The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, offering. Stretching over 13,000 miles, the wall spans various regions. As the saying goes, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is no true hero”, and visiting this marvel of engineering is an experience you won’t forget.
This guide will give you the right information about Great Wall of China tickets, the best times to visit, and what to expect to make your trip even more unforgettable. Check it out!
Best sections of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles, and each section offers a unique experience. Whether you're looking for a restored, tourist-friendly spot or a more rugged, adventurous hike, here are some of the best sections to explore:
Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall is the most famous, the best-preserved, and the most representative of all sections of the Great Wall. It was built in the 18th year of Hongzhi's reign in the Ming Dynasty (1505).
Badaling Great Wall is an easily accessible section of the Wall, which is heavily restored and well-connected by transportation. It’s the most tourist-friendly section, with amenities like restaurants, souvenir shops, and the option to take a cable car or toboggan ride.
- ✅Opening hours: 07:30-16:00
- ✅Location: Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall is known for its well-preserved state and stunning scenery, and it is one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall. Built on the edge of a steep cliff on the outside, the Mutianyu Great Wall is an important military base that guards Beijing.
Famous for its lush green surroundings, cable car ride, and less crowded atmosphere compared to Badaling. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and a smooth hiking experience.
- ✅Opening hours:
- Mar 16-Nov 15, Monday-Friday: 07:30-18:00; Saturday-Sunday: 07:30-18:30
- Nov 16-Mar 15: 08:00-17:30
- ✅Location: Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing
Juyongguan Great Wall
Located about 50 kilometres northwest of Beijing, Juyongguan sits in a narrow mountain pass, offering breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and lush landscapes. This well-preserved section showcases classic Ming Dynasty architecture with watchtowers, battlement walls, and a strong fortress design. It offers a more tranquil experience compared to other tourist-heavy sections.
- ✅Opening hours: 08:30-17:00/06:30-18:00
- ✅Location: Juyongguan Village, Nankou Town, Changping District, Beijing
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling is one of the most scenic and least crowded parts of the Wall. The Wall here is partially restored, which makes for a more authentic and adventurous experience.
One of the interesting things about the Jinshanling Great Wall is the challenging hiking it offers. There are hundreds of staircases and steep paths to explore. This is a great opportunity for adventurers to test their courage and physical strength.
- ✅Opening hours: Jan 1-Mar 15: 06:30-17:30; Mar 16-Oct 31: 05:00-18:00
- ✅Location: Hualougou Village, Bakshiying Town, Luanping County, Chengde City, Hebei Province
Simatai Great Wall
Simatai Great Wall has steep climbs and a rich history. The steep slopes and original architecture provide a less commercialised and more rugged adventure. It also offers a night tour option where visitors can see the Wall lit up against the night sky.
Besides this, the Simatai Great Wall is also known for its authenticity. This section is well maintained and not much restoration has been done. This provides tourists with an authentic experience of living history.
Experienced hikers and those seeking a more unique experience.
- ✅Opening hours: Daytime: 09:00-17:00; Evening: 18:00-22:40
- ✅Location: North of Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun County, Beijing
Jiayuguan Great Wall
Jiayuguan Great Wall is known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven". Located in Gansu Province, it served as a vital defense point and marked the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Jiayuguan is renowned for its strategic location and impressive fortress, which stands as a symbol of ancient China's military ingenuity and historical grandeur.
The Jiayuguan Fortress is the centrepiece of this area, featuring walls, gates, and watchtowers that tell the story of the Silk Road era, when Jiayuguan was a crucial link between China and the rest of the world.
- ✅Opening hours: 08:00-18:30
- ✅Location: Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province
Shanhaiguan Great Wall
Shanhaiguan, often referred to as the "First Pass Under Heaven", is one of the most historically significant sections of the Great Wall of China. Shanhaiguan marks the easternmost point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and is where the Wall meets the Bohai Sea.
This section is famous for its Old Dragon’s Head, the part of the Wall that extends into the sea, resembling a dragon drinking from the water. The Shanhaiguan Pass, with its imposing gates and watchtowers, played a critical role in defending the empire and controlling access between northern and central China.
- ✅Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
- ✅Location: Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province
Quick facts about the Great Wall of China
How long is the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall stretches over 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometres). It is one of the longest man-made structures in the world.
How long did it take to build the Great Wall of China?
Construction of the Great Wall spanned over 2,000 years, with different sections built during various dynasties, primarily the Qin (221–206 BC), Han (206 BC–220 AD), and Ming (1368–1644) dynasties.
Where is the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall is located across northern China, extending from Liaoning Province in the east, through Beijing and Tianjin, and all the way to Gansu Province in the west, covering a vast portion of China's northern border.
Why was the Great Wall of China built?
The wall was primarily constructed as a defense system to protect Chinese states and empires from invasions by nomadic tribes, particularly from the Mongols and other groups in the north.
How many sections of the Great Wall still exist today?
While the Great Wall originally extended over 13,000 miles, only about 4,000 miles of the Wall remained intact, with other sections either in ruins or destroyed over time due to weathering and erosion.
Best time to go to the Great Wall of China
The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and stunning scenery.
In spring, you’ll enjoy fresh blooms and lush greenery, while autumn provides breathtaking views of red and golden foliage. Both seasons also have fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months.
For the best experience, plan your visit early in the morning to avoid peak hours and crowds.
❤️Pro Tip: To stay connected throughout your visit, consider getting a China eSIM. Just activate and go!
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