Great Wall of China
★ 4.8🇨🇳 BeijingSuggested visit 3-5 hoursBest season April to May and September to October
Historic siteWorld HeritageCultural landscapeHiking
The longest ancient military defence work in the world, winding more than 21,000 kilometres and symbolising Chinese resilience.
Overview
The Great Wall is a monumental defensive work of ancient China and a World Heritage Site. It snakes across mountains and ridges, an imposing symbol of the Chinese nation.
History
The Great Wall dates back to the Western Zhou period and was repeatedly extended through the Spring and Autumn, Warring States, Qin, Han and Ming dynasties. The large-scale Ming rebuild from 1368 to 1644 forms the wall seen today, with a total length exceeding 21,196 kilometres. Built to defend against northern nomadic incursions, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Highlights
- •Undulating ramparts stretching to the horizon
- •Panoramic views over the Yan Mountains
- •Ming watchtowers and beacon towers
- •Its standing as one of the world's great wonders
- •The enduring saying that one is not a true hero until reaching the wall
Practical tips
- •Wear comfortable shoes and carry enough water
- •Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather
Practical information
- Best time
- April to October
- Tickets
- About CNY 45 at Badaling and CNY 65 at Mutianyu
- Opening hours
- 7:00–18:00, extended to 19:00 in peak season
- Local food
- Peking duck, zhajiang noodles, douzhi with fried rings and hotpot lamb
- Getting around
- The metro covers the main sights and is integrated with buses; rush hours are crowded
- Visa
- Domestic travel only requires a valid identity document, with no visa needed. Popular scenic areas and museums generally require real-name reservations booked online in advance.
Traveller reviews
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