The Juyongguan Great Wall

The Great Wall at Juyongguan is the closest section to Beijing at only 37 miles (60 km) from downtown.

Juyongguan is one of the three great passes of the Great Wall of China. It was considered one of the major strategically important sections because of its position as a link to Beijing.

The climb is a steep one and there are no cable cars or chair lifts to help you out here. Something to consider if you are traveling with really small children and/or grandparents.

The Juyongguan path circles in a loop. Unlike other sections that focus strictly on the wall itself, Juyongguan features a massive, circular ancient fortress town complete with historic towers, gates, and temples.

This segment of the Great Wall has been fully renovated, in fact, has a very smooth and fresh feeling to it, to some people this wall is "too sanitized" and "touristy", with even replicas of the Terracotta Army warriors along some parts of the wall standing in formation. It still gives a very impressive view plus there are many interesting structures, temples, pavillions, platforms...

Why Choose Juyongguan?

Incredible Military History: As one of the three great impregnable passes of the Great Wall, it features the spectacular Juyong Pass Fort and the 14th-century Cloud Platform, which retains ancient Mongolian and Uyghur inscriptions.
Unique Circular Hike: The wall here forms a closed 4-kilometer loop around a valley gorge. You can hike up one side and down the other instead of retracing your steps.
Quick Travel Time: Travelers can reach it in about 1 to 1.5 hours by car or bus from central Beijing, making it ideal if you have a tight schedule.
Fewer Crowds: While it gets busy with domestic tour groups due to its proximity to the city, it feels far less commercialized and has fewer international tourists compared to Mutianyu.

Why You Might Skip It

Extremely Steep Steps: This section is famous for its grueling, continuous stairs. Some sections have 45-degree inclines with uneven stone steps up to 40 cm high, making it incredibly tough on the knees.
No Cable Cars or Toboggans: Unlike other tourist-friendly sections, there are no cable cars, chairlifts, or slides to assist you. If you want to see the panoramic mountain views from the top towers, your only option is to climb up and down the old fashion way.
Lacks the "Classic Postcard" Look: The views are beautiful, but because the wall loops tightly around a valley, it doesn't give you that endless "snaking over infinite mountain ridges" aesthetic found elsewhere.

Tips for visiting Juyongguan:

This section is recommended for fairly active people since there are no cable cars or chairlifts to help you with your climb. If you have any mobility issues consider the Mutianyu or Badaling sections.
There are two gates, the main entrance is through the the South Gate. From here, the Eastern side offers a gentler climb. Plan for at least 2 to 3.5 hours to complete the full loop circuit comfortably.
The highest point is on the steeper Western side at Tower #13, you have the most impressive views of the pass here as well as from the North and South Gate Towers
There are plenty of gift shops and toilet facilities near the South Gate main entrance, additional toilets along the Wall between towers 3 and 4, 8 and 9, 10 and 11, 12 and 13 and at the North Gate
There are NO restaurants or snack kiosks at Juyongguan. Be sure to bring water and refreshments with you
If you are short on time, this section is your best bet because of its proximity to Beijing, and it can be combined with some of the other attractions in the city. Many tours will include a stop at the Ming Tombs
A private car to Juyongguan costs about US$130 (cost per vehicle)