Dajingmen Great Wall

Dajingmen, Dajing Gate or Dajingmen Pass, is a key pass along the Great Wall of China, other important passes being the Jiayuguan Pass, Shanghaiguan Pass and Juyongguan Pass. The Chinese name Dajingmen means “the gate standing on the border”. In ancient times, it stood on the border between the central plain and Mongolian areas, working as a vital entrance to the mainland. It was the first pass along the wall named as “gate”, hence known as the “first gate of the Great Wall”.
 

Dajing Gate is 12 meters (39 ft) high, located in Zhangjiakou City of Hebei Province. Over the top of the gate, there is a plaque inscribed with four large Chinese characters “Da Hao He Shan”, meaning “magnificent rivers and mountains” in recognition of the scenic surroundings. Nowadays, after years’ of development by the government, the attraction involves some nearby scenic spots, including Laiyuan Fortress, Sanniangzi Temple, Guan-Yue Temple and an archaized pedestrian street. You can climb on the wall to enjoy its grand scenery and visit the neighboring attractions as well.

Initial construction of the Dajingmen section of the Great Wall was in 1485, based on those built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534) and the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577). The construction of the Dajing Gate in 1644 enhanced the defenses of the capital against attack by the nomadic tribes occupying the frontier areas. In the Sino-Japanese war, it also played an important role in the Chinese army’s recapture of Zhangjiakou city. To date the attraction has a history of over 500 years.

In addition to its military function, the gate also formed an important trading hub during peacetime. People from western and Mongolian areas came to Dajingmen Pass to exchange furs, herbs, fabrics and silver goods for silks, tea and ceramics, etc. In ancient times, merchants from foreign tribes had to trade outside the gate as for security reasons they were not allowed into the city.

In 2012, heavy rains damaged the brick wall of this section severely. A part of the wall collapsed, though fortunately no injuries occurred. Then some cracks appeared in the wall. Subsequently, the local government undertook repair and protection work to enhance the historical site. The plan is for the attraction to become one of the major parts of the Great Wall for travelers to visit.

Tourist Map of Dajingmen Great Wall

 The best time in summer to travel to the Dajingmen Great Wall is in June and early July. At this time, the weather in Zhangjiakou is cool and the scenery is at its best. The wall will be surrounded by green trees on the mountains, creating a grand view.
 To visit the Dajingmen Great Wall, you should travel to Zhangjiakou. The city can be reached by air, train or long-distance bus. After your arrival in the city, bus No. 16 will take you directly to the attraction. The ticket price is CNY 1 at most.
 

Ticket Price	Adult: CNY 13
	Kid under 1.2 m (around 4 ft): CNY 6
Opening Hours	07:30-18:00

 West Taiping Mountain: A forest park where you can have a bird-eye view on the city of Zhangjiakou.