Visit the Great Wall of China: Ultimate Travel Guide and Tips

Hi, I’m Michael Zhang. As a seasoned traveler from China, I’ve had the privilege of exploring several sections of the Great Wall, from the renowned Badaling to the lesser-known Huanghuacheng. The breathtaking views and rich history of the Great Wall never fail to impress. Whether you visit during the colorful spring blooms, the lush greenery of summer, the vibrant autumn foliage, or the serene snow of winter, the Great Wall offers unique experiences all year round. Key sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling each have their distinct charm. Let me guide you through the history, culture, and essential tips for your Great Wall adventure.

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History and Cultural Significance

The Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1987, symbolizes China’s historical resilience and cultural significance. It stretches across northern China from east to west and reflects the evolution of Chinese civilization. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC during the Spring and Autumn period and continued for over two millennia. The wall initially served as a defense system for warring states, later unified under Emperor Qin, forming the iconic Great Wall we know today.

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How Long Does It Take to Walk the Entire Great Wall?

Famous Sections of the Great Wall

• Badaling Great Wall: Spanning over 7,600 meters, with 3,741 meters open to the public, this section takes about 1-2 hours to explore.
• Mutianyu Great Wall: At around 5,400 meters long, a typical visit takes around 3 hours.
• Juyongguan Great Wall: With a length of approximately 4,148 meters, it can be explored in about 3-4 hours.

The Great Wall in Beijing

• Total Length: Beijing’s portion of the Great Wall extends around 400 kilometers, including famous sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Simatai.
• Hiking Time: To walk the entire Great Wall in Beijing would take an average person 3 to 4 months, though the duration may vary based on physical stamina and breaks.

The Entire Great Wall Across China

• Total Length: 21,196 kilometers, covering 15 provinces and 404 counties.
• Hiking Time: Walking the full length of the Great Wall would take around 1 year under normal conditions, but it could take longer depending on terrain and safety conditions.

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Seasonal Beauty of the Great Wall of china

Spring at the Great Wall

Recommended Section: Mutianyu Great Wall
Springtime at Mutianyu is peaceful, with blossoming peach and apricot flowers, and its 90% forest coverage makes it ideal for a relaxing nature walk.

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Summer at the Great Wall

Recommended Section: Badaling Great Wall
During summer, Badaling is surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy cable cars, toboggan rides, and the scenic mountain views under the summer sun.

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Autumn at the Great Wall

Recommended Section: Jinshanling Great Wall
Autumn is when Jinshanling truly shines, with vibrant red and orange foliage covering the hills. This section is quieter and offers great photo opportunities for fall foliage enthusiasts.

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Winter at the Great Wall

Recommended Section: Juyongguan Great Wall
In winter, the snow-covered Great Wall at Juyongguan offers a serene and majestic view. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to experience the tranquility of the Great Wall in the colder months.

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Visiting the Great Wall of china

Badaling Great Wall

Badaling is one of the most popular and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Built in 1505 during the Ming Dynasty, it is not only a historic military site but also one of the first parts of the wall to open to the public. Badaling boasts impressive architecture and breathtaking mountain views.

• Tickets and Prices:
  • Day Admission: 40 RMB/person
  • Night Admission: 200 RMB/person (includes shuttle bus and round-trip cable car)
  • Cable Car: 140 RMB round trip, 100 RMB one way
  • Shuttle Bus: 20 RMB/person
• Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts

Getting from Beijing to Badaling Great Wall

• High-Speed Train:
  You can book a high-speed train from Qinghe Station or Beijing North Station to Badaling. The ride from Qinghe takes about 20 minutes (18 RMB), while from Beijing North, it takes around 50 minutes (22 RMB). After exiting the train, the cable car station is to your right, and the commercial street is to your left, with luggage storage available on-site.Tips: For easy booking, use Trip to reserve high-speed train tickets (learn more in Essential APP Guide for Foreign Travelers in China).

Book your high-speed train tickets to Badaling in advance for a smooth and hassle-free journey. Enjoy the scenic ride and arrive directly at the Great Wall’s doorstep

• Bus:
  Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Arrow Tower to Badaling Great Wall. The fare is 6 RMB, and payments can be made via Alipay. For the return journey, buses are located near the North 11 Tower.Tips: Traffic is heavy on Mondays, especially in the morning, so it’s best to avoid this day. Use Alipay for quick and easy payments (check out Essential APP Guide for Foreign Travelers in China).
• Direct Bus:
  You can take a direct bus from Qianmen Tourist Center to Badaling (80 RMB/person), with the bus stopping near the cable car station.
• Subway & S2 Train:
  Take subway lines 8 or 13 to Huoying Station, then transfer to the S2 line. You don’t need to pre-book tickets, and you can scan Alipay to pay (7 RMB). The journey takes about 1 hour.Tips: The transfer walk at Huoying can be long, so allow extra time to reach the S2 line.

Badaling Great Wall: Hiking Tips

Badaling is divided into two main sections:

• South Section: Less crowded and a quicker walk, but it does not include the famous “Hero Slope.”
• North Section: More challenging, with three ways to ascend:
  1. Hiking: For those who enjoy a physical challenge.
  2. Cable Car: Ride up to the North 4th Tower, then hike from the 5th to the 8th Tower.
  3. Toboggan: A unique experience, starting from a different location than the cable car.

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Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu connects the eastern Great Wall at Gubeikou to the west at Juyongguan. It has a distinct architectural style, featuring triple battlements and strategic military passes. This section is also known for its beautiful mountain views and high forest coverage, making it a favorite for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

• Tickets and Prices:
  • Admission: 45 RMB/person
  • Shuttle Bus: 20 RMB/person
  • Cable Car: 140 RMB round trip
• Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts

Getting from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall

• Tourist Bus:
  Daily buses depart from Beijing Tourist Center between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. The fare is 80 RMB round trip, or 40 RMB one way.
• Private Car:
  Private car rentals are available and take about 1.5 hours from downtown Beijing, making it a convenient option for families and small groups.

For a more personalized and relaxed experience, book a private car or join a day tour to Mutianyu. This package includes transportation from Beijing, a guide, and the opportunity to explore the Great Wall without the hassle of navigating public transport.

Hiking Mutianyu: West and East Routes

• West Route:
  Take the cable car to the 14th tower. Some highlights include:
  1. 360-Degree Scenic Cable Car: Seats up to 8 people and offers panoramic views of the Great Wall.
  2. Graffiti Wall at the 14th Tower: Visitors can leave their mark on this historic section.
  3. 15th Tower: Featured in the movie If You Are the One, this is one of the most photogenic spots.
• East Route:
  The cable car drops you off at the 6th tower. Key highlights include:
  1. Zhengguan Platform at the 4th Tower: This unique triple-tower structure was built in 1404 and is a must-see.
  2. Dajiao Tower at the 1st Tower: The easternmost point, offering panoramic views and connecting several Great Wall sections.

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Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall

Located in the Jiuduhe town of Huairou District, Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall is unique in that it blends mountains, water, and ancient architecture. Parts of the wall are submerged in water, creating a striking visual effect. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, especially in spring and summer when the fields are covered in yellow wildflowers. It’s a great spot for a family day trip, combining historical exploration with outdoor recreation.

• Tickets and Prices:
  • Admission: 60 RMB/person
  • Children under 1.2 meters and seniors enter for free.

Getting from Beijing to Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall

Bus:
Take bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then transfer to the local “Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (西水峪)” bus, which will take you directly to the entrance of the scenic area.

• Tourist Shuttle Bus:
  You can also take a dedicated tourist shuttle bus from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub, running on weekends and public holidays. Tickets are available at the hub, and the bus departs between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
• Private Car:
  Private car rentals take about 1.5 hours from downtown Beijing and are a good option for those looking to explore the area at their own pace.

Make the most of your visit by booking a day tour to Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall. With transportation and a guided tour included, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the submerged Great Wall.

Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall: Highlights

1. Water-Submerged Great Wall: A unique feature where sections of the Great Wall are submerged in water, creating an unforgettable scene of “The Wall Playing in the Water.”
2. Ming Dynasty Chestnut Orchards: With trees over 800 years old, these orchards offer a peaceful walk through history.
3. Hao Ming Lake: Surrounded by mountains, this lake offers boat rides with views of both the water and the Great Wall.
4. Peninsula: A beautiful camping spot surrounded by water on three sides, offering the best vantage point to see the submerged wall.

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Simatai Great Wall

Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall that has retained its original structure from the Ming Dynasty. Known for its steep and rugged terrain, it offers a challenging hike and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• Tickets and Prices:
  • Admission: 40 RMB/person
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM)
  • Cable Car: Available for round trips

Ensure a smooth visit by pre-booking your Simatai Great Wall tickets and round-trip cable car passes. With tickets secured in advance, you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery and challenging hikes Simatai has to offer.

Getting from Beijing to Simatai

• Bus:
  Take Bus 980 from Dongzhimen to Miyun County, then transfer to a local bus to Simatai Village. The trip takes about 2 hours.Tips: Many visitors pair a trip to Simatai with a visit to Gubei Water Town.

Hiking Simatai

The full hike takes around 4 hours, with steep inclines and challenging terrain. Cable cars are available, but walking is required to reach the highest points. If you’re up for a more adventurous hike, this section of the Great Wall offers some of the most breathtaking views with fewer tourists compared to the more popular sections like Badaling.

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Great Wall of china Conservation

Over 50% of the Great Wall of china Has Disappeared or Is at Risk of Disappearing. Due to natural erosion, geological disasters, and human impact, over 50% of the Great Wall has either disappeared or is at risk. To combat this, the Chinese government has implemented more than 120 conservation projects, with a dedicated team of Great Wall protectors working to ensure its preservation.