The Great Wall of China: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

The Great Wall is not one wall — it is a series of walls built, rebuilt and extended over 2,000 years by successive Chinese dynasties. The most visited sections are near Beijing, and choosing correctly among them will transform your experience.

Mutianyu: The Best Section for First-Timers

Mutianyu, 73 km north of Beijing, is the section we recommend for nearly all visitors. It is well-restored, less crowded than Badaling, has excellent viewing towers, and offers a cable car up and a thrilling toboggan ride down. The wall here sits on dramatic mountain ridges — on a clear day the views are extraordinary.

Badaling: The Most Famous Section

Badaling is the most visited section and one of the most photographed places on earth. It is also the most crowded — on Chinese national holidays it can see 70,000 visitors in a single day. If you go, arrive for opening at 6:30 am. The view from the higher western towers is spectacular.

Jinshanling to Simatai: For Serious Walkers

The 10 km ridge walk from Jinshanling to Simatai is the Wall at its wildest — partially unrestored, with dramatic drops on both sides. Parts are closed after dark, but Simatai section runs night tours under floodlights. Book well in advance for these.

When to Go

April–May and September–October are ideal — clear skies, comfortable temperatures (15–25°C) and the most photogenic light. Avoid the Golden Week holidays (first week of October and first week of May) when crowds at Badaling are genuinely overwhelming.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes with grip — the stone steps are steep and can be slippery. Sunscreen, water, and a light layer even in summer (the ridgeline wind is strong). A telephoto lens for the wall as it winds into the distance.