Jiankou Great Wall: Travel Tips & What to See
China is home to many sections of the Great Wall, among which the Jiankou Great Wall is off-the-beaten path but stunning for its steep, rugged terrain and magnificent views. It's an increasingly hot destination for surefooted hikers and adventurers looking for a wilder and rarely restored image of the wall. Here we write a brief tour guide to the Jiankou Great Wall for you. Just go on a remarkable China tour to this brilliant feat of engineering.
Basic Facts About the Jiankou Great Wall
Map of Jiankou Great Wall
- Location: about 70 km northeast of Beijing and 10 km east of the Mutianyu Great Wall.
- Total length: 20 kilometers with 28 watchtowers
- Time of visit: 6 - 8 hours
- Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but not officially open to the public; a visit should be guided by a professional guide.
Entrance Ticket Price: Free
The Jiankou Great Wall is one of the most thrill-filled sections of the wild Great Wall. It was rebuilt as a fortification against the northern nomadic enemy in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty. Jiankou Great Wall is attracting more and more tourists to climb up due to its adventure and surrounding natural grandeur.
What to See at Jiankou
Steep Jiankou Great Wall
Ox Horn Edge
The Ox Horn Edge is a segment of the wall resembling the shape of ox horns. The Ox Horn extends from the hillside, setting up a tower at the top, turning a sharp descent to another hillside, and striking a sudden ascend again. The twisting wall follows the natural contours of the steep, precipitous ridges, giving it a dramatic and picturesque look.
Beijing Knot
Beijing Knot is located in the most northwest part of Jiankou, about 4 kilometers from Nine-Eye Tower. It is a marvelous lookout that connects three important sections of the Great Wall: Jiankou, Mutianyu, and Huanghuacheng. Beijing Knot was built on the steep slopes. Every sight of this feat will amaze climbers with the craftsmanship and courage of the former constructors.
Nine-Eye Tower
Nine-Eye Tower is built at the peak of Flame Mountain at the junction of Huairou County and Yanqing County. It is named for the nine lookout windows on each side of the tower. The tower has preserved the remains of a cooking bench, a horse stable, and army barracks. The tower itself is a majestic sight to behold. 1141 meters above sea level, you can capture the skyline of Beijing on a clear day. The surrounding luxuriant mountains and rosy clouds in the distance are also breathtaking views to take photos of.
How to Get to Jiankou From Beijing
The easiest way to get to the Jiankou Great Wall from downtown Beijing is by private car, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
There's no direct express bus to Jiankou, so if you go by public transport, you'll need to transfer and take a taxi for the last part of the journey. This can be a bit of a hassle and usually takes at least 3.5 hours or more.
If you prefer a smoother experience, our China Odyssey Tours can arrange a private transfer for you. With a dedicated driver, flexible schedule, and door-to-door service, you can skip the complicated logistics and enjoy a stress-free trip to the Great Wall.
Hiking Routes in Jiankou
The Jiankou Great Wall has a total length of 20 km from Ox Horn Edge Wall to the Nine-Eye Tower, connecting the Mutianyu Great Wall to the east and Huanghuacheng to the west. Here are two popular hiking routes in Jiankou as below.
Route #1: From Zhengbei Tower to Mutianyu
Jiankou Great Wall Hiking Route #1
- Best for: Hiking enthusiasts
- Time Required: About 5 hours
- Area: Zhengbei Tower - Ox Horn Edge - Mutianyu
Firstly, you will explore Zhengbei Tower at an elevation of 990m. Then climb up from No. 1 East Tower to a must-see attraction, Ox Horn Edge, where you would trek down along a very steep path but enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the Great Wall winding around mountains. Continue down the path and finally arrive at the Mutianyu section.
Route #2: From Jiankou Spot to Beijing Knot
Jiankou Great Wall Hiking Route #2
- Best for: More experienced hikers
- Time Required: About 5 hours
- Area: Jiankou Spot - Sky Ladder - Beijing Knot
Start at Jiankou Spot. This leads you all the way left to the Sky Ladder. After that, Eagle Flies Facing Upward is a must to marvel at, but it may take you great effort to wade through. Then climb up to your destination, Beijing Knot, which is the junction of three sections of the Great Wall.
This route is a bit more difficult than route No. 1 because the Eagle Flies Facing Upward section is one of the steepest parts of Jiankou, with an incline close to 90 degrees.
Tips for Traveling to Jiankou
- Jiankou had fallen into disrepair. It is totally wild, and there are no clear road signs on the wall. If you plan to climb, make sure you're not alone and are accompanied by a professional local guide.
- The scenic area is covered by luxuriant vegetation. Be mindful of the path to avoid getting lost.
- Prepare enough water and snacks because there are hardly any facilities along the route.
- The trails are overgrown with barbed bushes, so it's advisable to put on a wear-proof climbing shoe, long-sleeved skirts, and trousers.
- There is an almost perpendicular section when hiking down the wall. Be mindful of loose rocks.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Plan Your Trip to the Great Wall
Visiting Jiankou Great Wall could be a challenging attempt in need of a good level of fitness and courage, but it is also a unique opportunity to see the Great Wall in its original state away from the crowds and commercialization.
A tour profession is required if going hiking. You can travel with China Odyessy Tours. Our experienced team will customize an itinerary for you and guide you on a secure itinerary according to your level of physical condition. Make sure to enjoy the must-see highlights. If you're after more guides, feel free to contact us at trip@odynovotours.com.
