The Great Wall of China

Shanhai Pass (Shan-hai-guan)

Shanhai Pass stands 15km east of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. Literally it means “the Pass of Mountain and Sea”. It is a popular tourist destination, featuring the eastern end of the Great Wall. The place where the wall itself meets the Bohai Sea has been nicknamed the “Old Dragon ‘s Head”

Juyong Pass (Ju-yong-guan)

About 60 km northwest to Bejing downtown, Juyong Pass is one of the important passes along the Great Wall, named as “Jundu Pass”, “Jimen Pass” as well in history. Strategically situated in the middle of 20-km-long Guan Valley of Jundu Mountain, Juyong Pass has long become the major thoroughfare from Beijing to outside the Great Wall.

Jiayuguan Pass (Jia-yu-guan)

Jiayu Pass is the first important pass at the west end of the Ming Great Wall. Jiayuguan City named after the pass is just located 6 northeast. Jiayu Pass is nestled in the middle of the narrowest part of the valley. Strategically built on a highland, the wall stretches 7 km northward to connect Heishan (Black Hill) Overhanging Great Wall, and extends 7 km southward to the No. 1 Beacon Tower.

Badaling Great Wall

About 75 km northwest of Beijing downtown, Badaling is the most visited section of the Great Wall in China. With an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, Badaling Great Wall finds its place at the north edge of “Guangou” Valley. Together with 15-km-away Juyong Pass and Water Pass, Badaling Great Wall makes an understanding defensive system. Now the Badaling Expressway connects the popular destination with Beijing City.  

Mutianyu Great Wall

Located at Huai-rou County, 73 km northeast of Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best preserved walls built in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This section of the Great Wall is connected with Juyongguan Pass in the west and Gubeikou Gateway in the east. Like other sections of the Great Wall nearby, it used to serve as the defensive barrier for the capital and imperial tombs.

Simatai Great Wall and Jinshanling Great Wall

Starting from Watching Beijing Tower to Hou-chuan-Kou, Simatai Great Wall extends 5.4 km with 35 beacon and watch towers. It is located at northeast of Mi-yun County, 120 km away from Beijing. It is featured with its original Great Wall style and steepness. It gradually became a popular destination for active travelers to trek along all the way to Jinshanling Great Wall.