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Great Wall of China

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Great Wall of China is a colossal series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC, with individual states erecting walls that were later joined together by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, in the 3rd century BC. The most iconic and well-preserved sections were constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), utilizing sophisticated techniques involving brick, stone, and rammed earth. Spanning thousands of miles through diverse terrains such as mountains, deserts, and grasslands, the wall functioned as a multifaceted defense system equipped with watchtowers, beacon stations, and troop barracks. Beyond military use, it played a vital role in border control, the regulation of trade along the Silk Road, and the transmission of messages via smoke and fire signals. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the Great Wall remains an enduring symbol of Chinese resilience, ingenuity, and historical continuity.

Location: China
Top sights: Great Wall at Simatai · Great Wall at JinShanLing · Back entrance path to Jinshangling entrance

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-3	4	11	19	23	25	24	19	11	2	-6
Rain mm	2	5	10	24	43	98	150	120	68	29	13	2

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Great Wall is an open-air fortification that can be visited at multiple restored sections. Visitors can walk along the wall and climb watchtowers during opening hours.

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Typical hours

Section opening hours typically vary, with popular sections like Badaling usually open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Always check the specific section's schedule online before your visit.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed everywhere on the Wall. Drones are prohibited; avoid touching or climbing on fragile parts.

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Time needed

Plan at least 2-3 hours for a visit to one section, including walking time. Longer hikes between sections require half a day or more.

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Combine with

Combine a visit to the Wall with the Ming Tombs or the Summer Palace for a full day trip from Beijing. Nearby sections like Mutianyu offer a less crowded experience.

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Getting there

Access varies by section; most require a bus or taxi from Beijing. Badaling has a cable car; Mutianyu has a toboggan ride.

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Insider tip

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially at Badaling. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates

40.68330, 117.23330

Facts

The official total length of all wall sections is 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles).
The main Ming Dynasty wall stretches across approximately 8,850 kilometers.
Sticky rice flour was used as a binding agent in the mortar during the Ming era.
There are over 25,000 watchtowers built along the entire length of the wall.
The most famous section, Badaling, was the first to be opened to tourists in 1957.
The Great Wall was designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Chengde79 km · NExplore →

Happy Valley Beijing92 km · SEExplore →

Temple of Heaven100 km · SEExplore →

Forbidden City101 km · SEExplore →

Beihai Park102 km · SExplore →

Port of Tianjin107 km · NEExplore →

Beijing Zoo107 km · SExplore →

Old Summer Palace Ruins109 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Great Wall of China (5)

Great Wall at Simatai 📍 landmark

Simatai is a steep and rugged section of the wall known for its original Ming-dynasty brickwork.

Great Wall at JinShanLing 📍 landmark

Jinshanling is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved watchtowers and panoramic mountain views.

Back entrance path to Jinshangling entrance📍 landmark

This hiking trail has a quieter approach to the Jinshanling section through the valley.

Simatai Great Wall 🌿 nature

This nature reserve preserves a rugged stretch of the wall known for its extremely steep "Stairway to Heaven".

🌐 wtown.com

Luzu Temple⛪ religious

A traditional Taoist temple dedicated to Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which section is best to visit?

Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling and has a cable car and a toboggan slide.

How much does the entrance cost?

Entrance is about 45 RMB; cable cars and shuttle buses cost extra.

Can you hike on the wall?

Yes, hiking between Jinshanling and Simatai is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Are there toilets on the wall?

Toilets are mostly only available at the entrances and near cable car stations.

How long is the drive from Beijing?

Depending on the section and traffic, the drive takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

Great Wall of China: where is it located?

Great Wall of China is located in China.

Great Wall of China: what is there to see?

Highlights include Great Wall at Simatai, Great Wall at JinShanLing, Back entrance path to Jinshangling entrance.

Great Wall of China: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Great Wall of China: why is it worth visiting?

The Great Wall of China is a colossal series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Great Wall of China

Best time to visit & climate