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Glamor of the Great Wall: more than a holy place for photographers

A sea of clouds engulfs the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]

With its magnificent natural scenery and rich human spirit behind it, Jinshanling Great Wall has been added to the Top Ten Holy Places for Professional Photographers in China, according to the China National Tourism Administration.

Located in a mountainous region of Chengde city, about 140 kilometers north east of Beijing, the Jinshanling Great Wall section is the best preserved part of the Great Wall from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with many original features.

The Jinshanling section connects the Simatai section of the wall in the east and Gubeikou section in the west.

The General Tower, the Black Tower and the Taochun Tower are must-sees at the Jinshanling Great Wall. Each tower contains its own legend. The general tower was named to commemorate Wu Guihua, a heroine who sacrificed herself to resist invasions from the north during the Ming Dynasty. The Black Tower and the Taochun Tower were christened to commemorate two girls, Heigu and Taochun, who made great contributions to the construction of the Great Wall.

If you go, you will find yourself experiencing totally different scenery in each of the four seasons.

In spring, apricot flowers decorate the Great Wall. In summer, the winding dragon-shaped Great Wall is surrounded by a sea of green plants. In autumn, the Great Wall turns into a colorful place and in winter, heavy snow covers the Great Wall, adding a sense of magnificence and solemnity.

Now, as the spring has come, the annual Apricot Flower Festival kicks off at the beginning of April. If you have time, you should take your loved ones to witness the true beauty of the China's landmark.


The sun rises above the remote mountains while clouds descend on the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The tower stands tall against the mountains in the background at the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China's Hebei province. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The Jinshanling Great Wall in North China’s Hebei province, is a silhouette against the red-tinted sky at sunset. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


One of the towers at the Jinshanling Great Wall is silhouetted at sunset. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


Ballerinas dance at the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China's Hebei province. [Photo/china.org.cn]


A dancer in red poses at the Jinshanling Great Wall in the early morning. [Photo/china.org.cn]


The super moon hangs low over the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China's Hebei province. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


A super moon traces the path of the Great Wall against the darkness. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The striking white moon shines bright above the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


Apricot blossoms decorate the Jinshanling Great Wall in spring. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


For many hiking enthusiasts and photographers, this section is one of the best destinations as it has retained its original appearance from its construction several hundred years ago. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


Visitors take photos at sunrise at one of the long-established passes of the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


Autumn colors surround the Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


A line of wild geese fly over one of the passes at the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China's Hebei province. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The sunrise above the landmark General Building at the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


White clouds above the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China's Hebei province. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


Snow dusts the Great Wall. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The Great Wall has been covered with heavy snow in winter. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


Snow blankets the Great Wall and surrounding trees in winter. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The first rays of sunshine hit the Great Wall, turning the whole section of Jinshanling golden. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The fantastic sunset glows above the landmark General Building at the the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The sun shines at the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The tower is silhouetted at sunset. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


People dressed in Han clothing celebrate a special wedding at the Jinshanling Great Wall. [Photo/Official weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The fantastic sunset glows above the landmark General Building at the the Jinshanling Great Wall. (Photo/Official weibo account of Jiangshanling Great Wall)

Jinshanling's Great Wall, located in a mountainous region of Chengde city, connects the Simatai Great Wall section in the east and Gubeikou Section in the west.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling was first built from 1368 to 1389 during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and in 1567 and 1570, rebuilding of the wall was mainly directed by great Chinese General Qi Jiguang.

To many hiking enthusiasts and photographers, this section is one of the most popular destinations as it has retained its original appearance since its construction several hundred years ago.


The magnificent sunset glows in the background of a section of the long-established pass at the Jinshanling Great Wall. (Photo/Official weibo account of Jiangshanling Great Wall)


Take a look at the sunset's beauty from a window opening at the Jinshanling Great Wall. (Photo/Official weibo account of Jiangshanling Great Wall)


The sunset's glow appears to look like the head of a dragon above a section of the Jinshanling Great Wall. (Photo/Official weibo account of Jiangshanling Great Wall)


A panoramic view of the sunset's glow is seen at the Jinshanling Great Wall. (Photo/Official weibo account of Jiangshanling Great Wall)


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


The well-preserved Zhuizishan section of the Great Wall, often regarded as the most beautiful Great Wall segment in all of Liaoning province, is famous for its steep incline. Having escaped renovation in modern times, the section still presents its original look to tourists.

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhuizishan stretches over 20,000 meters. Walking along Zhuizishan is like walking on a rugged mountain road. Numerous beacon towers are situated in the ups and downs of Yanshan Mountain, which makes the view even more spectacular.


Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2016 shows the autumn scenery of the Banchangyu section of the Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province. [Photo:Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]


Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2016 shows the autumn scenery of the Banchangyu section of the Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province. [Photo:Xinhua/Yang Shiyao]


Tourists visit the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)


Tourists visit the Badaling National Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)


Tourists visit the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)


Tourists visit the Badaling National Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)


Tourists visit the Badaling National Forest Park in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)


Badaling Great Wall is decorated with green lights to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]


On Dec. 2, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) released a report on the protection of the Great Wall. In the report, SACH pledged to implement an overall protection plan by the end of 2017, intensifying the patrol and maintenance of relics and allocating financial support for less developed areas along the wall.

The Great Wall spans 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, and runs for 21,196 kilometers, according to the report.


The sunset’s glow tints the sky red at the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China’s Hebei province. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]


The Great Wall looks golden during the sunrise at the Jinshanling Great Wall in North China’s Hebei province. The Jinshanling Great Wall, with an elevation of 700 meters, is situated on the Big and Small Jinshan mountains, hence its name. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Jinshanling Great Wall]

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