Looking for a scenic, crowd-free section of the Great Wall near Beijing? The Juyongguan Great Wall might just be your perfect match. It’s steeped in history, framed by lush mountains, easy to reach by public transport, and home to a stunning springtime spectacle: a train gliding through fields of blossoms.
Skip the tourist crunch and lace up your boots—let’s explore a classical Chinese fortress you’ve probably never heard of, but won’t soon forget.
Why the Juyongguan Great Wall Deserves More Love
Juyongguan Great Wall – easy to access
Let’s start with convenience: Juyongguan Great Wall is one of the closest Great Wall sections to downtown Beijing. It’s so accessible, you can simply hop on a city bus—no pricey tours or pre-booked shuttles needed.
And while sections like Mutianyu or Badaling get all the glory, Juyongguan quietly boasts its own superlatives.
Juyongguan—the First Pass Under Heaven
Juyongguan is the only section of the Beijing Wall still flanked by an intact walled fortress. It’s not just a wall; it’s a complete defensive stronghold with watchtowers, gates, and stone ramparts whispering tales of imperial warcraft.
Climb Through History at This Classical Chinese Fortress
History of Juyongguan Fortress
Dating back to the Qin Dynasty, Juyongguan was a choke point in one of China’s most strategically vital passes. The name “居庸” came from laborers and soldiers forcibly relocated here—“Juyong” literally meaning “where laborers live.”
As one of the Great Wall’s Nine Strategic Passes, this fortress guarded the northern frontier against nomadic invaders. With mountains rising steeply on either side, the wall climbs both flanks like a dragon with outstretched wings.
Looking up, it’s easy to see why poets and soldiers alike called it impenetrable: “One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot pass.”
Juyong Diecui: Beijing’s Best-Preserved Scenic Sight
Juyong Diecui – Juyong Greenery
The Juyongguan Great Wall is also home to one of the few surviving entries in the “Eight Great Sights of Yanjing”—Juyong Diecui, or “Juyong Greenery.”
“Diecui” refers to the thick, layered vegetation that covers the limestone peaks. From the top of the wall, you’ll see endless waves of green cascading across the mountains, with the Wall threading its way through like a sun-drenched spine.
why Juyong Diecui so special
Unlike other sights—like “Lugou Bridge by Moonlight” (often closed early) or “Xishan Snow” (visible only after rare snowfall)—Juyong Diecui offers a generous six-month viewing window, from early spring to mid-autumn.
Curious about the others? Read more about Beijing’s Eight Great Sights and why this one stands out.
Ride the Train to Spring at Juyongguan
S2 suburban railway
One more reason to time your visit right: the S2 suburban railway, affectionately dubbed the “Train to Spring.”
This historic line, originally built as China’s first domestically designed railway (the famed Jingzhang Railway), now ferries local commuters—until late March, when it becomes a viral sensation. That’s when apricot blossoms burst into bloom across the hills surrounding Juyongguan.
For the best photos, don’t ride the train—watch it. A plank walkway across the valley from the wall opens seasonally, offering panoramic views of the S-shaped train slicing through fields of pink and white. Bring your zoom lens and a picnic.
Plan Your Visit to Juyongguan Great Wall
Basic info. of Juyongguan
📍 Location: G6 Auxiliary Road, Changping District, Beijing
🕒 Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: ¥40 per person
Getting There (Without Losing Your Mind)
🚍 Take Bus 919 (non express!) from central Beijing
Get off at Juyongguan Great Wall station
Walk a short way through the parking area—watch for the “Guojifang” gate and the towering Cloud Platform
Important: return trips require a different route—use local buses from the opposite parking lot to get back to central Beijing via Changping
Pro Tips for the Climb
Juyongguan is steep. Like, “no-rest-platforms, hundreds of steps in a row” steep
Bring a hiking pole—your knees will thank you
If you’re afraid of heights, know that some sections can be dizzying when looking back down
Juyongguan’s Quiet Majesty
The Juyongguan Great Wall is a study in contrasts: mighty yet peaceful, ancient yet accessible, overlooked yet unforgettable.
It’s a fortress where emperors once surveyed the land and where today, you can hear birdsong echo off stone walls. If you’re seeking an alternative to the overcrowded Great Wall hotspots—something raw, romantic, and rooted in real history—Juyongguan is calling.
And if you happen to visit in spring? That train slicing through a sea of blossoms might just be the highlight of your whole trip.