The Great Wall of China: The Complete Guide

1. Introduction: A Stone Titan Through the Ages

Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall is one of humanity’s most colossal constructions. Its initial building began as early as the 7th century BCE, but most of what we see today dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Completing this complex structure took over 2,000 years.

Why such an enormous effort? The primary goal was to protect Chinese territory from northern nomadic invasions (especially the Mongols), but it also served as a customs checkpoint for the Silk Road and a rapid communication system via its watchtowers.

The total length of the Great Wall of China is approximately 21,196 kilometers.

👉 This figure includes all officially recorded sections:

• Stone or brick walls

• Natural fortifications (mountains, rivers)

• Trenches and defensive barriers

📊 Important detail:
Only a small portion is still visible and restored (about 6,000 to 7,000 km).
The most famous sections—Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling—are located near Beijing.

📚 This measurement comes from an official Chinese study published in 2012, which for the first time accounted for all defensive structures built over more than 2,000 years.

2. Details: The 10 Best Sections of the Great Wall to Visit

The Great Wall stretches for thousands of kilometers and offers very different experiences depending on the section. Some are fully restored and easily accessible, while others are wild and reserved for experienced hikers.

1. Mutianyu – The Perfect Compromise ⭐

📍 Near Beijing
This is AsiaOnTheWay’s favorite section. Beautifully restored, less crowded than Badaling, and well-organized, it offers spectacular views. The chairlift and giant slide make it ideal for families.

Best for: families, photographers, first-time visitors

2. Badaling – The Most Famous

📍 70 km from Beijing
The most well-known and visited section. Fully restored and extremely easy to access, it attracts many tourists, especially in peak season.

Best for: a quick first visit, maximum accessibility

3. Jinshanling – Hiker’s Paradise

📍 Between Beijing and Chengde
One of the most impressive sections for hiking. Semi-restored, it retains an authentic feel and offers breathtaking scenery.

Best for: hikers, panoramic photography

4. Simatai – The Night Wall 🌙

📍 Northeast of Beijing
Unique: one of the few sections open at night, illuminated by lanterns. Steep and dramatic.

Best for: unique experiences, night photography

5. Jiankou – The Wildest ⚠️

📍 Mountainous area near Beijing
Barely restored and sometimes dangerous. Known for steep slopes and collapsed towers.

Best for: experienced adventurers
❌ Not recommended without a guide

6. Huanghuacheng – Wall by the Water

📍 About 85 km from Beijing
A rare feature: some portions are partially submerged by a lake, creating unique scenery.

Best for: nature lovers, photography, tranquility

7. Gubeikou – Raw Authenticity

📍 North of Beijing
Sparsely restored and very peaceful, preserving its historical and wild character.

Best for: off-the-beaten-path travelers

8. Shanhaiguan – Where the Wall Meets the Sea 🌊

📍 Hebei Province
Nicknamed the “Dragon’s Head”, this section marks the eastern end of the Wall, at the Bohai Sea.

Best for: history and symbolism

9. Juyongguan – The Strategic Fortress

📍 Juyong Pass, near Beijing
An ancient military position with fortified gates and historical inscriptions.

Best for: history enthusiasts

10. Huangyaguan – Sports and Scenic Views

📍 Tianjin Province
Famous for its annual Great Wall Marathon, this section offers rolling landscapes and good restoration.

Best for: sports lovers, wide-open vistas

🧭 How to Choose the Right Section

• Families / First-time visitors → Mutianyu, Badaling

• Hiking / Nature → Jinshanling, Gubeikou

• Adventure / Spectacular photos → Jiankou

• Unique experience → Simatai (at night)

• History & symbolism → Shanhaiguan

3. How to Get to the Great Wall of China

Access to the Great Wall is almost exclusively from Beijing, the closest gateway to the most beautiful and famous sections, whether restored or wilder.

🚆 From Beijing by Train or Bus (Budget Option)

This is the simplest and most affordable way to reach the popular tourist sections.

Badaling

• Accessible by train from Beijing North or direct bus from the city center

• Travel time: ~1 to 1.5 hours

Mutianyu

• Direct bus from Dongzhimen hub or a combination of bus + local minibus

• Travel time: ~1.5 to 2 hours

✅ Pros: inexpensive, reliable
❌ Cons: fixed schedules, more crowded during peak times

🚕 Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps

Official taxis or local ride-hailing apps allow access to all sections of the Wall.

• Ideal for Badaling and Mutianyu

• Also possible for Simatai and Jinshanling, but more expensive

✅ Pros: flexible departure, simple
❌ Cons: higher cost, potential language barrier

🚗 Private Driver (Comfort Option)

The best choice if you want to visit less crowded sections or organize a custom itinerary.

• Recommended for: Jinshanling, Gubeikou, Jiankou, Simatai

• Average cost: 600–800 RMB per day (vehicle + driver)

✅ Pros: total freedom, comfortable, ideal for groups
❌ Cons: more expensive than public transport

🚌 Guided Tours (All-in-One)

Day tours from Beijing often include:

• Round-trip transport

• Entrance ticket

• Sometimes an English-speaking guide

• Optional chairlift or slide depending on the section

✅ Pros: no logistics, perfect for a first visit
❌ Cons: fixed schedule, less freedom

🧭 Which Option to Choose?

• First visit / family → Bus or guided tour

• Hiking & authenticity → Private driver

• Budget traveler → Train + bus

• Photography & flexibility → Taxi or private driver

🚆 Estimated Costs for 2025

Train / Bus (budget option)

• Badaling: ~10–30 RMB one way

• Mutianyu: ~20–50 RMB one way

• Total transport + ticket per person: ~10–50 RMB (~1–6 USD / 1–6 EUR)

Taxi / Ride-Hailing

• To Badaling or Mutianyu: 200–400 RMB one way (~25–50 USD / EUR)

• To Simatai or Jinshanling: 500–900 RMB one way (~60–110 USD / EUR)

Private Driver

• 600–800 RMB per day per vehicle (~70–95 USD / EUR)

Guided Tour

• 300–700 RMB per person (~35–85 USD / EUR)

📌 Useful Notes

Currency conversions are approximate: rates vary daily.

• 1 EUR ≈ 7.5–8 RMB

• 1 USD ≈ 6.8–7.3 RMB

What is RMB?

• RMB = Renminbi, literally “People’s Currency”, the official currency of China

• Unit = Yuan (¥)

• RMB and Yuan are often used interchangeably

💡 Example: ¥300 = 300 RMB (~40 EUR / 42 USD)

4. Where to Stay for an Immersive Experience

Spending the night near the Great Wall is one of the best ways to enjoy an authentic and peaceful experience. Staying nearby allows you to beat the morning crowds, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and experience a more intimate side of the Wall and its villages.

Gubei Water Town: Comfort & Scenic Views

• Located at the base of Simatai

• Reconstructed water town in traditional Chinese style

• Accommodation: luxury hotels, boutique hotels, elegant guesthouses

• Highlight: direct view of the Simatai Wall, often illuminated at night

• Atmosphere: romantic, peaceful, architecturally charming

• Best for: couples, travelers seeking comfort, first immersive experience

💡 Evening suggestion: stroll along the canals and admire the illuminated Wall—a unique experience in China.

Guesthouses: Authenticity & Simplicity

• Around Mutianyu, Jiankou, or Jinshanling

• Accommodation: family-run guesthouses, simple but clean rooms

• Price: from 200 RMB per night (~25–30 EUR / 27–32 USD)

• Atmosphere: warm, friendly, away from tourist crowds

• Best for: hikers, photographers, travelers curious about local life

💡 Hosts often offer home-cooked meals, valuable tips on less-traveled trails, and sometimes transport to the Wall at sunrise.

Why Stay Nearby?

✔ Early access to the Wall before tour buses arrive
✔ Exceptional light for photography (dawn and dusk)
✔ Slower pace and immersion in rural China
✔ Much more memorable than a day trip from Beijing

👉 Staying near the Great Wall transforms a standard visit into a true immersive adventure, whether you choose panoramic luxury or authentic simplicity.

5. Best Season to Visit the Great Wall

Timing your visit can make the experience unforgettable. The Wall offers spectacular landscapes year-round, but some seasons are especially recommended.

🌸 Spring (March–May)

• Pros: mild temperatures, blooming flowers, fresh air

• Atmosphere: lush greenery and vibrant colors

• Ideal for hiking and photography

• Cons: tourist peaks during Chinese holidays (Labor Day in early May)

☀️ Summer (June–August)

• Pros: long days, stable weather

• Atmosphere: lush landscapes, perfect for high-altitude hiking

• Cons: intense heat, humidity, peak crowds at popular sections

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

• Pros: dry and pleasant climate, moderate temperatures, spectacular red and gold foliage

• Atmosphere: picturesque landscapes, perfect for photography

• Cons: temperatures drop quickly later in the season, especially in the mountains

❄️ Winter (December–February)

• Pros: very few tourists, peaceful and majestic atmosphere, incredible snowy views

• Atmosphere: Wall almost deserted, authentic experience

• Cons: cold, some sections slippery or closed, transportation more difficult

🔑 Practical Tip

For the best combination of comfort and scenery, late spring and autumn are the top recommendations. The colors, soft light, and moderate temperatures allow you to fully enjoy the Wall without the crowds or extreme heat.

💡 Photo tip: sunrise and sunset are especially stunning in autumn, particularly in less-visited sections like Jinshanling or Jiankou.

6. Food & Dining: What to Eat Near the Great Wall

The cuisine around the Great Wall is rustic, generous, and typical of northern China. Enjoying a meal on-site lets you discover local flavors while resting after a hike or a visit.

🐟 Country-Style Grilled Fish

A local specialty near Mutianyu: rainbow trout raised in the surrounding mountain streams.

• Preparation: grilled over a wood fire with local spices, often served with seasonal vegetables

• Why try it: a simple yet flavorful dish, representative of northern Chinese mountain cuisine

🥟 Seasonal Dishes and Pancakes

Green Onion Pancakes (Congyoubing): crispy and fragrant, perfect for a quick snack.

Wild Vegetable Dishes: foraged from the slopes around the Wall, often served with braised pork or other local meats.

Atmosphere: meals are typically shared in small inns or family homes, giving a glimpse of rural life.

7. Budget & Practical Tips

Visiting the Wall requires a bit of financial planning to avoid surprises.

💸 Estimated Costs (2025)

• Entrance fee: 40–60 RMB (~6–8 EUR / USD)

• Chairlift / Slide: 120–140 RMB round trip (~15–18 EUR / 16–19 USD)

• Transport (train/bus): 30–60 RMB round trip (~4–8 EUR / USD)

• Total daily budget: ~300–400 RMB per person (~40–50 EUR / 42–52 USD), including entrance, transport, meals, and extras

🥾 Survival Tips

• Hiking shoes: essential, as the steps can be uneven and irregular

• Avoid Chinese national holidays: early October (National Day) and Lunar New Year—otherwise, expect large crowds

• Water & snacks: carry some for long hikes, especially in less accessible sections like Jinshanling or Jiankou

💡 Tip: combine an overnight stay with a local meal to enjoy sunset and sunrise views, while tasting regional specialties.

Conclusion: A Timeless Journey

Visiting the Great Wall of China is more than just a bucket-list experience; it’s a physical immersion into the history of a millennia-old civilization. Whether you slide down the Mutianyu toboggan or climb the rugged peaks of Jinshanling, the sense of awe is the same, facing this immense stone serpent winding endlessly over the mountains.

Following this guide, you now have all the tools to avoid tourist traps, manage your budget, and experience the Wall authentically. Remember, the Wall changes with the seasons: snow-covered in winter, cherry blossoms in spring—it deserves to be seen at least once in a lifetime.

The Chinese adventure is just beginning! Planning to continue your journey? Check out our articles on Beijing or tips for mastering mobile payment apps in China, essential for your travels.

📍 ASIA ON THE WAY – Practical Travel Guide for Asia

🌐 Website: https://asiaontheway.com
📧 Email: contact@asiaontheway.com

💬 Personalized advice, custom itineraries, and local tips to travel differently across Asia, all year round—even off-season.

FAQ: History & Visiting the Great Wall

Who built the Great Wall?

Construction began centuries before the Common Era during the Warring States period. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor, unified existing walls under the Qin dynasty to protect the northern frontier. Later, the Ming emperors replaced earthen walls with bricks and stone to create the robust structure we admire today.

How long is the Great Wall?

Official measurements estimate the total length, including walls, trenches, and natural barriers, at 21,196 kilometers, stretching from the Bohai Sea in the east to the edge of the Gobi Desert in the west—a monumental barrier against Mongol incursions.

Why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (cultural heritage) in 1987. This architectural masterpiece reflects the military genius of multiple Chinese dynasties and is a universal symbol of human history.

What other historical sites can I visit around Beijing?

• Forbidden City: imperial residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties

• Temple of Heaven (Tiantan): where emperors prayed for harvests

• Ming Tombs: on the route to the Wall, showcasing imperial funeral rituals

Can you trek or cruise near the Wall?

• For hikers: multi-day treks between Jinshanling and Simatai, with overnight stays near the Wall

• For a different view: boat trips on Huanghuacheng Lake, where the Wall literally meets the water—a hidden gem away from Beijing’s crowds

Which dynasty mainly rebuilt the Great Wall and why?

Most of the preserved sections we see today were rebuilt during the Ming dynasty to protect the territory against invasions from northern tribes, particularly the Mongols. Older fortifications date back to the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties, while some parts come from the Yuan dynasty. The main purpose was to defend Ancient China and ensure the safety of the Chinese people and trade routes, reflecting the strategic mind of the rulers throughout Chinese history.

Which section is ideal for a first visit or families?

The Mutianyu Great Wall is very accessible from Beijing, China, featuring well-restored watchtowers and a cable-car for easy ascent. This section is partially rebuilt and well preserved, offering a safe and scenic experience while showcasing the ingenuity of Emperors of China throughout the history of Chinese civilization.

How long is the Great Wall, and what type of terrain does it cross?

The Great Wall stretches approximately 21,196 kilometers, crossing mountains, valleys, and plateaus, reaching areas near Inner-Mongolia and Tibet. It combines man-made walls and natural fortifications, adapting to rugged terrain to prevent invasion and protect Chinese culture and settlements along its path.

Can visitors experience trekking on the Wall, and what should they know?

Yes, sections like Jinshanling, Jiankou, and Simatai are ideal for trekking, offering a mix of rebuilt and wild ruins. Hikers encounter historic watchtowers, uneven steps, and panoramic views of Yangtze tributaries and mountains. Knowledge of Chinese history and local historians’ insights can greatly enhance the experience. Some sections are challenging, so proper gear and caution are recommended.

Why is the Great Wall considered one of the Wonders of the World and important for Chinese culture?

The Wall represents the ingenuity of multiple dynasties including Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming, showcasing the evolution of Chinese civilization over centuries. As a UNESCO site and one of the Wonders of the World, it symbolizes defense against invasions, the power of Emperors of China, and the enduring spirit of the Chinese people. Its proximity to landmarks like Tiananmen and the Summer Palace in Beijing, China, also reflects the deep intertwining of culture, politics, and history.