Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Great Wall of China

Ancient Marvel Spanning Centuries

Beijing stands as China’s political and cultural center, home to landmarks that reflect centuries of history. The Great Wall stretches across rugged mountains and valleys near the city, built over generations to protect against invasions. Visitors walk along ancient stones that have witnessed battles, trade routes and daily life for hundreds of years. Nearby museums display artifacts from imperial dynasties and traditional crafts. Beijing’s mix of old neighborhoods and modern skyscrapers shows how the city balances heritage with progress while remaining a key hub in East Asia.

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Landmark in Beijing

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 7.6

General Safety:	8
Accessibility:	6

Read details

3/5

English is moderately spoken especially in tourist regions and by guides, but some language barriers may occur outside main urban areas; hiring a guide can enhance the visit.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Great Wall of China Summary

World-class for historic landmarks and scenic hiking. Walk restored watchtowers, hike mountain sections and enjoy sweeping views across rugged landscapes.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri:	07:30 - 18:00
Sat-Sun:	07:30 - 18:30

Public website:

www.mutianyugreatwall.com

China – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I Type A: Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary.

Chinese New Year (January/February)	Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations
National Day (1 October)	National holiday with parades and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	DiDi, Uber
Other:	China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Great Wall of China, China

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High season:	April - May, Sep. - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March, June - Aug., Nov.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Golden Week, October 1 to 7: extremely crowded, especially at Badaling and Mutianyu

Autumn colours peak mid to late October, best seen on quieter sections like Jinshanling

Don't miss

🥾 Hike the scenic, less crowded Mutianyu section
🏯 Explore ancient watchtowers and fortresses along the Wall
🌄 Enjoy panoramic mountain views from elevated Wall paths

You've been here?

Built initially to protect northern Chinese states from invasions, the Great Wall is a series of fortifications spanning from the east coast to the deserts of the west. Its construction began as early as the 7th century BC, with major expansions during the Ming dynasty, making it largely a symbol of Chinese imperial defense and architectural ingenuity. The Wall features watchtowers, troop barracks and signal systems that have endured through centuries.

The most visited parts around Beijing, such as Badaling, Mutianyu and Simatai, each showcase different atmospheres – from the restored and accessible Badaling to the rugged and authentic Simatai section. The Wall’s paths wind through mountainous landscapes offering spectacular views, with steep climbs requiring moderate physical fitness.

It is important to be cautious of uneven steps, potential crowds and weather extremes, with cold winters and hot summers influencing the hiking experience. Some less-restored sections allow a more adventurous and tranquil visit but require more caution.

The Great Wall remains a symbol of China's historical resilience and attracts millions, offering a transformative outdoor experience amidst centuries-old stones.

Knowledge before you go

Visit Mutianyu section to avoid Badaling crowds.
Arrive at 8 AM opening; use cable car up, toboggan down for fun descent.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; steep unrestored sections lack facilities nearby.
Hike north from main area at Mutianyu for quieter unrestored wall with better photos.

How to travel to Great Wall of China

The most common gateway to the Great Wall is Beijing, capital of China, served by Beijing Capital International Airport. Visitors can reach popular sections of the Wall by public bus, private tour or rental car from Beijing. Each section offers distinct experiences, with varying accessibility and crowd levels. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and harsh midday heat.

Access summary

From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): Taxi/private car to Mutianyu, about 1.5 hours.
From central Beijing: Tours or bus/train to Badaling/Mutianyu, roughly 1.5–2 hours.
From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX): Taxi/private car to Mutianyu, usually around 2.5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Great Wall of China

Beijing provides an extensive selection of accommodations from luxury hotels near the city center to budget hostels. Staying within the city ensures easy access to travel options heading to the Great Wall sections.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

The Great Wall Courtyard Hostel

8.9

Beijing Badaling Great Wall Cao Courtyard Hostel

8.5

Commune By The Great Wall Ubc

6.2

Floral Hotel Beijing Xianju Chanting

9.9

Floral Hotel Jiu Xian House Homestay

10.0

Floral Hotel Badaling Miaoxiaoyuan

Orange Hotel Beijing Yanqing Badaling Great Wall

Lavande Hotel Beijing Yanqing Badaling Great Wall

Floral Hotel·Great Wall Utopia hotle

Private Twin Room with Courtyard in Ancient Town at the Foot of the Great Wall

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for Great Wall of China

Comfortable walking shoes

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Sun cream

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Reusable water bottle

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-69 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 69% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-1 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to CNY) is 1% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Beijing’s Great Wall is generally safe for travelers, with well‑maintained paths and frequent security patrols. Minor theft can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. Follow local guidelines, avoid isolated sections after dark and stay hydrated during hikes.

Accessibility

Beijing’s Great Wall offers mixed accessibility: many sections have paved walkways and elevators, but steep climbs remain challenging. Wheelchair users can access the southern Ming section, yet narrow stone steps and uneven terrain limit mobility in older walls. Plan ahead for assistance.