Jiankou Great Wall (Closed) – Wild and Dangerous Section of Great Wall in Beijing 

Beijing Jiankou Great Wall Discovery

Jiankou Great Wall is located in Badaohe, northwest of Huairou District, Beijing. It is 1141 meters above sea level. The terrain of the mountains is very complicated with both dangerous ridges and cliffs and magnificent scenery at the same time. Jiankou Great Wall, literally translated as "Arrow Nock", was named because its winding W-shaped shape is just like the bow of an arrow. It is one of the most famous dangerous sections of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However, it attracts lots of photographers here in recent years. It has always been a one of the most popular spots for photography among all the Great Walls. At present, Jiankou Great Wall is expected to get restored by 2022. After its completion, the whole length of Jiankou Great Wall will reach 2772 meters.

What to See at Beijing Jiankou Great Wall

Ox-Horn Edge (Pinyin: Niujijiaobian 牛犄角边)

The Great Wall stretches straightly from the mountainside to the top of the mountain. After reaching a watchtower on the top of the mountain, it suddenly falls, and drops down to the mountainside. The shape of ridges resembles the horn of an Ox. It is vigorous and challenging. Therefore, people start to call it the Ox-Horn Edge. Though it's hard to hike atop the Ox-horn Edge, taking a picture of it from a distance can be really breathtaking.

General Cliffs (Pinyin: Jiangjushouguang 将军守关)

There are two cliffs on both sides of the mountain, and each one is about 2 meters high and 5 meters wide. Seen from a distance, they are like two generals, standing at an important position upon the Great Wall. The two vivid cliffs were found in the Qing Dynasty and recorded in the local "Chen's genealogy", and the ancient people even have written poems about the cliffs.

Nine-Eye Tower (Pinyin:Jiuyanlou 九眼楼)

Nine-Eye Tower is located at the top of Flame Mountain at the junction of Huairou County and Yanqing County. Because the tower has nine arrow windows on each side, the tower was named after it. It is one of the important crossings of the Great Wall with an elevation of 1141 meters. The tower was well designed, including a kitchen and bedrooms inside, and even some horse stables.

The lower part of Nine-Eye Tower is made of stone strips and the upper part of this tower is made of white lime and bricks. The structure is very magnificent.

Beijing Jiankou Great Wall Hike (Closed)

Useful Beijing Jiankou Great Wall Hiking Tips

❶ Items to Pack: Hiking boots, sticks or trekking sticks, backpack, sun-glasses, sunscreen, snacks, camera, etc.

❷ Risky Hikers: People who suffer from arthritis, heart disease, hypertension, asthma, and the traveler who are drunk are not recommended to take the hike.

❸ Age Ranges: Don't take a baby less than 3 years old for this hike, and the traveler who are more than 80 years old are not recommended to hike.

❹ Sanitation Facilities: Please go to the toilet at the entrance of the wall before the hiking, there is no toilet on the Wall. Please carry toilet paper by yourself always.

❺ Unavailable Hiking Conditions: You are not recommended to go, under the following weather condition: Rain, Snow, Strong Wind, etc.

❻ Dressing Advice: Please do not wear shorts, since you will go through bushes and jungle areas, even in summer time.

❼ Safety Advice: Please use your trekking sticks and watch out the loose bricks and steep slopes.

Location & Transportation of Beijing Jiankou Great Wall

Beijing to Jiankou

By Private Car - Fast & Comfortable

It is hard to find the bus stop in the suburban area, and you may encounter traffic jams and language barriers and complicate transfers. China Discovery also offers private car service for every customer visiting Beijing. Our skilled driver and experienced guide will pick you up from Beijing to Jiankou section. It's time-saving (about 2 hours) and much more safe and you will be escorted all the way to Mutianyu Great Wall with comfortable travelling experience and professional travelling guidance.☛ Contact Us Now

By Bus - at Least 3 Hours

Taking a bus is the only public transportation method to Jiankou from Beijing downtown. You can take a city bus 916 or 916 express (916快) at Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station (东直门外站) and get off at Huairou North Rd (Pinyin: Huairou Beidajie 怀柔北大街), then you may need walk around 10mins and find another bus stop, the first area of Yujiayuan (Pinyin: Yujiayuan Yiqu 于家园一区) where is the departure stop for Bus H25. To get to Jiankou Great Wall from Huairou, the only accessible way is taking bus H25 and get off at West Xizhazi Stop (Pinyin: Xizhazi Xi 西栅子西).

☛ How to Get to Jiankou Great Wall from Beijing

☛ Jiankou Great Wall Maps

Mutianyu to Jiankou

Bus from Mutianyu to Jiankou

Walk to Mutianyu Roundabout Stop (Pinyin: Mutianyuhuandao 慕田峪环岛) near the entrance and take bus H35, H24, H23, or H36 there to Huairou North Rd (Pinyin: Huairou Beidajie 怀柔北大街), and then take Bus H25 to Jiankou (Xizhazi Stop).

☛ How to Get from Jiankou to Mutianyu

Best Time to Visit Jiankou Great Wall

Spring and autumn is the best time to visit Jiankou Great Wall, for the weather is fine and the scenery is more stunning with spring flowers or autumn leaves. Summer time is often hot, and winter can be treacherous. If you would like to hike more, the early summer is also a good time for the longer daytime. Though Jiankou Great Wall is not as crowded as other popular sections such as Mutianyu Great Wall and Badaling Great Wall, please avoid going there on public holidays, especially the National Holiday (Oct. 1~7).

☛ Best Time to Visit the Great Wall

Attraction around Jiankou Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall

How to Plan a Beijing Tour

If you have any other questions or ideas, please feel free to contact us. Our professional travel consultants are always ready to help!