General Guarding The Pass sits within the rugged Badaling section of the Great Wall, nestled in Huairou District, Beijing. This hidden gem lies about 70 kilometers north of downtown Beijing, near the popular Yanqi Lake area. To reach it, you can:

  • Drive: Rent a car and navigate winding mountain roads (GPS: “Jiankou Great Wall, Jiushuikeng”). Parking is available near the entrance.
  • Public transport: Take Bus 916 from Dongzhimen Station to Huairou, then transfer to a local taxi or shuttle van. Be prepared for a 30-minute hike from the nearest drop-off point.
  • Tip: Visit on a clear day—the panoramic views of surrounding mountains are worth the journey!

Natural Scenery: A Wild Wonder

Unlike crowded tourist spots, General Guarding The Pass offers untamed beauty. The wall here clings to steep cliffs, surrounded by lush forests and seasonal wildflowers. In spring, willow branches sway like flags; in autumn, golden reeds mimic glistening swords. Local poems describe this as “thunderous drums echoing battle formations”—a nod to how the landscape resembles a frozen moment of ancient warfare.

The terrain is rough but rewarding. Steep steps and crumbling watchtowers add drama, while valleys below create stunning contrasts. Bring binoculars: You might spot eagles soaring over the same peaks that once held vigilant soldiers.

Cultural History: Guardians of the Past

This section of the wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), though local records highlight its restoration during the Qing era. The name General Guarding The Pass comes from its strategic role—it’s said a general once stationed troops here to defend against invaders.

A lesser-known detail? The nearby Chen family clan records (Chen’s Genealogy) praise this site as part of the “Eight Views of Naocun,” a historic list of regional landmarks. Ancient poems compare the scene to a military parade: “Cloud soldiers march in the dawn light” refers to how mist swirls around the walls like an ethereal army.

Practical Tips: What to Expect

  • Tickets: Around ¥40–60 (cash only), cheaper than touristy sections like Badaling.
  • Facilities: Minimal—porta-potties, a small snack stand, and basic signage. Come prepared with water, snacks, and sturdy shoes.
  • Hiking: The trail loops for about 3–4 kilometers. Expect uneven steps and narrow paths. Not recommended for small kids or those with mobility issues.
  • Photography: Sunrise/sunset casts magical light on the ruins. Avoid midday crowds by arriving early.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Charm

What makes General Guarding The Pass special? It’s raw, unrestored, and almost exclusively visited by hikers and history buffs. Unlike the polished stone of Eight Da Ling, here you’ll touch weathered bricks, dodge goats grazing on the slopes, and hear only the wind whistling through broken battlements.

Local guides (if you can find one) might share tales of smugglers who once used these remote paths. For a deeper dive, ask villagers in Jiushuikeng about the wall’s role in their ancestors’ lives—they’re proud of this piece of history.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

If you crave adventure away from tour groups, General Guarding The Pass delivers. It’s not just a wall—it’s a time capsule. You’ll walk where soldiers once stood watch, feel the chill of mountain winds that swept across China’s borders, and witness why this UNESCO site still feels like a living monument. Just remember: The further you climb, the more jaw-dropping the views (and the more exhausted you’ll feel)!