DRMW
[Purist]
21832
The Great Wall 'Juyong Pass' Juyongguan Beijing, China
Hello all!
China has some of the most spectacular
sights in the
world with the most famous being The Great Wall. This stone
barrier
protected China from foreign invaders and stretches from Shanhaiguan to
Lop Lake and is approximately 3,950 miles long. Beginning with
Emperor Qin ShiHuang, The Great Wall was built over
hundreds of years and spanned primarily the Qin (from 221-206 BC), Han
(from 206BC - 220AD), and Ming (1368 to 1644) dynasties.
During the Ming Dynasty, watch towers were built in
several strategic locations and was used to relay messages to one
another by using signals by way of fire and smoke. This system
allowed a warning system to be visible to Chinese forces and could reach over
300 miles within a few hours.
Over the years, some
parts of The Great Wall have disappeared but there are areas that
millions of tourists visit every year. One of the most popular
part to visit is the Ju Yong Guan aka the 'JuYong Pass' as it is
closest to the big city of Beijing (about a 35 mile drive). Ju
Yong Pass is one of three major passes of The Great Wall, with Jia Yu
Guan and Shan Hai Guan being the other two.
Ju Yong
Guan is made up of two parts, the Northern and Southern (aka Ba Da Ling)
pass. Here's the entrance to the
pass:
The weather in Beijing is always chilly during the winter with January and February being the coldest months. We we initially warned by our local friends that rain and or snow was possible in our forecast. Upon our arrival in Beijing, it was very cold, windy, and overcast. Although we came prepared for the worst, we got lucky and didn't get any kind of hazardous weather. If you head out here during the summer watch out as Beijing can be extremely hot and humid!
Once inside past the ticketing booth, we get to see how high The Great Wall really is:
I've always read about The Great Wall in history classes but seeing it in person is really spectacular! How they did this is one amazing engineering feat!
Geared up with a bottle of water, insulated clothes, boots, gloves, and armed with my trusty Nikon dslr, GoPro HD Hero 2, and canon point & shoot, I was ready to tackle this section of The Wall. The start was relatively easy, we strolled around the stairs and to the first flat section area and took in some of the sights. We approach one of the guard towers which overlooks the court yard area and then head up the stairs to start our ascent.....
As we head down from the guard tower and walk across the walkway over the Ba Da Ling expressway, I thought it would be an easy hike up to the top....
We stop to take a quick photo......
When we got to the next tower, visitors are allowed to wander inside and see the views of The Great Wall. Even though it was overcast, it was a beautiful sight with lots of wonderful photo ops here (to see one of my favorite pic that I took click here: ( www.network54.com . )
Easy Peasy right? Well things start to be a little bit more of a challenge!
This part was a breeze...
But I needed to go here first......
......Then make my way to the top over here:
Ready? Let's go!
As we go higher up, the steps get more difficult as the step bricks are uneven with a challenging incline. The strong winds and cold weather wasn't helping either but I am happy to do this in the cold than in the sweltering heat of the summer time.
Here you can see the Ba Da Ling Expressway and on the right is the Raillroad from the No. 3 Beacon Tower:
At this point my GoPro camera battery was out and it was getting more difficult to shoot pics in the cold with my gloves off. Climbing higher, I had to be more cautious going up so I stopped taking pictures and video and concentrated on making my ascent to the highest point. The climb to the top was much easier without messing around with the cameras!
The views at the highest point was stunning, unfortunately we were at other locations prior to coming to The Great Wall so all my camera batteries were depleted. I forgot about the cell phone in my pocket and could have used that but it was nice to just take some time and take in the views from the top.
Hope you all enjoyed all the photos and videos, next up is the Forbidden City and Summer Palace!
-MW
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2012-04-03 02:15:21 This message has been edited by DRMW on 2012-04-03 14:14:34
The Great Wall 'Juyong Pass' Juyongguan Beijing, China
Hello all! China has some of the most spectacular sights in the world with the most famous being The Great Wall. This stone barrier protected China from foreign invaders and stretches from Shanhaiguan to Lop Lake and is approximately 3,950 miles long. Beg...
Great post
But I will have to revisit it again tomorrow. My daughter returned home from studying at 11:30 tonight and had a chemistry project I offered to help her with. I'm exhausted and just glimpsed at the stunning photo's.... can hardly wait to revisit your post...
Here's another video and pic....
Saw this on the way up... -MW This message has been edited by DRMW on 2012-04-03 02:33:08...
I think the concept is similar to....
I think the concept is similar to this post by fellow PuristS and Harry Winston mod 'foversta' timeout.watchprosite.com -MW
I googled for confirmation, it's to bring a lock and throw away the key so yeah...
love will last forever. but i'll be going alone so.... Forever alone.
I recall my first visit to the wall ..
... on the very same place. I went left, on the tough not touristic path and walked and climbed for an hour. I lost ally energy but what a great and scenic trip Thanks for letting me dream back Cheers Hans
re: first visit
I wanted to go to the other side too but we ran out of time. When I go back I definitely want to dedicate a few days to just explore the Wall. Hans, any summer travels planned this year? -MW
Would love to go ...
... This summer, but my third child is forcing us to stay in Denmark as she is only just 15 Month old So we will stay in our Summerhouse and actually also rent one big one to have one week with all of my family and my family in law Best Hans
Thanks, it was an amazing sight!
Wish I had more time there, it would have been cool to see the other parts of The Great Wall. -MW This message has been edited by DRMW on 2012-04-03 02:34:42...
Cool!
I missed going here during my last visit to Beijing abt 5 yrs ago. Your essay gave me a sense of what it would have been like. For the next trip to China....... J.
re: Cool!
Definitely a sight to visit when you return to visit China. Where did you go when you were in Beijing? Did you have tie to see the Summer Palace? -MW
Yes!
I visited the palace and had dinner at the Peking Duck - which was an experience in itself. J.
a great vicarious experience
my parents went to 'probably' that same bit about 20 years ago and managed the climb to the top. i've seen a lot of very good pics and video. its good to see it again through different eyes. best G
re: A great vicarious experience
Hello Graham, The climb was exhilarating and glad we went when we did, not that many tourists around especially at the top as not everyone makes it up there. I definitely want to go back and spend more time in different sections of the Great Wall. Thanks ...
I prefered summer palace to other attractions in Beijing.
Crowded but a relaxing walk. cheers PAt
re: Summer Palace Beijing
Thanks for looking! Luckily it wasn't too crowded, I guess it was because it was too cold when we were there, did you go there in the summer time? -MW...
Wow.... what creative combinations
The colors and design are eye candy. Marco Polo may have brought back fireworks from China but he left behind this architectural knowledge. Splendid, Helen
Nope was there in Fall and same time at the Great Wall.
The winds was strong but was a good experience to go up certain stretch and see the view. So now we are all "Hao Han" aka Good Man! cheers PAt
it got...
The cold wind really hits you at times, so glad that I was wearing a scarf! -MW
Enjoyed your pictures and ....
summary of the timeline to build this structure. I hope to make it there sooner rather than later before my knees pack up LOL.How's the food in the north of China ? Cheers,dreamer
A video for you...
Appreciate you looking! The food was delicious! We got to sample the most well known dishes of Beijing: Peking duck, Hot Pot, and dumplings. Will post on this but I think you will like my Hong Kong food post even more! Here's a vid of a duck place we went...
Thanks, those glistening duck pieces ...
being carved out made my mouth water LOl. I am not ashamed to admit and I just had lunch. Cheers,dreamer
Great report Ming
I haven't been to the Great Wall yet, actually I haven't even been to China yet! Your videos are great and gives us a virtual tour of one of the amazing Wonders of the World. Cheers, Anthony
Thanks!
If you go, be prepared to walk as there is much ground to cover! There were some places that had ice but no snow. I have 150+ gigs of pics and vid, will post more shortly. -MW...
looks like Winter is a good time to go...
and you don't have the CRAZY crowds at the Great Wall! and you were able to spend some quality time there hiking...I have been there..during the summer..as part of a tour..and it was too rush of a trip... Great coverage Ming and one tends to forget power ...
It is a great time to go and here's pic you might like....
I heard it gets very crowded during the peak seasons and during the summer it can get way hot and humid so i'm glad it wasn't too crowded. We were also part of a tour group so time for us was also limited. I guess if I didn't have to mess with taking pict...
anther winning shot Doc!
it was disneyland crazy when I went and the vendors were super aggressive...looking forward to more posts...
Beautiful pics ...
You got a much better weather than we got (raining) when we went there in the summer of 2007. The Great Wall is, for sure, one of the clear demonstrations about what mankind can do. Cheers, Nilo
thanks!!!
It's incredible to see it in person. Did you have a chance to visit other areas while you were out there? -MW
Yes - I'm always amazed by China ...
In 2007, my first non-business trip to China (business trips are so boring) we went to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. From the historical/human perspective, the Great Wall is outstanding. We love Shanghai (The Bund) and, for sure, HK. When we went to se...
re: amazed
Even though it was hazy, it's still a cool pic you got there. How much of the Great Wall did you walk? -MW
What an awesome tour
How many hours did the trek of the Great Wall take? Did you bring protein bars and warm drink in a thermos or was there stations for that? Those hand rails must have been added within the last few decades... sad they take away from the grand historic beau...
re: awesome
Thanks for the compliments, I had a wonderful time. They do sell food and drinks at the lower levels but we brought plenty of water with us while going t the top. Yes, the handrails were an eyesore but much needed at the higher towers as it gets really st...
Thanks Ming. Looks amazing. I am doing the Great wall marathon in May. Looks like I will m
much more hill training.!! The pics are mazing. Looking forward to seeing the great site when we visit in May Julian
That's fantastic!...
...are you doing the full marathon? I'm a moderate runner myself, and this certainly looks like a "bucket list" event.
Yup the full marathon 26 miles ( 42,2k)
I generally run one or two a year. This is definitely a bucket list run. Check out adventure marathons Time is not an issue , I think just finishing will be good, it looks very demanding though Spending a few days in Shanghai then off to Beijing. Julian
Wow Julian, you have me respect!
I had problems catching my breath just by climbing the steps But I'm kinda interested in this event you mentioned, no shame for walking? Mech.
Great shots, Ming...
...I agree that off season is the time to go, actually for anywhere. Love it when you have the chance to really savor a place, and you can never really do this when everyone else is also visiting. Your photos are stunning (as always).
re: Great shots
Appreciate the compliments, it was really cool to be able to see The Great Wall in person. I have photos of the Summer Palace next so I think you might enjoy those, stay tuned! -MW
Great footage, MW
I visited that section at Badaling about 16 years ago. I remember it being absolutely freezing with gales blowing through the guardhouse windows and snow on the parapets. The upside to the weather was that we were the only people on the wall. I will find ...
really?
That would have been cool to see! Yep, we had the same experience as you did with the cold wind. I definitely gave the GoPro a good work out, video is just as tough as taking photos! Lots more, stay tuned! -MW
I remember....
....huddling in the guardhouse against the cold and then stupidly looking out the windows....the windchill nearly froze my nose off. (I have a little pistol shaped enamel badge and some wierdo photos/catalogues from that munitions factory, I think I know ...
dang...
"...you used to be able to fire off various bang-bangs there..." If I had know this, I would have gone out there sooner! LOL! -MW
I missed out...
...there were a bunch of delegates there so they weren't going to let a 21 year-old play on the range with a Type 56. But next time I'm in near the Great Wall, this is what I plan: (photo from Urbannomads) There's a submerged section of the wall some way ...
what's this underground great wall all about?
seems interesting to visit, but is it safe?!
There's a section of wall....
....that is now submerged under the waters of the Pan Jia Kou Reservoir. In recent years, it has become a dive site. It's safe....as long as you have something to breathe underwater
Another...
must to visit place in the future. Thank you for this great report for the first time thanks to your pictures I got notion of immenseness of this structure All the best Damjan
hope you get to visit one day...
Thanks for looking, it's even more impressive in person. Yes it's immense, I believe that The Great Wall is visible from space! I wish I had more days to spend out there to see the other parts of the Wall, guess I need to go visit again! -MW
I have to ask, did your watch suffer any mishaps while climbing the walll?
looks like quite an obstacle course..
actually...
That particular AP ROO has been through a lot so I usually never worry about scratching it ( www.network54.com ). Even with the repetitive recoil of a .50 BMG, it keeps on ticking. -MW
What a majestic man-made structure on earth!
Ming, do you feel that you are so small while standing on The Great Wall? Thanks for the nice photos. Regards Ling
re: majestic
The Great Wall was incredible, it needs to be seen in person to understand how amazing it really is. What I shared in my photos is just a tiny section of the Wall. Have you ever visited there? -MW
Unfortunately, I haven't.
Two planned trips were cancelled. I have to visit The Great Wall when I am still fit. Regards Ling
well..
Third times the charm right? hope you get out there one day, I know you'll enjoy it! -MW
What a journey....
For some time I wanted to thank all who post about their travels, as much as I am a fan of reading the posts about the different watches and the such, I always start my day looking at Time Out first to see where the Purists have been, its very inspiring a...
Glad you enjoyed it...
Appreciate you looking, hope you get to visit one day. Have you been to anywhere interesting recently? Don't forget that you too can inspire others by sharing something on our TimeOut forums of your local town, it's landmarks, good eats, and your hobbies!...
Such a great travel post
Thanks for all the wonderful pics and video DRMW. I've never been to Beijing but would like to one day. Did you see any pandas? Regards, ED-209
Inspirational Ming.
Wow. Quite a visit and wonderful account for us. I have recently acquired a new architectural stone business locally. My fabricator is in Beijing. I certainly will visit there in the near future, and after my business is complete this journey is atop my l...
re: inspirational
Congrats on your new business! You'll have a great time out there! -MW
When are you
coming to Indonesia? I can be your guide, the most expensive tour guide in the worls, that's me cen@jkt
When are you
Going to post your photo's of the Forbidden City? I really look forward to seeing them. Regards, Helen
Next up will be...
Next up is the Summer Palace (photos will be up within 24 hours) and then the Forbidden City. -MW
very nice report, Ming...
... it reminds me my family holiday to Beijing a year ago. i trust you had very good time of visiting there. stefan...
Thanks!
From your pic it seems like I went to the same place as you did! How far up did you go? -MW
yeh... we visited the same place...
... in fact i did not climb higher place as we did not have much to do so and we had to visit other place after that what about you? climb up very up more? stefan
got up to the...
We got up to the red tower and then had to get back as we started to run out of time. Hopefully I can return and really dedicate time to explore more of the Great Wall. -MW
probably another spot...
... as told by the tour guide, there were few more major spots, but they are not open for public viewing at the same as each of them is taking turn for repair from time to time. hopefully i would see another one when i visit there next time. stefan
It is nice to be back there
I was there last mid Jun and luckily the weather not so hot on that day. How many stage did you climb ?
re: nice
My dslr and gopro batteries went out by the 3rd Beacon Tower but we went to the top to the red color tower. As we were with a tour group our time was limited and I really wish we could explore more. Can't wait to go back there and other parts of the Wall....
Nice post.
Last week I was asking a friend of mine, who has been there twice, about the Great Wall, so your pics are more than welcomed. Looks like an interesting place to visit. Thanks for sharing. Vte
thanks Vte!
If you have a chance, I highly recommend visiting. It's one of those landmarks that needs to be seen in person and a demonstration of the amazing feat of human engineering. What about you, going any place interesting this summer? -MW
