Great Wall of Beijing
The Great Wall, a colossal fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s longest defensive barrier, stretching over 21,196 kilometers across northern China. Built incrementally from the 7th century BCE to the 17th century CE, it symbolizes China’s resilience, strategic ingenuity, and imperial ambition. Originally constructed to protect against nomadic invasions, the Wall evolved into a cultural icon, blending military architecture with natural landscapes. Today, it stands as a testament to human endurance, with sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling offering breathtaking vistas and historical insights.
Historical Overview
Construction began under the Zhou Dynasty (770–221 BCE) as scattered fortifications, later unified by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221–206 BCE) to deter Xiongnu raids. Subsequent dynasties expanded and reinforced the Wall:
Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE): Extended westward to protect Silk Road trade.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE): Rebuilt the Wall with brick and stone, adding watchtowers, beacon platforms, and garrison stations.
Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE): Shifted focus to diplomacy, reducing military reliance on the Wall.
Modern significance: Designated a UNESCO site in 1987, it became a symbol of national pride and a UNESCO-protected cultural treasure. Key events include the 1972 UNESCO nomination and its role in fostering China’s post-1949 cultural identity.
Structural Layout
The Wall’s architecture varies by region and era, but common features include:Wall Body: A 5–8-meter-high rampart with crenellated battlements, constructed from rammed earth, stone, or brick.
Watchtowers: Strategically spaced at 500-meter intervals, used for surveillance and signaling (smoke/fire).
Beacon Platforms: Hilltop stations for long-distance military communication.
Barbicans: Fortified gates at entry points, often flanked by moats.
Barriers: Natural and artificial obstacles like ravines, cliffs, and “watching dragons” (spiked wooden barriers).
Major Sections
Badaling (Ming Dynasty): Most restored and accessible, with steep staircases and panoramic views.
Mutianyu (Ming Dynasty): Less crowded, featuring 22 watchtowers and a cable car.
Jinshanling (Ming Dynasty): Preserves original battlements and “brave men’s stones” (commemorative plaques).
Simatai (Ming Dynasty): Known for its “Sky Stair” (90-degree incline) and night illuminations.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (Half-Day):
Badaling Section:Cable car ascent → North Window Tower → North Eight Pass → South Seven Pass → Exit via Beiluogu Pass.
Highlights: Iconic vistas, historical plaques, and crowd-friendly trails.
Extended Route (Full Day):
Mutianyu + Jinshanling:Mutianyu: Cable car to Tower 14 → Hike east to Tower 6 → Shuttle to Jinshanling → Trek to General Tower → Exit.
Highlights: Untouched battlements, solitude, and photography spots.
Adventure Route (Multi-Day):
Jiayuguan to Shanhaiguan:
Day 1: Jiayuguan Fort → Overland Trail (trek/drive) to Yellow City Pass.
Day 2: Hike Heshangguan to Sandaoguan → Overnight in a village guesthouse.
Day 3: Explore Shanhaiguan’s “First Pass” → Laolongtou (Old Dragon’s Head).
Highlights: Silk Road history, desert landscapes, and coastal Wall sections.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Reserve via official platforms (e.g., WeChat, Ctrip) up to 7 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available but may sell out during holidays.
- Prices:
Badaling: ¥40 (peak season), ¥35 (off-season).
Mutianyu: ¥45 (adults), ¥25 (students).
Jinshanling: ¥65 (includes shuttle).
Jiayuguan Pass: ¥110 (combo ticket with Overhanging Great Wall).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
By Bus:Beijing: Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen to Badaling (90 mins).
Mutianyu: Bus 916 Express to Huairou, transfer to H23/H24.
By Tour Group: Day trips from Beijing (¥200–400/person, includes transport).
By Car: Private hire to Mutianyu (~¥400 round-trip from Beijing).
Departure: Exit via shuttle buses or taxis at main sections.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–3 PM; hike early (7 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays quieter.
Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for mild temperatures and clear skies.
Essentials:
Wear sturdy hiking boots (uneven steps, steep climbs).
Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks (limited facilities at remote sections).
Photography allowed (avoid flash in dimly lit towers).
Prohibited items: Drones, graffiti tools, and large backpacks (check at entrances).
Great Wall of Beijing Scenic Spots Guide
FAQ
Which section of the Great Wall is best for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, Badaling Great Wall is highly recommended! It is the best-preserved and most renowned section, with convenient transportation (about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Beijing) and fully equipped facilities (cable cars and walkways), suitable for visitors of all ages. Additionally, Mutianyu Great Wall offers fewer crowds, scenically stunning views, and lush vegetation, ideal for those seeking tranquility. Choose Into Travel China for one-stop ticket + transportation services, and let our professional guides help you unlock the Great Wall’s charm with ease!
How long does it take to climb the Great Wall?
The time required to climb the Great Wall varies significantly depending on the section, route, and physical condition: Badaling: Well-developed with facilities. A relaxed visit via cable car (round trip between North Tower 4 and South Tower 4) takes about 2-3 hours. A full walking route (classic North Tower 1 to North Tower 8) requires 3-4 hours, while the southern route is shorter (1-2 hours). Mutianyu: Lush vegetation. A round-trip walk to Watchtower 20 takes 3-4 hours; combining cable car and toboggan slide can reduce time to 2-3 hours, suitable for moderate fitness. Simatai/Jiankou: Representing the "wild" Great Wall. Simatai’s Single Side Wall to Wangjing Tower takes 4-5 hours (professional equipment needed), while the unrestored Jiankou section requires 5-6 hours—recommended only for experienced hikers. Tips: Wear non-slip shoes, carry water and sunscreen. Beginners should prioritize developed sections; those with average fitness can use cable cars to save time.
How much is the entrance fee?
Ticket prices for different sections of the Great Wall vary depending on development level and supporting services, as follows: Badaling: Peak season (April 1 – October 31): Adult ticket 40 RMB; students/low-income individuals 20 RMB. Cable car round trip: 140 RMB; toboggan slide one-way: 80 RMB. Night tour tickets: 198 RMB on weekdays, 298 RMB on weekends (including cable car). Mutianyu: Entrance ticket: 40 RMB; shuttle bus round trip: 15 RMB. Cable car/ropeway round trip: 140 RMB; toboggan slide one-way: 100 RMB (the longest in Beijing). Simatai: Single entrance ticket: 40 RMB. Recommended combo tickets: "Gubei Water Town + Simatai" (170 RMB) or packages including chairlift (starting from 110 RMB). Jinshanling: Entrance ticket: 65 RMB. 50% discount for students/seniors (60+). Free admission for children under 15 (until June 30) and high school/college entrance exam candidates (until August 31). Tips: Some sections have price fluctuations between peak and off-seasons (e.g., Badaling’s off-season price is 35 RMB). Book tickets in advance via official platforms. For tickets booking, transportation, or guided tour packages, contact us for one-stop services!
How do I get to the Great Wall from downtown Beijing?
Transportation options from downtown Beijing to different Great Wall sections are as follows: Badaling: Take Suburban Railway Line S2 (Huangtudian Station → Badaling Station, 7 RMB, 1 hour) or the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway (Beijing North Station → Badaling Great Wall Station, starting from 35 RMB, 30 minutes). Direct access via Bus Route 877 (Deshengmen → Badaling, 12 RMB) or Tourist Bus Line 1 (Qianmen Departure Center → Badaling, 100 RMB including entrance ticket). Mutianyu: Recommended: Qianmen Tourist Shuttle (including entrance ticket, 100 RMB, departing at 9:00) or Dongzhimen Direct Bus (one-way 30 RMB, departing at 8:30). Simatai: Take Bus Route 980 from Dongzhimen to Miyun West Bridge, transfer to Mi 37 Bus Route to Simatai Village, then walk to Gubei Water Town and transfer to the scenic area shuttle. Jinshanling: Direct bus departing from Dongzhimen at 8:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (one-way 50 RMB). For private car hire or transfer services, contact us: Email: service@intotravelchina.com / WhatsApp: +86 17790278341 Save time and enjoy hassle-free travel!
What are the best dining options near the Great Wall?
Dining options near the Great Wall vary by section, but these experiences are most recommended: Farmhouse Feasts: Sample rainbow trout (grilled or sashimi-style), stewed mushroom with free-range chicken (slow-cooked in iron pots), and cornmeal pancakes with wild herb dumplings. These dishes highlight local ingredients and northern rural flavors. Local Snacks: Try freshly fried dough sticks with tofu pudding, “rolling donkey” (red bean paste glutinous rolls), and hawthorn-walnut sugar-coated haws. Some vendors offer wild jujube tea, ideal for refreshment. International Bites: Western-style cafes near attractions serve pizzas and burgers, some featuring creative "Great Wall Burgers" with Peking duck patties. We recommend bringing a thermos—many farmhouses offer free refills of chrysanthemum tea brewed with mountain spring water. For immersive experiences, contact us to book scenic dining spots overlooking the Wall.
