About The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, the longest wall in the world that stands tall at 5 to 8 metres at a length of 21,196.18 km, is a winding path over rugged mountains. Located in northern China, it is made up of stone, brick, wood and other material, and was built to prevent invasions from northern nations. The wall depicts China's ancient history and culture and is proof of the nation's architecture and creativity. Ever since it has been opened as a tourist attraction, tourists throng to it every day. The Badaling section is visited by as many as 70,000 people every day.

Erected to protect its people and territories from nomadic invasions, The Great Wall of China is a grandiose series of fortifications that have been propagating legends from generation to generation. From mythical creatures to mighty soldiers that are said to have fought wars on its structure, the Great Wall is considered one of the Greatest Wonders of the World, radiating beauty and loyalty to a country that never forgets its people. Come and experience the breeze of magnificence, folkloristic anecdotes and ancient protective tactics that have kept the Empire safe for just about hundreds of years. Extending its majestic structure from east to west of China, the Great Wall is much like a fierce dragon that swerves up and down across the immense sea of trees that characterizes the beautiful land around it. 

Must See

  • Mutianyu Section.
  • Jinshanling Hiking Route.
  • Jiankou Section.
  • Simatai Tour.
  • Huanghuacheng Scenery.
  • Unique architecture
  • Dilou Towers
  • Zhengguan Tower
  • Ox Horn Edge

How to reach

Badaling - 75 km from Beijing, about 1.5 hrs drive

By Bus:

Take the public bus here for just ¥12 and it takes less than 2 hours each way. From Jishuitan subway station take Exit A, Deshengmen arrow tower on your left. Bus 877 (or 879) leaves exactly behind the tower.

By Train:

Take the 1.5 hour train from Beijing Huangtudian station, a 150 m walk from exit G4 of Huoying Station on the Beijing metro. They start at 6.30 am and run until 21.30 pm

Juyongguan: 60km from Beijing, about 1.5hrs drive

Just 15 kms from Badaling so it’s very accessible. Follow the routes above, then from Badaling bus station, take bus 879 (or take a taxi it’s less than $10).

Mutianyu: around 95 km from Beijing, about 2 hrs’ drive

By Bus:

From Dongzhimen Bus Station, take bus line 916 Express to Huairou North Avenue (Huairou Beidajie) Station and takes 1 hour (only get the express!). There, transfer to bus line h23, h24, h35, or h36 to Mutianyu Roundabout. Finally, walk about 500 yards (450 meters) to the ticket office.

Jinshanling: around 140 km from Beijing, about 2.5 hrs drive

The Jinshanling Wall is closed for renovation since June 2017. To get there, you may take Subway Line 13 (Exit D) or Subway Line 15 (Exit C) to Wangjing West Station. Then, take the tourist bus (April 1 to November 15) to your destination directly. The bus departs at 8:00 am and returns at 15:00 pm and the fare is CNY 32. The trip takes about 2 hours.

Tips

  • The best season to visit this magnificent structure is spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons.
  • If you're going in a small group, it is best to hire a taxi so you can see the different parts of the wall.
  • Most hotels these days arrange a private car for its tourists.
  • Don't go up with a  full tummy, go light, you will enjoy the walk. 
  • Avoid weekends as there will be too much crowd.
  • Wait a little bit for the people in front of you to go first then you can go at your own pace. 
  • Definitely try out the Brickyard for a bit to eat/stay over. It's such a lovely place after a visit to the wall.
  • Go to the towers 14-20 as they are higher and will give a better view of the valley.
  • Do carry water and sunscreen along with you.
  • Arrive early to avoid the huge crowd.
  • Tickets can only be purchased with a Chinese credit card or cash. Credit cards from other countries, like the USA are not taken.
  • You can get to the Wall 3 ways: walk up lots of steps, ski lift, & cable car. Bring extra cash for the ski lift & cable car tickets.
  • The best time to go is early morning to capture the morning light for awesome photos and to avoid the bus crowd later.
  • Avoid weekends and Chinese National holidays.
  • Though it's good to be a part of a tour, avoid signing up with tours that make many stops and take a long time.

Visit Time

Sunday:      7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday:      7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday:      7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday:     7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday:          7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday:      7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Badaling Great Wall - RMB40 (Nov. 01 to Mar. 31); RMB 45 (Apr. 01 to Oct. 31)
Juyongguan Great Wall - RMB 45
Mutianyu Great Wall - RMB35
Simatai Great Wall - RMB 35

Jinshanling Great Wall - RMB 30

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to  3 hours

 

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Weather

Scattered Clouds 9.38°C

 

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