What do you do to celebrate your wedding in Beijing? Naturally, you head to the Great Wall for an enchanting photoshoot!
That’s exactly what Nathan and I did on our special day. On September 18, 2024, after exchanging our vows and officially tying the knot at the British Embassy in Beijing, we set out to create unforgettable memories. And what could be more iconic than taking our wedding photos at the Great Wall of China? For me, there was no better spot than my favorite section: Jinshanling.
We were fortunate to have some of our closest friends join us, making the day even more memorable. Our talented friend Bo (@bochenvision), who is a photographer, was there to capture every precious moment.
To make sure I looked my best throughout the day, Cat from Catherine de France, an amazing hair and beauty salon in Beijing, accompanied us for hair and makeup touch-ups. With such a fantastic team beside us, we were ready for a day filled with fun, laughter, and breathtaking photos.
Why Choose Jinshanling Great Wall?
The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall perfectly blends history, natural beauty, and tranquility. Unlike the busier tourist spots like Badaling or Mutianyu, Jinshanling offers a serene experience with stunning views and rugged mountains. The crumbling, unrestored areas add a sense of adventure that is simply captivating!
How to Reach Jinshanling
Jinshanling is located about a two-hour drive from Beijing, making it both accessible and remote enough to escape the crowds. For our trip, we hired a van to transport us and our crew to the wall. I highly recommend hiring a driver for the journey to Jinshanling—it allows for more flexibility according to your schedule.
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A Day Full of Magic
When we arrived, the weather was perfect—not too hot, slightly overcast, with a pleasant breeze. Ideal conditions for walking along the wall in our wedding attire (especially for the guys in suits!).
We rode the cable car up, which conserved our energy for exploring the Wall itself. The first view from the top is always breathtaking. Despite visiting the Great Wall around 30 times, its sheer beauty continues to amaze me—miles of ancient stone winding through the mountains. Standing there in our wedding clothes, surrounded by centuries of history, felt surreal.
Walking up the wall in my dress!
The beauty of Jinshanling is its solitude; you can walk for hours and hardly encounter anyone else. It felt as if the Wall was ours alone. Bo expertly captured it all, from sweeping landscape shots to intimate candid moments between us—laughing, holding hands, and reveling in the importance of the day while perched on one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. (I was also a bit anxious about the time since we arrived later than planned! I was trying to stay calm but was eager to get some lovely photos!)
Every now and then, we took breaks for makeup touch-ups and adjusted my hair before continuing to explore different parts of the Wall.
Capturing Moments on the Great Wall
Video Captured with My Insta360:
Bo also assisted us in filming with my Insta360 camera, which turned out beautifully!
The Descent
By the time it was 5:30 PM, we realized we were still on our photo spree and would miss the last cable car down. Everyone was in high spirits, so we continued taking pictures and decided to hike back down instead. As we finished our shoot, we all enjoyed a Tsingtao beer (some were carried up, while others we purchased from a vendor at the top of the Wall).
This was the perfect way to wrap up such a magical, unforgettable day.
A Day to Remember
Our wedding day was not just about the formal ceremony at the embassy; it was about creating lifelong memories with the amazing friends who joined us. From the serene moments on the Wall to the unexpected trek down the mountain, everything felt like a celebration of our love, adventure, and the beginning of a beautiful life together.
If you’re contemplating a destination wedding in Beijing, I highly recommend Jinshanling. It’s more than just a backdrop; it’s a remarkable experience. Our photos will forever remind us of the magic, laughter, and awe we felt standing on one of the world’s greatest wonders.
Tips for Couples Planning a Photoshoot at Jinshanling:
- Hire a local photographer: We were lucky to have our friend Bo with us, but having someone familiar with the Wall can help you capture the best angles.
- Bring a stylist or visit one beforehand: Catherine de France did an incredible job keeping me ready for photos. Wind and long walks can take a toll, so having someone for touch-ups was invaluable.
- Wear comfortable shoes: I opted for comfortable shoes all day on the wall—best choice ever! My dress was long enough to hide them, so no one knew.
- Be mindful of timing: The cable car stops running at 5:30 PM, so if you miss it, be prepared for a fun hike down!
- Take a moment to soak it all in: It’s easy to get wrapped up in getting the perfect shot, but remember to pause and appreciate that you’re standing on the Great Wall of China on your wedding day. How many get to say that?
In hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing. Jinshanling provided us with an incredible setting to celebrate our marriage, and the memories of that day will remain with us forever.
