The Great Wall
The Great Wall was a gigantic defensive project used in ancient times as early as in the 7th century B.C. For self-protection, subsequent dynasties continued to strengthen and extend the wall. Over a history of more than 2000 years, The Great Wall presently extends 8851.8km (5,500 miles) from its origin, at the seaside in Shanhaiguan (the Old Dragon Head), a seaport along the coast of Bohai Bay in the east, all the way to Jiayu Pass in Gansu Province. Some of the Great Wall sections (Badaling, Mutianyu) have been restored and opened to tourists while some are now still in ruins (Jiankou, Simatai), partially open to public. There is a saying that “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a real man”. Visiting the Great Wall of China is a dream of travelers from all over the world.
Great Wall Facts | Great Wall Features | Great Wall Tours |
Great Wall Facts
Location: North China
Length: 8851.8km (5,500 miles)
Origin: Extends from Shanhaiguan, east of Qinhuangdao city to Jiayuguan, west of Gangsu Province
History: Around 2000 years
Main Sections: 8 main sections in Beijing city
Great Wall Features
The Great Wall was built over different dynasties. There are 8 sections of the Great Wall in Beijing city and most of the sections are well-preserved: Badaling Great Wall, Juyongguan Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, and Simatai Great Wall.
Great Wall Sections | Distance | Length | Features | Level | Facilities | Accommodations |
Badaling Great Wall | 60km (38 miles) northwest of Beijing | 3.7km | the most popular, the first section opened to tourists | Easy | cable car available | Commune by the Great Wall |
Juyongguan Great Wall | 55km (34 miles) northwest of Beijing | 4.1km | the nearest and most conveniently accessed section | Moderate | / | Juyongguan Guest House |
Huanghuacheng Great Wall | 80km (50 miles) northwest of Beijing | 12.4km | original, steep, perilous, the latest section popular with hikers | Advanced | / | Local Guest House |
Jiankou Great Wall | 70km (43 miles) northwest of Beijing | 20km | partially open, original, broken, steep, adventurous, for serious hikers only | Advanced | / | Local Guest House |
Mutianyu Great Wall | 90km (56 miles) northwest of Beijing | 3km | restored, less crowded section than Badaling, photogenic forest scenery | Moderate | cable car available | Shambhala at the Great Wall |
Gubeikou Great Wall | 120km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing | 13.6km | wild, original, broken, including Wohushan Great Wall and Panlongshan Great Wall | Advanced | / | Local Guest House |
Jinshanling Great Wall | 130km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing | 10.5km | original, steep, unusual circular towers, elaborate defensive walls | Advanced | / | Jinshanling Guest House |
Simatai Great Wall | 124km (77 miles) northeast of Beijing | 5.4km | steep, unrestored, harrowing, Miyun Reservoir west of the wall | Advanced | cable car available | Simatai Guest House |
Recommended Great Wall Tours
The Great Wall is a must-see site when visting Beijing. We offer various kinds of ways to explore the magnificent views of different sections of the Great Wall. No matter you are a first time visitor or a repeated customer, there will be one fits your needs.Explore the Great Wall sections that maintain their original features from the Ming Dynasty - 400 years ago while partaking of amazing view from the watchtower; stay in a hostel and taste the local food made by villagers. These sections are ideal places for hiking enthusiasts to test themselves against the steep gradients and to enjoy the landscape.
The Great Wall is one of China's most iconic sights and is a must-see sights for visitors. The Great Wall day trips are daily available and includ any of the eight sections of the Great Wall around Beijing, suitable for those with limited time to spend a day to absorb in the magnificnet view of the Great Wall.
5-6 hours per day trekking on the Great Wall, experience the physical challenge and the amazing views from the watchtowers. You could choose either hiking level of the tour according to your physical conditions. Great Wall hiking tour is really a fun & authentic experience.
Beijing is rich of discovery to explore while the Great Wall, always ranks the must-see site for tourists. The winding walls which maintain the features from Ming Dynasty, as long as its magnificent views will give good and memorable photographs.
Beijing City Packages with the Great Wall
There's so many attractions that you should not miss in Beijing City. Our Beijing city packages take in as many of the must-see sites as possible, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Hutong, the Temple of Heaven, etc. to show you a real Beijing in multi-days.
Great Wall Group tours are available on fixed dates. Visit the spectacular Great Wall in a small group by coach at the best possible price while get acknowledged with some other people of all nationalities and ages. Our local English-speaking guide and professional local driver will escort you all through the tour.
Biking, acting as what locals do, is a great way to get from sights to sights and explore the highlights differently. Explore the imerial city on bike and cycle through the crowd to rural villages, then final reach the Great Wall. Climb the Great Wall and visit some local villages around by bike.
Sleeping at the Great Wall Tours
It would be a special experience to spend a night at the luxury properties by the Great Wall after exploring the views on the Great Wall. Escape from the hustling, plunge yourself into this private, peaceful environment while with absorbing in great mountain views.
Beijing China Tours with the Great Wall
China is of so many attaractions to explore while the Great Wall is the symbol of China. Start your memorable China tour from Beijing to explore this historical and fascinating nation.