Jiankou Great Wall: 2025 Ultimate Guide to Beijing’s Wildest Hike

The Jiankou Great Wall is situated in the northwest of the Huairou district, about 70 km (43 miles) and a 2.5-hour drive from central Beijing, and sits next to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The Beijing Jiankou Great Wall stretches 20 km (12 miles), extending from the Nine-Eye Tower to the Ox Horn Edge. Jiankou section got its name from its “W” shape, like the bow of an arrow, which has become a must-see for shutterbugs in recent years.

As one of the most authentic and challenging wild segments of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Jiankou Great Wall of China used to serve as a military defense in ancient China, and has witnessed historical changes. Built on the precipitous terrain, it has magnificent landscapes, which draw plenty of adventurers and photography lovers from home and abroad.

Why Jiankou Great Wall is Beijing’s Most Adventurous Hike

A Rugged Adventure for Thrill-Seekers

The Jiankou Great Wall of China was built during the Ming Dynasty, 70% of which still stands there, after enduring over 600 years’ wind and sun. Jiankou Great Wall belongs to the last unrestored section of the Great Wall, offering pristine beauty and rugged hiking trails. As the heavily weathered wildest Wall, Jiankou allures countless outdoor lovers to rise to this hiking challenge.

Unparalleled Scenery and Photography

Jiankou Great Wall is famous for the iconic spots, including "Eagle Flies Facing Upward" (鹰飞倒仰) and "Sky Staircase" (天梯), providing hikers a panoramic view of the Great Wall winding through mountains. A number of photographers especially come those to catch a glimpse of the unique charm.

Escape the Crowds

Unlike other famous Great Wall sections, Jiankou Great Wall of China is less popular among travelers, with many fewer visitors, which is suitable for tranquility seekers. The Wall still retains the majority of its original appearance, covered with wild plants. And there are no cable cars or vendors. Therefore, you should consider the physical condition to see if it is suitable for hiking, and prepare enough drinking water in your backpack before the trip.

Highlights of Jiankou Great Wall

Ox Horn Edge

The Wall stretches from the mountainside to the top of the tower, and suddenly drops to the mountainside, then rises until it reaches an altitude of more than 940 meters. The Wall takes a big detour, whose shape looks like the Horns of Ox. Therefore, people called it Ox Horn Edge. Because it is challenging to hike up the top of the Edge, located in a precipitous ridge, there are numerous shutterbugs taking picturesque pictures of this view from a distance.

General Cliffs

There is a cliff on each side of the mountain, which looks like two generals from a distance, sitting in a strategically important position. These two cliffs were found in the Qing Dynasty. And there were some stories about it being circulated among locals.

Nine-Eye Tower

The Nine-Eye Tower lies at the northernmost point of the Wall with an altitude of 1141 meters, featuring 9 observation windows on each side, which look like nine eyes on the tower. That’s the reason why it got the name. When the weather permitted, you can see Beijing city from the tower, therefore, the tower is also called Wangjing Tower, which means overlooking Beijing.

The tower used to be a two-layered building and played a significant role in military defense. Although it has become a one-floor building now, visitors can still capture the skyline, lush forests, and fluffy white clouds in the viewfinder to freeze this fascinating moment from this tower.

Beijing Knot

As a part of the Great Wall, Beijing Knot sits about 4 km from Nine-Eye Tower, which is the junction of three sections of the Great Wall from three different directions. It extends westward to the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, erected around the lake. The north route leads to the Nine-Eye Tower, the northernmost of the Jiankou section, from which you can head southward to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The Beijing Knot sits on the steep ridge, from each side of which you can gain stunning views.

Top 5 Experiences at Jiankou Great Wall

Hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu

Mutianyu Great Wall just sits right beside the Jiankou section. From the “remains aesthetics”, Jiankou, to the “photo booth of the Great Wall”, Mutianyu, they are about 7 km (4 miles) apart. Hikers need to climb over the Ox Horn Edge after trekking down the Zhengbeilou. A few quick climbs and descents will take you to Mutianyu, where you can enjoy a relatively flat road.

Sunrise at Zhengbei Tower

At present, Zhengbeilou Tower (正北楼) is the largest and most complete watchtower in the Jiankou section. Although not the zenith, it still owns the best outlook platform. It requires hikers to have some physical strength to climb. Many outdoor enthusiasts choose to camp overnight (unofficially) in this Zhengbei Tower or arrive early at the tower in predawn to capture the wonderful sunrise.

Conquer the Sky Staircase

Built on the steep mountain, the Sky Ladder is a stair, with near-vertical steps, the narrowest of which has a width of 60 cm and a height of 40 or 50 cm. It allows only one person to climb at a time, and requires people to use both hands and feet. The higher you climbed, the road becomes narrower and steeper.

Explore the Eagle Flies Facing Upward

The Eagle Flies Facing Upward is one of the most renowned and dangerous sections of China Great Wall, built on a knife-edge ridge, which is more suitable for experienced hikers. This part got its name as the Watchtower, and the zenith seemed like a vivid and vigorous eagle from far away. Those who have been to this spot would like to call it Eagle Flies Facing Upward to describe the craggedness.

Autumn Foliage

Autumn is neither too hot nor too cold, offering moderate weather for outdoor hiking activities. At the same time, it is the best season for photography. Yellow, orange, and red maple leaves scattered the Wall, and massive vegetation provides a perfect backdrop for sightseers, which looks like a colorful oil painting.

Jiankou Great Wall Hiking Routes

South Route

Xizhazi Village - Zhengbeilou - Ox Horn Edge - Mutianyu Great Wall

Start your trip from the Xizhazi Village and continually head for Zhengbeilou. Explore a must-see spot, Ox Horn Edge, from the No.1 Watchtower in the east, which is located in a steep range, but has a wonderful view of the winding Wall. Go ahead along the path and reach the Mutianyu section.

North Route

Xizhazi Village - Sky Ladder - Beijing Knot - Nine-Eye Tower

Embark on the trip from Xizhazi Village as well, and step on the Sky Ladder. When finishing the Sky Ladder, you will see the most majestic view of this section, Eagle Flies Facing Upward, which tends to consume a lot of strength and stamina. Then, continually hike to Beijing Knot, from which you can go ahead to explore Nine-Eye Tower, then go back to Beijing Knot.

Best Time to Visit Jiankou Great Wall

The best time to visit the Jiankou section of the Great Wall is from April to May and from September to October, during which you can admire the blooming flowers and the golden foliage covering the mountain. In spring, the Wall will be surrounded by the thriving greenery. When autumn peak comes, scarlet maples will be dotted across the mountains. If you are intrigued to experience more hiking, early summer may be a good choice as it has longer days. In winter, the Wall will present a scroll of winter wonderland with mountains shrouded in snow. Although Jiankou is not as crowded as Badaling, it is still recommended to avoid the public holidays, especially the National Day (October 1-7).

How to Get to Jiankou Great Wall from Beijing

Public Transportation

Take Express 916 and get off at Huairou North Avenue, then transfer to H36 at the same Bus station, and get off at Tianxianyu Station. Take another 20 minutes to walk to the Jiankou Great Wall.

Travel with Hi Five Trip

You can take a private car directly to the Jiankou Great Wall, which is the most convenient and flexible way; it will take you 2.5 or 3 hours to get there. Feel free to contact us, we’d like to offer a private China tour for your maximum convenience. A tour guide and a drive from Hi Five Trip will help you solve route-planning, ticket queuing, and transportation so that you can enjoy the journey, sitting in the air-conditioned private car, to reach your destinations.

Jiankou Great Wall Hiking Tips

1. Wearing grippy hiking shoes and packing necessary gear, like trekking sticks and a backpack, facilitates the hiking trip.
2. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin against UV rays. And an umbrella is necessary in case the weather changes.
3. Check the local weather and avoid rainy or snowy days, or it’ll be dangerous. Pay attention to loose bricks and uneven steps while hiking.
4. Use the toilet at the entrance of the Wall before the trip; no toilets on the Wall.
5. Hire a professional local guide with the help of HFT because the trails are unmarked and hazardous.

Nearby Attractions

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall sits right next to the Jiankou section, separated by 7 km, and is viewed as the essence of the Ming Great Wall. The breathtaking scenery and developed hiking facilities make it especially popular with foreign hikers, with less foot traffic than the Badaling Great Wall. The Wall stretches about 5.4 km (3.4 miles), from Gubeikou in the east to Juyongguan in the west, and currently belongs to the longest section of the Beijing Great Wall. For a trip to China, the Great Wall can be the ultimate journey destination, especially the Mutianyu section.

FAQs about Jiankou Great Wall

1. Is the Jiankou Great Wall open?

The Jiankou section of the Great Wall is not officially open to the public. Some of the villagers nearby are responsible for protecting the Jiankou section. You should make a reservation with those who are in charge in advance. Due to a language barrier, they have no websites for tourists to book tickets. You can book tickets through a local travel agency.

2. Is the Jiankou Great Wall safe for beginners?

Not recommended to climb by yourself, as it is one of the steepest sections of the Great Wall of China. This segment requires hikers to have rich experience or to be accompanied by professional tour guides.

3. Can I camp overnight at Jiankou?

Camping overnight on the Jiankou section needs to be specially arranged through residents who are in charge of guarding the section. Camping activities are not permitted on other Great Wall sections. The Jiankou belongs to the only places where you can camp overnight in a safe camping environment. But it should evade rainy weather, or it will be dangerous.

Hike Jiankou Great Wall with Hi Five Trip

Besides, Hi Five Trip can offer you a tailor-made tour service, ensuring making full use of your time, based on your travel desires, so as to enrich your trip to China.