The Great of China, a serpentine marvel winding through history, is a UNESCO World Heritage that continues to captivate travellers with its fascinating architecture. Before embarking on your adventure to the Great Wall of China, we bring you all the facts and details to help you explore this mind-blowing destination.
When was the Great Wall of China built?
The Great Wall of China’s construction spanned centuries, built by successive emperors to protect China’s territory. Some sections of the wall date back to 771 BCE, existing as separate walls before the “First Emperor”, Qin Shi Huang, unified China and the walls themselves in 220 BCE.
Why was the Great Wall of China Built?
The Great Wall Of China served as a defensive barrier against hostile forces from the north. Emperor Qin Shi Huang united existing wall sections to strengthen this defense, and the Ming dynasty expanded and fortified the wall to create the world’s largest military structure.
How long is the Great Wall of China?
Just how long is the Great Wall of China? An astounding 21,196 kilometres make it the longest man-made structure in the world! Stretching from Hebei province in the east to Gansu province in the west, the Great Wall of China snakes through rugged mountains, vast deserts, and lush grasslands. This architectural marvel incorporates walls, watchtowers, shelters, fortresses and even horse tracks, creating a breathtaking defensive perimeter passing through 15 provinces, connecting the Bohai Sea with the Gobi desert.
How was the Great Wall of China built?
Since the Great Wall of China was built over 3,000 years ago, the construction methods differed for various sections. Early parts were built using readily available materials like mud, wood, and stone. Later sections, particularly those built by the Ming Dynasty, used fired bricks, considered stronger and more durable than earthen materials, and inscribed with details about their production, such as the date and the supervising officer.
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How to plan a visit to the Great Wall of China?
Spanning across China, the Great Wall cannot be fully explored in a single day. However, travellers experience its grandeur by visiting one of the many iconic sections of the Great Wall of China. Consider your interests when choosing which section to explore – some offer challenging hikes with stunning views, while others showcase historical significance with well-preserved fortifications.
Most famous sections of the Great Wall of China
Badaling
Badaling Great Wall was the first section to be restored and opened to the public. Located in the Yanqing district of Beijing, approximately 75 kilometres from the city centre, this section, completed in 1505, stands as a powerful symbol of the Ming Dynasty. Over 500 world leaders have come to witness the Badaling Great Wall over the years. Due to its popularity, Badaling is also extremely crowded.
The mountainous location of this section offers panoramic views of lush valleys. The complex offers additional amenities like the Great Wall Museum, a cinema, shopping and dining options, and is wheelchair accessible. One can ride cable cars and toboggans while visiting the Badaling Great Wall.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 81 km away.
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Mutianyu
The Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the longest and best-preserved sections, lies about 70 kilometres from Beijing in Huairou District. This section, built over 1,400 years ago by the Northern Qi Dynasty and further fortified by the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago, connects Jiankou and Gubeikou.
Mutianyu offers a more pristine experience compared to Badaling due to its lower commercialisation and smaller crowds. Surrounded by lush forests of pine and cypress, the Wall’s beauty transforms with the changing seasons. Easily accessible for families through cable cars, chairlifts, and toboggans, Mutianyu is a great choice for all ages.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to November
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 65 km away.
Jinshanling
Hidden in the Jinshan Ranges, in the mountainous region of Luanping County, about 153 kilometres from Beijing, is the Jinshanling Great Wall. Built about 650 years ago by the Ming Dynasty, this part of the wall is semi-restored and less crowded due to its unique location.
Jinshanling is a renowned hiking route on the Great Wall of China. Adventure enthusiasts are beckoned to navigate the ruins and climb the slopes of the mountain while surrounded by breathtaking views. The hiking route is approximately six kilometres. Furthermore, there are cable cars facilitating access to this section of the wall.
Best time to visit: May and June
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 143 km away.
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Simatai
The Simatai Great Wall is approximately 143 kilometres from Beijing, resting along the Yan Mountains North of Miyun. Once an important military outpost along the capital’s route, it is close to the Gubeikou Great Wall. It was built under the Northern Qi Dynasty between 550-577 and restored by the Ming Dynasty around 1368-98. The wall is divided by the Simatai Reservoir, connecting the east and west sections of the wall by a chain bridge. The eastern side is extremely steep and is not open for exploration.
Experience the Great Wall of China at night on the Simatai night walking tour as you witness the ancient architecture under the glow of soft and warm lights. Another unique feature is that the bricks along this section have inscriptions recording details about how they were built. Access to the Simatai Great Wall is through the chain bridge, a zip line, a boat, or on foot.
Best time to visit: May and September/October
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 134 km away.
Huanghuacheng
The Huairou district of Northern Beijing has the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, the only watery Great Wall in Beijing. Connecting the Mutianyu section, this section’s purpose was to defend the capital and protect the Ming Tombs. It was built by the Ming Dynasty around 1368–164.
The picturesque setting of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall is a great destination for hiking and camping, especially the stunning lakeside section where parts of the wall are even submerged in the water. This section is also accessible by cable cars.
Best time to visit: April to May and Septemeber to October
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 72 km away.
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Huangyaguan
Famous as the destination where the renowned Huangyaguan Marathon is hosted annually in May, this section of the Great Wall of China is considered the mecca of fitness enthusiasts. Situated north of Jixian Town in Tianjin, it is approximately 120 kilometres from Beijing. The Huangyaguan Great Wall was built by the North Qi Dynasty in 556 and rebuilt under the Ming Dynasty in 1569.
What stands out about Huangyaguan’s architecture is the Eight-Trigram Streets along the wall. These are zigzag lanes that almost feel like a maze, captivating tourists’ interest in navigating these mysterious paths.
Best time to visit: May to September
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 93 km away.
Gubeikou
Built by the Northern Qi Dynasty in 556 and restored by the Ming Dynasty in 1567, the Gubeikou Great Wall was a crucial military outpost and site of many wars. Perched along the Yan Mountains, the wall is divided by the Chao River into two parts: Wohushan and Panlongshan.
The historical significance of Gubeikou makes it an exciting section to explore, as one can see the original composition of the first wall here. Since it is not as restored as other sections, it is not family-friendly, and the only access is by foot.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 136 km away.
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Juyongguan
Tucked away in the Guangou Valley, approximately 60 kilometres from Beijing, is the Juyongguan Great Wall. The Ming Dynasty created the wall around 1368 to 1398 to take military advantage of the valley’s strategic location.
This is considered the closest section to Beijing, making it the ideal destination for a quick visit to catch a glimpse of the Great Wall’s grandeur and beauty. Some key features of Juyongguan are the Cloud Platforma and Juyong Pass Fort. Access to this section is also wheelchair-friendly.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 68 km away.
Jiankou
Considered for its wild, remote beauty, climbing the Jiankou Great Wall is not for everyone. It is the unrestored section of the Great Wall of China and is recommended only for experienced and fit hikers. Located approximately 72 kilometres from Beijing, the exact origin of this section remains a mystery, though the Ming Dynasty is credited with its design.
The charm of Jiankou lies in its untouched state, where you can witness the ruins of the original wall scattered along the path.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
How to reach: Beijing Capital International Airport is 62 km away.
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Shanhaiguan
Famous as the “First Pass Under Heaven,” Shanhaiguan is where the Great Wall meets the Pacific Ocean. Unlike most sections nestled in the mountains, the Shanhaiguan Great Wall passes through the heart of Qinhuangdao City and ends on a beach surrounded by a dense forest. This crucial military outpost, built by the Ming Dynasty in 1381, is approximately 309 kilometres from Beijing.
Today, Shanhaiguan offers several attractions showcasing its historical significance. Exploring the “Old Dragon’s Head” (Laolongtou), the Temple of Meng Jiang Nu, Horn Mountain, the main fortress, Yansai Lake, and Longevity Mountain will provide a well-rounded visit.
Best time to visit: All year round.
How to reach: Shanhaiguan Airport is 9 km away.
Great Wall of China Do’s & Don’ts
- Choose the right time of day: mornings can be crowded, and afternoons tend to be less busy.
- Avoid public holidays, as the Great Wall is a popular local destination.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for walking and hiking.
- Taking bricks or stones from the ruins is strictly prohibited and punishable by fines.
(Feature image credit: Rongyiquan/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the longest wall in the world?
Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world.
– How old is the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall of China is more than 3,000 years old.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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