Juyongguan Great Wall: 2025 Travel Guide to Beijing Juyong Pass

The Juyongguan Great Wall, also known as Juyong Pass, is one of the Three Inner Passes of China Great Wall, also with Daoma Pass and Zijing Pass. Besides, Juyongguan is regarded as the Most Magnificent Pass in the World; at the same time, it belongs to one of the Three Great Mountain Passes, together with Jiayuguan and Shanhaiguan. The Great Wall at Juyong Pass is located in Juyongguan Village, Nankou Town, Changping District of Beijing, which is 70km (37 miles) away from downtown Beijing. It’ll take a 1.5-hour drive.

The Juyong Pass has a history of over 1,000 years, which is characterized by forts and watchtowers, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It differs from other Great Wall sections, the Wall surrounds and protects an area, composed of some temples and ancient buildings, which forms a circle, and looks more like a town. It is a great place, especially for historical freaks to feel its unique charm.

History of Juyongguan Great Wall

The Juyong Pass was built during the reign of the Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1368-1398), the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It occupied a strategic position, the Guangou Valley, which went straight to Beijing. Juyongguan has witnessed many displacements of dynasties, and its most original construction needs to be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

According to historical records at that time, it ranked as the top among the Nine Fortresses in ancient China. When it came to the Ming Dynasty, it was consolidated by General Xu Da to defend against the Mongolian forces. During the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), it was known for its natural landscapes. The pass was reconstructed by the local government in 1992, which formed what we can see now.

Highlights of Juyongguan Great Wall

Juyong Pass Fortress

The Juyong Pass is noted for “the First Pass under Heaven”, which was a comprehensive defensive structure, carried an architectural feature of the Ming Dynasty. It also represents the strength of the ancient defense system. When you enter the gate of this scenic area and embark on a Juyongguan hike, you will enjoy the enchanting natural beauty, with mountains surrounding the town and a river flowing by.

Cloud Platform (Yuntai)

The Cloud Platform was built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), decorated with exquisite carvings. It sits in the center of the Juyongguan Great Wall, which looks like it is in the clouds from far away. That’s the reason why it got its name. The stone carvings and Buddha statues represent the superior workmanship. Standing on the Platform, you are provided with a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape.

South and North Passes

The Juyong City sits in a significant military position, with two barbicans separately in the north and south, to strengthen defenses and protect the city gate. Both of them have a plaque, engraved with the First Pass under Heaven. And a stone carved with “One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero” exists in the North Pass, which can be a great place for a souvenir picture.

Chinese Temples

There are many Chinese temples inside the Juyongguan, including the City God Temple, Luo Tong Memorial Temple, Horse God’s Temple, etc. The City God Temple was built in 1368-1397 and underwent refurbishment in 1765. In Taoism, it is believed that the City God guards the city, drives away the evil spirits, blesses people in the city, and has the power to bring rainfall in drought, sunlight when the flood comes. Therefore, the temple was built here, wishing for the country to be prosperous and civilians to be at peace.

Water Gate

The Water Gate belongs to the eastern segment of the Badaling Great Wall, which is next to Badaling and close to Juyongguan. Here you can enjoy an exploration with fewer crowds. Its arrow tower is shaped like a “V”, having the same function as the water gate, which is a quite rare building in the Wall. There is another section related to water, the Huanghuacheng Great Wall. Embarking on a Huanghuacheng Great Wall hiking, you can not only enjoy the majestic Great Wall on the ground, but also find the mysterious Wall under water.

Classic Juyongguan Great Wall Hiking Routes

Route 1: North Pass Tower - Watchtower 1 - Watchtower 5 - Watchtower 6 - South Pass Tower

Start your journey from the North Pass Tower. Climb over Watchtower 1, and go ahead to the highest point of the eastern section, the East Arrow Tower. Then descend to the Watchtower 5 to admire the seasonal scenery, and continually proceed to the Tower 6 and end the trip at the South Pass Tower. The whole process approximately takes 1 hour, with flat terrain. This route is not so strenuous, which makes it family-friendly and fits for light hikers.

Route 2: North Pass Tower - Watchtower 14 - Watchtower 12 - Watchtower 7 - South Pass Tower

After entering the North Pass Tower, ascend the hardest climb of Juyong Pass, from Watchtower 14 to Watchtower 12, the zenith of the western part, where you can appreciate the stunning panorama. Then descend from Tower 12 to Watchtower 7, then exit from the South Pass Tower. If trying to avoid this toughest segment, some people will choose to enter from the South Pass Tower, and ascend from Tower 7-12 and return to enjoy the landscape in the west. This route will take you about 2 or 3 hours, and it is suitable for someone with the required physical strength and endurance.

Route 3 (Night Tour): North Pass Tower - Watchtower 1 - Watchtower 2

Watchtower 1 and 2 in the east will be opened to the public. Embark on your night tour from the North Pass Tower. Walk from Tower 1 to Tower 2. At night, you can admire the illuminated Great Wall against the starlit sky. The illumination starts at around 7:30 pm, and some performances will be presented for visitors.

Best Time to Visit Juyongguan Great Wall

Generally speaking, Juyongguan has different beauty throughout the year. The best time to visit the Juyongguan is from March to May and September to November. These two periods offer a moderate and refreshing temperature for hiking, which is neither too hot nor too cold. The peach blossoms in early spring and the red foliage in autumn peak will dot the mountain, providing visitors with the best backdrop. But you should try to avoid weekends and Chinese national holidays, when it will be crowded and loud.

How to Get to Juyongguan Great Wall

By Bus

Tip: Check before you board on Bus 919 to avoid taking the wrong Express 919, which does not stop at Juyongguan Great Wall

Travel with Hi Five Trip

Another convenient and pleasant way is to travel with Hi Five Trip to avoid the hassle. A private China tour from HFT is recommended for its flexibility. Our experienced tour guide can help you deal with contingencies and explore more highlights and culture in a better way.

Juyongguan Great Wall Travel Essentials & Tips

Entrance Fees

        Period Adult Ticket Price Senior over 60 & Children under 12 Day Time Peak Season (from April to October) 40 RMB Free for entrance ticket Off-peak Season (from November to March) 35 RMB Free for entrance ticket Night Time 40 RMB Free for entrance ticket

Opening Hours

        Period Time Day Time March 16 - October 7 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) October 8 - March 15 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (last admission at 3:30 pm) Night Time Friday, Saturday, and public holidays 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (last admission at 10:00 pm)

Hiking Tips

1. Check the local weather before hiking. Avoid trekking on rainy, stormy, snowy, or windy days. Those bad weather conditions are dangerous for hiking.
2. Prepare yourself a pair of wear sturdy shoes for steep and uneven steps.
3. Pack some snacks to replenish your strength. Adequate water is also essential, especially in summertime, in case of dehydration.
4. Bring a windproof jacket while you visit the Wall in the early morning and evening. It will be colder on the mountain.
5. A torch and a power bank are necessary for the hiking trip.

Nearby Attractions

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is situated 18km (11 miles) away in Yanqing District of Beijing, about 30 drive. Millions of visitors from home and abroad visit the Wall every year. As the most popular and representative section of China Great Wall. It has cumulatively received over 2 billion visitors, and many state leaders, like Nixon, Obama, and Queen Elizabeth II of the UK. This Wall with many flat slopes is friendly to seniors, kids, and wheelchair users, equipped with developed tourist infrastructure, allowing visitors to access the attraction.

Shuiguan Great Wall

The Shuiguan Great Wall is located east of the Badaling Great Wall, which also belongs to one of the historical relics of the Ming Great Wall, with a history of over 400 years. It is known as a steep “V” shaped Shuimen Arrow Gate. If you are intrigued in an authentic Great Wall trip with fewer tourists, Shuiguan will be a great choice. Steep steps and ridges are highly suit for hiking. Stay safe and avoid some original areas without repairing, it’ll be dangerous.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are situated about 23 km (14 miles) away from the Juyongguan Great Wall, which is the mausoleum for 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is a perfect place to learn about the magnificent imperial complex and the traditional Chinese culture, Feng Shui. The Ming Tombs were named a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1961 and a 5-A tourist attraction in 2011, and were put on the World Cultural Heritage list in 2003.

FAQs about Juyongguan Great Wall

1. How long is the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall?

The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall stretches 4.1km (2.5 miles) in total.

2. How tall is the Juyong Pass?

The Great Wall at Juyong Pass has an altitude of 1 km.

3. What are the strategic passes on the Great Wall of China?

There are 3 passes, including Juyongguan, Daomaguan, and Zijingguan. There are three strategic inner passes on the Great Wall of China.

4. Is the Juyongguan Great Wall wheelchair-friendly?

There are many steps that are hard for wheelchair users to ascend the Wall using only a wheelchair. But below the Great Wall, Juyongguan Pass sits the parking lot, from which wheelchair users can watch the tower.

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