Juyongguan Great Wall reopens to visitors as COVID-19 crisis wanes

The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall in Changping District, Beijing. /VCG

Following the partial reopening of the Badaling section of the Great Wall in late March, the Juyongguan section resumed operations on Saturday after two months of closure in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to local authorities.

Perching on overlapping mountain ranges, the Juyongguan Great Wall boasts lush vegetation and a breathtaking landscape. Spring makes it a perfect season to visit the Juyongguan Great Wall to catch a glimpse of the ancient wall immersed in a sea of flowers.

Together with the Juyongguan Great Wall, the Ming Tombs in Beijing's Changping District also announced its partial reopening on Saturday, which marked the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day – a traditional Chinese festival to remember loved ones who have passed away.

The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums of thirteen emperors of China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). People are now able to visit the Sacred Way, a long passage in front of the tombs used to facilitate the sacrificial ceremonies. Lined with delicate stone statues, the passage signifies the road leading to the heaven.

Stone statues lining the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs. /VCG

The scenic areas will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and will cap the daily limit of visitors to no more than 30 percent of the maximum carrying capacity. Also, visitors are required to make reservations for ticket booking via online platforms and have their temperature checked upon entry. All medical workers nationwide are exempted from the entrance fee.

According to the local culture and tourism bureau, major outdoor tourist attractions in Beijing will resume operation in an orderly manner around the Qingming Festival. However, indoor sites will remain closed amid concerns over the rebound of the epidemic within the country. Currently, epidemic prevention and control is still the top priority, local authorities added.

Beijing has so far reported 586 confirmed COVID-19 cases with eight fatalities. Of those infected, 441 patients have recovered.

(With input from Xinhua)