Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area

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Spot Introduction

Jinshanling Great Wall, located in Luanping County, Chengde City, Hebei Province, is the best-preserved section of the Ming Great Wall. With a total length of 10.5 kilometers and 67 enemy towers, it is famous for its primitive, steep, and beautiful scenery. It is known as the “paradise of Great Wall photography” and is a must-visit destination for photography lovers.

The construction of Jinshanling Great Wall began during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, under the direction of the famous general Qi Jiguang. As an important part of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall defense system, it adopted a unique “brick-wrapped wall” structure, making the wall sturdy and durable. Each of the 67 enemy towers has its own characteristics, among which the Wangjing Tower and General Tower exhibit exquisite craftsmanship, showcasing the outstanding achievements of Ming Dynasty military architecture.

Historically, Jinshanling Great Wall has played a significant military role many times. In 1567, Qi Jiguang commanded the famous “Jinshanling Great Victory” here, successfully repelling an attack by Mongolian cavalry. During the Anti-Japanese War, it was also an important anti-Japanese base, leaving many heroic deeds worthy of praise and tears.

Since the 1980s, the state has invested heavily in the restoration and protection of Jinshanling Great Wall. The restoration project strictly follows the principle of “restoring the old as it was” to preserve the original style of the Great Wall to the maximum extent. In 2006, Jinshanling Great Wall was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site.

As a representative of Great Wall culture, Jinshanling Great Wall holds significant historical, artistic, and scientific value. It is not only an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese military defense engineering but also a symbol of the Chinese national spirit. Every year, it attracts a large number of Chinese and foreign tourists and serves as an important base for studying Ming Dynasty military, architecture, and culture.

Spot Introduction

In recent years, the scenic area has continuously improved its tourism facilities and developed special projects such as night tours of the Great Wall and Great Wall marathons. At the same time, it is also an important patriotic education base, hosting a large number of student groups for research and learning activities every year.

Must-see Attractions

  1. Wangjing Tower

    • The highest point of Jinshanling
    • Overlooking Simatai Great Wall
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

  2. Dajiangjun Tower

    • Well-preserved enemy tower structure
    • Military defense facility exhibition
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

  3. Xiaojinshan

    • The best location for viewing
    • Suitable for photographing sunrise and sunset
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  4. Great Wall Museum

    • Great Wall culture exhibition
    • Historical artifacts display
    • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best tour route

    • Visitor Center → Xiaojinshan → Wangjing Tower → Dajiangjun Tower
    • It is recommended to visit from east to west.

  2. Visiting schedule

    • Early morning is suitable for photographing sunrise.
    • Sunset can be photographed in the evening.
    • The red leaves in autumn are the most spectacular.

  3. Practical tips

    • It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring hiking poles.
    • Photography lovers are advised to bring a tripod.
    • Prepare sufficient drinking water and dry food.

Transportation Guide

  • Long-distance bus: There is a direct bus from Dongzhimen Long-distance Station in Beijing.
  • Self-drive: Take the Jinshanling exit on the Beijing-Chengde Expressway.
  • Chartered bus: About 2.5 hours drive from Beijing.
  • Scenic area bus: There is a tourist line in Chengde city.
  1. Jinshanling Farmhouse
  2. Luanping Special Hot Pot
  3. Farmhouse dishes at the foot of the Great Wall
  4. Chengde snacks

Special Reminders

  1. The mountain path is steep, so do what you can.
  2. There are more tourists during spring and autumn, so it is recommended to avoid peak hours.
  3. Arrive early for sunrise photography.
  4. The road may be icy in winter, so be careful not to slip.
  5. There are few supply stations in the scenic area, so please bring your own supplies.
  6. It is recommended to bring warm clothing as it can be windy on the mountain.
  7. Allow sufficient time for photography.