庙), which has a large scale, was originally built during the Ming Dynasty. Inside the temple, there are statues of the City God, the King of Hell, the Mountain God, and the Earth God. It is mainly used for praying for the well-being of the local people and protecting them.
Best Time to Visit the Juyongguan Great Wall
If you are interested in visiting the Juyongguan Great Wall, you should go when the flowers and trees are to their fullest. Spring or summer is a perfect time to visit since the temperature levels are still pretty good and the entire area looks fresh and beautiful.
The best time to visit the Great Wall around the year may be useful to you.
Hiking Route of Juyongguan Great Wall
Full Hiking Route
Start at the North Gate, ascend westward towards Tower 14, then continue in a counterclockwise direction to Tower 1, and finally return to the North Gate.
Leisurely Half-Circle Route for Scenery Appreciation
Begin at the South Gate, hike counterclockwise from Tower 6, and you will quickly arrive at Tower 5, which offers the best view of the train passing through the flower fields and the autumn foliage. Afterward, you can continue your hike towards the North Gate.
Tips for Hiking on Juyongguan Great Wall
1. Choosing a Pair of Sports Shoes
It is crucial to select a pair of shoes that are specifically designed for walking, preferably with anti-slip features, either sports shoes or hiking boots. These shoes will ensure comfort and stability throughout your journey.
2. Lightweight Clothing
Given the physical demands of hiking the Great Wall, it's important to dress in lightweight clothing that allows for easy movement and does not weigh you down. Avoid carrying unnecessary items that might hinder your progress or cause discomfort.
3. Packing a Versatile Backpack
Since there are no shops along the Great Wall, it's essential to bring a backpack that can accommodate all your necessities. This includes sufficient food and water to sustain your energy levels, as well as a raincoat or umbrella to protect against unexpected changes in weather conditions.
4. Preserving the Great Wall
Even though there may not be staff members present everywhere along the Great Wall, it's our responsibility as responsible tourists to treat this historical site with respect. Please refrain from writing on the walls or engaging in any behavior that might damage or deface this precious heritage.
How to go to the Juyongguan Great Wall
Take the subway
- Take the Beijing Subway Changping Line to Changpingdongguan Station, then take Bus 655 to Changpingxiguanhuandao West Station, and then transfer to Bus 919 to Juyongguan Great Wall.
- Take the Beijing Subway Changping Line to Changping Station, then take Bus 870 to Changpingxiguanhuandao West Station, and then transfer to Bus to Juyongguan Great Wall.
Take the bus
Take Bus 919 from Deshengmen to Juyongguan Great Wall.
Plan a Juyongguan Great Wall Tour
To have a pleasant trip to the Great Wall, it is essential to have a professional tour guide to lead you. In this process, you can also learn about the history of the Great Wall and know the stories behind it. You can customize your trip with China Travel. We will arrange your trip according to your interests and budget, to make your China trip unforgettable.