Jiaoshan Great Wall
Nestled in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, merely 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the renowned “First Pass Under Heaven” - Shanhaiguan Pass - lies the Jiaoshan Great Wall. Revered as the “First Mountain of the Great Wall of China,” it stands as the first mountain the Great Wall traverses after stretching from the Bohai Sea. Renowned for its precipitous slopes and the panoramic vistas of Yansai Lake from its summit, this section of the Great Wall attracts scores of adventurous souls eager to test their mettle and photographers aiming to capture its enchanting beauty.
One of the defining attractions at Jiaoshan Great Wall is the opportunity to scale the vertical iron ladder leading to the top of the No. 3 watchtower. While many sections of the Great Wall have closed their watchtowers for safety reasons, Jiaoshan has innovatively installed these ladders, allowing visitors to ascend to the top of the watchtower. Constructed from steel pipes and plates, the climb is no easy feat, demanding both physical strength and mental fortitude. Yet, upon reaching the summit, the sense of accomplishment and the awe-inspiring view of the winding Great Wall below make it all worthwhile.
Route: Entrance of the scenic area→ Great Wall → No. 3 Watchtower → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Cable car upper station → Cable car lower station Duration: 3 hoursDistance: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)Difficulty: ModerateSuitable for: Hikers with good physical fitness and some experience
Upon entering the scenic area, walk to the foot of the Great Wall. The ascent to No. 3 Watchtower will take approximately one hour. Despite its relatively short length, this stretch of the Great Wall presents a formidable challenge due to its steep incline. Before reaching the watchtower, you'll encounter a vertical ladder that must be climbed. Once you've conquered the ladder and stand atop the watchtower, a panoramic vista of the entire Great Wall unfolds before you. Route: Entrance of the scenic area → Cable car lower station → Cable car upper station → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Cable car upper station → Cable car lower station Duration: 2 hours Distance: 3 kilometers (2 miles)Difficulty: LowSuitable for: The elderly, children, and those with limited physical stamina
After entering the scenic area, head to the cable car lower station and ascend the mountain. Follow the mountain road for approximately 1 hour, passing Qixian Temple on the way to Gonggong Pavilion. Then, return along the same path to the upper cable car station and take the cable car back down. This route bypasses the Great Wall section, making it a stress-free option.
Route: Entrance of the scenic area → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Entrance of the scenic area Duration: 3 hours Distance: 6 kilometers (4 miles) Difficulty: Low Suitable for: Mountain climbing enthusiasts and individuals with a fear of heights
Route: Entrance of the Scenic Area → Great Wall → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Great Wall → Entrance of the Scenic AreaDuration: 4 hours Distance: 5 kilometers (3 miles) Difficulty: High Suitable for: Seasoned adventurers with hiking experience
True to the saying “It's easier to go up than to come down,” this route features steep steps that pose a significant challenge, especially during the descent. Along the Great Wall, there are numerous intersections where one can divert to the mountain paths, but those who choose to complete the entire route along the Great Wall are truly embracing the adventure.
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Jiaoshan Great Wall Photos |
Basic Facts about the Jiaoshan Great Wall
2. Rising 7 - 10 meters (23 - 33 feet) in height, with an average width of 4 - 5 meters (13 - 16 feet), and its narrowest part measuring a mere 2.7 meters (9 feet), the wall presents a formidable structure. The outer wall, towering high, serves as a significant deterrent to potential invaders, while the lower inner wall facilitates climbing and strategic maneuvering during battles.
3. The Jiaoshan Great Wall comprises both restored sections and untouched original sections.
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- Restored sections: Extending approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), the restored sections stretch from Hanmen Pass, passing through the No. 1 and No. 2 watchtowers before culminating at the No. 3 watchtower. Here, the steps have been meticulously renovated and equipped with safety features such as iron chains, ensuring a more accessible and secure experience for visitors.
- Original sections: From the No. 3 watchtower, the original section continues its ascent to Dapingding, the highest point of Jiaoshan. Some parts feature battlements on one side, with a sheer cliff on the other, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into the past.
Best Things to Do on Jiaoshan Great Wall
1. Conquer the Vertical Ladder of the No. 3 Watchtower
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| Vertical Ladder of the No. 3 Watchtower |
2. Overlooking the Panoramic View of Yansai Lake from the Gonggong Pavilion
Perched at the highest peak of the Jiaoshan Great Wall Scenic Area, Gonggong Pavilion offers an unparalleled vantage point. From here, visitors can soak in the stunning panorama of Yansai Lake, where shimmering waters meet lush, undulating mountain ridges, creating a picture-perfect scene. On clear days, the Bohai Sea comes into view in the distance, making it a photographer's paradise. Moreover, it is an ideal location for witnessing the sunrise, as the rocks of Jiaoshan, resembling lotus petals, lend a magical quality to the spectacle known as the “Sunlight on the Auspicious Lotus.”
3. Praying at Qixian Temple
With a history spanning nearly a thousand years, Qixian Temple stands as a place of cultural and spiritual significance. During the Ming dynasty, it served as a summer retreat for scholars and literati. Following reconstruction in 1990, the temple now houses the Guanyin Hall and the Bodhidharma Hall, providing a tranquil space for visitors to explore and offer their prayers.
How to Tour the Jiaoshan Great Wall?
There are two routes to the top of Jiaoshan Great Wall: the Great Wall itself and a mountain path. The Great Wall route is shorter but steeper and more challenging, while the mountain path is gentler and less difficult. The scenic area also has a cable car, providing visitors with various touring experiences. Here are several recommended routes:
1. The Most Popular Route: Great Wall + One-way Cable Car
Route: Entrance of the scenic area→ Great Wall → No. 3 Watchtower → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Cable car upper station → Cable car lower station Duration: 3 hoursDistance: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)Difficulty: ModerateSuitable for: Hikers with good physical fitness and some experience
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Next, carefully descend the ladder on the opposite side of the watchtower and follow the winding mountain path for about 40 minutes until you arrive at Qixian Temple, an ancient place of worship. After exploring the temple's historical charm, continue your journey along the path for an additional 20 minutes. This will lead you to Gonggong Pavilion, a quaint structure adorned in delightful shades of pink and blue. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of Yansai Lake.
Once you’ve savored the view to your heart's content, retrace your steps along the path back to the cable car upper station. Board the cable car for a 15-minute ride that will carry you back to the mountain's base.
2. The Simplest Route: Round-way Cable Car
Route: Entrance of the scenic area → Cable car lower station → Cable car upper station → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Cable car upper station → Cable car lower station Duration: 2 hours Distance: 3 kilometers (2 miles)Difficulty: LowSuitable for: The elderly, children, and those with limited physical stamina |
| The Flat Tourist Trail |
3. Best Choice for Those with Acrophobia: Mountain Road
Route: Entrance of the scenic area → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Entrance of the scenic area Duration: 3 hours Distance: 6 kilometers (4 miles) Difficulty: Low Suitable for: Mountain climbing enthusiasts and individuals with a fear of heightsThis route entirely avoids the Great Wall, offering a gentle ascent and descent via mountain paths. It provides an excellent opportunity for those who wish to enjoy the panoramic view of Yansai Lake from the top without the challenge of scaling the Great Wall.
4. The Most Challenging Route: Up and Down the Great Wall
Route: Entrance of the Scenic Area → Great Wall → Qixian Temple → Gonggong Pavilion → Great Wall → Entrance of the Scenic AreaDuration: 4 hours Distance: 5 kilometers (3 miles) Difficulty: High Suitable for: Seasoned adventurers with hiking experience |
| Looking Down from No.3 Watchtower |
You may like:Opening Hours:
07:30 - 17:30, last admission at 17:00.
Tickets:
| Entrance Fee | CNY 40; Seniors over 60 and children under 18 enjoy half-price discounts; Children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) are admitted free of charge. |
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| Cable Car | Single-way: CNY 30; Round-way: CNY 50 |
Note: The cable car service may not be available during off-season such as winter.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Jiaoshan Great Wall?
The best time to visit Jiaoshan Great Wall is from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities, and the natural landscape is at its most captivating.
How to Get to Jiaoshan Great Wall from Qinhuangdao?
1. By Taxi: The Fastest Way
The most convenient and fastest way to get to Jiaoshan Great Wall from Qinhuangdao City is by taxi, which takes about 40 minutes and costs around CNY 100.
2. By Train:
Step 1:
Board a train from Qinhuangdao Railway Station to Shanhaiguan Railway Station. The journey typically takes 15 - 25 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from CNY 8 - 15. Trains operate from 00:49 - 22:57, with departures approximately every 10 minutes.
Step 2:
Take a taxi from Shanhaiguan Railway Station to Jiaoshan Great Wall, which takes about 15 minutes and costs about CNY 20.
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| Shanhaiguan Railway Station |
3. By Bus
Take bus No. 25 to Shanhaiguan bus station, and then hail a taxi to reach the Jiaoshan Great Wall.
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- Last updated on May. 28, 2025 by Sherry Xia -