Jiankou Great Wall

Introducing Jiankou Great Wall
Great Wall at Jiankou is a section of the Great Wall of China. Great Wall at Jiankou earns its name from its striking resemblance to a drawn bow, curving sharply along the steep mountain ridges like a taut bowstring. The section of the Great Wall, nestled between the restored Mutianyu and Simatai sections,  offers a unique experience for seasoned hikers. Remaining largely in its original state, with crumbling ramparts and untouched watchtowers, it showcases the wall’s raw power. Here, hikers can escape the crowds and commercialization of more developed areas and experience the wall’s true rugged beauty.

Jiankou Great Wall Fast Facts
• AKA: Great Wall at Jiankou
• Chinese Name: Jiàn Kòu Cháng Chéng 箭扣长城
• Best Time to Visit: April, May, September and October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 4 hours
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Approx. 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) north of Beijing

What to Expect at Jiankou Great Wall
Jiankou offers a uniquely challenging and adventurous Great Wall experience. Its raw beauty, historical significance, and dramatic, untamed scenery make it a photographer’s dream. However, visitors must be prepared for a difficult hike and prioritize safety.

The “Eagle’s Flight”
This challenging route of the Great Wall at Jiankou, often dramatically referred to as the “Eagle’s Flight,” presents a formidable test even for experienced hikers. Its near-vertical ascents and descents, with slopes approaching a daunting 80 degrees, demand more than just hiking. Negotiating this treacherous stretch requires scrambling over uneven rocks, crawling through narrow passages, and clinging precariously to the wall itself for support. This section is certainly not for the faint of heart, and requires both physical prowess and a degree of daring. It offers, however, an unparalleled experience of the Great Wall’s raw, untamed beauty and a visceral connection to its history and construction.

The “Ox’s Horn”
The Great Wall at Jiankou’s “Ox-Horn” section ascends sharply from the mountainside, culminating in a watchtower perched atop the peak. From there, the wall plunges dramatically down the other side, its jagged ridges resembling the sharp horns of an ox. Even from afar, its dramatic silhouette is a striking photographic subject. This challenging section demands scrambling and climbing along precarious, exposed paths with steep drops on either side. While the untamed beauty of the wall and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, the loose rocks and unpredictable weather pose significant risks.

The Nine-Eye Watchtower
The Nine-Eye Watchtower, a prominent feature of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China, was built in 1543. Its name derives from the nine lookout windows that originally pierced each of its four sides, providing expansive views for surveillance and defense. Constructed with a stone block base and a blue brick upper level mortared with white lime, the tower originally stood two stories high. While the upper story has since been destroyed, the 7.8-meter (25.6 ft) high stone base remains, still bearing some of the original 1.65-meter (5.41 ft) high windows, such as the two facing north. This watchtower once housed soldiers who patrolled the surrounding area.

How to Get to Jiankou Great Wall
• The Great Wall at Jiankou is located approx. 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) north of Beijing.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Great Wall at Jiankou.

Additional Travel Advice on Jiankou Great Wall
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Prepare other climbing equipment if necessary, such as gloves, trekking poles, etc.
• Children, seniors and people with poor healthy conditions are not recommended to make the hike.
• It is not recommended to hike under bad weather conditions.
• Jiankou Great Wall hasn’t been reconstructed and some parts are ruined. Please watch out your steps and take care of yourselves.
• For your safety, please do not explore the Great Wall alone.
• Prepare some food, drinkable water, and wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburns.