Jinshanling Great Wall

There are more than 100 enemy towers along the whole Jinshanling Great Wall. Built stably and elegantly, different towers have different structures and appearances. There are two significant watchtowers which are called the Big Jinshan and the Small Jinshan separately. The Big Jinshan Watchtower has two tiers which are connected by stone stairs. On the top of the tower is a small room used as the soldiers' retiring room. This small room has a unique structure. The rafters and eaves of the room are all made from polished bricks. The Small Jinshan Watchtower was constructed by soldiers from Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces led by Qi Jiguang. To remind themselves of their hometowns, the tower was named Jinshan which was a pavilion's name in the Jiangxin Island in Zhanjiang.


Although Jinshanling Great Wall has opening hour limitation, but this is flexible. Jinshanling Great Wall is famed for enjoying sunrise or sunset view. Visitors can enter the scenic area at around 3:00am to wait to see sunrise. You can also get out of the scenic area after admiring the sunset. Jinshanling Great Wall is guided for 24 hours.

How to Plan Your Trip to Jinshanling Great Wall

Preparation Before Your Visit

• Before heading to the Jinshanling Great Wall, it’s essential to be well-prepared for both the hike and the mountain weather conditions.
• Documents: Bring your passport or ID for ticket purchase and hotel check-in.
• Clothing: Dress appropriately according to the season. A light jacket is suitable for spring and autumn, sunscreen and a hat for summer, and thick coats or down jackets for winter. Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes are highly recommended as the terrain can be steep and uneven.
• Supplies: Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, and an umbrella or raincoat. Snacks like chocolate, beef jerky, or energy bars will help you stay energized during the climb.
• Navigation: Download the official Jinshanling Scenic Area app or an offline map for easy navigation inside the scenic zone. If you plan to take photos, ensure your phone or camera is fully charged — the views here are worth capturing.

Ticket Information

Entrance Fee:

• Peak Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31): ¥65 per person
• Off Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): ¥55 per person
• Cable Car (Round Trip): ¥60 per person
• Sightseeing Shuttle Bus (Round Trip): ¥20 per person

Tickets can be purchased at the scenic area or via the official website and WeChat mini program.

Recommended Hiking Routes

Route 1 – 3 km Circular Route:
Entrance → Zhuanduo Pass → Shalingkou → Entrance
This short loop is perfect for casual visitors who want to see the Great Wall’s classic defense structures such as barrier walls, horse-blocking walls, and beacon towers. The same view was featured in the famous mural “Morning Light over Jinshanling” displayed in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Route 2 – 4 km Loop:
Entrance → Zhuanduo Pass → Shalingkou → Small Jinshan Tower → Cable Car Station → Entrance
This route includes the Big and Small Jinshan Towers, the two most iconic watchtowers of this section. They are perched on separate peaks, forming the origin of the name “Jinshanling.” The steep ascent rewards hikers with superb panoramic views and intricate Ming Dynasty brickwork.

Route 3 – 5 km Loop:
Entrance → Zhuanduo Pass → Shalingkou → Houchuankou → Entrance
This moderate route covers the highest point of the Jinshanling Wall and is widely recognized as the best photography spot. From here, you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Great Wall stretching over rolling mountains like a mighty dragon.

Route 4 – 10 km Extended Route:
Entrance → Zhuanduo Pass → Shalingkou → Houchuankou → East Five-Eye Tower → East Gate Visitor Center
A challenging yet rewarding hike for fitness enthusiasts. This route showcases the wild and less restored parts of Jinshanling, ideal for those who want a full-day trekking adventure and to experience the grandeur of the Ming fortifications in solitude.

Highlights Along Jinshanling Great Wall

Big and Small Jinshan Towers
These twin towers sit on two steep, picturesque peaks and symbolize Jinshanling’s identity. The Small Jinshan Tower has a hidden archway door built into the cliffside, while the Big Jinshan Tower is a two-story structure with a small brick-built attic that imitates wooden architecture — its polished eaves, windows, and rafters display exquisite Ming craftsmanship.

General Tower
Perched at an altitude of 475 meters, the General Tower stands on the summit west of the Small Jinshan Tower. It served as the command center of Jinshanling’s military defense system. From this vantage point, you can spot the complex layout of beacon towers, auxiliary walls, and defensive horse-blocking barriers — a masterpiece of ancient Chinese military engineering.

Inscribed Brick Walls
Along the horse path of the wall, you’ll notice rows of slightly elevated bricks known as water-stopping bricks, designed to drain rainwater efficiently. These subtle details reveal the advanced construction techniques and practical wisdom of Ming Dynasty builders.

Kylin Shadow Wall
A decorative feature rarely seen on other sections of the Great Wall, the Kylin Shadow Wall showcases the refined artistry and symbolic meaning of Ming architecture, making it a popular photo stop for visitors interested in Chinese design aesthetics.

Dining and Accommodation

Dining: Inside the scenic area, there are simple restaurants offering fast food and beverages, though prices are relatively high. Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks and energy food. Around the entrance, several local farmhouse restaurants (农家院) serve authentic Hebei specialties such as bo’er buns, Nansha pancakes, braised noodles (menbing), fried rice cakes, and Chengde cold jelly noodles.

Accommodation: There are no hotels within the wall area itself, but plenty of guesthouses and homestays are available near the main entrance. Staying overnight at the base of the wall allows visitors to catch the sunrise early in the morning. Options range from simple family-run inns to comfortable boutique lodges — ideal for those planning to photograph the Great Wall under the golden dawn.

Tips for Visiting Jinshanling Great Wall

The scenic area has flexible hours for visitors wanting to see the sunrise or sunset. You can enter as early as 3:00 a.m. to wait for dawn or stay until after sunset.

Parts of the wall are steep and uneven, so bring trekking poles if needed.

Weather can change rapidly; check the forecast and carry extra water.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography — the light and shadows highlight the wall’s magnificent contours.