Jiankou Great Wall (箭扣长城) is a magnificent section of the Great Wall of China, located in the Huairou District of Beijing. Renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain, it is one of the most iconic and breathtaking portions of this ancient architectural marvel. With its unique architectural features and historical significance, Jiankou Great Wall attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, Jiankou Great Wall was constructed using natural materials such as stone, bricks, and wood. Its name “Jiankou” translates to “Arrow Nock” in English, derived from the shape of the mountain ridge resembling an arrow ready to be released from a bow. This section stretches for approximately 20 kilometers and offers a captivating view of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
What sets Jiankou Great Wall apart is its remarkable state of preservation. Unlike other sections of the Great Wall that have undergone extensive restoration, Jiankou remains mostly untouched, showcasing the original craftsmanship and engineering techniques used centuries ago. This makes it a popular destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience.
However, due to its steep inclines, crumbling steps, and challenging hiking trails, Jiankou Great Wall is recommended for experienced hikers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers a thrilling and awe-inspiring journey, rewarding visitors with breathtaking vistas and a sense of awe at the ingenuity of the ancient builders.
Despite its remote location and rugged conditions, Jiankou Great Wall continues to captivate the imagination of all who visit. Its untouched beauty, historical significance, and architectural marvels make it an extraordinary destination for those seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of China.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jiankou Great Wall
- Map and Recommended Route
- Vlog about Jiankou Great Wall
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Sections of Great Walls in Beijing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | A day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours throughout the day |
| Telephone Number | 0086-010-61611765 |
Location and Transportation
The Jiankou Great Wall is located in the Huairou District of Beijing, China. It is situated in the northern part of the country, approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) away from the city center of Beijing. The specific geographic coordinates of Jiankou Great Wall are approximately 40.4409° N latitude and 116.5583° E longitude.
To reach Jiankou Great Wall, you can start your journey from Dongzhimen in Beijing. Take bus number 916 to Huairou. Once you arrive in Huairou, head to Yujiayuan Bus Station, where you can catch the Huairou to Xizhazi Village shuttle bus. This shuttle runs twice a day, with departure times at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
Highlights of Jiankou Great Wall
Unspoiled Natural Beauty
The unspoiled natural beauty of Jiankou Great Wall is truly captivating. Nestled amidst the Yan Mountains, this section of the wall offers awe-inspiring vistas of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and verdant forests. The untouched landscape creates a picturesque backdrop for exploration and photography, immersing visitors in a world of pristine beauty. The towering wall snaking through the mountains creates a dramatic contrast against the surrounding scenery. It’s a place where nature reigns supreme, allowing visitors to experience tranquility and marvel at the raw, untamed splendor of the Chinese countryside.
Architectural Marvels
The architectural marvels of Jiankou Great Wall are a testament to the ingenuity of the Ming Dynasty builders. This section of the Great Wall showcases the original craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the era. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the wall, including its imposing watchtowers, fortified battlements, and defensive structures. The stonework, brickwork, and wooden beams have withstood the test of time, preserving the historical authenticity of the site. Each step along Jiankou reveals the remarkable skill and vision that went into constructing this monumental structure, leaving visitors in awe of the architectural achievements of ancient China.
Nine-Eye Tower
The Nine-Eye Tower is a significant landmark located on the Jiankou section of the Great Wall, situated in the northern part of Beijing, 21 kilometers northwest of Huairou District’s Chengguan Town. Perched on the southern slope of Heituo Mountain, this tower stands at the junction of Huairou and Yanqing counties, atop Huoyan Mountain.
The Nine-Eye Tower derives its name from its unique architectural feature: each side of the tower has nine arrow slits. This strategic design allowed for enhanced defense capabilities, making it a crucial lookout point along the Great Wall. The tower is also known as Wangjinglou, meaning “Beijing Viewing Tower,” because, on clear days, one can see all the way to Beijing from this elevated vantage point.
Standing at an altitude of 1,141 meters, the Nine-Eye Tower was an essential checkpoint on the Great Wall. Inside the tower, remnants of stoves, living quarters, and other facilities can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who once guarded this vital post. Nearby, one can find the ruins of horse stables, drying grounds, and military camps.
Thrilling Hiking Exprience
Jiankou Great Wall offers one of the most thrilling and challenging hiking experiences along the Great Wall of China. The wall stretches from the mountainside to the peak, where a watchtower stands tall. From there, it sharply descends back to the mountainside before rising again to an altitude of over 940 meters, forming a dramatic loop. This imposing structure, with its rugged and powerful appearance, is famously known as “Ox Horn Edge.”
One of the most famous and perilous parts of Jiankou Great Wall is the “Eagle Flies Facing Upward.” Here, the wall stands almost vertically, with a collapsed section that forces hikers to take a detour. The descent is incredibly steep, with slopes ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. Without grabbing onto tree branches, it is almost impossible to maintain a steady footing.
Another challenging part of the hike is the “Sky Ladder.” This segment of the Great Wall is a 70-degree slope that extends for 70 to 80 meters. The narrowest part of the Sky Ladder is just 60 centimeters wide, with steps that are 40 to 50 centimeters high and 15 centimeters deep. Hikers must use all four limbs to climb this treacherous path.
Map and Recommended Route
Routes to Visit Jiankou Great Wall
The Jiankou Great Wall is divided into two main sections: the eastern section and the western section, commonly referred to as the Jiankou East Line and the Jiankou West Line.
The Jiankou West Line includes some of the most famous and challenging parts of the wall. It features the Sky Ladder, a steep and narrow path that requires climbers to use both hands and feet. Another highlight is the Eagle Flies Facing Upward, known for its vertical climb and treacherous terrain. The Beijing Knot is a crucial junction point offering panoramic views, while the Nine-Eye Tower, famous for its nine arrow slits, provides a glimpse into the wall’s historical significance. This section is renowned for showcasing the original and ancient features of the Great Wall, offering a thrilling and authentic hiking experience.
The Jiankou East Line starts at Jiankou and passes through several notable points, including Xiyoulou, a scenic spot along the route, and the Little Potala Palace, a structure resembling the Potala Palace. The route also includes the Shrinking Neck Tower, a narrow and challenging part of the wall, and Guimenguan, a notable gate. The journey culminates at Zhengbeilou before reaching Mutianyu, a well-preserved section of the Great Wall known for its beautiful scenery and accessibility. The eastern route provides a different set of challenges and breathtaking views, making it an equally rewarding experience.
Best Time to Visit
The Jiankou Great Wall can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique beauty. However, winter tends to be very cold, making it less ideal for non-local visitors. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit between June and October. During these months, the weather is most favorable, and the scenery is at its most beautiful, providing stunning views and comfortable hiking conditions.
Vlog about Jiankou Great Wall
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Suitability: Jiankou Great Wall is suitable for adults and older children. It may not be suitable for seniors and young children due to its steep and sometimes precarious sections. While the path is paved with stones, it primarily involves downhill routes, which can be relatively dangerous and exert significant pressure on the knees.
Environmental Responsibility: Visitors are strongly encouraged to carry out their trash, especially plastic items, to help preserve the environment. Keeping the area clean is essential for the conservation of this historical site and ensures that future generations can also enjoy its beauty.
Safety Precautions: Jiankou Great Wall has several sections that are particularly steep and challenging, such as the stretch between the Zhengbei Tower and the Xiaobudala section, as well as the Eagle Flying Upside Down segment. It is crucial to prioritize safety at all times while navigating these sections. Wear appropriate footwear with good traction, stay alert, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
It’s an hour’s drive from Huairou. Drive along the left side to the bottom of the mountain at Xizhazi (西栅子). Listening to the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, I slowly made my way up to the Pass of General. Continuing east to Zhengbei Tower, I descended from the tower and reached Qianzhazi (前栅子).
The mountains are beautiful, the ancient city wall is stunning, and the sunset is breathtaking.
Although the Jiankou Great Wall is not a well-established tourist attraction, there are still many climbers in the winter. In some perilous areas, you even have to queue to get through.
I originally intended to climb Mount Ling, but due to the temperature dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius, I decided to change my plan to Jiankou to see the Great Wall after the snow. However, I couldn’t manage it for long; after walking only five kilometers, I had to descend in a hurry. My hat and neck warmer were both covered in frost, and my hands and feet were completely numb. Now, I quietly feel grateful that I didn’t go… Read more »
The most thrilling section of the Great Wall in Beijing is undoubtedly Jiankou. The scenery is also the most photogenic.
By the time I started my descent, it was already dark. Fortunately, I made it just in time for the last bus back.
I was scared while climbing, but once I finished, I couldn’t have loved it more. I won’t even mention the breathtaking views; it’s the joy of using both my hands and feet to climb that truly made me appreciate the experience.
The fifth phase of the protection and renovation project for the Jiankou Great Wall in Huairou, Beijing, aims to restore 915 meters of the wall, including six watchtowers. The completion is expected in 2026.
When we arrived, there weren’t many people. We parked our car in P3 parking lot, which is the closest to the ticket office and the entrance of the scenic area. It’s also the only parking lot among the three that has trees.
If Mutianyu is considered the essence of the Ming Great Wall, then Jiankou is where the adventurous aspect of the Ming Great Wall lies, it is truly magnificent.
Jiankou Great Wall is much more dangerous compared to other sections of the Great Wall. It is recommended to go in a group, pay attention to safety, time, and weather as the weather on the mountain changes rapidly.
Hiking Route: Beijing Knot – Eagle Flies Upside Down (skipped due to its danger, took a detour) – Tianladder – Small Potala Palace – GuJianChou (Ghost Valley) – Zhengbei Tower. Highest Altitude: 998 meters, Cumulative Ascend: 725 meters. There were many 90-degree vertical slopes and about 60-70% of the trail required the use of both hands and feet. As we started early in the morning, we took our time and rested frequently along the way. Descended to the finish line… Read more »