The Closest Section of the Great Wall of China to Beijing.。
Why this section is the ultimate choice for those who value their time, crave peace and quiet, and want to experience a complete, authentic fortress
Let’s cut to the chase. Most tourists flock to Badaling—and end up stuck in hours-long lines. Others opt for Mutianyu—stunning, but far away and pricey. But there’s a third option: Juyongguan (居庸关). And it boasts three major perks.
🗺️ Where it is and how to get there
Juyongguan is located in the Changping District, just 60 km from downtown Beijing . It's the closest major section of the Great Wall to the city.
🚇 By public transit (cheap and easy)
Option A: Subway + Bus 879
· Take the subway to Changping Dongguan station (Line 15)
· Get out and hop on Bus No. 879—it goes straight to Juyongguan
Option B: Bus 919 from Deshengmen
· From Jishuitan subway station (Line 2, Exit B2), walk 10 minutes to the bus terminal at the Deshengmen Arrow Tower
· Catch Bus 919 (specifically 919, no extra Chinese characters!)
· Get off at the "Juyongguan Great Wall" stop
· The fare is about 10 RMB, and the ride takes roughly an hour
🚕 By taxi (fast and comfortable)
Open Didi (the Chinese Uber) and type in "居庸关长城". A one-way trip from the city center will set you back about 200-300 RMB .
💰 Admission prices
Tickets are around 40 RMB per person . The ticket booths are right at the entrance, making it a breeze to buy them.
🏯 Why it's the best choice
✅ Closest to the city
60 km is practically next door by Beijing standards. You spend less time commuting and more time exploring.
✅ Way less crowded
Unlike Badaling, where tourists are packed shoulder-to-shoulder, Juyongguan remains relatively peaceful . Especially if you visit on a weekday or early in the morning. You can snap photos, stroll around, and soak in the views without the constant "excuse me, please move."
✅ You can hike the full perimeter (a complete loop!)
This is the real game-changer. Unlike many sections where you hike up to a watchtower and turn back the same way, here you can walk a complete loop around the fortress perimeter:
1. Check out the Cloud Platform (Yuntai)—a unique white marble structure featuring Buddhist reliefs right in the center of the pass
2. Climb up the eastern side—it's steeper, but the views are absolutely breathtaking
3. Hike down and make your way up the western side—then loop back to the exit on the other side
The full loop takes 3-5 hours, depending on your fitness level . It really makes you feel like you've actually "conquered" the fortress, rather than just taking a quick peek.
📸 When is the best time to go
· The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a soft golden glow for epic photos
· The best time of year is spring (for the blooming flowers) or autumn (for the golden foliage)
⚠️ What to bring
· Comfortable shoes—the steps get pretty steep in places and can be slippery after rain
· Water—the climbs demand a lot of energy
· A fully charged phone or camera—the panoramic views here are unreal
The Bottom Line: Who is Juyongguan for?
If you want to... Here
Get there quickly from downtown Beijing ✅ Yes, just 60 km away
Dodge the tourist hordes ✅ Yes, the crowds are noticeably thinner
Hike a loop instead of an out-and-back ✅ Yes, it's a closed perimeter
Save money on a taxi ✅ Yes, there's a direct bus
Experience real history, not a modern replica ✅ Yes, it's an authentic mountain pass
The Verdict: Juyongguan is the perfect sweet spot between accessibility and authenticity. It might not be the most famous, but it's hands down one of the most convenient sections of the Wall. Plus, the ability to hike the entire fortress perimeter makes it an unbeatable choice for those who love a solid hike.
60 km from Beijing, 40 RMB for entry, a 3-hour perimeter hike, and zero lines for a selfie. Seriously, why wouldn't you go?
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