Introduction to the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is an ancient marvel of military architecture, with origins dating back to the Spring and Autumn period. Most of the surviving sections were built during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching approximately 5,500 miles from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, it is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
More than just a physical structure, the Great Wall symbolizes China and embodies the resilience and ingenuity of the Chinese people. Its majestic path winds through rugged mountains, showcasing one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements.
Construction of the Great Wall spanned over 2,000 years, with the earliest sections built in the 7th century BCE. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) marked the final and most extensive phase of construction, producing the best-preserved sections we see today.
My First Great Wall Adventure
My first visit to the Great Wall was in the fall of 2019 at Mutianyu. I left Beijing at 6 a.m. and arrived at the base by 8 a.m. Taking the cable car up, I was awestruck by the sight of the Wall weaving through golden autumn foliage. Each stone seemed to whisper tales of centuries past. Standing atop a watchtower, I truly understood the saying, “You’re not a hero until you’ve climbed the Great Wall.” Wear comfortable shoes—the steps can be steep, but every moment is worth it.
Main Attractions
Badaling Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall
Simatai Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jiankou Great Wall
Gubeikou Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall
Features: The best-preserved and most iconic section
Highlights: Hero Slope, Great Wall Museum
Suitable for: First-time visitors, family trips
Mutianyu Great Wall
Features: Scenic beauty with lush greenery
Highlights: Cable car, toboggan ride
Suitable for: Photographers, nature lovers
Simatai Great Wall
Features: Preserves original Ming Dynasty appearance, rugged and grand
Highlights: Night tours
Suitable for: Hikers, history enthusiasts
Jinshanling Great Wall
Features: Diverse architectural styles, intact military defense system
Highlights: Stunning sunrise and sunset views
Suitable for: Photographers, in-depth explorers
Jiankou Great Wall Adventure
Last spring, I joined a group of outdoor enthusiasts to tackle Jiankou. This unrestored section retains its raw, original charm but is incredibly steep. We started climbing at 4 a.m., reaching “Eagle Flies Upside Down”—a near-vertical stretch—by sunrise. The effort was grueling, but seeing the sun illuminate the ancient stones was breathtaking. The experience highlighted the Wall’s ingenious military design.
Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Fall (April–May, September–October): Pleasant weather, stunning scenery
Avoid: July–August peak season (crowded and hot), winter (some sections closed)
Transportation Options
1. Public Transit:
- Bus 877 from Beijing’s Deshengmen to Badaling (1.5 hours, $1.70)
- Bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then transfer to H23 for Mutianyu (about 2 hours)
- Dongzhimen to Simatai via Gubeishuizhen shuttle (about 2.5 hours)
2. Guided Tours:
- Beijing Tourism Hub offers Great Wall day trips from Qianmen ($11–$21 per person)
- Choose reputable agencies to avoid low-price scams
3. Self-Drive:
- Beijing-Tibet Expressway (G6) to Badaling (1 hour)
- Beijing-Chengde Expressway to Mutianyu or Simatai (1.5–2 hours)
- Jingmi Road to Jiankou (about 2 hours)
Ticket Information
| Attraction | Peak Season Price | Off-Season Price | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badaling | $5.70 | $5.00 | 6:30 AM–7:00 PM |
| Mutianyu | $6.40 | $5.70 | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Simatai | $5.70 | $5.00 | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Jinshanling | $9.30 | $7.80 | 6:00 AM–7:00 PM |
Note: Prices may vary; check official景区 announcements for updates.
Transportation Tips
My first trip to Badaling was via a guided tour—convenient but rigid. Later, I found Bus 877 to be a budget-friendly, direct option with frequent departures. For self-driving, arrive early as parking fills up during peak season. I once tried a local “unofficial” taxi to Mutianyu to save money, but it felt unsafe. Stick to regulated transportation for peace of mind.
Travel Experiences
Hiking Tips
1. Gear Prep: Comfortable sneakers, sunscreen, plenty of water
2. Route Options:
- Beginner: Badaling North Route (about 2 hours)
- Intermediate: Mutianyu to Jiankou (4–5 hours)
- Advanced: Jinshanling to Simatai traverse (full day)
3. Photography Spots:
- Badaling’s Hero Slope
- Mutianyu’s Watchtower 23
- Simatai’s Fairy Tower
- Jinshanling’s Brick Stairs
Unique Experiences
- Simatai Night Tour: Experience the Wall’s mystique under moonlight
- Great Wall Camping: Stargazing at designated areas
- Great Wall Marathon: Annual international race
Great Wall Sunrise
Great Wall Fall Colors
Great Wall Snowscape
Jinshanling Sunrise Memory
Last winter, my friends and I set out at 4 a.m. from a local guesthouse to catch the sunrise at Jinshanling. Trekking through snow in –5°F weather, our breath froze in the air. But when the first rays of sun turned the snow-covered Wall golden, it was pure magic. Winter visits require serious layering, but the sparse crowds and pristine views make it a photographer’s dream.
Tips and Precautions
Safety Guidelines
- Avoid climbing restricted or hazardous sections
- Watch your step on uneven stairs
- Stay away from high points during thunderstorms
Environmental Responsibility
- Do not carve or write on the Wall
- Take all trash with you
- Respect plants and historical artifacts
Other Tips
- Buy tickets online during peak season to skip lines
- Bring cash—some areas have poor mobile payment signals
- Respect local customs
Lessons Learned
My first Great Wall trip taught me to never underestimate the weather. I wore a light jacket and nearly froze in the mountain winds. Now, I always pack a windbreaker, even in summer. Restrooms are scarce on the Wall, so use facilities at the base. Most importantly, don’t deface the stones—I was heartbroken to see ancient bricks scarred by carvings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Cuisine
Signature Dishes
- Farmhouse Feast: Free-range eggs, wild greens, rainbow trout
- Donkey Roll: Traditional Beijing sweet
- Huairou Chestnuts: Fall specialty
- Yanqingshepherd’s pie: Hearty winter hotpot
Recommended Restaurants
- Badaling Great Wall Hotel: Standard Chinese cuisine
- Yujia’ao at Mutianyu: Rainbow trout specialty
- Guesthouses near Simatai in Gubeishuizhen: Fusion dishes
Rainbow Trout
Firepot
Farmhouse Dishes
Culinary Discoveries
In a small village near Mutianyu, I stumbled upon a modest farmhouse restaurant serving freshly caught, grilled rainbow trout with homemade sauce—absolutely delicious. The owner taught me how to spot authentic free-range eggs by their richer yolk color and flavor. In winter, the firepot at Gubeishuizhen, slow-cooked with mountain herbs and paired with local liquor, was the perfect way to warm up after a chilly day on the Wall.
Accommodations
Budget Options
- Badaling Great Wall Youth Hostel: Backpacker favorite
- Mutianyu Great Wall International Youth Hostel: Serene setting
Mid-Range Hotels
- Badaling Hot Spring Resort: Well-equipped
- Gubeishuizhen Hotel: Near Simatai Great Wall
Luxury Stays
- Commune by the Great Wall: Designer hotel
- Boutique Guesthouses near Simatai: Unique experience
Youth Hostel
Hot Spring Hotel
Boutique Guesthouse
Memorable Stays
I stayed at a charming guesthouse near Mutianyu, converted from an old farmhouse with traditional heated brick beds—cozy in winter with views of the Wall. My favorite was a Jinshanling farmhouse where the warm hosts shared Great Wall legends by the fire and guided us to the best sunrise spot. For luxury, the Commune by the Great Wall is unmatched, with villas designed by renowned architects, some featuring floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Wall.
Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Classic Tours
- Badaling + Ming Tombs: History and culture combo
- Mutianyu + Hongluo Temple: Nature and heritage
- Simatai + Gubeishuizhen: Nighttime charm
Two-Day In-Depth Tour
Day 1: Badaling Great Wall + China Great Wall Museum
Day 2: Juyongguan Great Wall + Beijing Zoo
Photography Tour
Jinshanling sunrise → Simatai sunset → Gubeishuizhen night views
Badaling Route
Mutianyu Route
Jinshanling Route
My Two-Day Itinerary Pick
For those short on time, I recommend combining Mutianyu with Gubeishuizhen. Day one: explore Mutianyu in the morning, head to Gubeishuizhen in the afternoon, and enjoy a Simatai night tour. Day two: relax in Gubeishuizhen, savor local food, and return to Beijing. This balances the Wall’s grandeur with the town’s laid-back vibe. Photographers should try the Jinshanling-to-Simatai trek—tough but rewarding for capturing the Wall’s raw beauty.