Plan at a glance
Regular entrance and admission
Jimingyi Ancient City is in Jimingyi Township, Huailai County. Search for “鸡鸣驿古城” (Jimingyi Ancient City) to reach the main East Gate, where the ticket office and parking lot are located. Adult admission is CNY 40; students receive half-price admission with valid ID, and visitors aged 70 or over enter free. Online platforms commonly list reference prices of CNY 35–36. Mobile reception inside the scenic area is weak, so bring cash or buy online first and exchange the voucher for a paper ticket at the ticket office.
Opening hours and visit length
The high-season reference hours are 08:00–17:30 from about April to October. In the low season, from about November to March, hours are 08:30–17:00. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the gate, two mural sites, and the wall, or 3–4 hours to explore more of the old offices, temples, and lanes.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The relay-post layout and city wall
The history of Jimingyi as an ancient relay post goes back to the Yuan dynasty. The surviving walled city was built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming dynasty (1420) and was repaired during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Residents still live inside the city. From the wall, see the lanes laid out in a square-within-a-square pattern and look toward Jiming Mountain. The softer evening light is good for photographing the wall and rooftops.
Taishan Shrine and the murals at the God of Wealth Temple
The east and west walls of Taishan Shrine display 48 scenes from *The Cultivation of Bixia Yuanjun*, each accompanied by a short inscription. The west wall of the God of Wealth Temple features the *Bringing Wealth and Treasure* mural, created with raised-line relief and gold leaf, depicting foreign tribute missions and transactions at traditional Chinese draft banks (piaohao). Visitors interested in historic buildings, murals, and relay-post history can allow time for these indoor exhibits and the wall.
Command office and life in the lanes
The Command Office, also known as the He Family Compound, is associated with Empress Dowager Cixi’s westward journey in 1900. The Postmaster’s Office was the relay station’s administrative centre. Residents still live in the old lanes; check access signs before entering courtyards and stay on public streets and open areas when visiting or taking photos.
For a separate Great Wall walk in Qiaoxi District, see Dajingmen Gate.
Build your day
A 1.5–2-hour short visit
Buy a ticket at the East Gate ticket office and enter there. Visit the Stamp Exhibition Hall first, then the murals at Taishan Shrine and the God of Wealth Temple. Continue to the West Gate to climb the wall, see the city and Jiming Mountain, and return to the East Gate along the open wall route. Confirm which indoor sites are open that day; if time is short, prioritize the wall and the two mural sites.
A 3–4-hour in-depth visit
Enter through the East Gate and visit the Command Office (He Family Compound), Stamp Exhibition Hall, Taishan Shrine, Wenchang Palace, Postmaster’s Office, Dragon God Temple/Pudu Temple, and God of Wealth Temple in sequence. Then climb the wall at the West Gate. Walk at least half of the open section, descend where directed, and return through the lanes. Use a wall exit that is open on the day.
Add Jiming Mountain separately
Jiming Mountain is north of the ancient city. The climb takes about 1.5–2 hours and works well as a separate half-day combined with the city visit. Xuanhua Ancient City is another historic town about 10 minutes by high-speed train from Xiahuayuan North Station; it is not part of Jimingyi Scenic Area or the walking route.
Get there
High-speed rail and taxi
Take a high-speed train from Beijing Qinghe or Beijing North Station to Xiahuayuan North Station; the ride takes about 40 minutes. A taxi from the station to Jimingyi Ancient City takes around 20–30 minutes and costs about CNY 15–20 as a reference. Taxis are generally easier to find for the return trip. Confirm the pick-up point with the driver after arriving; for the return, board near the ancient city’s East Gate parking lot.
Driving and parking
Driving from Beijing takes about 1.5–2 hours. Take the G6 Beijing–Tibet Expressway and exit at “Jimingyi,” then continue west for about 500 metres to the East Gate. Parking at the East Gate is about CNY 5 per visit. Enter through the main entrance and ticket office; do not go around the wall to look for a side gate.
Know before you go
Tickets, mobile reception, and guides
Mobile reception is generally weak inside the city. Even if you buy online in advance, exchange your ticket at the ticket office as required, and carry some cash as a backup. An official guide costs around CNY 40–60 as a reference; ask about the route covered and duration before entering. If using an audio guide on your phone, download it before you enter.
Walking, toilets, and supplies
Expect dirt roads, steps, and walking along the wall. The climb to the top takes about 10 minutes, followed by more wall walking, so wear shoes with good grip. Public toilets are limited and food choices are sparse; bring water and a simple snack. For a full meal, return to Xiahuayuan North Station or Shacheng. You can look for farmhouse-style stir-fried oat noodles inside the city.
Wall access and photography
Enter the wall during regular opening hours through the ticketed area and use the open access points indicated on site. The east and west gates, wall, and rooftops inside the city are suitable for photography. From the open wall, look down on the lanes and toward Jiming Mountain; evening light is softer. The gate openings can frame views of the streets. Follow the signs inside for whether mural photography is allowed and whether flash is permitted. If the gate lights are on, photograph the night view from the plaza; lighting times depend on the day.