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Great Wall of China
China
Visit Great Wall of China
Visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic wonders of the world, is an unforgettable experience that offers not only a deep dive into China's rich history but also an incredible adventure through stunning landscapes. Stretching over 13,000 miles, from the Gobi Desert to the eastern coast, the Wall traverses a variety of terrains, from rugged mountains to remote deserts. It was originally constructed by various dynasties to protect the Chinese states from invasions and raids by nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. The most famous and well-preserved sections of the Wall were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and these are the parts most frequently visited today, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling.
A visit to the Great Wall is a journey through history. Each section of the Wall has its own unique features and stories. For instance, the Badaling section, being the most popular due to its proximity to Beijing and its relatively easy walking conditions, often buzzes with tourists. In contrast, the Jinshanling section offers a more rugged, authentic experience with fewer crowds and more original architecture, including intact watchtowers and steep gradients that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For the truly adventurous, the wild wall sections like Jiankou offer a peek into the past with their dilapidated state, presenting a stark contrast to the well-maintained stretches.
The experience of walking along the Great Wall is physically demanding yet incredibly rewarding. As you climb steep stairs and navigate uneven surfaces, the vastness and the architectural genius of the ancient builders become strikingly apparent. The views from the Wall are spectacular; panoramic vistas of rolling hills, lush forests, and distant mountains unfold in every direction, changing with the seasons. In spring, the landscape is a vibrant green, dotted with blossoming flowers, while autumn brings a fiery palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Winter covers the Wall in a quiet blanket of snow, creating a serene and starkly beautiful scene.
Visiting the Great Wall of China is more than just a tick on a bucket list; it is an immersive encounter with history and nature, a testament to human endurance and creativity, and a connection to the past that has shaped much of Chinese civilization. Whether you are a history buff, a hiking enthusiast, or simply someone in search of awe-inspiring views, the Great Wall offers a profound and enriching experience that resonates long after the visit.
Great Wall of China Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
30°F
30°F
10
February
28°F
34°F
8
March
34°F
42°F
10
April
42°F
57°F
10
May
50°F
68°F
10
June
50°F
79°F
10
July
57°F
81°F
10
August
57°F
79°F
7
September
50°F
68°F
6
October
50°F
57°F
10
November
32°F
42°F
6
December
30°F
30°F
10
Need to Know Before You Go To Great Wall of China
Nickname:
The Great Wall of China is often nicknamed "The Long Wall.
Primary Language:
Mandarin Chinese
Time Zone:
Asia/Shanghai
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A, Type I
Annual Visitors:
10 million
Primary Export:
The Great Wall of China is not an exporting entity; it is a historical landmark.
Busiest Travel Months:
October, May, September
Quietest Travel Months:
February, January, December
Find your Next Adventure in Great Wall of China
Explore Great Wall of China
Iconic Landmarks
Badaling - Located near Beijing, Badaling is the most visited section of the Great Wall. It has been extensively restored, making it one of the easiest parts of the wall to walk on. Badaling was the first section of the wall to open to tourists and offers dramatic mountainous views and a relatively gentle walking experience.
Mutianyu - Also close to Beijing, Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling and offers a more authentic experience. It is well-restored and features 23 watchtowers over its length. The lush vegetation surrounding the wall makes it particularly beautiful in the autumn.
Jinshanling - Located about 125 kilometers northeast of Beijing, Jinshanling is a favorite for hikers and photographers due to its original features and spectacular landscapes. The wall here spans about 10.5 kilometers and features 67 watchtowers, showcasing an impressive array of defensive features.
Simatai - Recognized for retaining the original appearance of the wall, Simatai is a section that offers a more rugged and adventurous experience. It is also located northeast of Beijing and is known for its steepness and breathtaking views.
Jiankou - Known for its rugged beauty, Jiankou is a wild and unrepaired section of the Great Wall. It is popular among photographers and hikers looking for a more challenging route. The wall here is dramatically steep and offers some of the most picturesque views, especially at the famous 'Arrow Nock' point.
Juyongguan - Situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, Juyongguan was one of the Great Wall’s primary passes. This section has been restored and features complex defensive structures and an inner and outer gate, making it a significant historical and strategic point.
Each of these sections offers a unique perspective on the Great Wall's grandeur and historical significance, providing visitors with a range of experiences from easy walks to challenging hikes and breathtaking views.
Cultural Experiences
Hiking the Wall at Different Sections - Each section of the Great Wall offers a unique experience, reflecting different historical periods and architectural styles. For instance, the Badaling section is the most famous and well-preserved, ideal for those looking for a more accessible visit. For a more rugged and less crowded experience, the Jinshanling or Simatai sections offer breathtaking views and a more authentic feel of the Wall's ancient past.
Sunrise or Sunset Watching - Experiencing the sunrise or sunset from the Great Wall is a magical experience. The way the light plays on the ancient stones and the surrounding nature can be profoundly moving and is a perfect time for photography enthusiasts.
Learn About the Wall’s History at the Great Wall Museum - Located near the Badaling section, the Great Wall Museum offers insights into the wall's construction, history, and the various dynasties that contributed to its development. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of this monumental feat of engineering.
Attend the Great Wall Marathon - For those who enjoy combining physical activity with cultural exploration, the Great Wall Marathon offers a unique opportunity. This challenging race not only tests your endurance but also lets you experience the Wall and surrounding landscapes in an unforgettable way.
Explore Nearby Villages - Visiting the small villages near different sections of the Wall, such as Gubeikou or Mutianyu, can provide a glimpse into the rural Chinese lifestyle. Many of these villages also offer local homestays, giving you a chance to experience local hospitality and cuisine.
Participate in a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony - Some tours and local guesthouses near the Wall offer traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Participating in one of these ceremonies can be a relaxing way to reflect on the history and cultural significance of your surroundings.
Each of these experiences can help you connect more deeply with the history and culture surrounding the Great Wall of China, making your visit not just a sightseeing trip, but a profound cultural immersion.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking from Jinshanling to Simatai
- This hike covers some of the most beautiful and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. The route is about 10 kilometers long and offers a mix of restored and wild parts of the wall, providing a genuine sense of adventure and history. The views are spectacular, and the varying difficulty levels of the hike make it thrilling.
Sunrise or Sunset Walk at Mutianyu
- The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded than Badaling and offers a more intimate experience with nature. Hiking this section during sunrise or sunset provides breathtaking views as the sun casts golden hues over the ancient stones and lush surrounding landscapes.
Camping near the Wall
- For a truly immersive experience, some adventurers choose to camp near the Great Wall. This is usually done in less touristy sections like Gubeikou or Jiankou. Camping allows for night-time and early morning walks, when the wall is at its most serene and majestic.
Toboggan Ride at Mutianyu
- After hiking up and exploring the Mutianyu section, you can opt for a fun and exhilarating toboggan ride back down. This unique activity combines adventure with stunning scenic views, making it a favorite among families and thrill-seekers alike.
Photography Tours
- The Great Wall offers endless opportunities for photography, from panoramic landscapes to detailed architectural features. Specialized photography tours can help you capture the magic of the wall at different times of the day, including the elusive golden hour.
Exploring the Wild Wall: Jiankou Section
- For the more adventurous, the Jiankou section presents a challenging trek. This part of the wall is unrepaired and crumbles in places, offering a rugged and authentic experience. It is less frequented by tourists and provides some of the most dramatic scenery of the entire Great Wall.
Off the Beaten Path
Jiankou Section - Known for its rugged beauty and dilapidated state, the Jiankou section is ideal for experienced hikers and photographers looking for dramatic landscapes. This section is not restored, so it retains an ancient feel but requires caution as the hiking can be quite challenging.
Gubeikou Section - This section has seen numerous historical battles and remains un-restored, offering a more authentic experience. The Gubeikou Great Wall runs for over 20 kilometers and connects with Jinshanling, another scenic section, providing a great opportunity for a multi-day trek.
Huanghuacheng Section - Unique for its proximity to a lake, this section of the wall offers stunning reflections of the wall in the water. It's less crowded and provides a peaceful experience, especially during the summer when the surrounding hills are lush and green.
Jinshanling Section - While somewhat popular among photographers, Jinshanling offers a good balance between accessibility and authenticity. It features a mix of restored and unrestored areas, and the hiking here is moderately challenging with rewarding views.
Simatai Section - Open to the public only in certain parts due to its steepness and state of disrepair, Simatai offers a night tour that allows visitors to see the Great Wall illuminated under the stars, a rare and unique experience.
Bashang Grasslands - For a completely different experience, visit the Bashang Grasslands in Hebei Province, where parts of the wall are just remnants or mounds. This area is less about the wall itself and more about experiencing the vast landscapes and rural life around it.
Each of these sections offers a unique way to experience the Great Wall, away from the crowds and commercialization found in more popular areas like Badaling and Mutianyu. Always prepare adequately for hikes, carry sufficient water and snacks, wear appropriate footwear, and consider the season and weather conditions when planning your visit.
Great Wall of China Fun Facts
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most iconic structures, rich in history and full of interesting facts. Here are the top 10 fun facts about the Great Wall:
- Not Visible from Space with the Naked Eye: Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. This myth has been debunked by astronauts who have been to space, including Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei.
- Longest Cemetery on Earth: The Great Wall is sometimes called the longest cemetery on Earth because an estimated 400,000 people died during its construction. Many of these workers were buried within the wall itself.
- Varied Materials: The materials used to build the Great Wall varied depending on the resources available locally. In different sections, you can find walls made of earth, wood, bricks, and stones.
- Length: The official length of all the sections of the Great Wall built over thousands of years is about 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles), according to a 2012 survey by China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
- Several Dynasties: The construction of the Great Wall was not done by one single dynasty. It was built and maintained by several dynasties over centuries, starting from as early as the 7th century BC with the most famous sections built by the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD).
- Originally Not a Single Wall: The Great Wall was not originally built as a single, continuous wall. It was a series of several walls that were eventually joined together to form the Great Wall we know today.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of the Great Wall was defense against invasions and raids by nomadic groups from the north, particularly the Mongols.
- Cultural Significance: The Great Wall is a symbol of China’s historical reluctance to interact with the world and a representation of the Chinese strength and perseverance.
- World Heritage Site: The Great Wall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
- Popular Myth: One popular myth is that during the Ming Dynasty, glutinous rice flour was used in making the mortar that held the bricks together, giving it strength that has allowed it to stand for centuries.
Featured Picture Gallery
The Great Wall of China was Built in 220 BC
Immerse in the Nature Surrounding the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China in the Winter
The Stairs Along the Great Wall of China
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