Juyongguan Great Wall居庸关长城
Juyongguan is one of the most famous passes along the Great Wall, celebrated as one of the Eight Great Sights of Yanjing. The terrain is strategically forbidding — mountains rise on both sides and the Wall winds through the valley like a long dragon; "Juyong's Layered Green" is the classical phrase for exactly this scenery. The surviving fort dates from the Ming dynasty and stays relatively uncrowded.
Beijing · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Juyongguan Great Wall worth visiting?
Famed Juyong Pass of the Great Wall near Beijing, rebuilt in the Ming dynasty with 12 watchtowers; entry 45 yuan including the Yuan-era Cloud Platform, open 8:30-17:00.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥45 (includes the Cloud Platform) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30-17:00 |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | April-May, September-October |
| How to get there | Bus 919 to Juyongguan stop, or the S2 railway to Juyongguan station |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Status | One of the Eight Great Sights of Yanjing |
| Character | A pass in commanding, defensible terrain |
| Cloud Platform | Yuan-dynasty survival, famous |
| Rebuilt | Ming dynasty |
| Watchtowers | |
| History | Ancient military stronghold |
What to expect
Juyongguan is among the oldest passes on the Great Wall and has been a military stronghold since the Qin dynasty. The name Juyong comes from the old saying about "relocated conscripted laborers," and the pass has always been contested ground. Set in narrow, mountain-flanked terrain, the Wall threads through the valley with real grandeur.
The fort is complete, with walls, watchtowers and gates. Inside stands the Cloud Platform (Yuntai), built in the Yuan dynasty — a celebrated treasure trove of Buddhist stone carving. Its faces carry the Four Heavenly Kings and fine reliefs, key artifacts for the study of Yuan art.
Compared with Badaling, Juyongguan draws fewer visitors and suits travelers who prefer quiet. Spring mountain blossoms and autumn foliage set off the old walls nicely. The site also has a Juyongguan Great Wall museum covering the Wall's history and culture.
How to get there
Bus 919 from Deshengmen to Juyongguan, or the S2 train from Beijing North to Juyongguan station
Best photo spots
- Panorama of the Juyongguan fort
- Cloud Platform stone carvings
- The Wall snaking over the ridges
- Spring mountain blossoms
Tips
- Relatively off-the-beaten-path — fewer people, better experience
- Take time over the Cloud Platform carvings
- Bring enough water and food
- Pairs with Badaling or the Ming Tombs in a single day
Scams to avoid
- Watch out for fake buses
- Don't believe fare-dodging claims
Frequently asked questions
Juyongguan or Badaling — which is more worth it?
Juyongguan is wilder and quieter; Badaling has fuller facilities. Choose by your time and taste
What is the Cloud Platform?
A Yuan-dynasty stone pagoda base whose inner walls carry the Four Heavenly Kings and fine reliefs — an important artifact
Can I combine it with the Ming Tombs?
Yes — they are about 20 km apart and work as a same-day trip
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