Juyongguan is one of the three greatest passes of the Great Wall of China, along with Jiayuguan and Shanhaiguan. It is located in the Changping District, approximately 50–60 km from the center of Beijing, in the picturesque Guangou Valley, which is about 18 kilometers long. The name "Juyong" means "dwelling of common people" — according to legend, during the Qin Dynasty, commoners were exiled here to build the wall.
History of the construction of the fortress at Juyongguan Pass
The first fortifications at this site appeared as early as the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC), when the State of Yan built a fort here to protect against nomads. The name "Juyongguan" was first used under Qin Shi Huang, who unified China and began the construction of the Great Wall. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the pass was connected to the wall.
The fortress at Juyongguan Pass acquired its present appearance during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered General Xu Da to supervise the restoration and reconstruction of the pass. Later, the famous general Qi Jiguang (1528–1587) carried out a large-scale reconstruction of the wall sections from Shanhaiguan to Juyongguan, using heavy stones and bricks, and also created a system of closely spaced watchtowers with garrisons of 30–50 soldiers each.
During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), the Cloud Platform (1342) was built in the center of the pass — the only surviving structure from that time.
Relationship with Badaling
Juyongguan and Badaling form a single defensive system. Historically, Badaling was the "outer fortress" (Juyong waizhen) — the forward outpost covering the approaches to the main pass. As an ancient saying goes: "The danger of Juyong lies not in the pass itself, but in Badaling." The distance between them is about 10–20 minutes by car. Many tourists visit both sections in one day: Badaling as the ceremonial showcase of the Wall, and Juyongguan as its stern, authentic soul.
Main attractions of the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
West Wall
The western section is the most impressive and the most difficult. The wall climbs the slopes of Jingui Mountain, 350 meters high, and its length here is about 1200 meters. The ascent to the western wall is a real test: in places the gradient reaches 60–70 degrees, the steps are narrow and high, and there are almost no handrails. You have to walk slowly, often stopping to catch your breath.
But it is precisely this steepness that makes the ascent memorable: when you finally reach Watchtower No. 12 — the highest point of the western section — a panorama opens before you that cannot be compared with Badaling. The wall winds along the ridges, descends and soars up again, and somewhere below you can see the Cloud Platform and the tiled roofs of the gates.
On the western section are the Biaozhong, Guandi, and Chenghuang temples, as well as the Sifang Pavilion and soldiers` barracks. If time permits, it is worth descending to them — it is quieter there and there are fewer tourists.
East Wall
The eastern section is more gentle and friendly. The wall rises on Cuiping Mountain, 150 meters high, with a length of about 1500 meters. The gradient here is noticeably less, the steps are wider, and the ascent does not require the same physical fitness as in the west. This makes the eastern wall ideal for families with children, elderly people, and those who want to stroll calmly along the wall rather than storm it.
Here watchtowers are densely located, and the wall crosses a water stream through the Water Gate. Among the attractions are the Zhenwu Temple, the Lvzhu Temple, and the Changduan Pavilion. It is on the eastern section that the Earthen Castle is located — a semicircular fortification used to trap enemy soldiers: the enemy was lured inside, after which the exit was closed.
Cloud Platform (Yuntai / Cloud Platform)
Yuntai is a unique monument of the Yuan Dynasty. The white marble platform, 9.5 meters high, was built in 1342. Originally, three white Buddhist pagodas stood on it (hence the second name — "Tower Crossing the Street"), destroyed at the turn of the Yuan and Ming. On the platform, bas-reliefs of the Four Heavenly Kings and Buddhist texts in six languages and scripts have been preserved: Sanskrit, Tibetan, Mongolian (Phags-pa script), Uyghur, Tangut, and Chinese. In 1961, Yuntai was declared a national cultural monument.
Great Wall Museum
It is important to clarify: the main Great Wall Museum is not located in Juyongguan, but at the foot of Badaling in the Yanqing District. However, in Juyongguan itself there is a small museum complex in the restored building of the Diecui Academy, where artifacts and models related to the history of the pass are displayed.
Gates of the Pass
The pass is formed by two gates: Nanguan (South Gate) and Beiguan (North Gate). Each is crowned with a high gate tower. The South Tower is the tallest structure of the complex (31.8 m) with a two-tiered roof. The North Tower is the starting point for most routes, including the famous "Hero Slope" leading to the western section.
Routes along the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
Eastern route (easy)
This route begins at the North Tower and follows the eastern wall — more gentle and shorter. You successively pass watchtowers No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5, then descend to the Changduan Pavilion, pass the Lvzhu Temple, ascend to Tower No. 6, and come out at the South Tower. From there, the Cloud Platform is just a stone`s throw away — it is worth visiting at the end of the route, when your main strength is already spent, but there are still many impressions.
Time en route: about 1 hour at a calm pace. Difficulty: low. Suitable for elderly people, children, and those who are not confident in their physical fitness. If you are short on time or traveling with family — this is the optimal choice.
Western route (difficult)
The western route is a real test. It also begins at the North Tower, but immediately leads up the "Hero Slope" — a section where the wall climbs an almost vertical slope. The gradient in places reaches 60–70 degrees, the steps are high and uneven, and there is practically no shade. The ascent requires endurance and good footwear.
You pass Towers No. 14, No. 13, No. 12 (the highest point), No. 11, and gradually descend to Tower No. 7, and then to the South Tower. On this path there are fewer tourists, more silence, and a feeling that you are truly conquering the wall rather than simply walking along it.
Time en route: about 2–3 hours. Difficulty: high. Not recommended for people with heart or knee problems, or those afraid of heights. But if you are ready — the western wall will give you the best views and the strongest sense of satisfaction.
Circular route (east + west)
The most complete option: start at the North Tower, walk the eastern section to the South Tower, then ascend the western wall to the highest point and return by another path. Or the reverse — first storm the west, and then relax on the east. Time en route: about 3–4 hours. This route allows you to see Juyongguan as a whole — both the steep western wall and the gentle eastern one, as well as the Cloud Platform and the gates.
Practical information
• Ticket: about 40 yuan (peak season), significantly cheaper than Badaling.
• Transport: from Deshengmen Station — bus 919; by car about an hour from the center.
• Tips: non-slip footwear is essential, a minimum of 1 liter of water, sun protection. There is almost no shade on the wall.
Juyongguan is not just the Great Wall of China, but an integral defensive complex with gates, towers, temples, and a unique Yuan monument. If Badaling impresses with its scale, then Juyongguan — with its authenticity and the feeling of touching history.
