Great Wall of China | The Ultimate Great Wall Travel Guide

• 1. What should I pack for a Great Wall hiking tour?+

  Gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers. Carry a raincoat or umbrella.
  Supplies: Carry plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
  Protection: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent as needed.
  Guidance: Consider hiring a local guide for a richer experience and safer navigation.
  Weather: Check the forecast before you go and prepare accordingly.
  Accessories: Battery, phone, camera, GPS
  Respect the wall: Take all trash with you and avoid the further damages.

• 2. How to Plan a Great Will Night Tour?+

  Option 1: Mutianyu-Simatai Night Tour (Two-day trip)

  Day 1:

  Morning: Depart from your hotel in Beijing and drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall (around a 1.5-2 hours’ drive). Ascend the wall via the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and hike along the wall, exploring its unique features and views. Afterward, choose your method of descent - the cable car, toboggan, or walking.

  Afternoon/Evening: Make the 2-hour transfer to the Simatai Great Wall. After checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town at the base of the Simatai Great Wall, take the cable car up to the Wall to begin your night tour. Enjoy the illuminated spectacle of the Wall and the surrounding landscape before descending via cable car.

  Day 2:

  Morning/Afternoon: After breakfast, spend your day exploring Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the authentic courtyard-style houses, ancient bridges, and quaint lanes before your 2-hour transfer back to your hotel in Beijing.

  Option 2:Jinshanling-Simatai Night Tour (Two-day trip)

  Day 1:

  Morning: Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you'll drive to the Jinshanling Great Wall (approximately 2.5 hours). Spend the day exploring this less crowded and photogenic section of the Wall, hiking from the Zhuanduokou Pass to the East Tower with Five Holes.

  Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to the Simatai Great Wall. After checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town, take the cable car up to the Wall for your night tour. Marvel at the stunning transformation of the Wall under the night sky, adorned by the soft glow of lights.

  Day 2:

  Morning/Afternoon: After breakfast, take the day to explore Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the authentic courtyard-style houses, ancient bridges, and quaint lanes. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Beijing.

• 3. How to Plan a Great Will Hiking Tour?+

  1.Most Challenging Section – Jiankou to Mutianyu: Difficult
  This route is for thrill-seekers and seasoned hikers looking for a challenge. It takes you through some of the most rugged, steep, and unrestored sections of the Great Wall, providing a raw and authentic experience. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.

  2.Most Rural and Historical Section – Gubeikou to Jinshanling: Moderate
  Perfect for history buffs and those wanting to escape the city's hustle and bustle, this route offers a trip through time. It takes you from Gubeikou, a less touristy section abundant with historical sites, to Jinshanling, known for its beautifully preserved watchtowers and broad views. This hike is a moderate challenge and can take 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.

  3.Most Photogenic Section – Jinshanling to Simatai West: Easy
  This route is a paradise for photographers. Both Jinshanling and Simatai West sections offer some of the Great Wall's best views, with their well-preserved structures set against stunning natural scenery. The hike is moderate and takes about 3-4 hours, covering a 5km trek.

• 4. What is the best time of year to visit the Great Wall from Beijing?+

  Spring (April to June): Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Great Wall. The weather is pleasantly warm, and the surrounding landscapes burst into life with blooming flowers and lush greenery. However, it can be a bit crowded, especially during the May Labor Day holiday.

  Summer (July to August): Summer offers long days and lush landscapes, but it can be quite hot and rainy, especially in July. The Great Wall can also be quite crowded during the summer holidays. However, if you don't mind the heat and crowds, the Great Wall is beautifully green during this time.

  Autumn (September to October): Many argue that autumn is the best time to visit the Great Wall. The weather is comfortable, and the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop, particularly in the sections like Mutianyu. It is also less crowded than in summer.

  Winter (November to March): Winter visits are for the adventurous. The Great Wall is least crowded during this time, and if you're lucky, you might see the Great Wall covered in snow, which is a spectacular sight. However, it's freezing, and some sections might be closed due to icy conditions.

• 5. Where can I visit the Great Wall of China?+

  The Great Wall of China is a vast and complex system of fortifications that stretches across several Chinese provinces. While some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, there are many other sections of the wall that are worth visiting and can be accessed from other cities. Here are the places to visit the Great Wall of China:

  1.Great Wall of Beijing: The most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall.

  2. Great Wall of Shanhaiguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It is known for its unique architecture and stunning coastal views.

  3. Great Wall of Jiayuguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Jiayuguan, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its western-style fortifications and desert landscapes.

  4. Great Wall of Dunhuang: This section of the Great Wall is located in Dunhuang, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its colorful murals and stunning desert landscapes.

  5. Great Wall of Henan Province: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Henan province, including the Yuntai Mountain section and the Yinxu section, which is known for its ancient ruins.

  6. Great Wall of Inner Mongolia: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Inner Mongolia, including the Hulunbuir Grassland section and the Hohhot section, which is known for its unique architecture.

• 6. Why visit Great Wall sections in Beijing?+

  As one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers) across northern China. It was built over several centuries by various Chinese dynasties to protect against invasions from the north. This vast and complex system of fortifications are mainly located in several Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Gansu, Shanxi, Henan, and Inner Mongolia.

  But some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall.

  1. Badaling Great Wall (Most Famous One and The Most Tourists Visited):
  This section of the Great Wall is located about 47 miles (75 kilometers) north of Beijing and is the most popular and well-preserved section of the wall.

  2. Mutianyu Great Wall (Most Popular with Foreign Tourists):
  This section of the Great Wall is located about 55 miles (88 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its scenic views and well-preserved fortifications.

  3. Jingshanling Great Wall (Most Popular Among Photographers):
  This section of the Great Wall is located about 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views.

  4. Simatai Great Wall (The Only Great Wall that can be Visited at Night): This section of the Great Wall is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its steep slopes and watchtowers.

  You can also visit Juyongguan Great Wall (one of the eight scenic spots in Beijing), Jiankou Great Wall, and Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (a holiday resort integrating the Great Wall, lakes and mountains).

  Overall, a Beijing Great Wall Tour is a must-do for many visitors to China, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of China's rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a Great Wall tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Beijing.

See More Beijing Travel Tips