Zhuizikou, “Tail Mouth Pass,” is a rugged section that connects the Mutianyu and Jiankou sections. It features unusual zig-zag wall patterns designed to create overlapping fields of fire — defenders could shoot at attackers from multiple angles.

This lesser-known section in Yanqing district offers a peaceful alternative to the crowded Badaling. The wall here follows the natural ridge line, with several well-preserved watchtowers that offer stunning views of the Guanting Reservoir.

Jiankou, meaning “Arrow Nock,” is the most dramatic and dangerous section of the Great Wall. Built on ridges with 70-degree slopes, much of it has crumbled into a precarious ribbon of brick and stone.

The name comes from the wall’s shape — it curves like an arrow nocked in a bow. The “Ox Horn Edge” and “Eagle Flies Facing Upward” sections are so steep that even birds struggle to fly over them. Despite official warnings, it remains a magnet for adventurous hikers and photographers.

Gubeikou is one of the most important strategic passes on the Great Wall, controlling the route between Beijing and the Mongolian steppes. It features walls from both the Northern Qi (550-577 CE) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, making it a living museum of wall-building evolution.

The 20-kilometer stretch here is mostly unrestored, with original Ming-era brickwork still visible. It is one of the few sections where visitors can experience the wall in its authentic, weathered state.