Jiaoshan to Sandaoguan Great Wall Hiking

Embarking on a hike from the Jiaoshan Great Wall to the Sandaoguan Great Wall is an odyssey that seamlessly blends historical exploration with an exhilarating encounter with nature. The trail commences at the Jiaoshan Great Wall, a mere 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the renowned Shanhaiguan Great Wall, and concludes at the Sandaoguan Great Wall, which stands 8 kilometers (5 miles) away from Shanhaiguan.
 

The Jiaoshan Great Wall is the first mountain peak that the easternmost section of the Great Wall crosses westward and is known as the “First Mountain of the Great Wall”, famous for its perilous terrain and magnificent scenery. The Sandaoguan Great Wall is celebrated for its unique “Inverted Great Wall” landscape. Hugging the contours of the mountains, it winds up and down along sheer cliffs, appearing as if it's hanging upside down from a distance, hence earning its evocative moniker. This section is often regarded as the first perilous pass of the Chinese Great Wall, adding an element of thrill and challenge to the journey.

Jiaoshan Great Wall

Currently, the initial part of the Jiaoshan Great Wall has been restored and transformed into a well-equipped scenic area, complete with amenities for visitors. However, the latter part of the Jiaoshan Great Wall and the entire Sandaoguan Great Wall remain in their original, untouched state. This hiking route is characterized by its high hiking difficulty, steep terrain, and unparalleled nature views, attracting countless intrepid adventurers eager to test their mettle and soak in the historical and natural splendor.
 

1) By train: 3 hours; CNY 150 - 230

- First, take a bullet train from either Beijing Railway Station or Beijing South Railway Station to Qinhuangdao Railway Station or Shanhaiguan Railway Station. This leg of the journey typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, with fares ranging from CNY 90 to CNY 180.
 

Then, take a taxi to Jiaoshan Great Wall. From Qinhuangdao Railway Station, the taxi ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around CNY 50, while from Shanhaiguan Railway Station, it takes approximately 15 minutes and costs about CNY 20.

Beijing Railway Station

2) By car rental: 3.5 - 4 hours; CNY 1,000 - 1,500

For groups of 3 to 4 people, chartering a car with a driver presents a convenient and cost-effective alternative. Not only does it spare you the hassle of intricate transportation planning, but it also shortens the travel time and ensures a more comfortable journey, allowing you to relax and anticipate the adventure ahead.
 

The most straightforward way to reach the Jiaoshan Great Wall from Qinhuangdao city is by taxi. The ride typically takes less than 1 hour and costs around CNY 100.
 

Route: Entrance of Jiaoshan Great Wall Scenic Area - Jiaoshan Great Wall - Qixian Temple - Gonggong Pavilion - Dapingding - Sandaoguan Great Wall - Changshou Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot

Length: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)

Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours

Difficulty: High difficulty, suitable for tourists with rich hiking experience

Fee: Entrance fee for Jiaoshan Great Wall: CNY 40
 

Shortly after entering the Jiaoshan Great Wall Scenic Area, you will find yourself at the starting point of the Great Wall hike. Gazing upwards, you'll be met with a section of the Great Wall boasting a slope of around 60 degrees, necessitating the use of both hands and feet for climbing. With determination and effort, after approximately an hour of arduous ascent, you will reach the highest point of this section, the No. 3 Watchtower. A vertical iron ladder beckons you to its summit. Once you've scaled it and taken a brief respite, you can soak in the breathtaking panorama of the steep Great Wall you've just conquered.
 

Descend the watchtower via the same iron ladder on the opposite side and proceed along the mountain path for roughly 40 minutes to arrive at Qixian Temple. This ancient temple offers a serene haven where you can take a break and immerse yourself in the tranquility of its surroundings.
 

Continuing along the mountain path for about 20 minutes, you will reach Gonggong Pavilion, the highest point within the Jiaoshan Great Wall Scenic Area. Standing here, you are rewarded with a mesmerizing view of Yansai Lake and the undulating mountains below, making it the prime vantage point in the entire scenic area.

No. 3 Watchtower

Wild Section of the Jiaoshan Great Wall

Next, you'll enter the wild Great Wall area. Here, the Great Wall bears the marks of time, weathered by the elements, and stands in a state of gentle decay, exuding a raw, primitive beauty. A 10-minute walk along this section will lead you to Dapingding. Compared to Gonggong Pavilion, the views from Dapingding are even more expansive. On a clear day, the vast expanse of the Bohai Sea comes into view in the distance, a sight that takes your breath away.
 

Heading eastward along the Great Wall for approximately an hour, you will finally reach the Sandaoguan Great Wall. The descent from here to the valley along the Great Wall is the most challenging part of the hike. The nearly vertical sections demand utmost caution with every step, testing your nerve and hiking skills.
 

Once you reach the bottom of the valley, make your way to the parking lot of the Changshou Mountain Scenic Area. From here, you can arrange for transportation back to Shanhaiguan Station.
 

It takes about 40 minutes to reach Qinhuangdao Railway Station from the parking lot of Changshou Mountain Scenic Area by taxi, and the fare is approximately CNY 70. From there, you can take the high-speed rail back to Beijing. The last train from Qinhuangdao Station to Beijing Station and Beijing South Station departs at 17:30 and 20:35, respectively. If you miss the last train, consider staying in Qinhuangdao for the night and returning to Beijing the next day.
 

If you arrived by chartered car, simply coordinate with your driver to pick you up at this location and transport you directly back to Beijing or Qinhuangdao.
 

Take a taxi from the Changshou Mountain Scenic Area back to the urban area of Qinhuangdao. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around CNY 100.
 

1. Check the weather in advance. It's best to choose a sunny day, when the view from the top of the mountain is more charming.

2. Jiaoshan Great Wall Scenic Area is equipped with a cable car, which costs CNY 30 for a one-way trip and CNY 50 for a round trip.

3. The gravel in the wild Great Wall section is slippery, so please always be careful of your steps.

4. Given that this hiking route includes unguarded wild Great Wall sections, it is highly recommended to go with a professional guide.

5. It is recommended to wear comfortable and non-slip hiking shoes.

6. Qixian Temple is the last place along this hiking route where you can buy snacks and water. If your food and water are not sufficient, it is recommended to replenish them here.