Cloud Platform
Built in 1342.
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A restored stretch of the Great Wall about 50 km north-west of central Beijing, guarding a pass in the 18-km Guangou valley; under the Ming it was one of the three great inner passes on the road from Mongolia to Beijing, and the wall climbs steeply up the slopes on both sides of the valley. In the valley stands the Cloud Platform, a marble gateway built in 1342 under the Yuan dynasty, known for its carvings and for inscriptions in six languages. The main gate tower and the old buildings around it have been rebuilt, and the climb up either side rewards with views over the pass and the mountains. Tickets are CNY 40 from April to October and CNY 35 in winter, and it is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm, to 4 pm in winter, per visitor guides. It is closer to the city than Badaling and usually quieter, but its steps are very steep.
Built in 1342.
Above the valley.
Mountain views.
Changping District, about 50 km north-west of central Beijing
Usually, and it is closer to Beijing, but the wall here is very steep, so wear good shoes and allow at least two hours.