Where and how to see the Great Wall of China

The awe-inspiring Great Wall is a must-see for first-time visitors to China. For many, it’s the highlight of their trip, but only if you choose which section you visit wisely. Imagine walking along the ancient walls, soaking in the breathtaking views and centuries of history, before ending the day with a warm traditional meal. From how to see the Great Wall of China, which sections to visit, and the ideal time to experience this world wonder, start maximizing your China vacation with this helpful guide and learn how to take your trip from exciting to unforgettable.

What is the Great Wall of China? A brief history

Most people take in China’s iconic Great Wall as part of their time in Beijing, but for a deeper dive or a chance to explore off the beaten track, deciding where to see China’s Great Wall can be challenging. To help make choosing easier, let’s look at its fascinating history and how this magnificent wall came to be.

In the third century BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China, ordered this barrier to be built to prevent incursions from nomadic invaders. Construction lasted over 2,000 years, with over nine dynasties helping build, deconstruct, and renovate it.

Today, there are eight Great Wall sections, with certain sections more visited than others. The wall has been well preserved and maintained at some points, while little more than a pile of rubble can be seen in other places.

Different sections of the wall

The Great Wall is divided into various sections spanning across 15 provinces. You can visit all of them if you want, but if you’re short on time, it’s good to know the best ones. You could for instance take our 12-day hiking tour pre-planned out by a local expert, or reach out for help designing your own itinerary from scratch. Below, we run through the top sections of the Great Wall, to help you get started.

Mutianyu section

The Great Wall is one of China’s historical highlights, with the Mutianyu section being the best place to experience its beauty if you’re short on time or have mobility issues. It also has significantly fewer crowds than Badaling. The length of this section is about 1.8 miles (3km) and will take about three and a half hours to complete.

This wall section is the most preserved and is a favorite among photographers. The surrounding forests, ancient pine trees, and 22 watchtowers make it an exceptional portrait backdrop.

This section is also excellent for traveling with children. It has an educational Great Wall Culture Exhibition Center, a cable car, and a fun toboggan ride for an exciting descent.

Simatai section

The Simatai section of the Great Wall at Gubeikou was first built in 1368 during the Ming dynasty’s reign. It is steeped in rugged terrain and dramatic views, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.

The section is 3.35 miles (5.4km) long, stretching from Wangjianglou Tower in the east to the Jinshanling Great Wall in the west. Along the challenging but rewarding path, you’ll pass 35 beacon towers and a sky bridge that runs along a narrow ridge.

It is one of the few sections open at night for tours of the pathway under the moonlight and stars. Only the eastern fifth and sixth towers are accessible after dark. You’ll need to take the cable car to ascend and descend the steep terrain, keeping in mind the poor lighting conditions.

Badaling section

Once hailed as the ‘Key to northern China’, Badaling is one of the best places to see the Great Wall of China. It is the most visited section of this UNESCO Heritage Site, with over 10 million annual visitors, and even features a wheelchair accessible section for inclusive exploration.

This restored passage is just an hour and a half outside Beijing and stretches for 7.5 miles (12km). Trekking the snaking path steeped in centuries of history will take about three to four hours, having you pass 16 watchtowers, the Hao Han Monument, and Tower 5—the tallest tower on the southern section.

Similarly to Mutianyu, you can make your journey easier by taking a cable car up or a toboggan ride down. Once at the bottom, you’ll find restaurants and souvenir stalls where you can replenish after a leisurely walk.

Jinshanling section

If time is not an issue, and you’re reasonably fit and active, Jinshanling is the better option. This section is well preserved and mercifully free of the overdevelopment that has blighted Badaling.

Jinshanling is a considerable distance from the city, so you’ll escape the smog, and if the weather is clear, you’ll see the wall snake away over the horizon. The distance from Beijing also tends to put off the tour groups, so you won’t need to share the wall with too many people.

The trail stretches for 4 miles (6.5km) through a blend of rugged and well-preserved wall sections. It features diverse watchtower shapes from oval to square, with unique carvings of poems dating to the 16th century.

Notable towers include Heigu Tower, Flower Tower, Xiliangzhuanduo Tower, General Tower, and Eastern Five-Window Tower, each offering a unique peek into the history behind these walls.

Huanghuacheng section

Huanghuacheng sits roughly between Badaling and Matianyu and is named after the ‘yellow flowers’ in full bloom in summer. Construction started in the 1400s and continued for almost 190 years.

This section has barely been restored, and therein lies the reason for its attraction. There is almost a complete absence of development, and this, coupled with some breathtaking views, makes it a good choice.

Today, this 43-mile (70km) section is almost crescent-shaped, with the Haoming Lake breaking into three sections. You can also visit the lake, which is decorated with blooming apricot blossoms in spring, by renting a pedal boat, speed boat, or sightseeing boat.

The path also has a Chestnut Garden filled with over 100 trees passed down from the Ming Dynasty. To hike the garden and the trail, you’ll need decent shoes and should be prepared to do some scrambling. It is recommended for those with a taste for adventure.

Jiankou section

Jiankou can be translated to ‘Arrow Nock’ because of the triangle-shaped mountain and the collapsed bridge on which these walls sit. It connects Mutianyu with Huanghuacheng, providing a challenging hike that is best suited for experienced hikers with equipment suitable for outdoor trekking.

Stretching about 12.4 miles (20km) and about two and a half hours away from Beijing, this unrepaired pathway, partially reclaimed by nature, has dramatically steep cliffs, narrow steps, valleys, and ridges that can make this a unique yet challenging trip. This section isn’t officially open to the public, but it can be accessed through a local guide and by traveling through the local villages.

The hike itself covers a few spectacular sites like the Nine-Eyed Tower, Beijing Knot, Sky Stair, and Zhangbei Tower.

Gubeikou section

Gubeikou is the ideal route for adventurers who aren’t afraid of a challenge and want to be transported back to bygone times. The trail is about a two-hour drive, about 80 miles (130km) from downtown Beijing. Just west, you’ll find Simatai and Jinshanling.

This 25-mile (40km) path remains in its original condition from the Northern Qi and Ming Dynasties and even has a few crumbling bits and loose rock. The trail consists of two main sections: Wohushan (which translates to “Crouching Tiger Mountain”) and Panlongshan.

Wohushan is steep with panoramic views, while Panlongshan is more tranquil and full of lush greenery. Most hikers choose Panlongshan as it’s slightly more beginner-friendly. On this hike, you can expect to see the strategically placed General Tower, which served as a military command post. You can enjoy scenic views from here, perfect for snapping a few pictures.

Juyongguan section

Located at the north gateway to Beijing, Juyongguan is easily accessible and doesn’t require climbing any steps. It’s the lowest point of the wall and gets almost as crowded as Badaling.

It is surrounded by steep cliffs and functioned as a protective shield, and holds historical significance for the country. It was considered one of the most critical passes as it saw big battles fought here, even having Genghis Khan leading his army through its confines.

Try to arrive early to take in all of the Ming Dynasty architecture, Buddhist stone carvings, and temples before the crowds arrive. Highlights of this section include the Cloud Platform, which was built between 1342 and 1345 AD. It sits in the center of the pass and contains detailed carvings of scriptures and Buddha statues, and gives a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape.

The Juyongguan Great Wall Museum’s six exhibition halls also provide information on the history and cultural heritage of China’s Great Wall. It holds real objects, materials, models, and digital interactions to carve a clearer image.

Best time to visit the Great Wall of China

The best time to visit the Great Wall is in spring and fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. Spring, from March to May, offers mild temperatures of 52–75 degrees Fahrenheit (11–24 Celsius). You’ll also experience early blooms and occasional breezes — often a gentle and refreshing respite from the heat and sweat from hiking this long trail.

Fall is from September to November, and this snaking fortress may be one of the country’s best places to see fall colors. It also has comfortable weather at around 46–64 degrees Fahrenheit (8–18 Celsius) daily, and only a few drops of rain, making it a pleasant time to hike.

While not as popular, December to February offers a magical and beautiful winter landscape with usually gray walls and steps dusted lightly with fresh white snow. If you can bear the freezing 14–41 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to 4 Celsius), you’ll be rewarded with an almost empty site with ample photography opportunities.

Top tips on how to visit the Great Wall of China

• Visit on weekdays – This is the best time to avoid crowds.
• Summer is a high-traffic time – Summer, especially during the Lunar New Year break, gets the most visitors.
• Get an early start – The walls are popular for foreigners and locals. Beat the crowds by arriving early.
• Getting there – Typically, your tour guide or agency will assist you in traveling from Beijing to the Great Wall of China. However, you can also reach the wall through public transportation or private car rental.
• Wear comfortable shoes – Most of your time here will be hiking and climbing steps, so comfy shoes are imperative.
• Bring snacks and water – It’s important to replenish yourself while walking. You can buy snacks along the walls, but these might be pricey.

FAQs about a Great Wall of China trip

Where is the Great Wall of China?

The most famous sections, Badaling and Mutianyu, of the Great Wall of China are in the Huairou District in northern Beijing. However, the fortress spans multiple provinces and municipalities.

Where does the Great Wall of China start and end?

The fortress begins in the Hebei Province at Shanhaiguan Pass in the east. It ends at Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu Province in the west, and opens into the sea.

How big is the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China stretches 13,171 miles (21,196km), the longest wall ever constructed by human hands. It crosses deserts, mountains, and plains across 15 provinces in China. It was designed as a formidable defense system against invasions and raids, and the average wall height is 25.6ft (7.8m).

Can you visit the Great Wall as a day trip?

Yes, you can visit the Great Wall as a day trip. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the entrance from Beijing’s city center. To save time, you can take a cable car up and trek only the popular sections, as these are typically easier to walk.

Which is better, Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall?

If you have limited time, visit the Mutianyu section, which offers a cable car and a toboggan. It only takes about two and a half hours to hike and still allows for fantastic views.

Make it happen

The best way to see the Great Wall of China is to venture beyond the crowds and explore the hidden sections, often off the beaten path. The rule of thumb is that the further you get from Beijing, the fewer people you’ll have to share the wall with, and the more spectacular the view is. Our local experts can offer you more guidance and tips to make the most of your trip; be sure to get in touch with them to start planning your very own, entirely personalized journey to China.