Huangyaguan Pass Great Wall

Located to the north of Jixian County, about 130 kilometers east of Beijing, Huangyaguan Pass Great Wall was initially built in Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577AD) and later renovated and lengthened in Sui Dynasty (581-618AD) and again during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD).

As this section of Great Wall was considered strategically important, and the heavily fortified, Huangyaguan Pass was described as "the eastern gate" of Beijing. Thus a variety of fortifications were constructed, including walls, beacon towers, and a walled fortress attached with an above-water wall. On either side the Great Wall winds its way through rugged hills and over dangerously steep cliffs which descend almost vertically. The scenery is fantastic, a clear blue stream running through the old fortress, which is flanked by high steep hills and overlooked by sheer crags to the west.

By now 3,025 meters of the Huangyaguan Great Wall, 20 water towers and a water pass have been repaired. From a bird's-eye view, it's like a specially designed labyrinth. In fact it was built according to a so-called Bagua pattern (an ancient cleverly laid out design). If the enemy attacked, they would get lost within the fortress. Some new features have been added to the original structures, including the Great Wall Museum, the Garden of Longevity and Forest of Steles.

The Huangyaguan International Marathon is annually held here, and a part of the race is on the Great Wall. It greatly enhances the reputation of the Huangyaguan Great Wall as an indispensable section of this national monument. On Huangyaguan, you will be able to enjoy both mountain scenery and waterfalls and springs. In addition, hiking along this section of the wall is an exhilarating experience, as the walls here vary in size, shape and building material.