Overview:
Jinshanling is a remote and isolated section of the Great Wall. Very few tourists make the longer trek out so you are most likely guaranteed a relatively peaceful walk. However, there are still drink and souvenir touts so you won't be completely unaccompanied. For a small fee, you can take a cable car to the top, but those who are really looking for a hike can also walk.Location:
87 miles (140 kim) northeast of Beijing. Jinshanling connects to the Simatai section of the wall to the east.History:
The Jinshanling section was originally built during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1389. It was restored under Ming General Qi Jiguang between 1567 and 1570.Features:
- 6.8 miles (11 km) long
- Elevation: 2,300 feet (700 m)
- Section includes 100 watchtowers; at highest point, Beijing can be seen on a clear day from the Watching Beijing Watchtower
- Conditons: The condition of the wall at the beginning of the Jinshanling Wall toward Simatai are quite good. The condition of the Wall does begin to deteriorate soon and becomes quite rocky with loose stones and bricks. The wall is also very steep at a number of points, combined with loose stones, can become precarious.
Getting there:
- Inexpensive: the best bet is to work with your hotel to hire a taxi to take you to Jinshanling. If you are not planning to do the trek to Simatai, then make sure your hotel negotiates for the taxi to wait for you to bring you back to Beijing. Finding transport from Jinshanling may be difficult.
- Expensive: Ask your hotel to organize a driver for the day. This could cost upwards of $100.
Essentials:
- Admission: RMB 15 (US$ 0.85)
- Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
- Recommended time for visit: allow two hours, four to five hours if trekking to Simatai
Tips:
- Caution: Those with a fear of heights or vertigo issues are warned against this section. Also those who are very out-of-shape or overweight might want so visit a less precarious section, such as Badaling.
- Visitors must wear trekking clothes and shoes to avoid turned ankles.
