Juyongguan Great Wall - How to Get to Juyong Pass
Juyongguan Great Wall is located in Juyongguan Village, Nankou Town, Changping District, Beijing, 60 kilometers from the city center. It takes about 2 hours to reach Juyongguan Great Wall by bus from Beijing. Constructed in 1368 BC, Juyongguan is also known as "the first pass under the heaven".
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: CNY40 from April 1 to October 31, and CNY35 from November 1 to March 31.
- Location: Changping District, Beijing
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 are statues of the City God, the King of Hell, the Mountain God, and the Earth God. It is mainly used to pray for the well-being and protection of the local people.
Juyongguan Vs Mutianyu
| Features | Juyongguan | Mutianyu |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Miyun District, Beijing | Huairou District, Beijing |
| Driving Time From Beijing | 2 hours | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Watchtower | 14 | 20 |
| Cable car | No | Yes |
| Chairlift | No | Yes |
| Toboggan | No | Yes |
| Crowded | Less Crowded | More Crowded |
| Night Tour | Yes | Yes |
| Recommended Visit Time | 3 hours | 4 hours |
Shuiguan Great Wall
Shuiguan Great Wall is located in Yanqing District, Beijing, and is actually a part of the Badaling Great Wall. This Great Wall was built a long time ago during the Ming Dynasty by a general named Qi Jiguang to protect our country.
Shuiguan Great Wall is unique because it was divided into two sections when a railway was constructed, forming a shape resembling a "V". It climbs along the mountains and looks like a dragon about to take flight, very magnificent.
Moreover, there is a special place on the Great Wall called the Arrow Tower. It was used for warfare and could also allow water to flow through like a gate, a design that is rarely seen. That's why we call it the Shuiguan Great Wall.
Best Time to Visit the Juyongguan Great Wall
The best time to visit Juyongguan Great Wall is from late September to early November. Beijing has a temperate monsoon climate, with cold and dry winters, and rainy summers, while autumn sees less precipitation, making it ideal for freely walking on the Great Wall without worrying about inconveniences caused by rain.
Juyongguan Great Wall Hiking Route
Full Hiking Route
Start at the North Gate, ascend westward towards Watchtower 14, then continue in a counterclockwise direction to Watchtower 1, and finally return to the North Gate.
East Hiking Route
Begin at the South Gate, hike counterclockwise from Watchtower 6, and you will quickly arrive at Watchtower 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.
West Hiking Route
The hiking route on the west is relatively steep, starting from the South Gate and leading to Watchtower 14. The section between Watchtower 12 and Watchtower 14 is particularly challenging for hiking.
How to go to the Juyongguan Great Wall
1. Take a Taxi
It takes 150 minutes and costs CNY200 to take a taxi from Tiananmen Square to Juyongguan Great Wall.
2. By Subway+Bus
Take Subway Line 2 from Tiananmen Square to Jishuitan Station, exit through Exit B2, then transfer to Bus 919 at Deshengmen, and get off at Juyongguan Great Wall Station. The total journey time is 2 hours and the cost is CNY15.
3. Private Transfer
A private transfer is more convenient transportation, where our driver can directly drop you off at the entrance of your hotel or scenic spot without any stops during the pick-up and drop-off process, saving a lot of time compared to public transportation.
Juyongguan Great Wall Tour
Most of the Great Wall of China is located in the suburbs, and some areas near the Great Wall scenic spots lack restaurants and hotels. Sometimes, there are no vehicles available to return to the city. You can book your trip with China Travel, and you won't have to worry about these issues as we will take care of everything for you.