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Where is the Jinshanling Great Wall?
The Jinshanling Great Wall is located in Luanping County, Chengde, Hebei Province, China. It's approximately 130 kilometers (or about 81 miles) northeast of Beijing. Nestled in the mountains, it connects the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall in the west and the Simatai section in the east. Due to its remote distance from Beijing, it tends to be less crowded than closer sections like Badaling and Mutianyu, making it a great choice for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic Great Wall experience.
The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall spans from Longyukou ( (龙裕口 ) in the west to Wangjinglou Tower (望京楼) in the east. It is 10.5 kilometers (about 6.5 miles) long and consists of 5 passes, 67 towers, and 3 beacon towers. Of this entire stretch, approximately 5-6 kilometers (around 3.1-3.7 miles) are currently open to visitors.
Jinshanling Great Wall’s History
Construction on the Jinshanling section began in 1368 during the early years of the Ming Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang). The majority of the wall, however, was built during the period of 1567-1582 under the leadership of General Qi Jiguang, during the reign of Emperor Longqing. The decision to build this part of the wall was part of a larger military strategy to strengthen northern defenses against the Mongols. The name Jinshanling translates to "Gold Mountain Ridge," reflecting its strategic position overlooking fertile and prosperous lands.
The Jinshanling section also bears unique markings of its history: many bricks are engraved with inscriptions that detail information about the brick's manufacture, including the date it was made and the name of the military unit that made it. Despite the passage of time and the impact of natural erosion, Jinshanling has remained largely authentic and less restored than some other sections of the Great Wall. As such, it provides an accurate representation of the Ming Dynasty's architectural prowess and a poignant testament to China's past.
Why Visit the Jinshanling Great Wall?
Authentic Experience: Unlike some of the other sections, Jinshanling has been only partially restored, and much of it remains in its original state. This gives you a more authentic experience of the Great Wall as it would have been during the Ming Dynasty.
Architectural Splendor: Jinshanling is famous for its densely spaced watchtowers, each tailored to the diverse terrains and defense needs. The wall also has bricks with inscriptions that narrate its construction history. Barrier walls, battlements, and parapets further enhance its defensive capabilities. Visiting Jinshanling offers an unmatched insight into ancient China's architectural and military prowess.
Natural Scenery: Jinshanling's location among the mountains offers stunning vistas, especially in the autumn when the foliage bursts into a riot of colors, and in spring when the landscape is lush and green.
Accessibility: While maintaining its original allure, Jinshanling also offers facilities like cable cars to help visitors reach the Wall, balancing historical preservation with modern convenience.
Hiking Adventure: The Jinshanling section is one of the best for hiking, providing a decent challenge due to its steep inclines and declines. The hiking route from Jinshanling to Simatai West is particularly popular among adventurers.
Photographic Opportunities: The Jinshanling Great Wall is widely praised as a paradise for photographers. The magnificently preserved watchtowers, intricate inscriptions on the bricks, and 'horse-blocking' stones create a unique blend of natural and architectural artistry, offering numerous fantastic photo spots.
Less Crowded:Due to its distance from Beijing, Jinshanling sees fewer crowds than the more accessible sections like Badaling and Mutianyu, providing a more tranquil experience.
2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai2 Days Wild Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West3 Days In-depth Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Jiankou to Mutianyu & Gubeikou-Jianshanling-Simatai4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour
Jinshanling to Simatai West Hiking - A Popular Great Wall Hiking Route
Simatai and Jinshanling are two neighboring sections of the Great Wall. As Jinshanling is said to be the most beautiful section of the Great Wall and Simatai the steepest one, the Jinshanling to Simatai West hiking route has become a popular choice among photographers and hikers who wish to explore the Great Wall of China in its raw, natural state. This route provides hikers with an opportunity to traverse two of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall.
Jinshanling to Simatai West Hiking Route:
Zhuanduokou - Black Tower - Small Jinshan Tower - Big Jinshan Tower - East Tower with Five Holes
Distance: 5KM Avg.Time: 3 hoursDifficulty:Easy to ModerateNote: It requires a decent fitness level, and an experienced hiker and is not recommended for the elderly or children.
Note: If you choose take a cable car at Small Jinshan Tower down the mountain. The distance is about 4 km, and it takes about 2 hours to complete the hiking.
Terrain Condition:
The Jinshanling to Simatai West hiking route is a mix of restored and wild segments of the Great Wall. The trail begins in the relatively well-preserved and restored section of Jinshanling, known for its broad, flat walking paths and sturdy guardrails. Here, the walkways are made of large, even bricks that make for comfortable hiking. As you move towards the Simatai West section, the terrain becomes more challenging.
Best Time to Visit Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall can be visited at any time of the year. However, there are specific periods when the weather conditions and scenic beauty are at their best:
Spring (April to June): The weather during spring is generally mild and comfortable, making it an excellent time for hiking. The surrounding landscape is bursting with fresh greenery and blooming flowers, adding to the overall beauty of the experience.
Autumn (September to November): This is arguably the best time to visit the Jinshanling Great Wall. The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking. Furthermore, autumn brings a stunning change in the scenery, with the leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This creates a beautiful contrast with the gray bricks of the wall, offering splendid photo opportunities.
Visiting in the summer (July to August) is possible, but it's usually hot, and the hazy weather might affect visibility.
In winter (December to February), the wall is often covered with snow, creating a stunning winter wonderland. However, the icy conditions can make hiking more challenging and potentially risky.
How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing
Option 1: Public Transportation
Public Transportation Take subway Line 13 or 15 to Wangjing West Station, then get on the bus line Luanping at the bus terminal, and get off at the Jinshanling Service Area station. From here, you can either walk or take a local taxi to the entrance of the Great Wall. But this option might be a longer time on the way.
Option 2: Take a Taxi
You can also take a taxi to get to Jinshanling from Beijing. Jinshanling is about 154 kilometers northeast of downtown Beijing and takes about 2.5 hours, but this option might be more expensive.
Option 3: Guided Tour
The most convenient and hassle-free way to visit the Jinshanling Great Wall is to join a guided tour, especially for first-time visitors. Asia Odyssey Travel can offer you all-inclusive service, which includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, and meals. This way, you can focus on enjoying your visit without worrying about logistics.
How to Plan a Great Wall Hiking Tour
Planning a Great Wall hiking tour can seem like a daunting task at first glance. To make it easy, Asia Odyssey Travel has handpicked three of the most popular hiking routes for different preferences and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge or a casual traveler looking to soak in the beauty and history of the Great Wall, Asia Odyssey Travel has got you covered.
1. Most Challenging Section - Jiankou to Mutianyu: Difficult
This route is for thrill-seekers and seasoned hikers looking for a challenge. It takes you through some of the most rugged, steep, and unrestored sections of the Great Wall, providing a raw and authentic experience. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.
2. Most Rural and Historical Section - Gubeikou to Jinshanling: Moderate
Perfect for history buffs and those wanting to escape the city's hustle and bustle, this route offers a trip through time. It takes you from Gubeikou, a less touristy section abundant with historical sites, to Jinshanling, known for its beautifully preserved watchtowers and broad views. This hike is a moderate challenge and can take 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.
3. Most Photogenic Section - Jinshanling to Simatai West: Easy
This route is a paradise for photographers. Both Jinshanling and Simatai West sections offer some of the Great Wall's best views, with their well-preserved structures set against stunning natural scenery. The hike is moderate and takes about 3-4 hours, covering a 5km trek.
Tips for Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
1.Gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers. Carry a raincoat or umbrella.2.Supplies: Carry plenty of water and high-energy snacks.3.Protection: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent as needed.4.Guidance: Consider hiring a local guide for a richer experience and safer navigation.5.Weather: Check the forecast before you go and prepare accordingly.6.Accessories: Battery, phone, camera, GPS7.Respect the wall: Take all trash with you and avoid the further damages.
Explore Beijing & Great Wall with Asia Odyssey Travel
Based in China with our office located in Beijing, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel provides the best service to ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience for those who want to visit Beijing. We offer a variety of carefully designed Beijing tours, including Classic Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Hutong Tours, Layover Tours, and Visa-free Tours, that cater to your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tours with a flexible itinerary or a budget-friendly group tours without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour to suit you, ensuring that your journey to Beijing is an enjoyable vacation.
lf you're looking to extend your Beijing trip into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China Tours from Beijing. Our professional travel consultants are ready to help you customize a tailor-made Beijing tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Beijing today!
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