Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Guide 2024: Hiking Routes, Best Time and Tips

Jinshanling Great Wall is located in Luanping County, Chengde City, Hebei Province, only 130 km away from Beijing City. It was built in Ming Dynastery by the famous generals Xu Da (徐达) and Qi Jiguang (戚继光), and is also one of the best preserved sections of Ming Great Wall which is featured in steep mountains, ornate and dense towers. This brilliant great wall starts from the Gubeikou (古北口) Pass, stretches more than 10 km to the eastern Wangjinglou (望京楼) Tower. There are total 5 strategic passes, 67 defensive towers and 2 beacon towers. Most of them suvive luckly from past furious battles and ruthless wild. Jinshanling Great Wall has three unique specials - barrier walls, horse blocking walls and brick walls with characters. It is the best essence of all sections of Great Wall, also the paradise for Great Wall Hiking lovers.

Great View of Jinshanling Great Wall from General Tower

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

Itinerary: Beijing
Highlights: Great Wall Section(s): Jinshanling

Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Routes

Hiking Jinshanling Great Wall takes you to explore impressive original features of Ming Dynasty Great Wall while enjoying the relaxing hiking up the steps, stones, forts and towers. After entering the check-in entrance from the Medial Gate, you will walk about 20 minutes to the western section of Jinshanling Great Wall, where near to Gubeikou Great Wall. Your hiking will starts at Zhuanduokou (砖垛口) Pass, then walk eastward with the up walls snaking on the hills to the eastern edge. On route, you have chance to see some featured towers, such as General Tower (将军楼), Small Jinshan Tower (小金山楼), Big Jinshan Tower (大金山楼), Flower Tower (花楼), etc. Your hiking will takes about 2 ~ 4 hours according to your interest and strength, and the final stop is East Five-window Tower (东五眼楼) which near the East Gate. Learn more about How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall >>

Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Map (Click to Enlarge)

According to your interest and strength, there are four different hiking routes of Jinshanling Great Wall for you to choose from:

Essential Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking (about 2 hours)

If you have limited time and don't want to miss the highlights of Jinshanling Great Wall, this route is perfect for a short stay on the wall. Starting from the Medial Gate, ascend via the walker's path to Zhuanduokou Pass. Then, head east to the first iconic landmark - General Tower, where you can take in the stunning views of the Great Wall and the surrounding landscape. Along this route, you can also see the most characteristic barrier walls, horse blocking walls, buttress walls, and beacon tower of the Jinshanling Great Wall. After about 15 minutes walk, you can reach the Shalingkou (沙岭口) Pass, where you can get off the wall and back to the Medial Gate from the walker's path.

Route One: Medial Gate - Zhuanduokou Pass - General Tower - Shalingkou Pass - Medial Gate (about 3 km)

Sunrise of Jinshanling Great Wall Viewing from the General Tower

Jinshanling Great Wall Classic Hiking (about 2.5 hours)

For travelers who want to spend more time on the wall, this classic route is the best chioce. After enter the scenic area from the Medial Gate and keep climbing to Zhuanduokou, then head east to pass through the General Tower and hike further to the another highlights - Small Jinshan Tower, the essence of the Jinshanling Great Wall, where you can get off via another walker's path and directly take the cable car back to the check-in entrance. This route is very suitable for travelers with families, because they can not only enjoy the essence scenery of the Jinshanling Great Wall, but also save physical strength without being too tired.

Route Two: Medial Gate - Zhuanduokou Pass - General Tower - Shalingkou Pass - Small Jinshan Tower (Cableway) - Medial Gate (about 4 km)

Panorama of Jinshanling Great Wall Viewing from the Small Jinshan Tower

Scenic Hiking for Photographers (about 3 hours)

This route is ideal for photographers who want to take great pictures of the Jinshanling Great Wall. From the Zhuanduokou Pass extends east to the Houchuankou (后川口) Pass, which is the restored and the most essence section of the Jinshanling Great Wall. You will admire various towers with unique features, and also have the great opportunities to capture stunning photos from both Small and Big Jinshan Tower - the highest point in the middle of the Jinshanling Great Wall, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset view of the Jinshanling Great Wall. After your photography session, you can descend via walker's path from Houchuankou Pass.

Route Three: Medial Gate - Zhuanduokou Pass - General Tower - Shalingkou Pass - Small Jinshan Tower - Big Jinshan Tower - Houchuankou Pass - Medial Gate (about 5 km)

Panorama of Jinshanling Great Wall Viewing from the Big Jinshan Tower

Challenging In-depth Hiking (about 4 hours)

If you want a challenging and also in-depth exploration of Jinshanling Great Wall, you can chose this 4 hours' hiking route. From the West Zhuanduokou to the East Five-window Tower, this route basically encompasses all the highlights of the Jinshanling Great Wall. Along the way, you will encounter over 10 towers, including General Tower, Small Jinshan Tower, Big Jinshan Tower, Flower Tower, etc. You can also have the chance to explore the unrestored section, which starts from the Gaojian Tower (高尖楼) to the Henggou Tower (横沟楼), then will be the unopened section. East Five-window Tower is a good place to enjoy the panoramic view of the west side of the Jinshanling Great Wall, where you can also get off the wall and exit from the East Gate. If you need to get back to the Tourist Center of Medial Gate, you can take a shuttle bus.

Route Four: Medial Gate - Zhuanduokou Pass - General Tower - Shalingkou Pass - Small Jinshan Tower - Big Jinshan Tower - Houchuankou Pass - Flower Tower - East Five-window Tower - East Gate (about 10 km)

Panorama of Jinshanling Great Wall Viewing from the East Five-window Tower

Note: This route covers unrestored section, which are generally difficult and physically demanding, and is not recommended for visitor with the elderly and children; Some sections of this route have a steep slope, and it is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights; For your safety, please do not go to the section of the Great Wall that is not open.

Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Ideas includes Cable Car

It is convenient and fast to take the cable car, and you can go directly to Small Jinshan Tower, the essence of the Jinshanling Great Wall. Then you can go the left line and go down the wall from Shalingkou Pass, which takes about 1 hour, or take the right line and go down from Houchuankou Pass, which takes about 1.5 hours. Those who take pictures of the sunrise can walk up the Small Jinshan Tower and go down by cable car; People who take pictures of the sunset can go directly to Small Jinshan Tower by the cable car and walk down. For families with the elderly and kids, they can directly take the cable car up and down, which can not only enjoy the essence scenery of the Jinshanling Great Wall, but also save physical strength without being too tired. Learn more about Jinshanling Great Wall Cable Car Guide >>

Jinshanling Great Wall Cable Car

Note: In the bad weather with strong wind, rain or snow, the cable car will be temporarily closed; During certain periods, especially in winter, the cable car may be closed for temporary maintenance, so it is advisable to pay attention to the official notice in advance; If you want to enjoy the sunrise or sunset of the Jinshanling Great Wall, then you can only take the one-way cable car and hike up or down the wall, as the cable car operates outside of sunrise and sunset.

Best Time to Hiking Jinshanling Great Wall

Generally speaking, the Jinshanling Great Wall can be visited year-round. Each season offers a unique beauty. In spring, the Great Wall is adorned with apricot blossoms, and the Annual Apricot Flower Festival kicks off in mid-April when the flowers are in full bloom. When summer arrives, the plants along the Jinshanling Great Wall are at their most vigorous, allowing you to capture lush green forests. Many visitors flock to Jinshanling in autumn to enjoy the vibrant colors of the foliage, with trees displaying shades of yellow, red, and orange. If you wish to see the stunning snowscapes, winter is the ideal time to visit. Read more about Great Wall Weather | Best Time to Visit Great Wall >>

While each season provides its own views, the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October), particularly in April, May, September, and October, when the weather is most comfortable.

Viewing Big and Small Jinshan Tower on Jinshanling Great Wall in Autumn
(Photo by Our Guest)

Tips for Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

1. Check the Weather Before You Go

The Jinshanling Great Wall may close during the rainy season (mostly summer) and snowy season (winter), as well as during strong winds. The unrestored sections lack side walls, making them potentially dangerous in adverse weather conditions.

2. Dress Properly

If hiking Jinshanling in winter, wear warm layers and a puffy coat to shield against chilly winds at higher elevations. In summer, be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for all seasons.

3. Choose A Suitable Route

The recurring uphill and downhill stretches can make hiking strenuous. It's advisable to select a route that matches the fitness levels of your entire group, especially if not everyone is in top shape.

4. Bring Food and Water

It's helpful to pack a small bag with snacks and plenty of water for your hike. While vendors at the towers sell food and drinks during peak season, prices can be quite high.

5. Bring a Torch for Sunrise and Sunset

The cable car operates during the day, so it's nearly impossible to take it for sunrise ascents or sunset descents. Be sure to bring a torch for your walk in the dark if you're planning to catch these stunning views.

How to Plan A Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

A typical Jinshanling tour lasts about half a day, whether you're starting from Beijing or Chengde. In addition to the Great Wall, you can explore the stunning gateway cities and their charming surroundings.

2 Days Jinshanling Tour with Simatai and Gubei Water Town

For a more comprehensive experience, consider combining your Jinshanling Great Wall visit with Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. Simatai is renowned for its breathtaking views and is accessible both day and night. After touring Jinshanling, you can drive approximately 30 minutes to Gubei Water Town. As night falls, head to Simatai to enjoy the illuminated wall. The panoramic views of the town are particularly stunning. After a restful night in Gubei Water Town, take a leisurely half-day to explore before you depart.

☛ 2 Days Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Scenic Hiking

☛ 2 Days Gubei Water Town & Simatai Night Great Wall Tour with Jinshanling

Please Note: Tickets for Simatai are available in two types: night tickets for evening views and day tickets for a more hiking-focused experience. Choose according to your preference.

4 ~ 5 Days Beijing to Jinshanling Tour

Beijing is the most popular starting point for visiting the Great Wall of China, including the Jinshanling section. We recommend spending at least two full days exploring Beijing's highlights, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the city's vibrant hutongs, along with modern attractions like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Afterward, dedicate a day to visit Jinshanling, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from the city.

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

☛ 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Night Sightseeing and Jinshanling Hiking

3 ~ 4 Days Jinshanling Tour from Chengde

Travelers can also combine your Jinshanling Great Wall with a Chengde tour, a city rich in Qing Dynasty history. Spend a day exploring Chengde's highlights, including the Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, and Puning Temple. Then, allocate another day for the Jinshanling Great Wall. If you're a photography enthusiast, consider spending an additional day capturing the stunning landscapes of Bashang Grassland. It is also recommended to travel Beijing, Chengde and Jinshanling Great Wall in one go.

☛ 3 Days Chengde Highlights Tour including Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

☛ 4 Days Bashang Grassland Unparalleled Landscape Tour

☛ 5 Days Beijing Highlights Tour with Sidetrip to Chengde

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Top 3 Jinshanling Great Wall tours chosen by most customers to explore Jinshanling Great Wall in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

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