Visit Great Wall at Niangziguan & Jingxingguan

Nestled along the border of Shanxi and Hebei Provinces, the Niangziguan and Jingxingguan sections of the Great Wall stand as core fortresses within the Taihang Mountain Great Wall defense system. A 4-hour drive from Beijing or a 2-hour drive from Shijiazhuang, these historic sites seamlessly blend military heritage, natural spectacle, and cultural depth.

Niangziguan, meaning “Lady's Pass”, was named after Princess Pingyang of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), who led her women soldiers in garrisoning this strategic stronghold. Revered as the “Ninth Pass under Heaven”, it features exceptionally well-preserved Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) brick fortifications and a rare underwater Great Wall landscape. Here, waterfalls cascade through the town, creating the awe-inspiring scene of a “city suspended over water” - a masterful union of martial architecture and natural beauty.

Jingxingguan, also known as “Tumen Pass”, served as a vital ancient passageway between Shanxi and Hebei and has perpetually held strategic military significance. Today, three watchtowers stand in a precise east-west alignment. While less imposing than Niangziguan, these structures, framed by the simplicity of rural architecture, exude a profound sense of time-worn elegance.

This tour route departs from Beijing or Shijiazhuang, visiting Niangziguan and Jingxingguan successively, and usually takes 1 - 2 days.

Niangziguan Pass

Niangziguan Great Wall

 Take a high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station or Beijing Fengtai Railway Station to Shijiazhuang Railway Station. The journey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from approximately CNY 100 to CNY 160.
 Utilizing public transport from Shijiazhuang to Niangziguan Great Wall involves taking a train to Yangquan Railway Station first, followed by transferring to at least two buses for the final leg. This route is cumbersome, often exceeding 4 hours total travel time due to infrequent bus schedules and lengthy waits. Furthermore, the 30-kilometer (19-mile) distance between Niangziguan and Jingxingguan requires a taxi, which can be exceptionally difficult to find at Niangziguan. Consequently, public transportation is not recommended for this itinerary.

A significantly more convenient and time-efficient option is to charter a car directly from Shijiazhuang to Niangziguan Great Wall. This drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, with daily charter costs typically between CNY 800 and CNY 1,200.
 

Hiking on the Niangziguan Great Wall

Recommended time for a visit: 1 - 1.5 hours
Admission fee: CNY 47 (includes Great Wall and waterfall areas)

Upon arrival, begin by exploring the ancient fortress town within the walls. Preserved ancient shops and inns bear witness to the town's prosperity spanning over a millennium. West of the gate tower lies the Guandi Temple, where people pray for health and wealth. Proceeding past the stage directly opposite this temple leads to the Hall of Princess Pingyang, who is considered the embodiment of courage and wisdom.

After touring the fortress, ascend the Niangziguan Great Wall section adjacent to the gate tower. The initial climb is notably steep and precarious. Once atop, the path levels out considerably. This stretch of the Wall is relatively short, totaling about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), and features two watchtowers. The view from the first watchtower is particularly impressive, offering a panoramic vista of the entire town below.

Post-climb, explore the surrounding waterfalls and Pingyang Lake. Nicknamed the “Water Town in North China”, this area enchants with lush greenery and serene waters, offering a tranquil counterpoint to the Wall’s historic gravitas.
 The drive from Niangziguan Great Wall to Jingxingguan Great Wall takes approximately 30 minutes. You can take a short rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
 Recommended time for a visit: 2 hours
Admission fee: Free

Start your visit by exploring the ancient town at Jingxingguan. Restored to reflect its appearance during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1644 - 1911), the town features stone-paved streets evocative of an ancient post road. Stroll through the lanes and visit historical sites such as the ancient post station, gate tower, and escort agency to immerse yourself in the commercial and travel culture of bygone eras. Then, climb onto the gate tower and walk along the Great Wall itself; completing the walk typically takes about an hour.

If time permits, consider spending a night in this ancient town. When illuminated at night, the historic buildings create a captivating ambiance, transporting you back to their prosperous past centuries ago.

Jingxingguan Great Wall

Jingxingguan Ancient Town

 The drive back to Shijiazhuang from Jingxingguan Great Wall takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

For return travel to Beijing, have your chartered car driver take you to Shijiazhuang Railway Station to catch a high-speed train back to Beijing. Be mindful that the last departure is at 22:27.