The Great Wall of China: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Through Millennia

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Great Wall of China boasts a history of thousands of years. This guide covers must-visit sections like Badaling and Mutianyu, with details on history, routes, transportation, accommodation and photography tips for foreign tourists.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall of China is not only a masterpiece of military defense engineering but also a spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation. Stretching across northern China like a giant dragon, this magnificent structure was first built during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, and was renovated and expanded through dynasties such as the Qin, Han, and Ming. With a total length exceeding 21,000 kilometers, it winds through towering mountains and ridges, witnessing the rise and fall of countless dynasties and accumulating profound historical and cultural connotations. For foreign tourists, visiting the Great Wall is not only a visual feast but also a historical dialogue spanning thousands of years.

Choosing the right section of The Great Wall is crucial to enhancing your travel experience. Different sections have unique characteristics, catering to various travel needs. Badaling Great Wall, the most famous section, is located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing. It offers convenient transportation and complete facilities, with neat and majestic city walls, well-equipped observation decks and rest areas. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a hassle-free tour. Having received numerous foreign heads of state, Badaling is highly renowned and is accompanied by a Museum where you can gain an in-depth understanding of the Great Wall’s construction techniques and historical background. However, note that Badaling is crowded with tourists, so it is advisable to avoid peak holiday periods.

Mutianyu Great Wall is an excellent choice that balances beauty and comfort. Also located in Beijing, it is famous for its high vegetation coverage, featuring lush green trees in summer and vibrant red leaves in autumn, offering distinct scenery in each season. The city walls of Mutianyu have a relatively gentle slope, making the tour less strenuous. It is also equipped with cable cars and slides, suitable for family trips or tourists who prefer a relaxed visit. In addition, the tourist density here is lower than that of Badaling, allowing you to admire the winding posture of the Great Wall more leisurely and take high-quality photos.

For those seeking a niche experience and original charm, Jinshanling Great Wall and Simatai Great Wall are perfect options. Jinshanling Great Wall is renowned for its dense watchtowers and exquisite architecture, retaining many original relics of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Built along the mountain ridges, the city walls undulate and are full of wild charm, making it a paradise for photographers. Simatai Great Wall, on the other hand, is famous for its steepness. The city walls are built along the precipitous mountain ridges, with some sections being thrilling and exciting. At the same time, it is connected to Gubei Water Town, enabling a combined tour of “Great Wall + Ancient Town”, allowing you to experience the dual pleasure of climbing the Great Wall during the day and enjoying the night view of the ancient town at night.

Practical tips and exclusive routes for visiting the Great Wall are essential. In terms of transportation, from downtown Beijing to Badaling and Mutianyu, you can choose tourist shuttle buses, public buses, or book a chartered car for convenience and flexibility. For Jinshanling and Simatai, it is recommended to take a chartered car or join a one-day tour group, as transportation is relatively inconvenient but the experience is better. Exclusive routes for each section are available to meet different travel rhythms and preferences:

Badaling Great Wall Route: Divided into two core areas, North Line and South Line. The North Line with gentle slopes is suitable for general tourists. The recommended route is “North No.1 Watchtower to North No.8 Watchtower”, passing multiple observation decks along the way to reach “Hero Slope” and overlook the entire Great Wall from the North No.8 Watchtower. The whole hike takes about 1.5 hours. Those with limited physical strength can take the North Line cable car round-trip to enjoy the scenery of the Great Wall intertwined with mountains from the air. The South Line features immersive experiences. The “Beacon Thirteen Passes” live-action performance route on the South Line Extension runs from South No.4 Watchtower to South No.12 Watchtower. Accompanied by costume NPCs, visitors can unlock historical stories floor by floor, suitable for those who love cultural interaction. In addition, there are exclusive flower-viewing and leaf-viewing routes in spring and autumn. In spring, you can enjoy apricot blossoms from North No.2 Watchtower to North No.4 Watchtower; in autumn, walk along the path from North No.1 Watchtower to North No.4 Watchtower to immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere through the red leaf forest.

Mutianyu Great Wall Route: 1 to 20 watchtowers are open, offering two core routes. Hiking enthusiasts can choose the “Extreme Challenge Route”: start from the North Ticket Check and hike up the trail to No.10 Watchtower, check in at No.15 Watchtower (a filming location for movies) along the way, and finally reach No.20 Watchtower (the highest point of the open section) to overlook the panoramic view before returning to No.14 Watchtower to take the cable car down. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours. For a relaxed visit, the “Head of State Reception Route” is recommended: take the cable car directly to the No.14 Watchtower Observation Deck and stroll east to the Great Angle Tower to enjoy the mountain scenery along the way, suitable for families and tourists with limited physical strength. You can also take the slide down the mountain to experience speed and fun. After visiting, you can extend to the nearby Beigou Village and check in at the Wa Art Museum to feel the integration of countryside and art.

Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Routes: For Jinshanling, the “Photography Route” is recommended. Start from the scenic spot entrance and tour along the main line from East Five-Eye Tower to General Tower. This area has dense watchtowers and exquisite architecture. The light is best in the early morning or dusk, allowing you to capture the stunning pictures of the Great Wall intertwined with light and shadow. The whole hike takes about 3 hours, retaining the original wild charm. Simatai focuses on the “Great Wall + Ancient Town” combined route. Climb the east section of Simatai during the day to experience the thrills of steep sections, and overlook the whole view of Gubei Water Town after reaching the top. At night, you can participate in the night climbing activity, walk on the Great Wall under the starry sky, and then go to Gubei Water Town to enjoy the drone show, take a gondola boat, and feel the night vitality.

For clothing, the Great Wall has undulating terrain, so it is advisable to wear comfortable sports shoes and prepare sun protection, windproof, and warm clothing according to the season. The wind on the mountain top is strong, so a light jacket is necessary even in summer.

Regarding food and shopping, simple meals and drinking water are available in the Great Wall scenic areas, but the prices are relatively high. You can bring your own snacks and water in advance. The farmhouses nearby offer authentic Beijing cuisine, such as Peking duck, Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and farm-style dishes, with higher cost performance. When shopping, it is recommended to choose regular stores and purchase Great Wall-themed cultural and creative products as souvenirs, avoiding inferior goods. In addition, please abide by the scenic area regulations during the tour, do not climb unopened sections, cherish cultural relics, and jointly protect this world cultural heritage.

Climbing the Great Wall and standing on the towering watchtowers, looking out at the rolling mountains and the city walls winding to the horizon, you can truly experience the boldness of “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”. Whether you are feeling the weight of history or indulging in the beauty of the integration of nature and humanity, the Great Wall will leave foreign tourists an unforgettable memory of their trip to China.