DK Travel : Beijing : Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

5.0 /5 (2 votes)

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

The Great Wall snakes through the countryside over deserts, hills, and plains for several thousand miles. At its closest point it is less than 40 miles (60 km) from Beijing. The wall was created following the unification of China under Qin Shi Huangdi (221–210 BC). Despite impressive battlements, it ultimately proved ineffective; it was breached in the 13th century by the Mongols and again, in the 17th century, by the Manchus. Today, only select sections of its crumbling remains have been fully restored, with four main sites accessible from Beijing: Badaling, Mutianyu, Huanghua Cheng, and Simatai.
For more daytrips out of Beijing See Trips Out of Town

Top 10 Features

1. Badaling

1. Badaling

The restored Ming fortification at Badaling is the closest section of the wall to Beijing. Although perpetually busy, it is possible to escape the crowds by walking along the wall; and the views are spectacular.
2. Great Wall Museum

Housed in an imitation Qing dynasty building at Badaling, the museum presents the history of the region from neolithic times, as well as detailing the construction of the wall. Admission is covered in the cost of your wall ticket.
3. Juyong Guan

This pass is on the way to Badaling. With unscalable mountains on either side it is easy to see why the spot was chosen for defence. Early cannons remain on the ramparts. Also worth seeing are Buddhist carvings on a stone platform, or “cloud terrace,” in the middle of the pass.
4. Commune at the Great Wall

Within sight of the wall at Badaling, the Commune consists of 12 stunning, contemporary villas, each designed by a different, celebrated Asian architect. The complex operates as a hotel (see Commune at the Great Wall), but non-guests can drop by the restaurant for lunch.
5. Mutianyu

The appeal of Mutianyu lies in its dramatic hilly setting and less intrusive tourist industry. With a series of watchtowers along its restored length, the wall here dates from 1368.
6. Huanghua Cheng

6. Huanghua Cheng

On the same stretch of wall as Mutianyu, Huanghua Cheng is an exhilarating section of Ming fortifications that is far less developed than most other parts. The great barrier is split into two by a large reservoir. The crumbling masonry can be uneven and fairly treacherous, so you need to take care.
7. Simatai

The wall at Simatai has only been partially repaired, and so affords a more genuine impression of the original wall. It is very steep and hazardous here in parts, and can even be quite risky to navigate.
8. Jingshanling

The starting point for a 6-mile (10-km) trek to Simatai, which because of the steep and stony trail usually takes around four hours. The views as the wall winds over sharp peak after sharp peak are fantastic, but you have to work for them.
9. Gubeikou

Lying farther west of Jingshanling, Gubeikou is a heavily fortified pass from where you can begin a 15-mile (25-km) walk to Simatai. It is, if you are really fit, possible to do it in one day.
10. Shanhaiguan

This is where the wall ends (or begins), at the sea. East of town, the “First Pass Under Heaven” is a formidable section of wall attached to a gatehouse. It lies some 218 miles (350 km) east of Beijing but it does make for a worthwhile overnight trip.

Practical Information

The wall is exposed to the elements: it is extremely hot in summer (bring sun cream and lots of water) and bitterly cold in winter. There are cafés and refreshment stands at each of the main four sites, although it’s better to bring your own food. Badaling 44 miles (70 km) NW of Beijing 6912 222 Bus 1 from Qian Men Open 7:30am–5pm daily ¥45 Mutianyu 56 miles (90 km) N of Beijing 6162 650 Bus 6 from Xuanwu Men Open 7am–6:30pm daily ¥35 Huanghua Cheng 37 miles (60 km) N of Beijing Open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri; 7:30am–5:30pm Sat, Sun ¥25 Simatai 68 miles (110 km) NE of Beijing 6903 105 Bus 6 from Xuanwu Men Open 8am–5pm daily ¥40