Juyongguan Great Wall

Introducing Juyongguan Great Wall
The Juyonguan Great Wall, AKA Juyong Pass Great Wall, is one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall of China, together with Jiayu Pass and Shanhai Pass. Juyong Pass was a solid stronghold encircling a valley, which was the northern direct access to Beijing in ancient times. The pass ranks as the first of the three impregnable passes along the Great Wall. Besides the ancient wall, many old buildings, like towers and temples, can be seen there. It is the nearest section of the Great Wall from the city proper of Beijing, being only 37 miles (60 kilometers) away from downtown Beijing. The pass is roughly circular with a perimeter of about 4 KM long.

Juyongguan Great Wall Fast Facts
• AKA: Juyong Pass, Juyong Pass Great Wall
• Chinese Name: Ju Yong Guan Chang Cheng 居庸关长城
• Best Time to Visit: April, May, September and October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 to 3 hours
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (Apr – Oct), 8:30 – 16:00 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY45 (Apr – Oct), CNY40 (Nov – Mar)
• Address: Juyongguan, Nankou Town, Changping District, Beijing

Reasons to Visit the Juyongguan Great Wall
• Juyongguan Great Wall is easily accessible, with parking located just a short walk from the wall itself.
• Juyongguan Great Wall is a closed loop with a length of about 4 km. It is a great place to hike.
• Juyongguan Great Wall is one of the most well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. It was renovated in 1992.
• Juyongguan Great Wall is located in a strategic pass between the Jundu and Taihang Mountains, offering stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding countryside.

History of the Juyongguan Great Wall
Juyongguan is recognized as one of the three most significant passes of the Great Wall of China, alongside Jiayuguan Pass and Shanhaiguan Pass. Over the course of history, Juyongguan has been known by various names, but it has been referred to as Juyongguan Pass by more than three dynasties. The name was first adopted during the Qin Dynasty when Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of the Great Wall of China. Interestingly, Juyongguan Great Wall encompasses two passes – one at the southern end and another at the northern end. The southern pass is known as “Nan Pass” (currently referred to as Juyongguan Pass), while the northern one is called Badaling.

What to Expect at the Juyongguan Great Wall
Situated in the heart of Juyongguan Pass is a cross-street pagoda base foundation known as Yuntai, named for its appearance of floating in the clouds when viewed from afar. Constructed between 1342 and 1345 from white marble stones, it stands 9.5 meters high and spans 25 meters wide, reflecting the classic architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. The base foundation features an arch doorway at its center, allowing pedestrians, horses, and carriages to pass through. It is adorned with carvings of animals, plants, and Buddha. The stone carvings at Yuntai are a highly recommended sight. They can be found on the sides and top of the archway. The Buddha images are lifelike and exhibit excellent craftsmanship. They feature Buddhist sutras and conjurations in six different languages (such as Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, and Basiba – a language derived from Tibetan created under the order of Yuan Emperor Kublai Khan as new Mongolian letters but used only briefly). These are invaluable resources for Buddhist historical researchers and archaeological enthusiasts.

The Jurongguan Pass is shaped like a horse’s hoof. During battles, enemies who ran through a hidden battlement were trapped inside the Earthen Castle and could not escape.

A War Temple has been built, housing solemn images of the Twelve Chinese Horoscopes, God of Water and Fire, General God of Eight Skies, and True War King. Five ancient cannons from the Ming Dynasty are displayed near the walls.

The Water Gate is ingeniously designed within the stunning mountain landscape where two mountains flank a narrow waterway. Water flows through Juyongguan Pass, with the Water Gate built at the junction area to control water levels that fluctuate drastically with seasonal changes. During flood season, it drains water while storing water during drought periods for daily use by Juyongguan Pass soldiers.

How to Get to Juyongguan Great Wall
• By bus: Take bus 883 or 919 from Deshengmen to Nankou Lukou, then transfer to bus Chang 20 to Juyongguan Great Wall.
• Charter a car or bus from GGC: Travel in comfort and style with your own private driver to visit Juyongguan Great Wall.

Additional Travel Advice on Juyongguan Great Wall
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• It is not advised to explore the Great Wall on public holidays or weekends.