Jiankou, the wild destination for die-hard Great Wall hikers

Dipping and soaring like the wind-whipped tail of a kite, the Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China runs along sharp mountain crests. This stretch is one of the "wild wall" sections, those that have not been rebuilt.

-- National Geographic

Most requested tours with Jiankou involved:

1B: Jiankou to Mutianyu Hike 

1S1: Jiankou to Mutianyu Sunset Hike

2JK: Jiankou Camping Tour

If you look carefully at the recent published Great Wall photographic works, you will quickly find that most of the pictures are taken from Jiankou Great Wall. Due to its unique style, steep mountains and beautiful scenery, Jiankou Great Wall has become a photographic hotspot and also a hot travel destination these days. 'Jiankou', is translated as 'Arrow Nock' in English, because the shape of the mountain is like an arrow, with the collapsed ridge opening as its arrow nock. Jiankou Great Wall was built in 1368 during the period of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).

It connects to Mutianyu Great Wall in the east and joins Huanghuacheng Great Wall in the west. From east to north, the wall zigzags 9.3 miles from 'The Ox Horn Edge Wall' to 'The Nine-Eye Tower' via 'The Beijing Knot'. Compared with Mutianyu Great Wall, the mountain is higher and steeper, while compared with Simatai Great Wall, it is more winding and varied. It was built from the local material - dolomite. The large pieces of white rock make the wall striking to the eye at a distance.

There are many famous sections of Jiankou Great Wall, such as 'The Nine-Eye Tower', an important command post during the ancient wars. It has three layers, and there are nine holes which look like nine eyes on each side. 'The Beijing Knot' is the meeting point for three walls coming from different directions. 'The Sky Stair', is a precipitous stair whose angle of elevation is 70 to 80 degrees. It leads to 'The Eagle Flies Facing Upward', a watch tower built on the lofty peaks. It is so dangerous that even eagles have to fly facing upward to reach the top. 'Zhengbei Tower' (Zhengbeilou) is the right place to appreciate the beauty of the sunrise and the sunset.

The Great Wall at Jiankou retains its original appearance since its construction in 1368. It is wild and uniquely made of large white rocks, and has been out of repair for many years. Jiankou Great Wall is an ideal place for adventurous and experienced hikers and photographers.

Safety Concern:

As long as you are in good physical condition you will be fine. The real dangerous parts of the wall are not on the hike, and the route you will go on during your hike is perfectly safe. Our guests did the hike before and had a great time, and there was no danger whatsoever. The route of the hike is all passable, and other than the usually hiking gear, like boots, sunglasses, and sunscreen, you won't need anything extra.

Jiankou is a perfect section of Great Wall hiking and camping.