Jinshanling Great Wall Group Tours

Meeting at SWISSOTEL BEIJING HONG KONG MACAU CENTER at 8:00 AM

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure (by 7:45 AM). After checking that everyone is ready and providing necessary information, we will depart on time at 8:00 AM.

Meeting point information:

• SWISSOTEL BEIJING HONG KONG MACAU CENTER (北京港澳中心瑞士酒店) 

• Address: No. 2 Chaoyangmen North Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区朝阳门北大街2号)

• How to get there:

Option 1: By taxi

Show the following Chinese name to the driver:

“请带我去北京港澳中心瑞士酒店” 

Option 2: By subway

Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Dongsi Shitiao Station (东四十条站). Exit from Exit C, then walk about 500 meters to the hotel.

Jinshanling Great Wall: A Less-Crowded Section with Unique Ming Dynasty Defenses

After driving about 2 hours, you will reach Jinshangling Great Wall. Often praised as “the most beautiful section of the Great Wall,” Jinshanling perfectly combines dramatic curves, rolling mountains and open views with rare military structures. Along its 10-kilometer section, there are 67 watchtowers, built close together with different designs and layouts. The frequent watchtowers create continuous viewpoints and photography spots.

Some military structures on Jinshanling are rare to see in many other sections. Among them, Jinshanling is especially famous for its “Three Wonders”:

• Barrier Walls (Zhangqiang): short transverse walls built across the walkway of the Great Wall, used as secondary defensive positions.

• Anti-Cavalry Walls (Dangma Walls): built along the outer slopes of the Great Wall, and formed an additional defensive line outside the main wall.

• Inscribed Bricks: Many bricks in this section are stamped with information about production dates and military units. These inscriptions are valuable historical records.

Below is a recommended route to explore the highlights of Jinshanling:

Visitor Center → Shuttle bus (optional) → Ticket Gate → Zhuanduo Pass (starting point, inscribed bricks, Qi Jiguang statue) → General's Tower (one of the most iconic landmarks) → Shaling Pass → Small & Big Jinshan Towers (sit on open mountain ridges, with wide, unobstructed views)→ Descend at Houchuankou.  

The entire hiking route is relatively gentle, allowing plenty of great opportunities to take photos and appreciate the panoramic views.

Good to know:

• The guide may adjust the route slightly based on your energy level and interests.

• Your guide will hike all the way with you. He/she will help you take photos, tell you the best location for photos, and give you information about the wall.

• Food and drinks: Supply points on the wall are limited, so it is recommended to bring some water and energy snacks.

• Restrooms at the foot of the mountain are better equipped. At Zhuanduo Pass and Shaling Pass, there are also restrooms with basic facilities. watchtowers do not have toilets inside. 

Duration: 8 - 10 hours