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The Great Wall is a source of pride and honor in the hearts of every Chinese. The unrepaired wild Great Wall looks like a true winding dragon. For those in the outdoor circle, the entire hiking career is incomplete if you have not visited the "Jiankou Great Wall". In recent years, the former paradise for hikers - Jiankou Great Wall, is about to become history!
The Great Wall is a great defense project in ancient my country. It is the world's longest and largest ancient defense project. It has been under continuous construction for more than 2,000 years and has a total length of more than 50,000 kilometers. In addition to the most representative "Jiayuguan/Shanhaiguan/Juyongguan", the "Jiankou Great Wall" is also well-known in the outdoor circles at home and abroad and is the TOP1 outdoor holy place in North China.
(Source: Crazy Uncle is Not Too Cold)
The picture above shows the first beacon tower in the direction from Jiankou to Zhengbei Tower.
Located in Badaohe Township, northwest of Huairou District, Beijing, with a maximum altitude of 1,141 meters, it is 30 kilometers away from Huairou City. The mountain style is very varied. It is the most photographed section in various Great Wall albums in recent years and has always been a hot spot for Great Wall photography.
Jiankou Great Wallcheck the details
The Jiankou section of the Great Wall lies west of the Mutianyu Great Wall, connecting Mutianyu to the east and Huanghuacheng to the west. It's separated from Xiangshui Lake by a mountain. Climbing the cliffs so steep that even an eagle would have to look up, you'll find over 40 watchtowers and steep ladders winding their way up. Three sections of the Great Wall, originating from different directions, converge at Beijing Jie, creating a truly spectacular sight. The Jiankou section roughly stretches from Jiuyanlou in the north to Niujiaojiaobian in the south, stretching over 20 kilometers. The section can be roughly divided into three sections: the northern section from Jiuyanlou to Beijing Jie, the middle section from Beijing Jie to Jiankou (also known as Jiankou), and the southern section from Jiankou to Niujiaojiaobian. This section, built primarily on precipitous peaks and cliffs, is the most distinctive section of the ancient Great Wall that survives today. Its grandeur and precipitousness make it the most photographed section in numerous photo albums depicting the Great Wall.
Recommended month: All seasons
4631 recommendations, 3565 visits
The Jiankou Great Wall is named after its W-like shape, which resembles a full bow with an arrow. It is magnificent but extremely dangerous. The scenery changes throughout the year and is a favorite of many "old masters" at home and abroad. Famous places in Jiankou include the Ladder to Heaven, Eagle Flying Upside Down, General Guarding the Pass, West Wall, Nine-Eyed Tower, Zhen (Zheng) North Tower, etc.
For more than five hundred years, it has silently watched the change of dynasties in Peking. The desolate and uncarved natural beauty is even more awe-inspiring. The Jiankou Great Wall in autumn has a unique sense of desolation in my heart.
(Source: Photo Network)
Jiankou Sunrise
From the top of Jiankou, you can occasionally see the sunrise over the sea of clouds at the Great Wall. The golden sunlight covers the winding Great Wall, making you feel as if you have traveled back a hundred years ago and admired this magnificent view of the Great Wall again.
(Source: @易木木头)
Spring at the Great Wall
Peach blossoms are in full bloom on both sides of the Great Wall, adding a touch of gentleness to the winding Great Wall. Apricot and peach blossoms are in perfect harmony under the shade of the Great Wall.
Source: Fan (Guangdong)
Summer at the Great Wall
In the summer, the trees are lush and green, and the small chrysanthemums are in full bloom on the ancient city walls. The vicissitudes and freshness blend harmoniously. The greenery is lush and lush, and lush life grows inside and outside the Great Wall.
Source: Crazy Uncle is Not Too Cold
Autumn at the Great Wall
In the autumn in the north, the forests are dyed with colors, the sky is a deep blue, and the dilapidated city walls appear bright and vivid. When the colorful late autumn gradually fades away, the world becomes solemn and the ancient Great Wall appears even more majestic in the wilderness.
Source: Fan (Guangdong)
Winter at the Great Wall
As winter sets in, thousands of miles of ice and snow drift across the world. Inside and outside the Great Wall, only wilderness remains. Beyond the beacon fires, it appears even more majestic. Looking down, it is a vast expanse, as if floating on a cloud of white snow.
Source: Photo Network
While appreciating the magnificence of Jiankou Great Wall, we should also understand its true other side.
The picture below shows the journey from Zhuanghu section to Beijing junction.
(Source: China-TravelNote Outdoor Tour Leader)
The picture below is from Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area to Zhuanghu Village (just out of Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area, after passing the second climbing "small gap" after the first cliff).
(Source: China-TravelNote Outdoor Tour Leader)
The picture below is from Shuntong Fishing Ground to Jiankou (it will be slippery on rainy days).
(Source: Chatter)
The picture below shows the landmark "Eagle Flying Upside Down" of the Jiankou Great Wall. The highest right angle has exceeded 90° (Beijing Knot - halfway through the ladder to heaven). The photo shows the repaired Eagle Flying Upside Down.
(Source: China-TravelNote Outdoor)
The picture below is also an eagle flying upside down
(Source: China-TravelNote Outdoor)
If you couldn't feel the height of the Eagle Flying Upside Down before, now I have found a more specific picture to measure its "right-angle height" (the Eagle Flying Upside Down that has been repaired).
(Source: Millennium Mo Family Hermit)
The picture below is the Beijing Knot - Eagle Flying Upside Down. The almost vertical part in the distance is the Eagle Flying Upside Down.
(Source: China-TravelNote Photography Network, Xiao Xiao)
The picture below shows the Thirty-Eight Steps at the Stream Mouth - Generals are guarding the pass. You need to be very careful when you step, as people on top often slip and rocks fall, injuring hikers behind them (keep a proper distance).
(Source: China-TravelNote Photography Network, Xiao Xiao)
The picture below is Jiankou - Beijing Knot. The Great Wall here is built along the cliff, and you need to walk close to the wall to climb over. Now there are two anchor points on the mountain for footing, which greatly reduces the safety risks (I deeply feel the hostility towards short legs).
(Source: Chatter)
The picture below is Jiankou - Zhengbei Tower. Seeing the nearly vertical angle, don’t doubt that you must have climbed up from below (part of the way there is a detour).
(Source: Crazy Uncle is Not Too Cold)
(Image source: Map)
Jiankou Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall - Niujiaobian - Zhengbei Tower - Jiankou - General Guarding the Pass - Eagle Flying Upside Down - Beijing Knot - West Wall - Jiuyan Tower
Total distance: approximately 20km
Approximate time: 12 hours (experienced hikers) Please exercise caution and common sense considering your own situation.
Tips:
Combining the two pictures, this section of the Great Wall is in the shape of a "Y". The fork in the road is the Beijing Knot. There are villages on both sides of the Jiankou Great Wall. There are many sections to descend, and hikers can choose a route based on their physical strength. As of November 2019, the repair work from the Beijing Knot to the Tianti section has been completed.
First, plan your route and determine your destination (mostly Shuntong Fishery, Xizhazi 5th Team, or Zhuanghu Village).
To get to Xizhazi Village from downtown Beijing, you need to first arrive in Huairou District, and then take a bus from Huairou.
By bus:
1. Take bus No. 916 from Beijing Dongzhimen Bus Hub to Yingbin Road Station (approximately 70 minutes).
2. Across the street from Yingbin Road Station, transfer to bus No. 862 and get off at Yujiayuan Station (there are two Yujiayuan stations; get off at the second one).
3. From Yujiayuan, take bus No. H25 (for Xizhazi Village) and get off at Xizhazi Station (this bus departs Yujiayuan at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM daily, and returns at 6:30 AM and 1:15 PM. The one-way journey takes approximately 70 minutes).
Self-driving trip:
Navigate to "Shuntong Fishery" or "Xizhazi" and go to Zhuanghu Village (you need to buy a ticket to Xiangshui Lake)
Tickets: None (occasionally villagers will stop by and charge a fee)
Tips:
During the spring and autumn fire prevention period, all entrances to the mountain will be strictly inspected to check for fire sources (smoking is prohibited). You need to actively cooperate with the local fire prevention team (fill out a volunteer form, etc.), and the mountain may also be closed;
Food: This is relatively easy to say. Almost every household in the village at the foot of the mountain is a farmhouse, and the average consumption per person is about 50 yuan.
There is also a small supermarket in the village (the supplies are not as comprehensive as in the city, so you can buy supplies from the city in advance)
Recommended: Shuntong Fishery's specialty "grilled rainbow trout"
Accommodation: There are many farmhouses, and the environment is clean and sanitary (about 100 yuan per person). You can also camp at the Great Wall (the equipment you need is listed below)
There are also many B&Bs with good environments.
Tips:
The rainbow trout at Huairou Shuntong Fishery is truly amazing. The first time I saw the fish pond in the fish farm, I was surprised. It was a particularly large pond. If you want to eat rainbow trout, you can go to the pond and choose live fish. The boss will fish the live fish out and knock them unconscious in front of you before processing them on the spot. The taste is very delicious!
Shoes: Hiking shoes/trekking shoes/thick-soled travel shoes. Leather shoes, high heels, and wedge heels are not allowed. (Hiking socks or other thick socks are recommended.)
Spring and autumn: two-piece suit, thin down jacket for cold weather, quick-drying pants for spring and autumn;
Summer: two sets of assault suits, skin-protecting clothes, and long-sleeved quick-drying clothes and pants; (short-sleeved shirts are easily scratched)
Winter: two-piece assault suit, thin down jacket, fleece jacket and pants, quick-drying jacket and pants, fleece hat and gloves, crampons;
Food: 1-3 liters of water per person per day, lunch and lunch with vegetables or homemade specialties is recommended
(Mineral water, Pocari Sweat, Pulse, Red Bull functional drinks are the main ones; food: Snickers, ham, bread, apples, cucumbers, etc.)
Others: raincoat, trekking poles, knee pads, half-finger or full-finger gloves, garbage bags, headlamps, etc.
Hat: A hat with a brim is preferred. Alternatively, you can bring a magic headscarf, sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen;
Water equipment: It is recommended to use a water bag, a water bottle is also acceptable;
Communication tools: At least one communication tool, some may bring a walkie-talkie.
Medicines: Band-Aids, disinfectant alcohol or advance payment, anti-inflammatory drugs, motion sickness medicine, stomach medicine, etc.
Backpack: For single day use, we recommend a small backpack or a technical backpack under 32 liters.
camping:
Camping tent: Three-season tent, it is recommended to use a double tent for two people and a single tent for one person; (camping is not recommended in winter)
Mountaineering backpack: 30-80 liters is recommended, with a good carrying system, and the mountaineering backpack should not exceed half of your own body weight;
Sleeping bag: 0°-15° is recommended as the best. Cotton sleeping bags are suitable for spring and autumn, and down sleeping bags are the best (down sleeping bags are lighter, have better warmth retention, and are smaller in size).
Ground mat: generally aluminum film mat, foam moisture-proof mat and inflatable moisture-proof mat, some of which can be spliced together, used in the tent to keep out coolness, moisture and heat;
Clothing: It is recommended to bring a raincoat (the weather on the top of the mountain is changeable), a waterproof and breathable jacket, quick-drying clothes and pants, and at least two pairs of hiking socks;
Cooking utensils: outdoor cooking, outdoor special aluminum folding material, stove and gas tank;
Lighting: A headlamp is convenient for nighttime movement, and a camping lamp is used for lighting by hanging inside the tent;
Water bottles/bags: These include the famous SIGG water bottles and space cups. A water bag is a specialized water bottle for drinking directly while walking.
Note: Other common outdoor gear includes binoculars, waterproof bags, trekking poles, various knives (such as Swiss Army knives), compasses, functional watches, GPS, and more.
(Source: Crazy Uncle Doesn’t Like the Cold)
Tips:
As a caring traveler, I would like to remind you again:
1. You must be in a group of three or more, and at least one person must have climbed Jiankou before. If you haven't been there, don't climb it. (You can hire a guide.)
2. One of them must have sufficient outdoor experience to deal with emergencies, such as laying ropes, tying ropes, and emergency rescue;
3. Do not go during thunderstorms, strong winds, snowfall or drastic weather changes;
4. Be responsible for your own life (many dangerous cliffs can be circumvented)
In July 2017, the Jiankou Great Wall completed the first phase of the major renovation project (the Sky Ladder - Eagle Flying Upward Section)
According to the Beijing Daily, the second phase of renovations started in May 2018 (from Eagle Flying to Beijing).
It is expected that during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the 7,000-meter-long Great Wall from Zhengbei Tower to Jiuyan Tower will be fully connected. By then, the unopened section of the western section of Mutianyu will be fully connected to Jiuyan Tower, and it is expected to be merged with Mutianyu and open to the public.
(Source: Beijing Daily, "The Jiankou section of the Great Wall, a favorite among hikers, will begin renovations this month and is expected to be integrated with Mutianyu.")
(Source: China-TravelNote Outdoor Leader)
(Source: China-TravelNote Outdoor Leader)
Although the renovation adheres to the principle of "maintaining the original appearance of the site to the greatest extent possible", is the arrow nook after the renovation still the "arrow nook" in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts?
Tips:
In November 2019, the renovation of Beijing Knot - the Ladder to Heaven was completed. As someone who had been to Jiankou Great Wall before, I was filled with emotion!
(Source: He Rongyou)
The Welcoming Pine at Beijing Knot, which once stood proudly among the mountains, originally had two pine trees there. Later, one of them died, and in 2016, the only remaining Welcoming Pine also dried up and died, and was finally uprooted, causing many hikers to shed tears of sadness. From then on, the Welcoming Pine as the symbol of Beijing Knot became history!
(Source: He Rongyou)
(Source: Sang Chuan - "The Tragedy of the Pine Trees at Jiankou Great Wall, Beijing")
The only photo I have of myself with the Welcoming Pine was taken on April 18, 2016...
The beauty of Jiankou is more beautiful because of its danger, and more dangerous because of its beauty.
Because it is built on strange peaks and cliffs and the terrain is dangerous, the magnificence of the Great Wall is even more apparent. The Jiankou section is the essence of the Great Wall, winding around the mountain top.
It can be said that "the blue dragon circumnavigates the steep mountains, and the autumn colors draw their long bows."
As time goes by, this North China hiking paradise will be written into the history books along with the Welcoming Pine in Beijing, and those who have had the honor to see its true appearance will forever become memories.
"Shall we go take a trip before the arrow button is finished?
(Source: Photo Network)
