Hiking from Taolinkou Great Wall to Liujiakou

This hiking route stretches from Taolinkou Great Wall to Liujiakou Great Wall, both located in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. Taolinkou Great Wall, originally constructed during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577), now stands in a state of considerable disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, the overall architectural layout remains discernible. Surrounded by a reservoir, Taolinkou Village presents a picturesque landscape where mountains, water, the ancient Great Wall, and local dwellings blend harmoniously, making it an idyllic starting point for hiking enthusiasts. The terrain flanking the Liujiakou Great Wall is relatively gentle, with a river meandering through the pass. To fortify this strategic location, a towering water pass was erected, capable of housing a hundred soldiers for defense, which is the only water pass in Hebei Province.

Spanning approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles), this route traverses more than 50 watchtowers. Along the way, hikers will encounter several significant “V”-shaped ascents and descents, coupled with numerous loose rocks, rendering the trail highly challenging and physically demanding. As such, it is recommended exclusively for experienced hikers.
 Take a high-speed train from Beijing Railway Station or Beijing South Railway Station to Qinhuangdao Railway Station. The journey typically lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and costs around CNY 160.
 Option 1: By Public Transport
- After exiting Qinhuangdao Railway Station, walk across the road to Qinhuangdao Long-Distance Bus Station.
- Catch a bus bound for Taolinying Village. The 1.5-hour journey costs CNY 23, with departures at 07:50, 08:30, 11:40, and 12:30 daily.
- From Taolinying Bus Station, hire a local minibus to Taolinkou Village. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs around CNY 20. 

Option 2: By Taxi
It takes about 1.5 hours to travel from Qinhuangdao Railway Station to Taolinkou Village by taxi, and the cost is approximately CNY 200.  
 Given that hiking this section of the Great Wall requires at least 8 hours, upon arrival in Taolinkou Village, take the time to explore the ancient village and the scenic reservoir area. The reservoir offers a lot of water-based recreational activities. Indulge in local cuisine, retire for the night at a cozy village inn, and hike the Great Wall the next day.
 - Length: 15 kilometers (9 miles)
- Hiking Time: 8 - 10 hours
- Difficulty: Extremely high; recommended only for seasoned hikers in excellent physical condition.
 

Taolinkou Great Wall

Hiking on the Great Wall

Rise early the next morning, have breakfast, and head north along the road from Taolinkou Village. The trailhead is marked by a section of ruined wall that extends to the roadside. The initial part of the Great Wall, built on a gently sloping mountainside, has suffered extensive damage, with the ground strewn with gravel.

A few minutes into the hike, you'll encounter a dilapidated watchtower that resembles a colossal lion. Its side walls have crumbled away, and the remaining gateway is severely damaged. Past this watchtower, after rounding a mound, another watchtower comes into view, with only half of its wall still standing.

As you progress, well-preserved stretches of the Great Wall gradually emerge. The broad walls and densely spaced watchtowers are a sight to behold. These towers feature a distinctive design, with red bricks at their bases and bluestone forming the upper portions.

After climbing over another hill, follow the Great Wall to the next peak, then continue along the mountain range until you reach the “V”-shaped section. Descend approximately 200 meters (220 yards) along the steep wall, taking great care with each step. This will lead you to the lowest point, locally known as Shuiyu Valley.

After taking a short rest there, resume your ascent along the Great Wall. At the summit stands the Jianshanhuai watchtower, which is the highest point of the Great Wall from Taolinkou to Liujiakou.

Continue your journey along the Great Wall until you spot a path that descends to the foot of the mountain. Follow this path, and you'll arrive at Liujiakou Village. Dominating the village is the imposing Liujiakou Water Pass, measuring 10 meters (33 feet) in length, 9 meters (30 feet) in width, and 12 meters (40 feet) in height.

With a visit to this remarkable water pass, your hiking adventure concludes on a high note.
 - First, take a minibus operated by local people from Liujiakou Village to Lulong County Bus Station, which takes about 50 minutes and costs CNY 100.

- Then, board a bus from Lulong County Bus Station to Qinhuangdao Bus Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs CNY 22. The last three bus trips of the day depart at 15:00, 15:30, and 16:00, respectively. 

Alternatively, you can charter a car directly from Liujiakou Village to Qinhuangdao Railway Station. This 1.5-hour ride typically costs around CNY 300.
 Take the high-speed train from Qinhuangdao Railway Station to return to Beijing. The last train departs at 20:35.
 1. This hiking route is very challenging. Please make sure to go with a professional guide.
2. Bring enough food and water. This section is the wild Great Wall, and there are no shops along the way.
3. Spring is the best time to hike here, when the hillsides burst with peach blossoms, turning the landscape into a sea of pink.