Jinshanling Great Wall is one of the most scenic and less-crowded sections of China’s Great Wall. Located northeast of Beijing, it offers incredible views and authentic hiking experiences. For those interested in how to get to Jinshanling Great Wall, this guide will take you through every detail, from transportation options to travel tips. With this ultimate guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan your journey from Beijing to Jinshanling Great Wall smoothly.
1. Overview: Why Visit Jinshanling Great Wall?
The Jinshanling Great Wall is located about 150 kilometers northeast of Beijing, between Miyun County and Luanping County. This section of the wall is known for its impressive architectural features and relatively untouched sections, giving visitors a more authentic experience of the Great Wall. Stretching for 10.5 kilometers, the Jinshanling section boasts 67 towers and has a mixture of restored and original segments, making it perfect for hiking enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Unlike the more touristy sections like Badaling, Jinshanling offers a more serene and immersive experience. The rolling hills, expansive views, and fewer crowds make it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter visit. But getting to Jinshanling from Beijing is a bit challenging.
Transportation options to travel between Jinshanling Great Wall and Beijing city center
Here’s a brief overview of the five main transportation options to travel between Jinshanling Great Wall and Beijing city center:
1. By S5 Train (Beijing Suburban Train) + Local Private Car
One of the best ways is to take Beijing’s Suburban Train Line S5 early morning train. First, you can take the early morning train from Beijing North Railway Station to Gubeikou Railway Station ( Gubeikou Town ). The journey typically takes about 2.5 hours, providing a scenic and comfortable ride through the outskirts of Beijing and into the countryside.
Kind reminder: The Beijing Suburban Train operates like the subway, and its entrance is separate from the main Beijing North Railway Station. Please avoid entering Beijing North Railway Station for a security check. Instead, access the Beijing Suburban Train through the entrance located next to McDonald’s, in the underground area connected to Subway Lines 2, 4, and 13.
Trains run twice daily and do not require reservations. Simply treat it like a subway, free seating — just scan or swipe, and you’re on your way.
Here is the train timetable for the Beijing North Station to Gubeikou Station route on the Huairou-Miyun suburban railway line (S5 Line):
| Route | Train | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing North Station → Gubeikou Station | S501 | 06:55 (Get up early and don’t miss the train! The only train in the morning. | 09:23 |
| Beijing North Station → Gubeikou Station | S503 | 14:20 | 16:50 |
| Gubeikou Station → Beijing North Station | S502 | 10:00 | 12:28 |
| Gubeikou Station → Beijing North Station | S504 | 17:20 (Don’t miss the train, the only train in the afternoon) | 19:52 |
After exiting Gubeikou Railway Station, you’ll notice several private cars parked nearby. Local drivers, mostly from nearby villages, may approach you offering transfer services. At the time of writing, there are no official taxis available at the station, so arranging a ride with one of these private drivers is your best option.
You can negotiate with them for a transfer either to the Jinshanling Great Wall (approximately 17 km away) or the Gubeikou Great Wall (about 7 km away). Be sure to confirm the price and destination clearly before setting off to ensure a smooth journey.
The negotiated prices for your reference:
Gubeikou Railway Station – Jinshanling One-way Transfer: RMB 60 /Per Car or SUV.
Gubeikou Railway Station – Gubeikou One-way transfer: RMB 40 /Per car or SUV
Gubeikou Railway Station – Simatai One-way Transfer: RMB60 /Per car or SUV
We used the services of Mr. Zhao, a local villager, who owns a 7-seater Dongfeng SUV. We recommend him for transfer services; however, please note that we are not affiliated with him—this is shared for your reference.
- Phone: 13241663677
- WeChat: 13241663677 (you can add him on WeChat to arrange transfer services).
If you are planning to visit Simatai and Gubei Water Town, you’re in luck! There is a dedicated official shuttle bus connecting to the Simatai Great Wall. The bus waits in the parking lot for passengers arriving by train who are heading to Simatai and the water town. So, there’s no need to worry—it will be there to pick you up.
2. Take Special Bus Line 8 from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station directly to Jinshanling Great Wall
Special Line 8 from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station ( see the location on the map below) operates from April to October on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with a departure at 8:00 AM and a return trip at 4:00 PM.
The one-way fare is 50 yuan, and a round-trip ticket costs 100 yuan. If there are many passengers, additional buses may be provided to ensure seating availability.
Operating Hours: Departs from Dongzhimen Outer Station at 8:00 AM only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with the return trip from Jinshanling Great Wall at 4:00 PM.
Fare Information: The one-way fare is 50 yuan, and various free-ride permits are not accepted.
Bus Company: Operated by Beijing Public Transport Group, Seventh Passenger Branch Company. For inquiries, call the service hotline at 010-84486732.
3. Traveling by Using the Direct Shuttle Service
The Beijing Jinshanling Great Wall Direct Shuttle Service was introduced to simplify the journey for tourists wanting to explore this majestic section of the wall. The service offers a convenient daily schedule, which ensures you have ample time to enjoy the Great Wall before heading back to Beijing.
The bus departs from the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub at 7:00 AM and takes approximately 3 hours to reach the Jinshanling Great Wall. Once you arrive, you’ll have four hours to explore the scenic area on your own, giving you plenty of time to hike, take photos, and absorb the stunning views. At 2:00 PM, the bus departs for Beijing, returning to Dongzhimen at around 5:00 PM. This efficient schedule allows tourists to enjoy a full-day trip without the need to arrange complicated transportation.
Bus Route Details
- 8:00 AM: The bus departs from the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub in central Beijing.
- 10:00 AM: Arrival at Jinshanling Great Wall Scenic Area.
- Four-hour Stay: Explore the scenic area at your leisure.
- 2:30 PM: Departure from Jinshanling to return to Beijing.
- 4:40 PM: Arrival back at Dongzhimen, concluding the trip.
The total travel time from Beijing to Jinshanling and back, including the four-hour stay at the Great Wall, is about 10 hours, making it a perfect day trip from the city.
Departure Location: Dongzhimen Transportation Hub
The Beijing – Jinshanling Great Wall Direct Bus Service departs from the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub. Getting to this departure point is straightforward. You can reach Dongzhimen using the Beijing Subway:
Dongzhimen Departure Station: Exit from Beijing Dongzhimen Subway Station Line 2, Exit B or E, turn left and enter the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub. Look for the Beijing Tourism Information Kiosk. Alternatively, from Line 13, Exit H, you will find the kiosk directly opposite. ( See the Map above ).
Once inside the hub, look for the Beijing Tourism Information Kiosk. This is where the direct bus departs for Jinshanling.
To avoid any confusion, I recommend arriving at Dongzhimen early, especially if it’s your first time navigating Beijing’s subway system.
Ticket Prices for the Beijing – Jinshanling Great Wall Direct Bus Service
The Beijing – Jinshanling Great Wall Direct Bus Service offers several ticket options based on age and student status:
- Adult Ticket: 228 RMB per person.
- Senior Ticket (60 years and above): 198 RMB per person.
- Student Ticket (Minors over 1.2 meters and university students): 198 RMB per person.
- Child Ticket (Children under 1.2 meters with a seat): 120 RMB per person.
These prices are inclusive of several amenities, making the trip a great value. The ticket price includes:
- Round-trip transportation on an air-conditioned bus.
- Admission to the Jinshanling Great Wall scenic area.
- A round-trip shuttle bus within the scenic area.
- A round-trip cable car ride, saving you the effort of climbing steep stairs.
Please note that prices may vary slightly based on promotions or adjustments, so it’s always a good idea to confirm the price through the official booking platform.
How to Purchase Tickets for the Direct Bus
Booking tickets for the Beijing – Jinshanling Great Wall Direct Bus Service can be done online in Chinese and no On-Site Booking. The most convenient way is through the Beijing Tourism Distribution Center public WeChat account or their mini-program.
For international travelers, I recommend using WeChat, one of China’s most widely used apps. You can scan the provided QR code on the WeChat app to book your tickets quickly. But the Wechat APP is in Chinese and try to ask your hotel staff to help with the ticket booking.
For any questions, please contact 010 -83531111 ( 24-hour hotline both in Chinese and English).
I suggest booking your tickets as soon as you arrive in Beijing to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons.
Very Important Notice:
The Jinshanling Bus Service operates on a minimum of 10 passengers. If there are fewer than 10 bookings for a particular day, the bus service will not run. In such cases, the bus company will contact you the evening before departure to arrange a refund. We kindly recommend calling them at 83531111 that evening to confirm availability.
ake Special Line 8 from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station directly to Jinshanling Great Wall:
Special Line 8 from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station operates from April to October on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with a departure at 8:00 AM and a return trip at 4:00 PM. The one-way fare is 50 yuan, and a round-trip ticket costs 100 yuan. If there are many passengers, additional buses may be provided to ensure seating availability.
Here is more information on the Beijing Holiday Special Line 8 (Interprovincial) bus from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station:
- Operating Hours: Departs from Dongzhimen Outer Station at 8:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with the return trip from Jinshanling Great Wall at 4:00 PM.
- Fare Information: The one-way fare is 50 yuan, and various free-ride permits are not accepted.
- Bus Company: Operated by Beijing Public Transport Group, Seventh Passenger Branch Company. For inquiries, call the service hotline at 010-84486732.
4. Hiring a Private Car or Taxi
For travelers seeking maximum convenience, hiring a private car or taxi offers a hassle-free option to get to Jinshanling Great Wall. Here’s what to expect:
Booking Options: You can arrange a car hire service in advance through travel websites or your hotel. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi directly in Beijing.
Cost: Private cars typically cost around 600-800 CNY round-trip.
Duration: With a private car, you’ll reach Jinshanling in about 2 hours, and you can choose the departure and return times.
This is the best option if you’re traveling in a group or with family, as it allows you to travel comfortably and directly.
5. Joining a Private Tour to Jinshanling Great Wall
Many travel agencies in Beijing offer private or small group tours to Jinshanling Great Wall. These tours provide guided transportation, making it easy to enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Inclusions: Most private tours include transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide.
Cost: Prices range between 400-1000 CNY depending on the group size and package.
Advantages: Private tours are excellent for travelers who want a stress-free experience with additional insights from a guide.
If you’re looking to learn more about the history and culture of Jinshanling, this can be an enriching option.
Jinshanling Great Wall Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
The ticket prices for Jinshanling Great Wall are 65 yuan during peak season and 55 yuan during the off-season. The peak season runs from April 1 to October 31, and the off-season is from November 1 to March 31 of the following year.
Cable Car: During the peak season, a one-way cable car ticket costs 40 yuan, and a round-trip ticket costs 60 yuan. The upper station is located at Xiao Jinshan Tower.
Shuttle Bus: basically you need to pay RMB 30 to take the shuttle bus from the Main Gate to the ticketing office. But most of your private drivers will take you directly to the ticketing office.
Re-entry: The scenic area offers free re-entry on the same day.
Opening Hours and Entry Times
Peak Season: Open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Ticket sales close at 4:30 PM, and entry closes at 5:00 PM.
Off-Season: Open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Ticket sales close at 3:30 PM, and entry closes at 4:00 PM.
How to Hike Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling offers several hiking routes to suit different fitness levels, time constraints, and interests. Each route provides a unique experience of this stunning section of the Great Wall, blending restored and wild areas. At the Zhuandaokou Gate, Jinshanling Great Wall is divided into two hiking lines: Jinshanling East Line and Jinshanling West Line. More people would choose the East Line, especially for those who only have a day trip to Jinshanling Great Wall.
Jinshanling to Simatai West Hiking Route (East Line )
This is the most popular and scenic route, starting from the Zhuanduokou Gate ( 砖垛口）of Jinshanling Great Wall to the East Tower with Five Windows ( 5-Eye Tower 东五眼楼) ，stretching approximately 5 kilometers.
The general hiking route is: Zhuanduokou → Shalingkou → Xiaojinshan → Houchuankou → East Tower with Five Windows.
This hike typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on individual fitness and speed. The scenery along the way is stunning, making it an ideal route for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities.
The hike begins at Jinshanling’s main entrance, where you can explore its restored sections with well-preserved watchtowers and breathtaking views.
As you progress toward Simatai West( Note: Simatai West is still closed）, the Wall transitions into unrestored sections, showcasing its original structure and historical charm.
Simatai West remains closed to independent hikers, so you’ll need to stop at Simatai West. Make sure to plan your return transportation in advance.
For this hiking route, you don’t need retrace. You hike down the last 5-Eye Tower ( East Tower with Five Windows), then walk to the east entrace gate. You should ask your driver to pick you up in advance and meet you at the East Gate instead of the main entrance.
Jinshanling Circular Hiking Route (East or West)
For those with limited time or a preference for a less strenuous hike, the circular route is an excellent choice. This loop takes 2-3 hours and starts and ends at Jinshanling’s entrance.
The path covers several restored towers ( both east or west line ) and panoramic viewpoints, allowing you to enjoy the Wall’s grandeur without venturing into the wilder sections. It’s also a great option for families or casual hikers.
For the loop hiking route, you can manage your time and energy as needed. At a suitable tower, you can turn back and retrace your steps to return.
Both routes offer stunning scenery, but the choice depends on how much time you have and your comfort level with uneven terrain. For a deeper experience, consider hiking from Jinshanling to Simatai West to fully appreciate the contrast between restored and natural sections of the Wall.
Comparing Jinshanling Great Wall vs. Mutianyu
If you’re deciding between Jinshanling and other sections, consider this comparison. While Mutianyu is more developed, with facilities like cable cars, Jinshanling offers a more secluded, natural experience. If you prefer less crowding and more authentic hiking, Jinshanling is a fantastic choice.
Mutianyu is closer to Beijing, making it slightly more convenient. However, for those interested in the authentic charm of the Great Wall, Jinshanling’s rugged paths and scenic views are unmatched.
Jinshanling Great Wall Travel Tips for Foreign Tourists
Here are a few tips to make your visit more enjoyable:
Packing Essentials: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, pack sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Jinshanling is rugged and requires proper preparation for hiking.
Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Rain or fog can limit visibility and make paths slippery.
Carry Cash: Most vendors near the wall only accept cash, so keep enough currency on hand for tickets and refreshments.
Prepare for Limited Services: Jinshanling has limited dining options, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is a good idea.
These tips will help you stay comfortable and prepared, so you can fully enjoy your experience.
More Great Wall of China Travel Guide
Explore the Great Wall of China Travel Guide for tips on the best sections to visit, essential hiking routes, seasonal highlights, and travel insights for a memorable experience. Discover iconic spots like Mutianyu, Badaling, and Juyongguan, along with hidden gems, nearby attractions, and practical advice for making the most of your journey along this world wonder.
