Standing as a testament to human ingenuity and endurance, the Great Wall of China, crowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1987, captivates visitors with its staggering scale and architectural complexity.
Stretching an estimated 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles) across China’s diverse landscapes, this ancient barricade, constructed from stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood, weaves through deserts, mountains, grasslands, and plateaus — resembling a vast dragon cresting the ridges of the Earth.
Even though some segments of the Great Wall have succumbed to time, becoming ruins or disappearing altogether since its inception over 2,700 years ago, it remains a bastion of cultural significance and a bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide. The Great Wall’s intricate construction and the stories embedded in its walls offer a profound journey through China’s historical narrative, making it much more than a mere spectacle — it’s a symbol of a civilization’s remarkable legacy.
The best time to visit the Great Wall
Autumn
- Autumn is the best season for visiting the Great Wall. The weather in this season is fine and clear
- Average Temperature: 46°F–64°F (8°C–18°C)
- What to pack: Bringing a warm jacket is highly recommended because of the cold weather in the mountainous climate.
- Warning: The first week of October is the National Holiday in China; therefore, you will experience high prices, crowded routes, traffic jams, etc. So, try not to visit the Great Wall at this time!
Spring
- April and May are the best months to visit the Great Wall in spring. In March, the weather could be still somehow cold in Beijing.
- Average Temperature: 52°F–75°F (11°C–24°C )
- What to pack: Warm jacket (because it would be cool or windy in the mountains)
- Warning: Visiting the Great Wall in the first week of May is not recommended because it’s a public holiday in China for Labor Day.
Summer
- The weather in Beijing in summer is hot! However, the mountainous climate of the Great Wall is cooler than the city. Also, the rainy season in Beijing is in July and August. Thunderstorms are expected in these months.
- Average Temperature: 86°F or 30°C
- What to Pack: Sunglasses, Sun Cream, and anything that protects you from extreme sunlight. Also, using waterproof devices in rainy weather is recommended. If you are going to visit steep and original parts of the wall, using an umbrella would be useless; however, in other sections, it will be ideal.
- Warning: As the summer is the peak season of the Great Wall, booking the accommodation in advance would be helpful for you
Winter
- Winter is freezing and sometimes snowy in Beijing
- What to Pack: You will need your winter clothes such as a jacket, sweater, long underwear, gloves, scarf, etc.
- Warning: Avoid visiting the Great Wall during the Chinese New Year Holiday. The New Year is between 12th January and 20th February. At this time, the Great Wall is crowded by the Chinese.
Sections of the Great Wall Near Beijing
With the immense length of the Wall, it winds over deserts, grasslands, and mountains. The final destination of the wall would be the Bohai Gulf. Moving up and down from Jiayuguan Pass in the west to Hushan Mountain in Liaoning in the east, the Wall touches over ten provinces and cities.
- Beijing – Many relics of the Wall can be found here. Many of which were built in 1540. Some of the best sections of the Great Wall are:
Mutianyu Great Wall
Also a well-preserved section of the wall, Mutianyu is a less crowded tourist spot with breathtaking natural scenery.
- Location; 73 kilometers or 45 miles from Beijing, 1.5 hours of driving
- Activities: sightseeing, hiking
- Tour Time: half a day
- Facilities: cable cars up/down and cart railway down
Jinshanling Great Wall
This portion of the wall has a complete defensive system. It is composed of barriers, battlement walls, holes for shooting, blocking walls for horses, and other effective defense outlets. it is half restored and half original.
- Location: 154 kilometers or 96 miles from Beijing with 2-3 hours of driving.
- Activities: hiking and photography
- Tour Time: a whole day
- Facilities: cable car
Jiankou Great Wall
Considered one of the wildest and most dangerous sections of the Wall, the Jiankou Great Wall, also known as Arrow Nock”, because of its arrow-shaped mountain, is the most photographed section of the Wall. This section is completely original and untouched
- Location: 100 kilometers or 62 miles from Beijing, about a 3-hour drive.
- Activities: photography and hiking
- Tour Time: a day
- Facilities: there are no facilities in this section
Simatai Great Wall
This section is partially restored. It is the only portion of the wall that is open for a night tour. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
- Location: 120 kilometers or 75 miles from Beijing with 2-3 hours of driving.
- Activities: hiking, photography
- Facilities: cable cars, battery carts, zip-line, boats
Huanghuacheng Great Wall
It is the only section of the Wall that is beside a lake. Because of this, it is one of the top destinations for a hiking tour on the Great Wall. Also, you can find a chestnut orchard in this section which is 500 years old.
- Location: 75 kilometers or 47 miles from Beijing, 1.5 hours of drive.
- Activities: hiking, camping which is a great choice for May–September
- Facilities: cruise boats
Gubeikou Great Wall
Due to its strategic location, there were many battles fought on the Gubeikou Great Wall. Though never reconstructed, its crawling wall and watchtowers still reflect the glory of the past. It is said that more than 130 battles happened in Gubeikou.
- Location: 146 kilometers or 90 miles from Beijing with 2 hours of driving
- Activities: hiking
- Facilities: None
Juyongguan Great Wall
This section is the most famous pass of the Great Wall. It is a solid lock encircling a valley. It also has various old buildings, towers, and temples. This section is the closest one to Beijing and handicapped or old tourists can also visit Juyongguan since it is suitable for wheelchairs.
- Location: 60 kilometers or 37 miles from Beijing with 1.5 hours of driving
- Activities: hiking
- Tour time: 2 hours
Huangyaguan Great Wall
Many see Huangyaguan as a miniature of the Great Wall. It has both solid and hollow watchtowers with different shapes, from rounds to squares. The Great Wall Marathon is held in the Huangyaguan Great Wall annually.
- Location: 3 hours of driving from Beijing.
- Typical tour time: 2 -3 hours
- Facilities: sightseeing buses
Shanhaiguan Great Wall (Shanhai Pass)
Many call it the “First Pass under Heaven” since it is the first pass in the eastern part of the Great Wall. Its tactical location made it hard for the enemies (like Manchus) to attack the Chinese. This section is at the end of the western part of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. This is where the Wall meets the sea
- Location: 3.5 hours of driving from Beijing.
- Tour time: a whole day
Length of the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China’s combined length from all the dynasties that contributed to its construction is an impressive 21,196.18 kilometers. This figure was confirmed by China’s cultural heritage authorities in 2012 after extensive research.
Among the various parts of the Great Wall, the segment built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) is the most well-preserved. The Ming section alone stretches for 8,851.8 kilometers, running from Hushan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west. It consists of 6,259.6 kilometers of actual wall, alongside 359.7 kilometers of trenches and 2,232.5 kilometers that rely on natural terrain for defense. Furthermore, it is dotted with thousands of historical structures such as beacons and watchtowers, platforms, and other ruins.
Measuring the entire length of the Great Wall was a massive undertaking. It required a five-year archaeological effort and modern technology to accurately gauge its dimensions, resulting in an estimate that was double the previously thought length. The Great Wall’s remnants scatter across 15 regions of China and include over 43,000 individual relics.
Several dynasties, from the Qi to the Ming, built the Wall over centuries. Unfortunately, the Wall faces continuous threats from natural erosion and human damage. Some parts have been destroyed for new construction, and bricks have been taken for personal use, leading to a decrease in their length.
In 2006, China began to enforce the Protection Regulation to prevent further loss. On the brighter side, restoration projects have been slowly adding to the Wall’s length. Efforts to repair and rebuild sections like those at Hefangkou and Xishuiyu, and the partial restoration of the Jiankou section in Beijing, are helping to extend the Wall. Discoveries have also added to its known length, including a 40-kilometer section found in Tianjin in 2012, and a 46.585-kilometer stretch from the Northern Qi Dynasty discovered in 2014.
History of the Great Wall of China
The start of the Great Wall of China’s history is believed to be in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 – 476 BC). There were 20 states and dynasties involved in the construction of the wall for over 2,500 years.
Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 256 BC)
Due to contemporary powerful states that were established during this period, walls were built and troops were stationed on the borders. The first wall built is the “Square Wall” or the Chu State Great Wall. Qi State, Wei State, Yan State, Zhao State, and Qin State were then added on a later period.
Qin Dynasty (1046 – 256 BC)
China was unified for the first time in 221BC with the leadership of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. He was the one who ordered to link and extend the Great Wall located in the different states.
Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD)
When Emperor Qin Shi Huang died, the Qin Dynasty ended because of mass uprisings. Emperor Gaozu then established the Han Dynasty. He ordered the wall to be renovated and reinforced. He also led the construction of the Great Wall in large-scale restoring the Yanmenguan Pass in 130BC, renovating the Qin Dynasty Wall in 127BC, and ordering the construction of the defensive line between Yongdeng County and Jiuquan in 121BC.
Jin Dynasty (265 – 420)
The works done during the Jin Dynasty were mostly renovations of the eastern part of the Qin Dynasty wall due to the maintained good relationship of the central court to the northern tribes.
Southern and Northern Dynasties (420 – 589)
When the Han Dynasty fell, unity in China was lost due to different states wanting more territories. Because of this, more of the Great Wall was built to defend themselves. Though their projects were only on a smaller scale.
Sui Dynasty (581 – 618)
It was the Sui Dynasty who ended the turmoil in the country. Emperors of this dynasty stressed the importance of border defense from the constant invasion of the northern nomadic tribes. Thus, walls and fortresses were ordered to be constructed in the north and west. The first project was completed after 28 years and had to employ two million workers.
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907)
Peace was brought between the northern tribes and Central China during the Tang Dynasty. Though there were a few times wherein peace was not maintained, thus, some sections of the wall were built.
Liao Dynasty (907 – 1125)
Emperor Shengzong and Xingzong ordered the massive construction of the Great Wall in the boundary line with the Bohai Kingdom.
Song Dynasty (960 – 1279)
Before losing to the Jin Dynasty from the north, the Song Dynasty was able to use the Great Wall to defend their place from Northerners and Westerners such as Xia and Liao.
Jin Dynasty (1115 – 1234)
Jin Dynasty is considered as a strong regime in northeast China. Due to the threats of Western Xia and the Mongol Empire invasion, the dynasty built the northernmost portion of the wall in 1194. Unfortunately, the drought and objection of ministers caused the suspension of the project.
Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368)
Yuan Dynasty was established by the strong Mongol Empire. Few sections were built during the Yuan’s reign since they have a large territory and a very strong military power.
Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644)
Ming Dynasty is considered as the Great Wall of China’s peak. Due to harassment from northern tribes such as Tartars and Jurchens, the dynasty continued to construct the defensive wall for over two centuries. Other than lengthening the wall, the Ming emperors also ordered the enlargement of the previous dynasties’ projects by putting duplicate or multi-line walls.
Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911)
Though a very powerful empire, the Ming dynasty failed to stop the Qing Dynasty from invading them. Established by the Machu tribe in the northeast part of China, the Qing Dynasty was able to enter the Shanhaiguan Pass and occupy the central plain. Though they only added a few sections of the wall, it was the Qing Dynasty who ordered the construction of a deep trench in Lianing and Inner Mongolia wherein willows were planted.
1911 – Present
No major constructions were made during this era and the Great Wall welcomed a renovation on a nationwide scale starting in the 1980s. Today, the Great Wall is China’s national symbol and probably the most popular tourist spot in the country.
Great Wall Tours
Every traveler would want to visit and experience the hikes in the Great Wall of China. Either backpacking and creating a DIY itinerary or taking guided hiking tours, anyone can enjoy and have fun with the breathtaking views and greatness of the Great Wall.
Some organizations offer private hiking tours and the price usually starts at $49. The final amount that you will have to pay will depend on the number of days and the section of the wall that you would choose to hike. Take necessary precautions in buying your tours to avoid traps.
You can also check out the independent hiking tours wherein you can take the hike on your own. Examples of independent tours are the One Day Gubeikou Hiking, Beijing Knot Great Wall Hiking, and the Sizoulou Adventure. You just have to remember and take note of the routes and know what to ride to go there.
If you cannot decide which section to visit, try first the Badaling and Mutianyu in Beijing as these sections portray the full features of the Great Wall. Many travelers have picked Badaling as their favorite while Mutianyu is a good choice if you will go to China on holiday.
Visiting and exploring the Great Wall can be more enjoyable from March to October. Better to avoid Chinese public holidays if you do not want a large number of tourist companions.
Anyone can visit the wall, even the seniors, children, and handicapped. There are sections like Badaling and Mutianyu that have cable cars, luges, and pulley cars for the ease and comfort of the tourists.
If you are into hiking, you can opt to go to Jinshanling to experience its stunning scenery and military defensive constructions that are well-preserved. Another option that is very popular among hikers is Simatai.
For safety and easier hiking, ensure to wear pants and anti-skid sneakers. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen and your eyes by wearing eyeglasses.
For food, you can buy it from fast-food restaurants located near the Great Wall. Or you can always bring your own food.
Virtual Tour of Mutianyu Great Wall
http://www.taagoo.com/com/case/bj_tour_en/A206/pano/7_1/index.html
FAQ
What materials were used to build the Great Wall of China?
The materials used to construct the Great Wall of China varied depending on the region, local resources, and period. Common materials included rammed earth, wood, bricks, tamped earth, and stone. During the Ming Dynasty, bricks and stones became the primary construction materials, as they provided greater durability and strength.
How long is the Great Wall of China, and where does it stretch?
The Great Wall of China is approximately 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers) long, stretching across northern China from east to west. It starts from the Hushan section in the east, near the border with North Korea, and ends at the Jiayuguan Pass in the Gobi Desert to the west. The Great Wall is not a single continuous wall but rather a series of walls and fortifications built by various Chinese dynasties over the centuries.
When was the Great Wall of China built, and why was it constructed?
The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years, with construction starting as early as the 7th century BC. Different sections were built by various dynasties for different purposes, but the primary goal was to protect China from invasions and raids by nomadic tribes from the north. The most famous and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
How was the Great Wall of China defended?
The Great Wall of China featured numerous defensive measures to protect against enemy invasions. Strategically placed watchtowers and beacon towers were used for communication, surveillance, and early warning purposes. Soldiers stationed along the wall would use smoke signals or fire beacons to alert neighboring garrisons of potential threats. The wall’s design also included parapets, battlements, and embrasures, allowing soldiers to defend the wall from a protected position.
How has the Great Wall of China influenced Chinese culture?
The Great Wall of China has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and identity. It symbolizes the country’s historical resilience, strength, and technological advancements. The wall has inspired numerous works of literature, poetry, and art, and it features prominently in Chinese folklore and mythology. Today, the Great Wall is a symbol of national unity and pride, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How can I visit the Great Wall of China, and which sections are the best to explore?
The Great Wall is easily accessible from Beijing, China’s capital city. Some of the most popular sections for tourists include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai. Each section offers unique features and varying levels of difficulty for hiking: Badaling is the most visited and easily accessible; ideal for first-time visitors. Mutianyu is Less crowded, with restored sections and beautiful scenery; suitable for families. Jinshanling is a popular choice for hiking enthusiasts; offers a mix of restored and original wall sections. Simatai is known for its steepness and stunning night tours; perfect for adventure seekers.
What challenges did the builders of the Great Wall of China face?
Construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental undertaking, and builders faced numerous challenges, including:
– Harsh weather conditions: Workers had to contend with extreme temperatures, ranging from freezing winters to scorching summers.
– Rugged terrain: Building the wall across mountains, valleys, and deserts required innovative engineering techniques and immense physical effort.
– Limited resources: Sourcing and transporting construction materials was often difficult, especially in remote areas.
– Labor shortages: Many workers were conscripted from the general population, leading to social unrest and resistance.
What conservation efforts are being made to preserve the Great Wall of China?
The Chinese government and various organizations are working to preserve and restore the Great Wall of China. Efforts include:
– Legal protection: The Great Wall has been designated a national cultural relic, and laws have been enacted to protect it from damage and unauthorized development.
– Restoration projects: Sections of the wall in disrepair are being carefully restored to their original appearance while preserving their historical integrity.
– Public awareness: Educational programs and public campaigns are raising awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving the Great Wall.
– Sustainable tourism: Initiatives are being implemented to promote responsible tourism and ensure the preservation of the wall for future generations.
Do I need a guided tour to visit the Great Wall, or can I explore it independently?
While guided tours are available and can provide valuable information about the history and architecture of the Great Wall, independent exploration is also possible. For those who prefer to plan their itinerary, a variety of transportation options are available to reach the various sections of the wall. Many visitors enjoy the flexibility of hiking independently, taking in the stunning views and historical sites at their own pace.
Other sections of the Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall
It is the most popular and best-preserved section. Most of its stairs are not steep and have handrails. It also has cable cars and pulleys.
Lupiguan Great Wall
Lupiguan means a pass, like beautiful deerskin. The Lupiguan Pass, a solid pass that runs across the Baihe River, was damaged and destroyed due to weather and human activities.
Badaling Remnant Great Wall
This wall served as the west gate of the defense systems of the Wall. The Remnant Great Wall is a witness to the structure of the Great Wall, the biggest military defense construction in history.
Shuiguan or Water Pass Great Wall
This section was built in a valley and has a huge “V” shape. The steps in the Shuiguan Wall are steeper than usual, especially in the eastern portion.
Xiangshuihu Great Wall
It is well-known due to the winding Great Wall on the mountains, the Health Preserving Valley, and the translucent Xiangshui Spring.
Gansu
Mogao Caves and Maijishan Grottoes, are just some of the many cultural relics of the Silk Road that can be found in Gansu. The relics also served an essential role in early military defense.
Dunhuang Great Wall
Dunhuang was built using local sands and plants instead of stones and bricks. Relics of old ports and beacon towers can be found in the desert as mounds, these were used for military and cross-border training purposes.
Yangguan Great Wall
This section is famous for its defense line. This is also a gateway for trade between central and western China.
Shandan Great Wall
This portion of the wall has caught the attention of some environmental groups due to its bare-earth walls. Lands near the wall were developed into farmlands in which heavy equipment was used causing vibrations on the wall.
Jiayuguan Great Wall
Rammed earth was the material used in building the Jiayuguan Wall giving it a dominant hue of yellow. It played an important role in ancient trading, connecting China to Central Asia and Europe.
Yumenguan Great Wall
Also known as Small Square Castle, Yumenguan stands alone in a vast desert. It used to be a fierce battlefield and a rich trading gateway between merchants.
Juyan Fortress of Great Wall
Served as an ancient defensive barrier, the Juyan Fortress was a vital passage that connected the central and western regions.
Overhanging Great Wall
Another tool for the defense system of ancient times, this section looks like a dragon overhanging a slope.
Hebei
Numerous relics of the Great Wall are located in Hebei specifically in the eastern, northwestern, and southwestern portions of the province.
Banchangyu Great Wall
Anyone can be captivated by the beauty of Banchangyu Wall due to its precipitous and authentic built. It is hanging on the crests of a mountain and has a slope of around 80 degrees.
Daomaguan Great Wall
Other than with Juyongguan and Zijingguan, the Daomaguan Great Wall is known as one of the “Three Inner Passes”. Its name means “Tumbling Horse Pass” due to the dangerous mountain terrain that caused many horses to fall during the ancient battles.
Dajingmen Great Wall
Another pass along the Great Wall, Dajingmen is located on the border of the central plain and Mongolian areas. It served as the entrance to the mainland.
Laolongtou Great Wall
Laolongtou means “Old Dragon’s Head” because it looks like a dragon drinking water from the sea. It used to be considered the starting point of the Great Wall since it is where the Wall meets the sea.
Xifengkou and Panjiakou Underwater Great Wall
A highlight of the Panjiakou Reservoir Scenic Area, this section of the wall has its main parts submerged underwater. It was submerged due to the construction of Panlong Lake.
Great Wall in Zhangjiakou City
Due to Heibei’s strategic location, many dynasties have built and constructed a military defense wall in Zhangjiakou City. The Wall in the city was also considered the “Great Wall Museum”.
Jiaoshan Great Wall
It is also called the “First Mountain of the Great Wall”. This is because it is the first mountain that the Great Wall climbs from the northern part of the country.
Zijingguan Great Wall
As one of the “Three Inner Passes”, Zijingguan Pass is considered by many as the highlight of the Great Wall. It had four gates and complicated structures. Five forts form a circle. Each fort is capable of defending itself from its enemies alone.
Wulonggou Great Wall
The walls in Wulonggou are made of piled-up stones. Its watchtowers, on the other hand, are made of blue bricks. It is a well-preserved section and has never been restored or repaired.
Inner Mongolia
It has the most numerous Great Wall relics among the provinces. The total length is about 1/3 of the overall length of China’s Great Wall. Sadly, some of the relics have died out while many remains were destroyed.
Gaoque Fortress
The meaning of Gaoque in English is high gate towers. Its name was then taken from the two dark red peaks on each die of the Chagan Valley. These peaks look like two gate towers when you see them from afar.
Jilu Fortress
This was used as a military stronghold during wars. This fortress is one of the best-preserved sections and was developed for tourist attraction purposes.
Liaoning
Recently, Liaoning is considered the eastern beginning of the Great Wall. It used to be a part of the Nine Important Towns on the Border during the Ming Dynasty and was administered by the Liaodong Town.
Hushan Great Wall
It lies close to the Yalu River of Dandong City and winds up to the Hushan Mountain. When seen from afar, the two towering peaks look like two tiger ears pricking up into the sky.
Jiumenkou Great Wall
It is also known as the “Great Wall over Water” since it runs from the bank of the Jiujiang River o the northern mountains.
Zhuizishan Great Wall
Zhuizishan is known for its breathtaking “Three Dragons Getting Together” view. It means that the three lines of the Great Wall come together in Zhuizishan.
Great Wall in Ningxia
This section has a total length of 1,507 kilometers with 589 watchtowers, 237 beacon towers, and 25 forts. The highly recommended relic in Ningxia is the Sanguankou.
Shaanxi
The total length of the Great Wall built in Shaanxi is more than 2,000 kilometers.
Yulin Great Wall
The Wall was extended to Yulin to enhance the defense of China over its territory.
Great Wall Relics of Wei State
It is estimated to be over 2,300 years old. Though many of its sections are already gone, some relics were found in Huayi, Dali County, and Hancheng.
Zhenbeitai Great Wall
This is where the heart of the dragon, or the Great Wall, is located. This section holds the biggest watchtower along the Great Wall. Because of its tactical location and military importance, this relic is also known as the “First Tower of the Great Wall”.
Shanxi
Many remains of the Great Wall are located here since it is considered a point of the battle. The walls here have inner and outer parts, the inner wall being used as a second line of defense.
Guguan Great Wall
This is the only section of the Great Wall that has a well-preserved stone. It also has a pass that has two gates and three administrative offices. There are also temples that you can visit in and around the Guguan Pass.
Pianguan Great Wall
One of the favorite locations of photographers in the Great Wall is Pianguan. The reason is its great construction and magnificent natural masterpiece.
Datong Great Wall
You can find many wall relics in this section that are well-preserved. Thus, some scholars called it “the Museum of the Great Wall”.
Niangzi Pass
It is also known as the “Ninth Pass under Heaven” but was named as Niangzi Pass due to the group of women soldiers guarding the pass. Niangzi Pass means a pass guarded by women.
Pingxing Pass
The name indicates a vase-shaped pass because of its vase-like terrain. This is another portion of the wall that was significantly used as a military defense in history.
Ningwu Pass
It sits in the central area of the Shanxi province and serves as the garrison headquarters.
Yanmenguan Great Wall
A 2,000-year-old frontier post, the Yanmenguan Great Wall stands in the depths of Yanmen Mountain alone.
Tianjin
Most of the walls in Tianjin are stone-structured except the Huangyaguan Pass which is made out of bricks. It has an overall system for defense which includes walls, terraces, fire towers, and fortresses.
Taipingzhai Great Wall
It has six watchtowers which include one battlement, one barbican, and one shortcut that can lead you to the Great Wall. It also has watchtowers with varying shapes.
