17 Essential Facts About the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China inspires wonder among its millions of visitors each year. Read on to learn about its unique history and how to visit.

Fact checked by

Olivia Young

Like a writhing dragon’s tail, the Great Wall of China snakes its way across China’s northern border. As its name suggests, the Great Wall is an imposing architectural marvel, often hailed as one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world. Its history stretches back more than 2,000 years. Despite its cultural and historic importance, it wasn’t until 1987 that the Great Wall of China was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

However, the Great Wall isn’t even a single wall.

“The first thing to note,” travel expert Stan Godwyn mentioned, “is that it’s actually a series of walls and fortifications.”

Godwyn typically arranges visits to one of four main sections: Badaling (the most accessible for travelers of varying mobility), Mutianyu (extremely popular and well-restored), Simatai (a rugged stretch of wall), and Jinshanling (for serious hikers).

To discover more Great Wall of China facts and bits of history, continue reading for our definitive guide to this world wonder and ancient marvel.

01. Where Is the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China is easily accessible from Beijing, yet the massive structure stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east all the way to Jiayuguan, in the country’s northwest. Generally speaking, it defends the country’s northernmost border. A 2012 archaeological survey estimated that the wall crosses 15 provinces, extending from Xinjiang in the northwest to the border of Korea in the east.

02. How Long Is the Great Wall of China?

If you were to measure all the sections ever built, some reports suggest the Great Wall of China could be a staggering 13,170 miles long. The most popular section, built during the Ming dynasty, runs for 5,500 miles between Hushan and Jiayuguan Pass. Even if you only consider the main-line length (approximately 2,150 miles) of the wall — not including branches and spurs — it’s still the record-holding longest wall in the world.

For those wondering about the height of the Great Wall, it varies considerably, from 15 feet to 39 feet. At its widest point, the wall measures 32 feet thick.

03. When Was the Great Wall of China Built?

It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact timeline of the Great Wall of China’s construction, as numerous dynasties and rulers contributed to its building. Approximately 20 states and dynasties played a role in its construction over millennia. The first sections were built as early as 771 B.C.E., although official work began in 220 B.C.E. during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Most of what remains today — that 5,500-mile stretch — was constructed during the Ming dynasty (between 1368 and 1644).

04. Why Was the Great Wall of China Built?

Initially built as a wartime defense, the Great Wall features many towers and passes. When Emperor Qin Shi Huang first proposed the so-called Long Wall, it was meant to safeguard the Chinese states against nomadic tribes from the north.

During the Han dynasty (between 202 B.C.E. and 220 C.E.), the Great Wall was expanded to protect Silk Road trade routes. The Ming dynasty is notable for not just extending the Great Wall but also repairing and reinforcing existing structures.

05. How Was the Great Wall of China Built?

Despite its name, the Great Wall is actually a collection of fortifications, some of which run parallel to one another, while others are circular or positioned on side walls. Some portions of the Great Wall utilize natural barriers like rivers or high mountains.

Hundreds of years before any official construction began, individual Chinese states built fortifications against one another, primarily using earth, wood, and stones. Construction during the Ming dynasty prominently utilized bricks rather than cut stone, which mainly forms the foundation and gateways.

More than a million soldiers, commoners, prisoners, and animals were recruited to help build the wall. Tragically, many workers died while transporting heavy materials up to the top of the ridgelines. There are rumors that numerous deceased were buried within the wall, although hard evidence remains elusive.

Much of the oldest sections of the Great Wall were constructed by hand, albeit with the assistance of primitive technology — including wheelbarrows, ropes, basket-and-pulley systems, and horse- or oxen-drawn carts.

06. When Is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China?

The most popular times to visit the Great Wall of China are early May or October; however, travelers should brace for enormous crowds during these periods.

“These are major holidays, and everyone travels,” explained Godwyn.

Moreover, autumn is arguably one of the most beautiful seasons to explore the Great Wall, featuring pleasant weather and vibrant foliage.

During winter, the Great Wall is blanketed in snow, significantly reducing the number of tourists. Winter is considered Beijing’s shoulder season, making it the ideal time for substantial discounts on hotel rooms and tours. If you opt for a winter visit, prepare for a slippery, windy walk, and pack accordingly.

07. Can You See the Great Wall of China From Space?

Contrary to popular rumor, you can’t see the Great Wall of China from space with the naked eye. NASA reported, however, that photographs taken from the International Space Station under ideal conditions have depicted sections of the wall.

08. How Many People Visit the Great Wall of China?

Every year, over 10 million people flock to the Great Wall of China, making it one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. The Badaling section sees the highest number of visitors each year, with records showing it once accommodated 100,000 visitors in a single day.

09. How to Plan Your Visit

The Great Wall of China makes for an excellent day trip for travelers based in Beijing.

“Most clients dedicate one day to the Great Wall as part of their Beijing itinerary,” explained Godwyn. “Typically, there’s a day of sightseeing in Beijing, followed by a second day excursion to the wall.”

Choose the section of the wall that best aligns with your interests and fitness level. Active climbers may enjoy Jinshanling, while families may prefer the more accessible Mutianyu section, which features an unforgettable five-minute toboggan ride down from the eastern end to the base.

Check the specific fees in advance; however, expected fees are around 25 to 65 yuan (under $10) for general admission to the Great Wall.

Don’t rush your visit. Whether on a layover or during an extended trip, spending a minimum of two to three hours exploring the ancient structure is recommended.

10. Getting to the Great Wall From Beijing

The beautiful Ming dynasty portion of the Great Wall is approximately 50 miles from Beijing. Nevertheless, getting there can be a challenge for solo travelers.

Visitors utilizing public transportation must first reach Dongzhimen Station, where an hour-long express bus ride to Huairou Station is required. Here, you need to transfer to a bus stopping at the Mutianyu Roundabout.

The Airport Express directly connects from Beijing Capital International Airport to Dongzhimen Station. Subway lines also transfer to this station from both Beijing West Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station.

Consequently, one of the most convenient (and exhilarating) approaches is taking the train to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station, known as the world’s deepest and largest underground high-speed railway station, completed in 2019. More than 10 pairs of high-speed trains circulate between Beijing and Badaling Great Wall Railway Station, departing from either Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Railway Station.

Many travel experts recommend skipping the train and opting for a hired car with a guide. They can lead you to less popular sections of the wall and help navigate any unexpected difficulties, such as road closures. A hired car is also ideal for maximizing your time.

11. Great Wall of China Tour Groups

For a private, luxury tour of the Great Wall, consider an itinerary with Imperial Tours. A day trip from Beijing that includes stops at the Forbidden City and less-touristy sections of the Great Wall also features fine dining experiences.

If a guided hike interests you but you prefer not to venture alone, consider the four-day Great Wall Hiking Tour with China Odyssey Tours. After one day exploring Beijing’s highlights (Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, etc.), you’ll embark on a moderate hike from the Jiankou section to Mutianyu.

Try TravelStore for a personalized journey to the Great Wall, which could also include a customized Silk Road itinerary with stops in Jiayuguan, showcasing some restored sections and the last fortress of the Great Wall.

Even if you’re in China for a brief layover, there’s ample opportunity to witness the Great Wall. Each day, Beijing Layover Tour provides private and small-group tours of the Mutianyu section, lasting from four to five hours. You’ll be welcomed by a tour guide upon arrival and escorted back to the airport post-trip. These tours start at $50 for a private visit.

12. Hiking the Great Wall

One popular hiking trail along the Great Wall goes from the Jiankou section to the Ox Horn at Mutianyu. Adventurers should expect to spend up to four hours each way.

Another excellent hike spans the Jinshanling to Simatai West section — a challenging route covering four miles each way, passing a series of watchtowers.

Alternatively, starting at the Gubeikou section in Gubeikou Town, approximately 90 miles northeast of Beijing, visitors will find unobstructed views of the Yan Mountains before further descending to the Jinshanling section.

13. The Great Wall of China Dos and Don’ts

Do not visit the Great Wall during a holiday. While the attraction is popular with tourists, locals are also drawn to the site. For instance, Tomb-Sweeping Day in April leads to significantly crowded conditions at the site.

Instead, consider waiting until the late afternoon to enjoy a visit, as many morning and afternoon crowds tend to dissipate during this time.

Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water.

14. The Great Wall Has Faced Erosion Concerns Over the Years

After centuries of defending dynasties, the Great Wall of China has begun to erode. Significant portions have succumbed to the effects of weather and time, alongside the toll of many wars and human actions. Chinese state-run media indicates that nearly one-third of the walls have already disappeared. The deterioration includes damage from earthquakes and severe storms.

15. The Best Restaurant Near the Great Wall of China

One of the most popular dining options near the Great Wall is Commune by the Great Wall — a five-star hotel featuring the Commune Kitchen restaurant, which serves Peking duck and other regional Chinese dishes while overlooking the Great Wall.

Generally, however, dining options near the Great Wall tend to be expensive and unremarkable. Travelers might want to venture into nearby towns for authentic, affordable meals or wait until returning to Beijing for a more distinguished dining experience.

16. Laws Protecting the Great Wall

It’s not solely nature’s forces that have eroded the Great Wall of China. Alarmingly, 30% of the original structure has vanished, primarily due to human interference.

In 2006, China implemented the Great Wall Protection Ordinance; however, enforcing regulations has proven challenging.

Visitors should note that fines exist for removing bricks or other sections of the wall, and it’s inadvisable to pay locals for access to less-traveled areas, as this jeopardizes unregulated parts of the wall further.

17. Notable Visitors to the Great Wall

In November 2009, President Barack Obama visited the Great Wall. He famously remarked that the imposing structure puts life in perspective: “Our time here on Earth is not that long, and we better make the best of it.”

President Obama isn’t the only notable figure to visit. Queen Elizabeth II toured the site in the 1980s, while famed athletes like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal have also explored its expanse. Celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Jennifer Lawrence have been captured sightseeing at the Great Wall.