Summary
The Great Wall of China stretches 13,000 miles over mountains, forests, reservoirs, and desert. It took a millennium to build, involved multiple dynasties, and significantly shaped the history of China. To visit China without seeing this monumental structure would leave one feeling incomplete. Standing on its ramparts provides a unique experience, conjuring a sense of both epic history and individual insignificance.
Before planning your visit, consider whether you prefer an unrestored section, a wild section, or both. The “wild” sections refer to the unrestored parts of the wall. Additionally, evaluate your physical capability and those you are traveling with—be it elderly, children, or companions who may not enjoy walking.
This journey will require physical endurance. The Great Wall is not akin to a casual stroll; it is characterized by steep, undulating stone waves. Equip yourself with hiking boots and prepare for an unforgettable trek.
How to Visit the Great Wall
Most visitors explore the Great Wall as part of a half-day or full-day trip from Beijing. There are over 12 well-known sections to choose from. Access can be arranged via a group tour, private driver, public transportation, or by driving yourself. Travel time from Beijing varies based on traffic and chosen sections, typically ranging from one to three hours.
Noteworthy sections in other provinces include the historic Jiayuguan section in Gansu Province, just 4 miles from Jiayuguan city, easily accessible via public transport or a short taxi ride. Additionally, the Sanguankou section in Ningxia Province, approximately 25 miles from Yinchuan, can be accessed by hiring a private vehicle.
If you wish to hire a tour operator near Beijing, Beijing Wonder Tour offers competitive rates and English-speaking guides. For hiking enthusiasts, Beijing Hiker’s provides specific hiking tours to the wild wall. For private car rentals with English-speaking drivers, numerous options can be found here. If you’re looking to rent a car, Hertz offers services from Beijing airport.
Best Parts of the Great Wall
The Great Wall traverses nine provinces, with sections near Beijing being the most frequently visited. However, for a more adventurous experience away from the crowds, consider heading to Gansu, Ningxia, or other less frequented provinces. The sections listed below are accessible from Beijing.
Mutianyu
Mutianyu is highly favored by tourists and is easily accessible from Beijing. This section offers a well-preserved wall featuring 23 watchtowers alongside stunning mountain and forest views. Options for reaching the summit include hiking, taking a chair lift, or a cable car, followed by a thrilling toboggan ride down. Walking the 1.4 miles of this section takes about two hours. Beyond tower 23, the wall is unrestored, lacks guardrails, and tourists should prioritize their safety.
To access Mutianyu, hire a private driver or take the subway to Dongzhimen station. Then, ascend to the North Bound Platform and board Express Bus 916 towards Huairou. Disembark at the Beidajie stop and either catch bus H23 to Mutianyu or carpool with other tourists. Total travel time averages two to two and a half hours.
Simatai
Simatai is renowned for its night tours, featuring enhanced ambient lighting and fewer visitors compared to Badaling, which is also open at night. Taking a cable car up allows visitors to walk along this 3-mile section, with an average hiking time of one and a half to two hours. Keep in mind that this section has steep grades, climbing rapidly from 968 to 3,235 feet. In addition, adventure seekers can zipline over the Simatai Reservoir. For daytime hikers, Heavenly Ladder and Sky Bridge present narrow and elevated sections with breathtaking mountain vistas.
To reach Simatai, hire a private driver or use the Airport Express subway line to Dongzhimen station, followed by Bus 980 from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station to Miyun Town, where you can then catch a taxi.
Huanghuacheng
This section features picturesque countryside adorned with a sea of yellow flowers in spring and summer. Huanghuacheng offers unique attractions such as boat rides on Haoming Lake, in addition to having fewer crowds than Mutianyu and Badaling. For convenience, it can be combined with a trip to Mutianyu, as both sections are located just 40 minutes apart.
To travel to Huanghuacheng, one can hire a private vehicle or take bus 916 or the 916 express bus to Dongzhimen to Huairou Bus Station, then transfer onto bus H21 to reach the Small West Lake Station, requiring a subsequent walk to the scenic area. Using public transport, anticipate at least two hours from central Beijing.
Jinshanling
Jinshanling provides a captivating blend of restored and wild wall sections, making it ideal for hikers. Stretching 6.5 miles along the Jinshanling Mountains, this section includes 67 watchtowers, five mountain passes, and relatively fewer visitors. If hiking solely in this area, plan for a duration of two to five hours. Additionally, it is possible to hike from Jinshanling to other sections, such as Simatai or Gubeikou.
Access Jinshanling by hiring a private driver or taking the subway to Wangjing West Station, followed by a bus to Luanping and finally alighting at Jinshanling Service Area. This bus trip takes approximately two hours, and a free shuttle will be available to convey you to the wall from the service area.
Badaling
For those eager to visit the closest wall section to Beijing and willing to navigate large crowds, Badaling is recommended. Although it is highly touristy, the walkways are well-maintained, featuring guardrails in steeper areas. Similar to Mutianyu, this section offers a cable car and toboggan rides for visitors wishing to conserve their energy. Expect to spend about an hour and a half exploring this 2.3-mile restored path, and be prepared for numerous vendors.
To visit Badaling, a private driver can be hired, or alternatively, the subway to Jishuitan station can be utilized. Exit via B2 and take bus 877, a direct route requiring approximately an hour and a half of travel.
Tips for Visiting the Great Wall
Utilize these tips to enhance your experience at the Great Wall.
Tour or Solo
While a tour is not mandatory for visiting the Great Wall, it can alleviate the stress associated with planning and language barriers. Solo travelers or small groups might find that hiring a driver or utilizing public transportation is the most efficient choice.
If accompanying a larger group, children, or elderly family members, considering a tour or a private driver may be more pragmatic. Be aware that some tours may include stops at government-operated tea houses or jade museums—it’s important to know what to expect, so seek tours that do not involve commissioned stops.
Weather
Spring and fall are generally regarded as the ideal seasons to visit the Great Wall. Springtime unveils lush greenery, alongside vibrant blooms in places like Huanghuacheng. Conversely, fall presents a riot of colors as the foliage transforms into stunning tones of red, orange, and yellow. Yet, for those seeking to avoid crowds, winter may be the most favorable time.
Be sure to wear layers, as wind and exposure are prevalent in most wall sections, even the watchtowers which often have large open windows. In summertime, don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen.
How Long to Spend
Allocate at least three to four hours for your visit to the wall, as it stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Allow yourself time to soak in the experience. Note that some sections can be steep, so take your time as you navigate, enjoy the watchtowers, and sip water while appreciating the surrounding hills. Don’t miss the chance to zip back down via toboggan at Badaling or Mutianyu.
Where to Stay
If you wish to experience the Great Wall early in the morning without a grueling commute from Beijing, consider accommodations near the section you plan to visit. For Mutianyu, The Brickyard offers comfortable accommodations, dining options, and a spa. Alternatively, if you wish to visit during the day and witness the wall illuminated at night, consider staying at Gubeishui Town Hotel in Simatai for stunning views and luxury amenities.
Camping
For adventurous travelers, camping on the wall is a thrilling option. However, preparation is vital, as one must conduct thorough research and carry all necessary gear and provisions with you, as there are no vendors in the wild sections. If you wish to camp with a group, Great Wall Hiking provides guided tours for a memorable experience spending a night on the Great Wall.
