Welcome to Great Wall of China, also famously renowned as “The Ten-Thousand-Li Wall” located in China and constructed for over 200 years by several China’s emperors to defend their country. Great Wall snakes its way over the high mountainsides of northwestern China in Gobi desert to the eastern China’s sea coast. Travelers from across the globe are allured by its multifaceted scenery and extensive heritage.
This iconic structure showcases remarkable architectural ingenuity and strategic military design, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of ancient builders. No visitor to China leaves without at least a trip to the Great Wall. As China’s first Chairman Mao said, “He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man!” and that’s why the famous Great Wall of China should be on the bucket list of every traveler. So, as China’s famous attraction, the Great Wall of China, is an essential spot on all tours to China, and we will help you know everything you should know before visiting this marvel.
Memorable journey to Great Wall of China
1. Brief info about Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China spans over the mountains of China for 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers). It starts near the city of Shanhaiguan, where the wall meets the Bohai Sea and ends at the city of Jiayuguan in the Gansu Province desert where Jiayuguan Fort is located. The wall was built during the era of several dynasties, starting in the 7th century till the Ming dynasty era, which is also the most preserved part of the wall.
The wall’s main purpose was to protect the region from invasions and raids from the northern nomadic tribes. The Wall also served as a symbol of strength and unity of China’s people. The construction material and design of the wall varies from tamped earth to wood in earlier eras to bricks and stones in later period. The wall has watchtowers, fortresses, and barracks.
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2. How to reach Great Wall of China
Great Wall passes through several regions of China so depending on which section you want to visit you can plan your journey much easily. But we will provide you with a brief guide for traveling to the Wall from some of China’s major cities and the sections closest to them.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China located about 70 km from the wall. You can use subway line 13 which will take you to the closest station from where you can hire a taxi to the Badaling and Mutianyu sections. You can also take direct buses from Beijing to various sections from Dongzhimen Bus Station. Private tours are also available.
Tianjin
It’s a major port city located 150 km from the eastern terminus of the wall near Shanhaiguan. You can use public transportation like bus or subway or hire a taxi if budget isn’t the problem. Like Beijing, you can also book private tours of the wall.
Datong
Located in Shanxi Province about 200 km from the western sections of the wall, such as the Yanmenguan Pass. The city’s connected by a high-speed train to Beijing, so you must plan your trip according to the previous Beijing route.
Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan, an important city in Gansu Province, is a major historical site. It’s connected directly to the western terminus of the Great Wall, near the Jiayuguan Fort. For traveling to the fort you can use the train or take a bus but you can also hire a taxi if you want.
3. Best time to visit the Wall
The optimal time to visit the Great Wall of China varies depending on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the overall experience you seek. Here’s a guide about wall seasonal situations, so plan the trip after reviewing them.
Spring (April to June)
During this season, the weather is mostly pleasant, with temperatures from 10°C to 25°C, and offers a beautiful landscape. Due to weather comfort, the crowd levels are moderate but not too crowded.
Summer (July to September)
This season is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, making it a peak tourist spot. It’s going to be pretty crowded, so it depends on you.
Autumn (October to November)
The weather is cool during this time, with low humidity and temperatures from 10°C to 25 °C. The autumn foliage presents stunning views and is also less crowded than in summer.
Winter (December to March)
The temperature can fall very low in winter, especially at higher elevations like -10°C. The snow makes for pretty good scenery, but hiking is challenging.
4. Best Sections of Great Wall to visit
Badaling
The Badaling section is just 71 km (43 miles) north of Beijing. This section of the wall is the most famous part visited every year, and so is the most crowded section as well. The Badaling is the most well-preserved part of the wall, easily accessible and equipped with facilities. This part is ideal for first-time visitors.
Mutianyu/Jiankou
These wall sections are also located 73 km (45 miles) north of Beijing and aren’t very far from each other. These parts are famous for their scenic views and are also less crowded than the Badaling section, but during good weather, they also become crowded. The Mutianyu section has a Toboggan Slide, which allows for a fun and memorable descent from the wall. Other than this, it also has a cable car, which allows you to see more beautiful parts of the wall that aren’t accessible another way. Jiankou isn’t well-preserved and the wildest part, but it can be hiked if you want to visit.
Jinshanling
Jinshanling section famous for its stunning mountain views and enjoyable hiking – often called the photographer’s paradise is only 130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing. This part is good for adventure seekers who want a more immersive experience away from the bustling crowds. It offers beautiful mountain views along the Great Wall perfect for photography.
Simatai
Simatai’s located approximately 75 miles (120 km) from Beijing. This section is a unique and picturesque section of Great Wall that is connected to beautiful Gubei Water Town. This section is also one of the few sections where you can enjoy an evening visit. A cable car facility is also available for those who want a less stressful trip. Another place in Simati to visit is the Fairy Tower but is very difficult to reach.
Laolongtou
The unique section of the wall which meets the sea is a truly amazing sight to see. It’s the location where the Great Wall begins its journey from the sea. This section is located in Hebei Province. This section also known as the Old Dragon’s Head. The place is moderately crowded and a good picturing spot with sea views.
Huanghuacheng
Huanghuacheng located just about 65 km (40 miles) north of Beijing. Often called as Lakeside Section of the Great Wall, it offers inspiring and serene making it a pleasant visiting destination. The lake provides picturesque settings running along the Great Wall. It’s a a good place for hiking, camping or enjoying water activities like boating and kayaking.
Bataizi
Bataizi is basically a village along the Motianling section of the wall. The village holds the ruins of a Gothic church built in 1876 under the instructions of a German missionary. The church being 150 years old is mostly destroyed and only the bell tower section remains but is worth a visit. The village itself is a peaceful place to visit.
Dushikou
The section constructed during Emperor Jiajing, a feat in itself because this sections built using pile stones. Located across the road from the town of Dushikou, in Hebei province. The pilestone is a unique beauty in itself but if visited in summer the rolling hills provide a scenic view great for pics and camping.
5. Activities to do at the great wall
While visiting Great Wall you can try unique and adventurous ways to experience this historic landmark.
| Section | Activities |
Badaling | Hiking, Cable Car Rides, Tobogganing, Photography, Historical Exploration, Shopping and Dining |
| Mutianyu/Jiankou | Hiking, Cable Car and Chairlift, Toboggan Ride, Photography, Cultural Experience, Camping, Stargazing |
| Jinshanling | Hiking, Photography, Historical Exploration, Wildlife Observation |
| Simatai | Night Tours, Hiking, Photography, Cultural Experience |
| Laolongtou | Historical Exploration, Photography, Cultural Experience, Shopping and Dining |
| Huanghuacheng | Hiking, Photography, Nature Observation, Cultural Experience |
| Bataizi | Hiking, Photography, Nature Observation, Historical Exploration |
| Dushikou | Hiking, Photography, Cultural Experience |
6. Accommodations Options
In this blog, we will provide you with accommodation options in Beijing as it’s the closest city to the Great Wall of China but if you want options for other cities you might have to visit other websites. Charges will vary according to number of people and other conditions.
| Hotel Names | Facilities | Charges per night |
| The Great Wall Courtyard Hostel | Free wifi, non-smoking rooms, room service, family rooms, restaurant, breakfast | $ 72 |
| Hyatt Place Beijing Shiyuan | Balcony, Room service, Family rooms, Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast | $ 88 |
| Element Beijing Yanqing | Swimming pool, Fitness centre, Room service, Parking, 3 restaurants, Family rooms, Bar, Breakfast | $ 52 |
| Doubletree By Hilton Beijing Badaling | Indoor swimming pool, Fitness centre, Room service, Parking on site, 3 restaurants, Family rooms, Bar, Breakfast | $ 62 |
| Beijing Marriott Hotel Yanqing | swimming pool, free wifi, non-smoking rooms, fitness centre, room service, facilities for disabled guests, restaurants, bar, breakfast | $ 76 |
| Crowne Plaza Beijing Badaling, an IHG Hotel | Non-smoking rooms, Fitness centre, Roomservice, Restaurant, Family rooms, Bar, Breakfast | $ 107 |
7. Fun Facts about the Great Wall of China
- It took approximately 2,300 and some more years to construct the great wall of china from 7th century BC to 17th century AD.
- The wall isnt a single structure but a series of fortifications including towers, blockades, garrisons, and forts.
- Jiayu Pass is the first frontier fortress at the western end while on the eastern end Shanhai Pass is the first frontier fortress.
- Highest point of wall is at Huanglouyuan(4,722 feet) while the lowest point is at Laolongtou just above the sea level.
- According to some records more than a million workers were hired to build it.
- 1/3 of the wall has already been lost due to various reasons.
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People may ask
1. What is location great wall of china?
Great wall of china is present in the north area china spanning across multiple provinces.
2. What is the length of great wall of china?
Length of main wall is 8,850 kms (5,499 miles) and additional sections like branches, trenches and natural barriers cover around 2,500 km (1,553 miles). Reaching a total of 21,196 kms (13,170 miles).
3. How old is the great wall of china?
Started in 670 BC and completed in 1644 AD making it +/-2,314 years old.
4. Is great wall visible from space?
May believe the wall might be visible from space with the naked eye but it’s not true.
5. Why was great wall of china built?
Great wall of china, primarily constructed to defend the region from northern tribes invasions. Other than that it served as a means of border control, trade route protection and military signaling
Bottom lines
Join us to visit Great Wall of China a monumental wonder which fascinates every visitor with its jaw-dropping length and marvelous grandeur. Stretching across diverse landscapes of China, from sweeping mountain ranges to serene valleys and with its ancient fortifications blending beautifully into picturesque views, the Wall invites exploration through scenic hikes and amazing scenery. Whether you get drawned to the rough, wild sections or the carefully preserved segments. The Great Wall delivers a sense of adventure and discovery. All of its spots make it a top destination for those seeking to involve themselves in an iconic symbol of human ingenuity. Every step along this iconic landmark is a step through time, offering a truly remarkable and immersive travel experience.
