Jiaoshan Great Wall
角山长城
About
Jiaoshan Great Wall sits about 3 km north of Shanhaiguan's old town in Qinhuangdao, Hebei. At roughly 519 m, it is the first mountain the Ming-dynasty Great Wall climbs, earning it the nickname "the first mountain of the Great Wall." The wall follows a steep ridge to the summit, Dapingding, which offers panoramic views over Shanhaiguan and Bohai Bay. Other sights include the historic Hanmen Pass and Qixian Temple. A cable car is available for visitors who prefer not to hike the steep sections. Maple foliage in autumn is a particular highlight. Best suited to travelers who enjoy hiking and Great Wall history; families and older visitors may prefer the cable car.
Highlights
- First mountain of the Great Wall
- Ridge-top wall hike
- Bohai Bay view from Dapingding
- Hanmen Pass ruins
- Qixian Temple
- Autumn maple foliage
Getting there
- By car
- From Shanhaiguan Old Town, head north on Jiaoshan Road for about 3 km, roughly a 10-15 minute drive to the site's parking lot; from downtown Qinhuangdao, take Haiyang Road/Changcheng South Road onto Jiaoshan Road, about 40-50 minutes.
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Address 河北省秦皇岛市山海关区角山路(山海关古城以北约3公里,角山景区内)
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Before you go
- The trail to the summit is steep, so wear non-slip athletic shoes; if you have limited stamina or are traveling with elderly family or children, take the cable car instead.
- Sun and wind can be strong at the summit in summer, so bring a sun hat and a jacket.
- Autumn (September-October) has the best foliage but also the biggest crowds, so arrive early to beat the rush.
- Supplies on the mountain are limited, so bring your own water and snacks.
- Book tickets online in advance in peak season and confirm the day's opening hours to avoid lines or a wasted trip.
- It's close to Shanhaiguan Old Town and Old Dragon's Head, so it's easy to combine into a one-day itinerary.
Tickets Sources disagree on the ticket price — some list ¥40 for an adult ticket — so check the current price and any combo tickets or student/senior/child discounts in real time on Meituan, Ctrip, or Dianping before you go. The site also has a cable car, reportedly about ¥20 round-trip or ¥15 one-way, but treat this as a rough reference only and check the price posted on site. Booking online in advance is recommended in peak season to avoid crowds.
Hours Peak season (roughly April-October) 07:30-17:30; off-season hours may be shorter, so check the scenic area's daily notice or the ticketing platform for the current schedule.
Frequently asked
Are Jiaoshan Great Wall and Shanhaiguan Old Town the same place?
No. Jiaoshan Great Wall is in the Jiaoshan scenic area about 3 km north of Shanhaiguan Old Town — it's the first mountain the Great Wall climbs. It's a separate attraction from the First Pass Under Heaven inside the old town, with its own ticket.
Do I have to climb the whole way at Jiaoshan?
No, there's a cable car available, so visitors with limited stamina or traveling with elderly family or children can ride up instead of hiking.
How much does admission cost?
Sources put the ticket price at around ¥30-40; check the price posted on site or on the booking platform on the day. The cable car is charged separately.
Nearby in Shanhaiguan
Planning a visit to Jiaoshan Great Wall?
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