Hiking the Most Thrilling Great Wall in Beijing! (Including Routes, Two-Day Hike)

I. Preparation Before Departure

• Equipment: The Jiankou Great Wall is quite steep and dangerous, so you must wear non-slip hiking shoes with good grip to prevent slipping on the loose stones and steep slopes. Also, wear thick gloves as some sections require climbing and gloves will protect your hands. If you plan to camp on the mountain, bring equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and moisture-proof mats.

• Food and Water: Hiking consumes a lot of energy, so bring enough water—at least 2-3 liters per person. Choose high-calorie, easy-to-preserve foods like chocolate, nuts, and beef jerky that can quickly replenish energy.

• Other Items: Pack sun protection items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, as UV radiation is strong on the mountain. If hiking during the rainy season, bring a raincoat in case of rain. Also, prepare some basic medications such as band-aids, anti-diarrhea medicine, and motion sickness pills.

II. Transportation Routes

• Public Transportation: From Dongzhimen Long-Distance Bus Station in Beijing, take bus route 916 to the second stop after Huairou, then find a private car to West Zhazi Village. Note that minibus transportation costs 100 yuan round-trip or 55 yuan one-way, and you'll need to wait about 4 hours.

• Driving: From Sanyuan Bridge on the Third Ring Road in Beijing, take the Jingmi Highway. At the roundabout to Huairou, turn north and continue straight. After passing Yanqi Roundabout, turn west at Fule Roundabout (toward Shentangyu). Continue straight on the road, pass the intersection to Shentangyu (which turns right), and follow the winding mountain road. At the Badaohe intersection, look for a sign reading "Gold Smelting Factory" on a local house, turn left, and follow the dirt road all the way. This valley contains West Zhazi Village, and at the end, there's a relatively large parking lot.

III. Hiking Routes

• One-Day Route: Starting from West Zhazi Village, first reach "West Great Wall," then follow the wall southeast, passing famous spots like "Beijing Knot," "Flying Eagle," "Sky Ladder," and "General Guarding the Pass," before returning to West Zhazi Village. This route is about 10 kilometers and takes approximately 5-6 hours.

• Two-Day Route: On the first day, start from West Zhazi Village and hike to camp near "General Guarding the Pass." On the second day, continue east along the wall from the campsite, passing landmarks like "Jiankou," "Little Potala," and "True North Tower," before returning to West Zhazi Village.

IV. Important Notes

• Safety First: Jiankou is an unrestored section of the Great Wall with no guardrails, and some parts are very steep. Be careful and avoid dangerous areas. If you have a fear of heights or limited physical strength, choose a relatively gentler route.

• Environmental Awareness: Don't litter on the Great Wall. Take all trash with you when you leave to protect the environment.

• Plan Your Time Wisely: Arrange your hiking pace according to your physical condition and available time to avoid excessive fatigue. If you get tired, rest at watchtowers or relatively flat sections of the wall.