Summary
The moment has arrived.
It’s the mother of all of China’s tourist attractions, the Pièce de résistance of the country and the coolest landmark in the world. We all heard about it at an early age, and the myth and allure of it draw millions of tourists to witness this new World Wonder.
You know what I’m talking about, The Great Wall of China.
Did the Great Wall of China live up to the hype? You bet it did!
About the Great Wall of China
History of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China consists of several different walls, unified after China’s warring states came under the rule of Emperor Qin.
During the Qin Dynasty, over 2000 years ago, the Great Wall was constructed using hundreds of thousands of workers and prisoners over decades.
For over a thousand years, the wall served as protection against nomadic tribes from the north, with later dynasties maintaining it as a crucial fortification.
The Fall of the Great Wall China
It wasn’t until Genghis Khan arrived in the 13th century that the Great Wall ultimately succumbed.
He unified the Mongols, seizing control and ruling for 100 years as the Yuan Dynasty. As the ruling party originated from Mongolia, the wall became redundant and was left to decay.
After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty restored the Great Wall over a period of one hundred years. However, it was breached again by the Manchurians, leading to its ongoing deterioration.
During the Cultural Revolution under Chairman Mao, the wall was nearly destroyed as he aimed to erase anything deemed old-fashioned. Fortunately, a subsequent ruler, Deng Xiaoping, reopened the Great Wall to the world, focusing on restoration and national pride.
Mutianyu or Badaling – What Should You Choose?
The Great Wall was first opened to tourists in 1957 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Having visited two different sections of the Great Wall of China, we will compare our experiences between the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Badaling Great Wall.
We enjoyed both visits, so your choice should depend on the kind of experience you desire.
Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu Great Wall is located slightly farther from Beijing than the more popular Badaling section, making it a better choice for those seeking to avoid crowds.
If you prefer a serene environment away from mass tourism, we recommend the Mutianyu Great Wall. It’s worth the extra travel time.
During our visit, we anticipated large crowds but were greeted with tranquility and natural beauty. With fewer tourists and well-preserved granite structures, the Mutianyu section remains one of the highest quality segments of the Great Wall of China.
Throughout our two-hour hike, we hardly encountered other visitors. The clear skies and picturesque views made for a memorable experience.
The Great Wall of China is Steep
The Great Wall of China is constructed over rolling mountains, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Given the mountainous terrain, packing layers is recommended, as temperatures can fluctuate.
Since the climate in the Beijing region is similar to Canada, travelers going outside summer months should be prepared for cooler weather.
Hiking the Mutianyu Wall
There are 22 watchtowers on the Mutianyu Great Wall, where you can either hike all of them or take the gondola to tower number 6 and continue to 22.
The gondola ride offers panoramic views of the wall and surrounding countryside.
Once at tower 6, you can walk down the Great Wall or continue to hike up to tower 22. We opted to proceed upwards to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
The hike stretches 2.5 km along a well-maintained path, making it accessible.
The walk is steep but not strenuous.
This section of the Great Wall is well restored, boasting an even stone pathway that is easy to walk on.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is 4 meters wide, providing a spacious feel despite being narrower than other sections.
During our hike, we paused frequently to explore the watchtowers and take in views of what was once Mongolia.
More Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Information:
- You can take a local bus from Beijing to the Mutianyu Great Wall. For more information, visit Beijing Trip.
- If visiting in December, dress warmly, as conditions can be cold and windy at the wall.
- Be mindful that the wall closes at 4 PM, which limits your time to reach it using public transport.
- Admission fee: 45 Yuan.
- Cable Car fee: 45 Yuan one way.
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 4 PM.
- Consider a fun toboggan ride down instead of walking.
- The wall extends 2.5 km long.
The Badaling Great Wall
We were pleasantly surprised by the impressive beauty of the Badaling Section. Initially, we believed Mutianyu to be the most stunning, but Badaling is equally breathtaking.
Being the closest section to Beijing makes it the easiest to access for both local and international tourists. Its historical significance also adds to its popularity as a national monument.
Badaling is recognized for being the site where the Mongols crossed and conquered China, and it was the first section reopened to the public in 1957.
During our visit to the Badaling Great Wall, it coincided with China’s independence holiday, resulting in a vibrant atmosphere filled with local tourists.
Although the crowds could be perceived negatively, we found joy in being welcomed by the Chinese tourists, who appeared genuinely excited to see us.
With the majority of foreigners gravitating towards Mutianyu, our presence at Badaling felt like a refreshing change for the locals.
Development at the Badaling Great Wall
At Badaling, you will find various amenities including a KFC (a convenient lunch option), coffee shops, and numerous souvenir stores. This section is highly developed.
Visitors must pass through security but can carry water with them.
After the checkpoint, we recommend heading right for an extraordinary side view of the Great Wall.
Similar to the Mutianyu Wall, there are plenty of watchtowers and viewpoints.
There are 19 restored watchtowers spanning a 2.3-mile route. While both sections are steep, Badaling is notably more crowded and narrower.
It’s advisable to use handrails and dress appropriately, with sturdy shoes required for the trek. The winds can be strong at this elevation, making a jacket and sunglasses essential.
A cable car is available to reach the top, and there’s even a slide for an enjoyable descent. For those averse to the steep climb, alternative options are accessible.
We appreciated that the Badaling Great Wall offers paths and lookouts outside the wall itself, allowing us to step away and take in the expansive views from different angles.
How to Get to the Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall is reachable by local buses and tourist services, specifically Line 877 from Deshengmen or tourist bus line 1 from Qianmen.
Tips for Visiting the Great Wall
We explored the Great Wall during both summer and winter seasons, finding both times delightful with clear skies.
As weather can be unpredictable, be sure to pack layers, including rain gear.
The wall can become slippery when wet, and winter conditions may include snow; therefore, sturdy hiking boots are essential.
Public transit is available to both Great Wall sections.
We recommend the Mutianyu section for its relative distance from Beijing and tranquil environment.
Due to its slightly more challenging access, fewer tourists visit, making it a hidden gem.
As one of the best-preserved sections, hiking the Great Wall here is a wonderful experience. While it can be steep at times, it remains manageable. Even those who are quite fit will find it a rewarding workout.
Regardless of your expectations, the Great Wall of China stands as an extraordinary engineering achievement.
Over centuries, hundreds of thousands of men built thousands of miles of wall, and comprehending the historical events associated with it is truly astounding.
