Juyong Pass

Juyong Pass

The Juyong Pass, just 50 km from Beijing, offers a compact but demanding loop walk that highlights the Wall’s defensive strength. Starting from the South Gate, DJ and Andy tackled the steeper western climb first—a relentless 300 m ascent that tested stamina but rewarded with sweeping, if hazy, views down the valley. This loop is actually a double layer of fortification, built as an extra line of defense below Badaling, and while it is far less crowded than its neighbor, hikers should still expect company along the way. The initial descent proved just as tough as the climb, underscoring the physical challenge of this relatively short section.

Crossing the valley, the route led into the gate compound where Ming soldiers were once garrisoned, complete with water, food stalls, and even a surprise reenactment performance to bring the history alive. From there, the climb up the eastern ridge was far gentler, about a third of the earlier ascent, before looping back to the starting point. In total, the circuit is around 5 km (closer to 7 km if, like DJ and Andy, you misplace your car), with roughly 500–600 m of elevation gain. Short but sharp, Juyong Pass combines tough climbs, historic atmosphere, and convenient access, making it a memorable addition to the Great Wall adventure.

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DIRECTIONS

  1. Start at the Juyongguan Visitor Entrance:
    Arrive by bus, train, or car from Beijing. Enter through the main gate at the valley floor where the ticket office and shops are located.
  2. Walk Through the Juyong Pass Fortress Gate:
    Pass through the stone gate tower (Yuntai Tower) at the base, which historically guarded the pass.
  3. Begin Climbing the West Side of the Wall:
    Start the loop clockwise by going left (west side) up the steep stone steps leading onto the wall.
  4. Ascend the Long Staircase of the Western Ridge:
    Continue climbing for about 30–40 minutes on steep stairways, stopping at watchtowers to catch your breath and enjoy views of the valley below.
  5. Reach the Highest Western Summit Tower:
    Arrive at the highest point of the west ridge section with panoramic views of the entire valley and wall loop.
  6. Descend Slightly Along the Ridge Spine:
    Walk along the ridge-top wall as it undulates gently downward toward the northern side of the pass.
  7. Climb Up the Eastern Ridge Section:
    After crossing the saddle between the two ridges, begin climbing the eastern side of the loop back toward the south.
  8. Reach the Highest Eastern Watchtower:
    Pause here for your final sweeping view of the Juyong Pass valley, fortress below, and mountains all around.
  9. Descend the Steep Eastern Staircase:
    Carefully descend the steep stone steps down the eastern wall, using the handrails where available.
  10. Finish Back at the Valley Floor Entrance Plaza:
    The stairs will bring you full circle back to the starting plaza near Yuntai Tower, completing the full Juyong Pass loop.

GALLERY