Juyongguan Great Wall

Historical Overview

Construction of Juyongguan began under the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu Emperor, with major expansions in 1405 to fortify Beijing against Mongol invasions. Key historical milestones include:

• 14th Century: The Yuan Dynasty’s Cloud Platform was erected, merging Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian motifs.
• 1449: The pass withstood a Mongol siege during the Tumu Crisis, solidifying its strategic importance.
• 1900: It served as a battleground during the Boxer Rebellion against the Eight-Nation Alliance.
• 1980s: Restoration projects revived its watchtowers and temples, opening it to tourism.
• 1997: The Great Wall Museum debuted, showcasing artifacts like Ming Dynasty cannons and armor.

Structural Layout

Juyongguan’s layout spans 40 kilometers, divided into three sections:

• East Pass (Guangou):

Features the "Rosy Clouds" stone steps and the Temple of Guandi (god of war).

• West Pass (Badaling):

A more commercialized section with cable cars and gift shops.

• Central Pass (Juyongguan): The historic core, comprising:

North Tower (Wanglou): Overlooking the valley with a 10-meter-wide archway.

South Tower (Nanlou): Housing the Great Wall Museum.

Cloud Platform (Yuntai): A 6.5-meter-tall marble stage with intricate carvings.

Key structures include the "Jade Pass" gate, the Temple of the Goddess of the Great Wall, and the "Five-Dragon Pagoda."

Major Attractions

Cloud Platform: A 1345 marble shrine with Sanskrit mantras, Taoist diagrams, and Confucian teachings.

North & South Towers: Offering 360-degree views of the "Jade Pass" valley.

Temple of Guandi: Dedicated to the war deity, featuring a 6-meter-tall statue and murals of battles.

Great Wall Museum: Displays 1,000+ artifacts, including Ming Dynasty stone cannons and archer’s thumbrings.

Rosy Clouds Steps (Xiangyun Stairs): A 1,000-step ascent flanked by peony gardens.

Ancient Inscriptions: Over 20 carved stone tablets dating to the Qing Dynasty, praising the wall’s builders.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (1–2 hours):

Visitor Center → Cloud Platform → North Tower → South Tower → Exit.

Highlights: Iconic carvings, museum, and valley vistas.

• Extended Route (3–4 hours):

Visitor Center → Temple of Guandi → Rosy Clouds Steps → North Tower → Great Wall Museum → Exit.

Highlights: Physical challenge, religious art, and military history.

• Comprehensive Route (Half-Day):

Visitor Center → Cloud Platform → East Pass → West Pass → Temple of the Goddess → Exit.

Highlights: Full circuit of all passes, temples, and inscriptions.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the "Juyongguan Great Wall" official website or WeChat (7-day advance booking recommended).

On-Site: Tickets available at the Visitor Center; queues peak during holidays.

• Prices:

Peak Season (April–October): ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).

Off-Season (November–March): ¥35 (adults), ¥17.5 (students/seniors).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Subway & Bus:Take Line 13 to Xizhimen Station, then transfer to Bus 879 (direct to Juyongguan; 1.5 hours). From Deshengmen Station: Bus 919 (fast) to Ming Tombs, then Bus 879.

By Taxi: ¥150–200 from downtown Beijing (45-minute drive; negotiate return fare).

Tour Groups: Half-day tours include transport and tickets (¥250–400 per person).

Departure: Last bus from Juyongguan to Beijing departs at 5 PM.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; arrive early (8 AM opening) or late (after 3 PM).

Crowds: Weekdays are quieter; weekends and holidays attract tour groups.

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for mild temperatures and blooming peonies/maples.

• Essentials:

Hiking boots (uneven steps, steep inclines).

2+ liters of water and high-protein snacks.

Photography: Best at sunrise (golden light on the Cloud Platform).

Prohibited: Climbing on unrestored sections, drones, and smoking.