Where should I catch the bus? tomorrow I'll go to Jinshanling.

Jessica, there is no tourist bus from Dongzhimen. You need go to Wangjing West by subway line 13 or 15. By subway line 13, get out from Exit B and then walk 100 meters toward east to find the bus station. By subway line 15, get out from Exit C and find the bus station on the other side of the road.

It departs at 08:00 and returns at 15:00. If the total number of tourists is less than 20, all tourists will be transferred to take Beijing-Luanping Public Bus. It stops by the Jinshanling Highway Rest Area. Getting off there, you can take shuttle bus (currently minibus) to the scenic area.

I am afraid that you may not have time to shoot pictures for sunrise and sunset. The whole scenic area is open from 05:00 to 18:00.

I suppose you meant hiking for Simatai section from there, right? This hiking route is closed. According to other travellers, guards patrol between these two sections to stop those who try to hike into Simatai section. Besides, an iron gate is also equipped for the same reason.

Thank you so much for answering!
I'm sending you an email through the website's contact form for enquiries, hope you get it!

Jessica

Nick,
What time do the both buses (tourist bus and Beijing-Luanping public bus) leave from Jinshanling?
I would like to hike all the section, which I've read can take 3-4 hours. Is there time to do this and still catch the last bus?

Dana, the tourist bus from the wall to the highway rest area departs at 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00. The last bus from Luanping to Beijing departs at 16:00. It takes around 30 minutes from Luanping to Highway Rest Area. So you might be able to catch the last bus. However, you should understand that you may not catch it because it's the last bus and there might be many tourists.

I personally think that you go to the wall as early as you can and take the tourist bus that departs at 13:30 to the highway rest area. Then wait for Luanping bus. So you may not encounter too many passengers there.