Ask a QuestionJinshanling Great Wall was initially built in 1368 in the Ming Dynasty, and rebuilt in 1567 directed by Qi Jiguang (a patriotic general of the Ming Dynasty). Jinshanling Great Wall, as the essence part is the best-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. It starts from the famous Longyukou Pass in the west to the Wangjing Tower in the east, with a total length of 10.5 kilometers.
Barrier walls, bricks with characters and horse-blocking stones are the three masterpieces of Jinshanling Great Wall, which make it known as "the paradise of photographers". Let's read on to know some best places to photograph sunrise and sunset at Jinshanling Great Wall.
Jinshanling Great Wall
As the paradise for photographers, Jinshanling Great Wall have attracted many photographers coming here to shoot the picturesque sceneries. Besides, sunrise and sunset are also their favorites. If weather permits, you will have the opportunity to shoot the sea of clouds. The best places to shoot the sunrise are the Small Jinshan Tower, Flower Tower, Eastern Five-window Tower and General Tower.
Jinshanling Great Wall
A photography tour is not complete without sunset photos. The best places to shoot the sunset in Jinshanling Great Wall are General Tower, Western Five-window Tower, Yaogou Tower and Gaojian Tower.
The Small Jinshan Tower, a two – floors building, was built in 1569 with an altitude of 498 meters. It's made of masonry and the interior building is shaped like boat roof.
The Flower Tower was built in 1579. It is a masonry structure building with superb architectural craftsmanship. The stone structures such as doors and windows, made of white marble, were carved with various flowers and beasts. That's why it's named the Flower Tower.
The Eastern Five-window Tower was built in 1579 with masonry structure. The upper and lower floors are connected by a wooden ladder. The Eastern Five-window Tower got its name because there're five arrow windows built on both sides of the north and south.
The General Tower, with an altitude of 475 meters, was built in 1569 and renovated in 1985. From the far and near steps on the north side, there are beacon walls, branch walls, horse-retaining walls, moon walls and barrier walls on both sides of the enemy tower, which construct a solid military defense system. What's more, the General Tower is the essence of the military defense system of the Great Wall.
The best seasons for shooting the sunrise and sunset are spring and autumn. The sunrise in these two seasons are later than the summer sunrise and the sunset is earlier, which is good for shooting. In addition, there are more clouds in the spring and autumn, which can increase the shooting effect. Half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset are the prime time for shooting.
Jinshanling Great Wall
The cloud is a natural reflective object in the shooting, which can spread the red light of the sun, thus constantly change the color and composition of the image. Clouds can also be used as the main sources for shooting. But pay attention to observe the situation that when the cloud covers the sunset, and the light will shoot from behind the cloud which will create stunning effects.
The sea of clouds in the Great Wall is one of the most beautiful scenery that many photography enthusiasts want to pursue. Clouds and fogs are undulating in the Great Wall, and the Great Wall is looming in the clouds and fog, just like a fairyland.
When shooting the sunset or sunrise, place the sun in the center of the screen to allow the sky to occupy 1/3, the water surface or the ground to occupy 1/3, and the foreground to occupy another 1/3 of the photo. You can also let the sky occupy 2/3 and the surface water or the ground occupies 1/3. The rule of the thirds composition is a more convenient and direct composition method. Photographers should pay attention to the horizon when shooting.
Jinshanling Great Wall is about 130 kilometers away from Beijing city. If you are planning a short trip to Jinshanling Great Wall, you could consider two ways to reach there:
Take Line 13 or 15 to West Wangjing Station, and then take the tourism shuttle bus to Jinshanling Great Wall.
Good to know: If there are less than 20 passengers, you will be arranged to another shuttle bus at Jinshanling Scenic Area Service Center to Jinshanling Great Wall.
If you find it too troublesome to take public transportation to Jinshanling Great Wall, you can rent a car and travel with an experienced English-speaking guide from Top China Travel. Our guides are very professional and are familiar with all the routes, so they know better where to shoot the best photos. With the guidance of our guide, you don't have to waste time on the road, or worry about getting lost and any emergencies. It is comfortable and flexible.
By following the above best places to photograph sunrise and sunset at Jinshanling Great Wall, you can some beautiful pictures of the Great Wall of China. View our tours for Jinshanling Great Wall below, or you can have your own Beijing tour if you want.
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