Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. Today, I’ll take you into one of China’s most iconic sites—the Great Wall. This ancient landmark blends long history, stunning mountain views, and handy travel tips, showing a spot full of stories and natural charm.
Introduction
The Great Wall, a top landmark in China, runs across northern China—covering places like Beijing, Hebei, and Gansu. Its most popular sections (Badaling, Mutianyu) are near Beijing, easy for travelers to reach.
Stretching about 21,196 kilometers, it’s the longest man-made structure globally. Its history spans over 2,000 years. Early parts were built in the Warring States Period (475–221 BC) to protect small states. The Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC) connected these sections into a unified wall. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) rebuilt and extended it most—much of today’s Great Wall comes from this era.
Once a defense line, it had watchtowers for soldiers to spot enemies and send signals. Now, it’s a symbol of China’s ancient wisdom.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Tickets: Prices vary by section (all in China)
- Badaling: 40 RMB (~5.5 USD) (April–October); 35 RMB (~4.8 USD) (November–March).
- Mutianyu: 45 RMB (~6.2 USD) (April–October); 40 RMB (~5.5 USD) (November–March).
- Jinshanling: 65 RMB (~9 USD) (year-round).
Purchase & Payment:
- Buy online via official WeChat mini-programs (e.g., “Badaling Great Wall” for Badaling) or travel platforms (Ctrip, Fliggy) 1–7 days in advance.
- On-site tickets available at ticket offices (cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Visa/Mastercard accepted).
- Free for kids under 1.2m; 50% off for kids 1.2–1.4m and seniors over 60 (with passport).
Opening Hours:
- Badaling: 7:30 am–5:30 pm (April–October); 7:30 am–5 pm (November–March).
- Mutianyu: 7:30 am–5 pm (April–October); 7:30 am–4:30 pm (November–March).
- Jinshanling: 7:30 am–5 pm (year-round).
Main Scenic Areas & Attractions
Badaling Great Wall (Beijing)
Built in the Ming Dynasty (1504 AD), it’s the most well-preserved section. It was a key defense point—soldiers used its 24 watchtowers to spot enemies and send fire signals. In 1987, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s the section most visited by world leaders (e.g., former US President Nixon).
Mutianyu Great Wall (Beijing)
First built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (556 AD), rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. It has 22 watchtowers, and its unique “crenels” (notches on the wall) were designed for both defense and observation. Unlike Badaling, it’s less crowded—known for its lush forests around. A story says Ming soldiers here once fought off 10,000 Mongol invaders using the wall’s narrow paths.
Jinshanling Great Wall (Beijing-Hebei Border)
Built in the Ming Dynasty by General Qi Jiguang, who led troops to defend against Japanese pirates. It’s famous for its “zigzag” shape—following mountain peaks, making it hard for enemies to attack. The “General Tower” here was where Qi Jiguang planned battles; it has 3 floors (rare for Great Wall towers).
Transportation
To Badaling:
🚇Subway + Bus: Take Line 8 to “Deshengmen” Station, then take Bus 877 (direct to Badaling, 12 RMB/~1.6 USD, 1.5 hours).
🚄High-Speed Train: From Beijing North Station to Badaling Great Wall Station (28 minutes, 17 RMB/~2.3 USD), then take a shuttle bus (5 RMB/~0.7 USD, 10 minutes) to the entrance.
🚕Taxi: ~200 RMB/~27.5 USD one-way, 1.5 hours (avoid peak hours 7–9 am).
To Mutianyu:
🚌Bus: Take Bus 916 from Dongzhimen Bus Station to “Huairou North Station” (12 RMB/~1.6 USD, 1.5 hours), then take a local minibus (15 RMB/~2 USD, 20 minutes) to Mutianyu.
🚗Private Car: Book via travel apps, ~300 RMB/~41 USD one-way, 1.5 hours.
How to Buy Transportation Tickets:
Bus tickets: Buy on the bus (cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay).
Train tickets: Book via China Railway 12306 app (English version available) or at the station.
Experience & Activities
Cable Car Rides:
Badaling: Up 100 RMB/~13.8 USD, down 80 RMB/~11 USD. Book at the cable car station (no advance booking needed).
Mutianyu: Up 100 RMB/~13.8 USD, down 80 RMB/~11 USD. Can book online via Mutianyu’s official website.
Toboggan Ride (Mutianyu Only):
A fun way down the wall—60 RMB/~8.3 USD per person. Book on-site (no advance booking).
Guided Tours:
English-speaking tours: Book via Ctrip or local travel agencies 1–3 days in advance. Cost: 200–300 RMB/~27.5–41 USD per group (up to 4 people). Tours include history 讲解 and transportation.
Sunrise/Sunset Viewing (Jinshanling): No need to book, but arrive 1 hour early. Best spots: General Tower (sunrise) and West Gate (sunset).
Practical Tips & Etiquette
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—steps are steep and uneven.
- Bring water (5–10 RMB/~0.7–1.4 USD per bottle) and snacks—food inside is expensive.
- No climbing over walls or touching ancient bricks—fines up to 2,000 RMB/~275 USD.
- No littering—use trash bins (found every 500 meters).
- In summer (June–August), bring sunscreen and a hat; in winter (December–February), wear warm clothes (temperatures can drop to -10°C).
- For Badaling/Mutianyu, arrive by 8 am to avoid crowds.
Accommodation (Within 3km)
Badaling Area:
Badaling Great Wall Hotel:
2km from entrance, mid-range.
Price: ~500 RMB/~69 USD/night (includes breakfast).
Hanting Hotel (Badaling Branch):
2.5km from entrance, budget.
Price: ~300 RMB/~41 USD/night.
Mutianyu Area:
Mutianyu Guesthouse:
1.5km from entrance, family-run.
Price: ~400 RMB/~55 USD/night (serves local food).
Beijing Great Wall View Hotel:
3km from entrance, luxury.
Price: ~1,200 RMB/~165 USD/night (has a rooftop with wall views).
Jinshanling Area:
Jinshanling Great Wall Hostel:
2km from entrance, budget.
Price: ~250 RMB/~34.5 USD/night.
Food
Inside the Great Wall Areas:
- Badaling: Small stalls sell noodles (30–40 RMB/~4.1–5.5 USD), corn (10 RMB/~1.4 USD), and bottled drinks.
- Mutianyu: Cafes near the cable car station serve rice dishes (40–50 RMB/~5.5–6.9 USD) and coffee (25 RMB/~3.4 USD).
Nearby (Within 1km):
- Badaling: “Great Wall Farm Restaurant” – local dishes like braised pork (50 RMB/~6.9 USD) and vegetable stir-fry (25 RMB/~3.4 USD).
- Mutianyu: “Countryside Home Restaurant” – try “Great Wall Chicken” (80 RMB/~11 USD) and fried eggs with tomatoes (20 RMB/~2.7 USD).
- Street food near entrances: Jianbing (Chinese crepe, 10 RMB/~1.4 USD) and roasted sweet potatoes (8 RMB/~1.1 USD, winter only).
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.