Jiayuguan Pass of China Great Wall

Jiayuguan Pass was initially built in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty, and has a history of more than 600 years. It is located 6 kilometers southwest of Jiayuguan City in Gansu Province. The pass lies at the narrowest point of the western section of the Hexi Corridor between two hills at the foot of Jiayuguan hill. It is the first pass at the west end of the Great Wall of China , one of the greatest ancient forts on the Silk Road. So it is praised as "The First and Greatest Pass under the Heaven". It was the western end of the Great Wall and for the Chinese the last outpost of civilization, beyond which lay barbarian country. The Fort is also known as “Impregnable Defile under the Heaven” and has been crowned as the best in China due to its bleak location. The pass is trapezoid-shaped with a perimeter of 733 meters and with an area of more than 33,500 square meters. There are two gates on the east and west sides of the pass. There is a tower on the top of each gate. The Chinese inscription of "Jiayuguan Pass" is on the west gate tower. The south and north sides of the pass are connected to the Great Wall. Turret was built on each corner of the pass. Wide roads leading to the top of the pass on the north side inside the two gates. A legend says that when Jiayuguan Pass was to be built, the designer calculated that it would need 99,999 bricks to build the Jiayuguan Pass. When the project was finished, only one brick was left which was placed on the pass as a symbol of commemoration. The brick was kept there and never moved. It can still be found on the tower of the Jiayuguan Pass today. Jiayuguan Pass is the most intact ancient military building preserved from all the passes on the Great Wall. It will be a pity if you miss it when come to China.

Juyan Pass of Great Wall

Juyan Pass is the site of the beacon towers and walls of the frontier fortress under Ju Yan and Jian Shui of the Zhangye prefecture during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). The frontier fortress stretches from the northeast to the southwest, with a total length of about 250 kilometers. Built in 102BC, it was abandoned in the late Eastern Han (25-220). The frontier fortress acted as a strategic pathway to the West and a barrier along the Gansu Corridor. It also played an important role in severing the connection between the Huns and the Qiangs, and held a special position in the Han strategy towards the Huns.

The fourth beacon tower of Jiaqu is very large; it has a remnant 3.4 meters high. The cone-shaped tower is made of tampered earth on an eight-meter-long base on each side. In the southwest corner of the beacon tower is a kitchen range with a chimney where smoke was released into the sky in emergencies.

The Jianshui Jinguan Site is built on a mountain pass and contains a large number of cultural relics, such as knives, swords and arrowheads; fragments of clothing made of silk, gunny, hide and leather; and torches used for igniting the beacon fire. These findings reflect the military activities of the period.

Han slips found at the site provide a wide range of records that can be applied to many fields, including politics, military affairs, the economy, culture, science and technology, law, philosophy, religion and different ethnic groups. They not only recorded military activities in the Juyan area, but also kept official documents from the mid-Western Han to early Eastern Han periods, providing important materials for the study of Han history and culture.

Yang Guan Pass of Great Wall

Located in Nanhu Village, about  70kilometerw southwest to Dunhuang City, Yangguan Pass is one of the two important western passes (the other one is Yumenguan Pass) of Great Wall in Western Han Dynasty (206BC -24AD). The Emperor Wu ordered to build it in the purpose of consolidating the frontier defense as well as developing the remote western region.
In Chinese, Yang means the south. Because it is lying to the south of Yumenguan Pass, people gave its name - Yangguan Pass. Together with Yumenguan Pass, it has also witnessed the prosperity of Silk Road in the past times. In Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), it welcomed the glorious return of Xuan Zang, a great monk who pilgrimaged to the west in search of Buddhist scriptures. Many Chinese get to know this important pass mainly from the poem Farewell to Yuaner to Take Office in Anxi, written by Wang Wei, a famous poet in Tang Dynasty. From the last two lines "Oh, my friend, I sincerely entreat you to have another cup of wine; you will see no more friends west out of the Yangguan Pass.", we can see the Yanguan Pass has always been the place of desolation and sadness since ancient times. In the Song (960 - 1279) and Ming (1368 - 1644) Dynasty, because of the decline of the Silk Road, the Pass was generally forgotten by people.
For years and years, the flowing dunes have eroded this Great Wall pass into a broken beacon tower, standing alone in the boundless desert. It measures 15.4 feet high and 8.7 yards wide. Around the relic, you cannot even see the dismantled walls, because they were all eroded by the wind and buried under earth. South to the pass, there is a "Curio Beach". It is a small valley where you can find lots of dynasties' tiles, coins, weapons, and decorations.
Today's Yangguan Pass is not only a historic place of recalling the remote past, but also a hometown of tasty grapes. Come here, appreciate the beauty of vicissitudes of the Great Wall, enjoy the natural view combined by oasis, desert and snow peaks, and taste the juicy fruits.

Yumen Pass of Great Wall

Originally known as Small Square City, the Great Wall Yumenguan Pass, together with Yangguan Pass, is one of the two important passes on the western frontier of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220) lands. It is located 56 miles northwest to Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, at the western end of Hexi Corridor. In ancient times, it was the crucial gateway from central China to the western regions. 

In the early Han Dynasty, the Huns ceaselessly invaded the Han's area. At first, the weak Han rulers attempted to marry the daughters of imperial families to the Huns' leaders, in hope of gaining temporary peace. When Emperor Wu rose to power, he immediately gave up this cowardly policy by launching fierce counterattacks on a large scale. Finally, the Hun's troops were driven back. In order to strengthen the stability of the western frontier, this wise emperor ordered Yumenguan Pass and Yangguan Pass to be set up along the Hexi Corridor. Henceforth, these two passes of Great Wall, like two royal soldiers, honorably began to guard the western gate for their motherland. 

In the past, the beautiful jade was transported to the inner China through this pass via the Silk Road, which gave the pass its name, Yumenguan, or "Jade-Gate Pass" in English. At that time, Yumenguan Pass served mainly as a post station for businessmen, military generals and ambassadors. It has witnessed the prosperity of business transactions along the Silk Road. The silk peculiar to inner China was transported to the western region in an endless stream. Cultural aspects of western China such as music and religion were introduced to central China at the same time. It is said that the grapes, pomegranates and walnuts now growing in central China were originally from the western area. 

Two thousand years later, the light ringing sound of busy camel trains has disappeared. The cry of sellers in the markets is completely gone. Yumenguan Pass of Great Wall has lost its historic function. It is only a rectangular castle standing in the Gobi desert. It covers an area of over 232 square miles, measuring 27 yards long, 29 yards wide and 32 feet high. The pass was built of rammed yellow earth and has two gates - the west gate and the north gate. There is a walkway measuring 1.4 yards wide on the top. Nuqiang (a jagged parapet on the wall) was set there too. In the southeast corner lies the "Ma Dao" (Horse Ramp), by which people and horses could gain access to the top of the wall. 

Climbing to the top of the pass, you can see the relics of the Great Wall and beacon towers scattered sparsely in the desert, creating an atmosphere of recalling the past.

The Overhanging Great Wall

Located seven miles from Jiayuguan City in Gansu Province and four miles northwest of the pass city of Jiayuguan Pass, the Overhanging Great Wall is an important part of the defensive work of Jiayuguan Pass. It was built in the year 1539 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) in order to strengthen the defensive capability of the Jiayuguan area.

Built on the eastern slope of Mt. Heishan (Black Mountain) the Great Wall isnot visible to anyone looking from west to east. Enemies thought they could enterinner China from here, the Heishan Canyon, as long as they rounded the Jiayuguan Pass. However, they were totally mistaken. After they went over the mountainwith great difficulty, they found a very firm Great Wall in their path that was impossible to cross. Therefore, this place has always been considered a natural barrier.

Viewed from a distance, the Great Wall appears very like a dragon overhanging the slope, hence the name. The wall was built by using local gravel and yellow earth, layer upon layer, and consists of the main path, battlements and threeobservation posts. Originally, it measured 0.9 miles long. However, due to natural disasters and human destruction, only 820 yards of the wall remains, with 253 yards climbing onto the north slope of Heishan Mountain, which is 492-feet high and tilted 45 degrees. Its imposing appearance and manner are very much like those of Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, so it is reputed as 'the Western Badaling Great Wall'.

Along the steps of the Overhanging Great Wall, you can start from the foot of Mt. Heishan to reach the top of the mountain. The steps are so steep that it's not easy for weaker people to reach the summit. Standing at the top of the walland scanning widely, you will see the boundless desert extending to faraway places, with the rare oasis dropped in. What a desolate and lonely view!

Dunhuang Great Wall of Han Dynasty

When talking about the Great Wall, people will immediately think you are referring to the wall in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Actually, north to the Ming's Great Wall in Hexi Corridor, lies a wall built in Han Dynasty (206BC - 220), which is more than 1,000 years earlier than the Ming's wall.The Great Wall ends at the West Lake of Dunhuang, Gansu Province, over 311 miles west to Jiayuguan Pass. It was built by Han Wudi as a defense wall against Western Region. It is considered one of the oldest sections of Great Wall.

In history, the Han Dynasty built many walls to consolidate the safety of the frontier region as well as exploring ways to do business with western region. Instead of piling up stones or bricks layer upon layer like other dynasties' walls, Materials used for building the walls are: earth, clay, gravel, red and poplar. Beacon towers were dotted on every 5 km in order protect against the enemies. On average, every layer measures 12 to 15 centimeters (4.7 to 5.9 inches). The present remains of the wall measure from 1.6 feet tall to over 6.6 feet tall. It was built much earlier compared with other great walls in China. It has a history of more than 2000 years old. Since it has long history, most sections of the great wall are completely gone due to erosion. The remaining still reflects the traces of the original great wall.

Many centuries later, the only remains of Dunhuang Great Wall of Han Dynasty are a few broken sections and several towers distorted beyond recognition standing in the lonely desert. It is like an aged man watching the surrounding changes calmly after experiencing a lot. Listen carefully as he tells us that this place of desolation was once a fierce battlefield which was soaked by soldiers' blood. The path was stepped to and fro by the busy Persian and Han's business men as well as their camels carrying silk, china, carpet and food.

Dunhuang Great Wall of Han Dynasty is dwindling day by day because of natural disasters and human destruction. If we don't save it right now, it will finally disappear together with its glorious historical memories. The rescue work is very urgent. The temperature difference during the day and night is big therefore it is recommended to bring enough warm clothes. Climate is dried therefore recommended to bring enough drinking water and sunglass.

Water Pass Great Wall of Beijing China

Water Pass Great Wall Located in Yanqing County in Beijing, 1.24 miles away from the Badaling Great Wall, if you like to climb the Great Wall especially the steep and dangerous parts, this Water Pass will be the best for you. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and it is the best preserved part of the Badaling Section of Great Wall.
The purpose of this Great Wall section is to use the river water as the barrier to keep outside enemies, thus a water pass has been formed. This kind of defense architecture is rare in ancient battlefield. Besides climbing the wall, you can also visit the Genghis Khan Palace, the Stone Buddha Temple, Luotuo Peak (Camel Peak) and the Great Wall Stele Forest nearby.
Located in the middle of the famous Guangou Scenic Area, Shuiguan Great Wall is surrounded by many beautiful sights. Within 500 meters (547 yards) round, visitors can find the scenic spots like Tanqin Gorge, Golden Fish Pool and Stone Buddha Temple.
Tanqin Gorge: Walk to the riverside of the northern mouth of Tanqin Gorge Tunnel, visitors can find a steep cliff on which it is inscribed "Tanqin Gorge, Five Precious Heads", which reminds you of already reaching the former famous scenic sight – Tanqin Gorge (Playing the Piano Gorge).
Transportation to the Water Pass of Great Wall: You can take bus route no. 919 at Deshengmen Gate as far as Water Pass.

Huanghuacheng Great Wall of China

The Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is located at the Xishuiyu Pass, one of the nine major passes along the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Huairou District. Huanghuacheng Great Wall provides a challenge as it has no stone steps or no single smooth path like the ones found at Badaling and other
sections of the Great Wall. Moreover, Huanghuacheng has long been the most frequent subject of photography lovers.
In 1974, the Pass was demolished to give way to the dam of the Xishuiyu Reservoir. Now, the walls on both sides of the dam look grandiose and magnificent, running like a giant dragon on the mountain ridges and around the Haoming Lake. The unique landscape, a pool of crystal-clear water surrounded on three sides by the Great Wall, adds profoundly to the historical and cultural atmosphere of the entire Reserve.
Four things to do at Huanghuacheng Great Wall are highly recommended. First, take as many beautiful pictures as you like. There are numerous landscapes rarely seen in the world on offer. For example, the lake breaks this section of the Great Wall into three segments, which is the frequent subject of photography. Besides the Huanghuacheng Reservoir lies here, shaped like a curved moon. Second, go visit the chestnut garden beneath the Great Wall, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The ancient chestnut trees still grow very well. Third, climb up the steepest section of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Shibadeng which looks like a dragon, ready to fly into the blue sky. Fourth, look at Yaoziyu Castle. It was built in the Ming Dynasty, still well-preserved. In the castle, there is an ancient Chinese scholar tree. It is said that touching it could bring you a blessing.
Best time to visit Huanghuacheng: all the 4 seasons, each season having its pros and cons. Just try to avoid visiting the Great Wall in bad weather (heavy rain, storm or thunderstorm), for it can be slippery and dangerous for your own safety. Recommended length of time for a visit to Huanghuacheng is half a day.

Jiankou Great Wall of China

Jiankou Great Wall is located at Xizhaizi Village, 30 km from Huairou District, and 70 km from Beijing. It will take a two-hour driving from Beijing downtown. Jiankou Great Wall is regarded by some people as the most picturesque section of Great Wall and is a good example of "Wild Great Wall". It’s become a popular photographic hotspot and hiking destination in recent days.
Originally Jiankou Great Wall was built in Tang Dynasty and was restored largely in the Ming Dynasty. It connects to Mutianyu Great Wall in the east and Huanghuacheng Great Wall in the west. It’s the most dangerous and steep section of all Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It stretches from "The Ox Horn Edge Wall" in the east to "The Nine-Eye Tower" in the north via "The Beijing Knot" with total length of 9.3 miles. Different from the building material – bricks - at Mutianyu and Simatai sections, Jiankou section was mainly built with local material – dolomite, which made the base of the wall harder and stronger. Therefore, Jiankou section is more steeper, higher and vaired compared with other sections of the Great Wall near Beijing. At the foot of the Xizhaizi village, you will see the clear dolomite base of the Great Wall.
Jiankou Great Wall consists of 28 towers, and the most popular towers includes: The Nine-Eye Tower, The Beijing Knot and Stairway to the Heaven. One section called 38 Big Steps is really steep with an angle of 80 degrees. Zhengbeilou Tower is the right place to appreciate the beauty of sunrise and sunset.
Take Bus No.916 at Dongzhimen, get off at Huairou Fangshan (diagonally opposite Huairou First Hospital). There you can find local buses to Jiankou Great Wall. The buses run between 10:00 and 15:00. Sometimes you get confused and puzzled of find the local buses, so you can negotiate with local taxi dirvers with RMB 150-200 for a round trip.
Situated at the foot of Jiankou Great Wall, Xizhazi Village is the base of Jiankou Great Wall where visitors can stop for a rest. If you do a day trip to Jiankou, it’s not necessary to stay overnight.

Mutianyu Great Wall of China

Located among the orchards and pines in the mountains to the north of Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall is situated in Huairou District about 60KM from the city of Beijing. Founded by the original builders of the Wall, these villages have retained their wonderful unique character and are a microcosm of Chinese rural life. Explore our site to find out more about the history and activities of the Mutianyu Great Wall area.
Mutianyu Great Wall has a longer history and is bestowed with brilliant cultures. In according to historic record, Mutianyu Great Wall was supervised and built up by a subordinate general to Zhu Yuanzhang, Xu Da based on the relic of the Great Wall in Northern Qi .
The architecture of Mutianyu Great Wall is of special style. It has closely packed enemy towers and [perilous passes. It was built up with battlements on both side of walls. On southeast side, there is one general gateway platform connected with three enemy. towers together, which is quite rare in the whole Great Wall; in northwest side, there are the Great Wall section named as Ox Horn Edge built above the sea level of over 1000 meters and the sections named as Arrow Buckle and Flying Eagle Facing Upward built on the knife-steep mountain peak, which look extraordinary and rugged. The whole section of Great Wall stretches and winds like a huge flying dragon.
Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Area is surrounded with mountains and is of beautiful scenery. In spring, fragrant flowers are vying with each other in beauty and are blooming; in summer, mountains are covered with green coats and you can listen to music of flowing lake; by autumn, it is fruitful and can see red leaves dancing; by winter, Great Wall is painted of pure white and coated with silver costume, showing a northland scene. It enjoys a reputation of “Mutianyu surpassing others of Great Wall” and is the best scenic spot.
Mutianyu Great Wall is equipped with complete devices and functions as cable cars, The mountain lodge of Great Wall, Chinese Dream Stone City and SHIBIDE slideway. In 1987, Mutianyu Great Wall was appraised as one of the 16 scenic spots in new Beijing and in 1992, it was appraised as the World Best of Beijing Tourism. In 2002, it was appraised as 4A grade scenic area and is the essence of Great Wall.
The transportation to Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Area is quite convenient. The No.6 Dedicated Line Bus runs from Beijing urban city to Mutianyu Great Wall and it departs each morning in Xuanwumen and Dongsishitiao, directly reaching the travel area. The travelers taking air can start from Capital airport toward north, and go through Jing-Mi Expressway, then turn left at Yingbing North Ring Island in Huairou and finally reach the travel area.

Jinshanling Great Wall of China

The Jinshanling Great Wall stretches along the Big Jinshanling and Small Jinshanling in Hualougou area in Bashikeying of Luanping County, Hebei Province, about two and half hours from Beijing; The Jinshanling Great Wall has become a famous scenic spot attracting numerous tourists from both home and abroad.
the Jinshanling Great Wall became the section with the most complicated structure and most densely distributed lookout towers. Altogether, there are 158 lookout towers in various styles along the wall. Some of them are made of brick and wood, while others are brick and stone structures. The pier bases, like the roofs come in various shapes and sizes. Other constructions include night-watch towers and storage buildings that are rarely seen at other sections of the Great Wall. Various unevenly distributed constructions along the Jinshanling Great Wall form the perfect defense system.
Activities at Jinshanling Great Wall
The walk to Simatai is reason enough to visit. Besides being the starting point for a fantastic four-hour hike to Simatai, Jinshanling also serves as one of the few sections of the Great Wall on which you can camp overnight. A starry night here is a gorgeous and unforgettable—go with a tour group such as Cycle China.
Getting Jinshanling Great Wall
1. At Beijing Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station, you can take the local bus to Gubeikou Township. Upon arrival at Gubeikou, you can employ a local taxi at the bus station with CNY30 to Jinshanling in 30 minutes. 2. Take bus No.980 to Miyun County from Beijing Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station. From Gulou Dajie Street in Miyun County, there are drivers lined up at the stop. You can negotiate with them by CNY 150-200 for a round trip for one car. You have to tell them you will pay the money after returning to this point, and they will wait for you at an agreed time either at Jinshanling or at Simatai. Download the Chinese version of the bus route
Where to Stay Jinshanling Great Wall
Jin Shan Ling Binguan, to the right just inside the entrance of the wall. Staying at one of the simple courtyard houses in Gu Bei Kou Hexi Cun, just below the railway station, is a cheaper and more appealing option;

The Simatai Great Wall Of Beijing China

If you have already been to the world-renowned Badaling Great Wall and are searching for somewhere more untamed, why not try the Great Wall at Simatai section? Located 120 km north of Beijing in the county of Miyun, Simatai is renowned for its steepness and amazing state of preservation. Simatai Great Wall has 35 beacon towers. Constructed under the supervision of Qi Jiguang, a famous general in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it is the only part of the Great Walls that still has the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty.
 The main tourist attractions include the Stairway to Heaven, the Fairy Tower, the Heaven Bridge and the Wangjing Tower.
The Simatai Great Wall is divided into eastern and western parts by a lake, named the Mandarin Duck Lake, which is fed by two springs. One is warm, the other is cold. Even in winter, the surface of the lake will never ice up.
In order to reach the Fairy Tower, tourists must climb the 85 degree slope Stairway to Heaven which is about 100 meters long and allows only one person to pass. Legend has it that the Fairy Tower was transformed from an antelope and that once the Lotus Flower Fairy lived there, hence its name. On the tower, there are some marble arches carved with lotus patterns.
Simatai also offers a wide range of activities. Tourists can go boating, swimming or fishing in the Mandarin Duck Lake. Besides, to taste the local authentic "peasant food" is also a good pastime.  Located in Simatai Great Wall Scenic Area, Simatai Hotel (Simatai Great Wall Mountain Villa) is a traditional Chinese courtyard which offers good board and accommodation. Visitors can also go there to enjoy traditional Chinese musical instrument performance. The untamed beauty and isolation at Simatai section make it an attractive alternative to Badaling and a great way to spend a day in Beijing for the tourists.

Badaling Great Wall Of Beijing China

Badaling Great Wall about 70 km north of Beijing city, because it is close to Beijing city, Badaling Great Wall is the site of the most visited section of the Great Wall partly and shows the Great Wall as it would have looked originally, and it does not look too new.
History of Badaling Great Wall
The Ba Great Wall was initially built in the Spring and Autumn Period; Badaling Great Wall is the highlight and the most excellent section of Great Walls built in Ming Dynasty and spent eight years in building the Great Wall. It is also the best preserved part of Great Wall.
Function of Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall is built to protect Beijing City on the north side. Fire or smoke will be used as Signal when find invader. Signal can be sent to other parts via Great Wall. This military information will be transferred to the general and emperor at rapid speed.
Contruction of Badaling Great Wall
The Wall of Badaling section is composed of Guan city and its affiliated walls. The walls were constructed by bar stones and bricks along the top of mountains. At the strategic points,there are city platforms, wall platforms and watching towers. Beacon tower is an independent blockhouse located at peak of mountain.
Celebrity visit Bdaling Great Wall:Chairman Mao Zedong, Chinese democratic pioneer Dr. Sun Yat-sen, American President Richard Nixon...
four seasons Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall in Spring - One or two weeks after Spring of Beijing city, the mountain of Badaling Great Wall become green. Summer, it is time of Badaling Great Wall is hot with rain. Autumn, it is the best time to visit the Great Wall . Yellow mountains, red leaves, white clouds and blue sky will make your Great Wall tour memorable. It is very cold in Winter on Great Wall. But the Great wall in snow is enchanting. And Badaling Great Wall is 6～8℃ lower than downtown Beijing in the annual average temperature.
Badaling Great Wall is known as a charming secluded quiet place, without the noises and pollution of downtown areas. Tourists may enjoy themselves the comforts of country scenes at the Great Wall at tranquil nights. There are two hotels recommended: Rose Valley Days Hotel(Situated 4 kilometers away from Badaling Great Wall) and Commune by the Great Wall(foot of the Badaling Great Wall );
Badaling Great Wall was officially opened to tourists in 1958. It is a section of the Great Wall opened earliest to tourists and receiving the largest number of tourists.In 1990, Badaling Great Wall was inscribed as the human cultural relic by the UNESCO. It was listed the best of the top 10 scenic spots in the country, the best of the top 40 tourism destinations in the country, and the country’s first group of 5A-class tourism scenic spots.