Great Wall at Jinshanling Beijing
A stunning, less crowded section of the Great Wall of China offering breathtaking mountain views and a mix of restored and wild terrain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Great Wall at Jinshanling Beijing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, less crowded section of the Great Wall of China offering breathtaking mountain views and a mix of restored and wild terrain.
"Jinshanling is the best place to visit the Great Wall as a day trip from Beijing."
🎯 Book Bus Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot on the public bus from Dongzhimen to Jinshanling, especially during busy periods. :bus:
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Be prepared for steep inclines and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential for exploring the wall. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored and Wild Sections
Jinshanling Great Wall
Experience a mix of meticulously restored watchtowers and rugged, unrestored sections for a diverse adventure.
Sunrise and Sunset Views
Jinshanling Great Wall
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets painting the sky over the ancient fortifications.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Jinshanling Great Wall
Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and the serpentine Great Wall.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Jinshanling
Getting to Jinshanling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Bus Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot on the public bus from Dongzhimen to Jinshanling, especially during busy periods. :bus:
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Be prepared for steep inclines and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential for exploring the wall. :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Stay for Sunrise/Sunset
The hostel near the entrance offers incredible views and a peaceful experience without the crowds. :sunriseovermountains:
🎒 Pack Water and Snacks
While there are some vendors, bringing your own provisions ensures you stay hydrated and energized. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Bus Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot on the public bus from Dongzhimen to Jinshanling, especially during busy periods. :bus:
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Be prepared for steep inclines and uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential for exploring the wall. :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Stay for Sunrise/Sunset
The hostel near the entrance offers incredible views and a peaceful experience without the crowds. :sunriseovermountains:
🎒 Pack Water and Snacks
While there are some vendors, bringing your own provisions ensures you stay hydrated and energized. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Epic Views
The vast landscapes and ancient architecture make for stunning photography opportunities. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Jinshanling's stunning beauty and relative lack of crowds, making it a top choice for an authentic Great Wall experience. The opportunity to witness sunrise and sunset in peace is a major highlight, though some find the journey from Beijing a bit challenging. +1
"Without a doubt, this is a phenomenal spot to enjoy the Great Wall! What an unforgettable experience—both breathtaking and amazing.
This section is beautifully accessible and lovingly restored, yet it still keeps its authentic charm. The panoramic views stretch endlessly into the horizon, giving you a true sense of the scale and magnificence of the Great Wall. Unlike the busier sections, it wasn’t too crowded when we visited, which made it even more special—we could really pause, take it all in, and marvel at its reach across the mountains.
Walking here is both inspiring and humbling. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to appreciate the Great Wall in all its glory!"
Buschauer
"One of the quieter parts of the great wall in the Beijing area. It's about two hours from downtown and never crowded. Some sections are unrestored, showing great insights on how the wall was built. Except for one cable car you have to use stairs to get from the valley to the wall on top of the hills. It is an exhausting hike, but absolutely worth it. The scenery is stunning, views are great."
S S
"This place is the best location to climb the great wall for scenic views in a non crowded place. We went in August and weather was warm and a little humid, 25-27 degrees with clouds. Perfect actually. We had the wall all to ourselves and only met the odd family climbing. We took a didi cab from near forbidden city in Beijing for 360 yen, we also stayed the night at jinshaling great wall hotel which we recommend if you want 2 days. The first day we walked in the afternoon to West 5 gate and then came down via the cable car as it started to rain. The next day we went up after breakfast and again walked to west 5 gat then all the way to east gate. There are peiple selling water and snack so you don't have to carry a lot with you. We loved this quiet and peaceful part of the wall. We did struggle getting a didi cab back to Beijing centre. Instead we took a local cab to a subway station near beijing which was 500 yen then took the subway. They can of course make up the prices as that is your last resort. We also went on a Tuesday and Wednesday. There is local busses which only run weekends."
Elaine Kellaghan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended public transport option is the bus from Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub. Buses typically depart around 8 AM daily and cost around ¥50 cash. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private car, which offers more flexibility but is significantly more expensive.
Yes, there are public buses that go directly to Jinshanling Great Wall from Dongzhimen Bus Station in Beijing. It's advisable to confirm the latest schedule and departure times before your trip.
By public bus, the journey to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Shunfengche (carpooling) might be an option if you can speak Chinese fluently and find local drivers. However, public buses are a more reliable and documented method for tourists.
Yes, round-trip tour buses are available from Beijing to Jinshanling, often costing around 190 RMB. This can be a convenient option if you prefer organized transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission to Jinshanling Great Wall is around 40-60 RMB. It's always a good idea to check the official website or recent traveler reports for the most up-to-date pricing.
While not always mandatory, pre-booking tickets, especially during peak seasons or holidays, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth entry.
Jinshanling Great Wall generally opens early and closes late, making it ideal for sunrise and sunset viewing. Typical hours are from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but it's best to verify current operating times.
Yes, you might find different ticket packages that include cable car access or other amenities. Consider what you want to experience to choose the best option for you.
Compared to sections like Badaling, Jinshanling is significantly less crowded, offering a more serene experience. Weekdays and off-peak seasons are even more peaceful.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Jinshanling offers a variety of sections, from fully restored to 'wild' and unrestored parts. Many visitors enjoy hiking towards Simatai or Gubeikou for a longer trek, or simply exploring the well-preserved watchtowers. +1
Yes, the hike from Jinshanling to Simatai is a popular route, offering diverse scenery. However, Simatai may have different access policies or closures, so it's wise to check in advance.
Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes are a must due to the steep and uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are recommended as the weather can change.
Basic facilities like restrooms are available, particularly near the entrance and main tourist areas. Food and drink options might be limited, so bringing your own is advisable.
Absolutely. Jinshanling is considered one of the best sections for a day trip from Beijing due to its accessibility and stunning scenery, offering a more authentic experience than busier sections.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the ancient structure and surrounding landscape.
The numerous watchtowers provide excellent vantage points. Look for elevated spots that capture the serpentine path of the wall winding through the mountains.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in China. It's essential to check current rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone for aerial photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the wall and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant watchtowers. Don't forget extra batteries! :camerawithflash:
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions within certain areas. Respect the historical site and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Adventure Seekers
📸 Photographers
Visiting on a weekday or staying overnight will help you capture stunning shots without the distraction of large crowds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Great Wall Section
Jinshanling is particularly praised for its picturesque views and relative tranquility. It allows visitors to appreciate the grandeur of the wall without the overwhelming throngs of tourists found at Badaling. The section offers a more rugged and natural feel, with many watchtowers and varied terrain.
For the truly adventurous, sections like Gubeikou and Simatai offer even wilder, unrestored portions of the wall, often requiring more strenuous hiking and potentially permits. These are best for experienced hikers who want to explore off the beaten path.
Experiencing Jinshanling: Beyond the Wall
Beyond the immediate wall experience, the natural beauty of the mountains surrounding Jinshanling is also a draw. The landscape provides a dramatic backdrop to the wall, making it a photographer's paradise.
Some visitors have even incorporated unique activities like yoga and sound healing festivals in this phenomenal location, highlighting the serene and inspiring environment. +2 This suggests that Jinshanling can be more than just a historical site visit; it can be a destination for wellness and connection with nature.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit