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Great Wall of China

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Great Wall of China

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How to Visit

Huanghuacheng

Jinshanling, tour or solo, how long to spend, where to stay.

The Great Wall of China stretches 13,000 miles over mountains, forests, reservoirs, and desert. It took a millennium to build, involved multiple dynasties, and pissed off a lot of Huns. Inextricably tied to the history of the country, to visit China without seeing it would cause you to be remiss not only with your friends and family at your homecoming, but somehow within yourself as well. To stand on its ramparts gives one simultaneously a sense of experiencing something collectively epic and individually infinitesimal.

Before you visit, decide if you want to go to an unrestored section, wild section or both. (“Wild” is a popular way to refer to the unrestored sections of the wall.) Consider physical ability and whom you’re traveling with (old people, kids, your sister who hates walking) when choosing a section.

This will be a workout. It’s not strolling on an elevated side walk. The Great Wall is stone waves steep and undulating. Grab your hiking boots and prepare for the walk of a lifetime.

How to Visit the Great Wall

Most visitors go to the Great Wall as part of a half or full day trip from Beijing. Visitors can choose from over 12 well-known sections and access them through a group tour, private driver, private tour, public transportation (sometimes combined with taxis), or by driving their own car. While the travel time from Beijing varies depending on section and traffic, it can take anywhere from one to three hours to get to there.

Worthwhile sections to visit in other provinces are the famous packed-earth Jiayuguan section in Jiayuguan, Gansu Province. It's a mere 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city and easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride. Also, Ningxia Province’s Sanguankou section with its three passes is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the province's capital city of Yinchuan. It can be reached by hiring a private car.

If you want to hire a tour operator for a section near Beijing, Beijing Wonder Tour has affordable rates and English-speaking guides. Beijing Hiker’s offers hiking tours to the wild wall. If you want to hire a private car with an English-speaking driver but explore the wall on your own, you can choose from a number of options here . If you want to hire your own car, Hertz rents cars from the Beijing airport.

Best Parts of the Great Wall

The Great Wall spans nine provinces. The sections most commonly recommended are all close to Beijing. However, for less touristy and wilder parts of the wall, you can head to Gansu, Ningxia, or several other provinces less frequented by visitors. All of the ones listed below can be accessed from Beijing.

Popular among foreign tourists and easily accessible from Beijing, Mutianyu offers a well-restored wall with 23 watchtowers, replete with photo ops and views of the surrounding mountains and forests. You can hike, take a chair lift or cable car to the top, and toboggan down. It takes about two hours to walk the 1.4 miles of this section. If you go beyond tower 23, the wall is not restored, has no guardrails, and tourists are responsible for their own safety.

To get there hire a private driver or take the subway to Dongzhimen station. Walk upstairs to the North Bound Platform. Take the Express Bus 916 towards Huairou. After about an hour, get off at the Beidajie stop. Take bus H23 to Mutainyu or share a car with other tourists going there. Travel time is two to two and a half hours.

Simatai's main draw is night tours. Though Badaling is also open at night, Simatai has more ambient lighting and fewer crowds. You can take the cable car up and walk this 3-mile section for about one and half to two hours. Be aware that its grade increases rapidly (from 968 to 3,235 feet) and is super steep. The Simatai wall cuts through the Simatai Reservoir, and those who want to can zipline over it. For the day hikers, Heavenly Ladder and Sky Bridge are two extremely narrow and high parts of the wall with incredible views of mountain ridges.

To get there hire a private driver, or hop on the Airport Express subway line to Dongzhimen station. Take Bus 980 from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station to Miyun Town and then take a taxi.

This section's surrounding countryside boasts a sea of yellow flowers in spring and summer. Other distinguishing features of Huanghuacheng include: boat rides on Haoming Lake, and fewer crowds than Mutianyu and Badaling. It can also be combined with Mutianyu for a day trip, as the two sections are only a 40-minute drive apart.

To get there hire a private car, or take the 916 bus or 916 express bus to Dongzhimen to Huairou Bus Station. Hop on the H21 bus to the Small West Lake (Lakeside Great Wall) Station, and walk north to the scenic area. By public transport, it will take at least two hours from central Beijing.

For those who can’t decide if they want to see a restored or wild section of wall, Jinshanling offers a beautiful mixture of both. Ideal for hikers, this section stretches 6.5 miles, runs along the Jinshanling Mountains, contains 67 watchtowers, five mountain passes, and very few tourists. If you hike in this section by itself, plan for two to five hours. You can also hike from this section to other sections, such as Simatai or Gubeikou.

To get there, hire a private driver or take the subway to Wangjing West Station. Hop on the bus to Luanping, and get off at Jinshanling Service Area. This bus will take about two hours to get to Jinshanling Service Area. Once you alight, you can take a free shuttle to the wall.

If you want to see the section of the wall closest to Beijing and can handle huge crowds, this will be your option. Though super touristy, Badaling has amazingly restored wide walkways and guardrails for its steeper parts. Like the Mutianyu section, it offers a cable car and toboggan rides for those who want to save their energy and feet. Plan for one and a half hours to visit this section of the Wall and walk the 2.3 miles of its restored path. Check out the 19 watchtowers along the way and be prepared for tons of hawkers.

To get there hire a private driver or take the subway to Jishuitan station. Go out exit B2 and hop on the 877 bus, a direct bus with a travel time of about one and a half hours to get there.

Tips for Visiting the Great Wall

Use these tips to make the most of your visit.

You do not need to book a tour to the Great Wall, though it can eliminate the stress of trip planning and language barriers. If you are traveling solo or with one or two other adults, hiring a driver or using public transport will most likely be your best options.

If you are traveling in a large group or with children or with elderly family members, a tour or private driver will be your best options. Some tours will take you to a government sponsored tea house or jade museum during the trip. Know what you’re buying if you go the tour route, and look for tours that state they do not do commissioned stops.

Weather-wise, spring and fall are the best times to see the Great Wall. Spring will provide beautiful verdant greens (and yellow blossoms around Huanghuacheng). In the fall, the rolling forested hills on either side of the wall will be dappled with red, orange, and yellow leaves. However, the best time to go to avoid crowds is winter.

Wear layers. It gets windy and most of the sections are exposed. Even the watchtowers have giant open window frames. If you go in the summer, take a hat and sunscreen.

Spend at least three to four hours on the wall, this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site after all. Take some time to enjoy it. Sections can be steep (even if restored) and ascents slow. Stroll through the blockhouses and watch towers, sip water as you admire the surrounding hills, and zip down to the base in a toboggan (if you go to Badaling or Mutianyu).

If you want to experience the Great Wall early without leaving Beijing in the wee morning hours, consider staying at a hotel by the section you want to see. For Muitanyu, The Brickyard offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a spa. Alternatively, if you want to go to the wall during the day, but also see it lit up at night, go to Simatai. Stay at Gubeishui Town Hotel and splurge on a luxury room with great views.

For intrepid explorers, it is possible to camp on the wall. However, you will need to do your own research and take all of your gear and provisions with you. There are no vendors in the wild sections. If you want to camp in a group tour, Great Wall Hiking offers what is sure to be a memorable experience of a night on the Great Wall.

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Beijing Tour Guide’s Insider Tips for Best Way to See the Great Wall

Welcome to Beijing, the gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary wonders – the Great Wall of China. As a local tour guide, I am excited to share my insider tips on making your visit to the Great Wall an unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll reveal the best ways to see and appreciate this architectural marvel, ensuring you leave with incredible memories to cherish.

Selecting the Perfect Section

With numerous sections of the Great Wall , selecting the one that matches your preferences and travel goals is essential. I’ll provide an overview of popular sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai, highlighting their unique characteristics, accessibility, and crowd levels. This will help you choose the ideal section that meets your expectations.

Recommend No. 1 Choose Jinshanling Great Wall!

Jinshanling , a section of the Great Wall located in Hebei rather than Beijing, is often overlooked by tourists. However, its stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and flexible visiting hours make it a hidden gem. Don’t just take my word for it; check out the photos and videos online. Even other sections of the Great Wall use images from Jinshanling in their advertisements. Unlike the more popular sections, Jinshanling offers the opportunity to schedule sunrise or sunset tours and has consistently fewer visitors due to its distance from Beijing. Explore this captivating destination and create unforgettable memories amidst its remarkable landscape.

Recommend NO. 2 Mutianyu Great Wall

For a layover or limited time (half-day trip), the nearest Great Wall to Beijing city is Juyongguan. It’s just 60 km away and can be reached within a one-hour car ride. If you have more time, consider visiting Mutianyu , less crowded than Badaling. For those on a layover trip from Beijing airport, Mutianyu is the closest option, approximately 55 km away, requiring about 1 hour and 20 minutes of travel time. With limited time, Mutianyu is your best choice.

Everything you need to know before visit Mutianyu Great Wall

With kids or Seniors who want a leisure trip

A cable car is crucial for traveling with kids or seniors seeking a leisurely trip. Four sections of the Great Wall offer cable cars: Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, and Jinshanling. However, I recommend Jinshanling or Juyongguan Great Wall for convenience and ease. The path to the cable car is flat, allowing for a comfortable walk or transportation assistance. On the other hand, Mutianyu’s toboggan ride is an exciting highlight for kids. However, traveling during the high season or the Chinese holiday can be busy.

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path

For those seeking a more adventurous and authentic experience, I’ll introduce you to lesser-known sections of the Great Wall that offer unique insights and stunning views. These hidden gems provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the wall and escape the tourist crowds. Uncover secret trails and less-explored sections for a truly memorable adventure.

How to choose an excellent wall hike tour?

There are many hikes you can choose to hike the Great Wall, but there are two most famous hikes you can choose from:

A. Jiankou to Mutianyu

B. Jinshanling to Simatai west

C. Gubeikou to Jinshanling Hike

These hikes are hard to decide as they are all great and offer an excellent view of the Great Wall. However, if you like a stricter hike, Jiankou to Mutianyu with 11kms beats the Jinshanling. If you want a more peaceful hike, choose Jinshanling to Simatai West, as Mutianyu is always busy.

Jinshanling to Gubeikou Great Wall Hiking with Gourmet Picnic

Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Private Hiking Tour

Capturing Unforgettable Moments

Preserving your memories of the Great Wall is essential. I’ll share tips on capturing stunning photographs, including the best vantage points, lighting conditions, and composition techniques. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, I’ll help you frame the wall’s magnificence in unforgettable images.

Private Great Wall Sunset Tour at Jinshanling and Gubeikou

1. Is it better for the Great Wall sunrise or sunset at Jinshanling?

Sunset is easier. It is a 2.5-hour drive, so you have to wake up early, but fewer people in the morning.

You can stay at the hotel nearby in the evening and go up the wall for sunrise.

2. How hard is it to get there?

It is a 1-hour walk at average speed from the entrance to this point. But it can be challenging if you are not ok with the steps. The steps are all rebuilt, so it is not dangerous.

3. What should I bring?

Regular hiking equipment is necessary. (comfortable shoes, water, snacks, winter cold, so dress warmly). It is better to have a wide-angle lens.

4. Is it ok to fly a drone on the Great Wall?

Fly drones are not officially allowed, but no one controls them when they are early or late. I have flown drones there many times without any trouble.

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Hi, I am Leo Kui . Your new friend from Beijing. I’m a Beijing local with my finger on the pulse of the city and a passion for sharing the real Beijing with travelers from around the world. Allow me to help make your stay in Beijing extra special , and help give you the tools, tips, and tricks you’ll need to explore this wonderful city with confidence.

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How to Visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing in 2023

Getting from Beijing to the Great Wall of China can be done 2 ways. Either independently (saves cost but takes more time, read below to see how), or you can book a tour from Beijing (more expensive, but easier ). I’ve done both, and both have their merits. If you want to visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing, I’m going to explain how to do it independently by bus, or how to book a cheap tour too if you prefer the easy way! It’s fair to say travelling from Beijing to The Great Wall of China, one of the 7 new wonders of the world , and an absolute must-see for any would-be traveller, so if you’re wondering how to visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing, read on – I’ll show you guys how!

MY OPINION ON THE BEST WAY TO VISIT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA FROM BEIJING:

I would either do the easy independent option to Badaling, or book a cheap tour to Mutianyu section. Next time, I’ll book the tour to Mutianyu with pick-ups from my hotel etc in Beijing. Cheap and easy. ( You can book that here if you need help ).

Badaling section; 75 km from beijing, about 1.5 hrs drive..

Juyongguan section: 60km from Beijing, about 1.5hrs drive
Mutianyu: Around 95 km from Beijing, about 2 hrs’ drive
Jinshanling: Around 140 km from Beijing, about 2.5 hrs drive

When Was the Great Wall of China Built?

How long is the great wall of china, my experience with visiting the great wall of china from beijing.

Visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing:

The first thing to know about visiting the Great Wall of China is that there are many different sections of the wall you can visit, dotted all the way across Northern China. But if you’re want to visit the Great Wall from Beijing, there are 4 main sections of the wall you can visit. All of which are manageable to access the Great Wall of China from Beijing, either via public transport or via a day-trip ( day trips from Beijing are about $30, you can book them here ).

Here are 4 main sections to choose from when visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing – I’ll go into more details in all of them below:

Badaling: The most popular, and easiest and most preserved (but with the most tourists!)
Juyongguan: Super close to Badaling, slightly fewer tourists, slightly less preserved
Mutianyu: The least tourists, but less preserved and more difficult to access
Jinshanling: Long hikes, not so preserved, not so many tourists, furthest away

When you’re in Beijing, and people are trying to sell you trips to visit the Great Wall, 95% of the trips they offer will be to the Badaling section. I often think half the fun and chaos in China is the actual travel so it can be an adventure to try to get from Beijing to Badaling yourself. But if you’re pushed for time, or prefer to avoid the stress of working out buses etc, yourself, then you can book a day tour from Beijing to the Badaling section online here for $35 . If you book a tour, you also get the bonus of visiting Ming Tombs too.

Badaling itself is one of the best-preserved sections of the wall. It’s only 40CNY to enter ($6) but also has options for Cable Cars and Pulleys (140 and 100CNY/$20 and $15). There are 4kms of wall for tourists to explore here and it’s not super steep so it’s suitable for everyone.

BEIJING TO BADALING BUS:

You can take the Public bus here for just $2/¥12 and it takes less than 2 hours each way. From Jishuitan subway station take Exit A , Deshengmen arrow tower on your left. Bus 877 (or 879) leaves exactly behind the tower.

Go early in the morning, and remember the last bus from Beijing to Badaling leaves at around 12:30, the last bus from Badaling to Beijing at around 16:30. Be wary of fake bus guys!

BEIJING TO BADALING TRAIN:

The best way in my option. Take the 1.5-hour train from Beijing Huangtudian station, a 150m walk from exit G4 of Huoying Station on the Beijing metro, ( the times are all here ) but they start at 6.30 and run until 21.30 so no problems there.

Juyongguan section : 60km from Beijing, about 1.5hrs drive

People who choose Juyongguan ahead of Badaling do so for a couple of reasons. One, of course, is much fewer tourists, another is because they want to hike! Juyongguan is a closed-loop so you can spend a day hiking the whole thing back to front without backtracking. The rugged mountains are impressive here and there are more buildings too, but it’s a lot steeper. No cable cars etc here.

Just 15 kms from Badaling so it’s very accessible. Follow the routes above, then from Badaling bus station, take bus 879 (or take a taxi it’s less than $10!).

Mutianyu : Around 95 km from Beijing, about 2 hrs’ drive

The second most popular place when visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing. The choice between the two comes down to this – Badaling is slightly better preserved and much easier to get to. Mutianyu is trickier to get to, and therefore has fewer tourists, but it’s still well equipped here with tourist restaurants and a cable car. The best option, in my opinion, is to book a cheap tour here with these guys , and go and hike here.

Beijing to Mutianyu BUS:

From Dongzhimen Bus Station, you can take bus line 916 Express to Huairou North Avenue (Huairou Beidajie) Station and takes 1 hour (only get the express!). There, transfer to bus line h23, h24, h35, or h36 to Mutianyu Roundabout. Finally, walk about 500 yards (450 meters) to the ticket office of the scenic area. Others will be doing the same.

Jinshanling : Around 140 km from Beijing, about 2.5 hrs drive

Note: jinshanling great wall has been closed for renovation since june 1, 2017. when to resume operation is unknown. visitors can go to other sections as an alternative..

This is where they hold the Great Wall Marathon! It’s less developed, more rugged, steeper.

To get there by Subway

You may take subway line 13 (Exit D) or subway line 15 (Exit C) to Wangjing West Station. Then, take the tourist bus (April 1 to November 15) to your destination directly. The bus departs at 8:00 and returns at 15:00. The bus fare is CNY 32. The trip takes about 2 hours.

Visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing, to Jinshanling

BEIJING TO THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA TIPS

Quick history on the great wall of china.

This incredible feat of human construction was built across the northern territory of China in order to protect the country from invaders. Throughout the wall are a series of turrets where the military would stand on guard. So great is the wall that it can be seen with the naked eye from outside of the Earth’s atmosphere and it sees millions of tourists visit each year.

The wall is actually a series of walls that were built from the 7th Century BC onwards and throughout various dynasties. At the most recent measurement, the wall stretches an incredible 6,259 kilometers. This wall is truly one of the Wonders of the World and no list of this type would be complete without it (and it’s the only building you can see from space, right? Wrong !).

DON’T GO DURING ANY CHINESE HOLIDAY – IT’S A NIGHTMARE!

The crowds are dictated by weekends, season (high season is may to august) but it’s the section of the wall that you choose that really determines the number of crowds.

It wasn’t built in one stretch, but over 4 different dynasties (or more).

First Great wall – built by the Qin Dynasty 221-207 BC
Second Great Wall – built by the Han Dynasty 205-127 BC
Third Great Wall – built by the Jin Dynasty 1200 AD
Fourth Great Wall – built by the Ming Dynasty 1367-1644

It’s 8,800km or 5,500 miles! Here you can see how far it stretches across China:

I’ve been twice from Beijing to the Great Wall of China, once via public transport to Badaling, and once on a day trip to Mutianyu ( book it here, starting at $10! ). It lived up to expectations for me, both times, but how much you enjoy the experience will come down to one things – waking up early and going before the crowds.

If you travelling to the Great Wall of China from Beijing independently via public transport then you should aim to take the first bus/train of the day so you’re literally one of the first people in the park. If you’re lazy, hungover and go a little later – you’ll be in the midst of the crowds. It’s still breathtaking, but check out the pic below what it can be like! Enjoy.

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How to Visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing

Article by Lost Plate Food Tours

Beijing , China

The Best Great Wall Tours

The Great Wall is a must-visit for everyone visiting China, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do on your own. Navigating Beijing and far-away places like the Great Wall is not simple even if you speak Chinese. Eliminate the hassle of figuring everything out by yourself – sometimes tours are the best way to see things! Trust us.

We’ve visited The Wall more times than we care to admit publicly on a website, so we’ve learned a thing or two about where to go and what to do through a combination of research, trial, and error. So we’ve worked with a local Great Wall guide to put together three itineraries that we can personally vouch for. Keeping in mind that a round-trip taxi plus ticket for one is already around 300 RMB, taking a tour is also a great deal for your wallet. We promise you’ll be in good hands, and more importantly, you don’t have to worry about researching anything else. Take a look at the options below, choose the one that fits your schedule, and know that you’re going to have the best Great Wall experience possible!

Trip 1: Mutianyu Section by Private Car

There are a lot of sections of the Great Wall to visit (it’s pretty big after all,) and Mutianyu is our favorite. It has incredible views as far as the eye can see with densely placed watchtowers along a sweeping 2.5km stretch. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can climb the 500+ steep stairs to one of the areas highest points. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, take the cable car and slowly explore the watchtowers as you stroll along the wall to the toboggan slide- perfect for all ages. Multiple ways up and down from the wall make it very easy to create a loop without needing to turn around and retrace your steps to go back down, so you can maximize your time up there!

Combine all of this with a personalized experience that includes comfortable private transportation, a private English-speaking driver, and ample time to explore the wall on your own. It’s literally the perfect way to see the Great Wall, and totally customizable.

What Your Day Looks Like:

Get picked up at your hotel or at the airport by your English-speaking driver at the time of your choice.
Upon arrival at the Great Wall, your driver will assist you to purchase tickets and help you plan your day.
Explore the Great Wall on your own, at your leisure.
Get dropped off back at your hotel or the airport in your private car.
2 People: $92 USD per person
3 People: $73 USD per person
4 People: $68 USD per person

Price Includes: Hotel pick-up & drop-off, private car with English-speaking driver, admission tickets to the Great Wall (optional Cable Car and Toboggan tickets are not included), bottled water. Airport pick-up/drop-off have an additional surcharge due to the further distance.

Inquire Now!

Enter your details below to start your reservation. We’ll follow up with you right away to answer any questions you have and confirm your trip!

Trip 2: Great Wall Hiking From Jiankou to Mutianyu Sections

If you’re looking for the ultimate Great Wall experience, this can’t be beat. This route is almost impossible to access unless you speak Chinese, and the hike is considered the most precipitous and beautiful stretch in the entire region. The hike begins in an un-restored, less visited area that offers ancient ruins, soaring views and photos that you can’t get anywhere else. During the hike, your private guide provides stories about the wall’s history and construction. This one is a bit more adventurous, if you’re into hiking this is probably the one for you!

Get picked up at your hotel in Central Beijing in your private car.
Upon arrival at the Great Wall, your private guide will lead you through the forest, up to the un-restored section of the Great Wall. You’ll finish the rest of the way on your own- just follow the wall!
Explore the Great Wall with your private guide during your hike. Hiking experience is recommended.
Enjoy a post-hike lunch at a local restaurant.
Get dropped off at your hotel.
2 People: $218 USD per person
3 People: $158 USD per person
4 People: $138 USD per person

Price Includes: Hotel pick-up & drop-off, private car, professional English-speaking guide, post-hike lunch, Great Wall admission tickets (optional Toboggan tickets are not included), bottled water.

Trip 3: Mutianyu Section + Summer Palace Day Trip

Short on time and want to combine the best sites outside of Beijing all in one day? This is the answer! We’ve combined a trip to the Mutianyu section of the great wall (the first itinerary on this list) with a visit to Beijing’s famous Summer Palace. Combine this with your own private guide, and you’ll get insider knowledge on the best places to beat the crowds, the best photo ops, and fascinating historical and cultural insights. After a couple of hours exploring the great wall, you’ll stop for lunch and then head to the Summer Palace with an immaculately preserved royal gardens which have a lake, bridges, temples, and historic pavilions.

Explore the Great Wall at your leisure for a couple of hours.
Visit Beijing’s Royal Summer Palace with your private guide and stroll through its grounds.
2 People: $188 USD per person
3 People: $148 USD per person
4 People: $128 USD per person

Price Includes: Hotel pick-up & drop-off, private car, professional English-speaking guide, post-hike lunch, Great Wall admission tickets (optional Toboggan tickets are not included), Summer Palace admission tickets (optional dragon boat tickets are not included), bottled water.

China Reopens to Tourists in 2023!

After three years, China is reopening its border to tourists, effective immediately! Based on what we’ve seen in other parts of the world post-pandemic, the best time to visit a reopened country is early – before all of the crowds return. We’ve got all the details you need to start planning your next trip to China…

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Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Wall from Beijing

Last updated: October,18 2018

Stretching almost the entire length of China, the Great Wall of Beijing is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the only man-made structure that can be seen on the surface of the planet from space. However, while it may be known as the “Great Wall” in the west, it is not actually one wall, but lots of them, constructed over a period of around 2,400 years. These huge feats of construction and engineering work stretched from Dandong in the east of China, close to the current border with North Korea, to Jiayuguan in the west, in the area of what is now the western end of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Prefecture.

Since most foreign tourists plan to start their Tibet tour from Beijing , how to spend the days in Beijing before departing for the Tibet tour is a big question. No Beijing tour will be complete without a trip to the Great Wall. To help you plan a better Great Wall tour, here we offer you the detailed information about the Great Wall of Beijing.

Major Sections of Great Wall in Beijing

The first parts of the Great Wall, known in China as the Long Wall, were constructed to the south of Beijing, to protect the warring states from invasion by their neighboring warlords. Later, around the 3 rd century BC, the wall was constructed to the north of Beijing, after the unification of China by Emperor Qin, to secure the northern border of the new country. The walls above Beijing were added to during the Han Dynasty, and then rebuilt or restored during the Ming Dynasty, which are the walls we can see to the north of Beijing today.

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is the largest and most popular section of the Great Wall . It has been open to the public since 1957, and has been visited by some of the world’s greatest leader, including United States presidents Nixon and Reagan, the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and even the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

In Chinese, the name of the wall means “eight reach ridge”, and it is located around 60 kilometers to the northwest of central Beijing. Constructed in 1505 by the Emperor Hong Zhi of the Ming Dynasty, the wall has 30 watchtowers, and stretches for 7.6 kilometers. At around 7.8 meters tall and 5.7 meters wide, the wall is normally accessed by cable car to the North Eighth Tower, at the top of the “Good Man Slope”, though you can walk along paved paths and steps all the way to the top.

Mutianyu Great Wall

The longest fully-restored section of the Great Wall is the one at Mutianyu, known in China as “Admire Fields Valley”. At around 73 kilometers from the center of Beijing, it takes around 1.5 hours to drive there and is open all year round. With 23 original-style restored watchtowers, the Great Wall at Mutianyu lies in the Huairou County to the north of Beijing.

The wall at Mutianyu connects the sections at Jiankou to the east and the Baima Pass section in the west, and is just 2.5 kilometers long. The wall was constructed by the Northern Qi Emperor more than 1,400 years ago, and was strengthened and fortified by general Xu Da of the Ming Dynasty in the 14 th century. During the second year of the reign of Emperor Yongle, the Mutianyu Pass was fortified to form a triangular formation with three linked watchtowers. Constructed in 1404, these three watchtowers for a triangle and are a rare formation along the sections of the wall.

The closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing , the Juyongguan Great Wall Fort lies just 60 kilometers to the northeast of central Beijing, in the Changping District. Located in the guangou Valley, this section of the Great Wall protected the most vulnerable access to Beijing, the Chinese capital, and was built during the Ming Dynasty, under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in the late 14 th century.

One of the greatest of the forts that defended Beijing, it was instrumental in holding back the Mongol army that was constantly trying to recapture its former territory in China. Considered to be one of the most important passes in the entire Ming Dynasty Great Wall, the fort at Juyongguan defended Beijing from attacks by the Jurchens, as well as the Mongols, and was the site of a huge battle against the Japanese in WWII. The site of the fort lies on fortifications that date back to the Yan Kingdom, which spanned the period from 770-476 BC, and the Warring States Period (476–221 BC). During the Yuan Dynasty, in the 13 th -14 th centuries, three large towers were built, which were destroyed in an earthquake in the middle 1300s.

Jinshanling

One of the most well-preserved sections of the Great Wall , Jinshanling still has many of its original features and is known in Chinese as “Gold Mountain Ridge”. Named because it was built on the ridges of the Greater and Lesser Jinshan Mountain Ranges, known as the Gold Mountains, this amazing section of the Long Wall lies around 130 kilometers to the northeast of Beijing, and is one of the most popular sections for tourists due to its unique preservation.

The wall at Jinshanling connects the Simatai Section in the east to the Gubeikou Section in the west and extends from Longyukou in the west to Houchuankou in the east. The original construction of the wall began in 1368, during the Ming Dynasty, and was rebuilt after damages in the mid-16 th century. The wall also contains tablets that have poems and writings etched into them, which were left at the time of the rebuilding. 31 watchtowers are spread along this 5.1-kilometer section of wall, which are built in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Jinshanling is also the most popular section for those wishing to hike along the great Wall , and the trek along the entire section to Simatai takes around four hours. Three paths run from the entrance gate to the wall, and a cable car to a fourth path which runs for the final 200 meters to the Little Jinshan Tower.

The section of the Great Wall at Simatai lies around 120 kilometers to the northeast of Beijing, connected to the western end of the Jinshanling Great Wall. It remains one of the few sections of the entire Great Wall of China to retain most of its original appearance , and it has many varied features and characteristics that other sections do not have.

The Great Wall at Simatai is just to the north of the town of Miyun, and is close to the Great Wall of Gubeikou, which is an important and significant pass for the military in their protection of Beijing. The Simatai Section is just 5.4 kilometers long, divided by the Simatai Reservoir, with 23 towers to the west of the reservoir and 16 towers to the east. The reservoir is spanned by a chain-link bridge, although these days crossing by zip-line is more popular.

Constructed in the time of the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577 AD), the wall was rebuilt and extended during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, and underwent repairs under the supervision of General Qi jiguang in the middle of the 16 th century.

One of the most perilous of the sections of the Great Wall, the elevation of the wall goes up by more than 600 meters in a short distance, and the narrowest part of the section is just 40 centimeters wide at the top. Known as the Sky bridge, this narrow section of the wall runs for around 100 meters up the side of the mountain, and during its construction, goats were used to ferry the bricks up to the wall.

Simatai is the only section of the wall that can be visited at night, and is lit up by lanterns along its entire length, making an amazing spectacle from afar.

Join in our classic 15-day Beijing Xian Lhasa Kathmandu tour by train to enjoy a wonderful visit to the Great Wall in Beijing.

Best Time to Visit the Great Wall in Beijing

While it may rest in northern China, the Great Wall sections at Beijing can be visited at almost any time of the year, as long as there is not too much snow in the winter. The best times to visit the Great Wall for the best views and the scenery are in the spring and autumn. In the early mornings, from the top of the Great Wall, you can see the remarkable early morning mists known as the “Cloud Sea”, that stretch out from the wall in all directions for miles.

May and June are the best times to visit the wall for the green scenery of the mountains , when the new growth of the trees and grasses has come through from the spring. Summers can be hot on the top of the Great Wall, and it is not recommended to spend too much time in the heat. Sun cream, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat are recommended if you are walking along the wall in the summer months, especially in late August.

There are times when it is NOT advisable to visit the Great Wall , mainly during the major Chinese holidays, as there are huge numbers of local tourists that clamor to get onto the wall during their short breaks. The national Day Holiday, from the first to the seventh of October is the main period to avoid, as well as the Labor Day Holiday from May 1 to 3. The Spring Festival, however, is not as popular for local visitors, as it is a time for people to come together as families, so is a great time to get onto the Great Wall, with less tourists than at other times of the year.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Great Wall in Beijing

Group tours operate from Beijing , which take you to the different sections of the Great Wall, and while they are cheaper than a private tour, many of the tours stop at the factory shops and expensive tourist-oriented restaurants. Private tours are much more flexible with where you want to go, and can be individually catered for the client. Tickets are normally arranged in advance for tours, to save you queuing and the guides are experts on the history of the Wall and where to get the best photos.

Traveling to the Great Wall is normally done as a day trip , and it is important to bring along plenty of water and snacks , especially since the majority of the restaurants close to the Wall can be expensive. Rain gear is handy to bring with you, as it can rain at any time in the areas of the Wall, and a good pair of strong shoes or hiking boots is best to wear for better traction. If you are traveling in the winter months, then you need to dress up warm, as it can get very cold on the Wall in winter. Snow can often be seen dusting the surfaces of the Wall, and the temperatures are usually around freezing, so bring warm fleece jackets to protect from the cold.

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A Guide To Exploring The...

A Guide to Exploring the Great Wall of China from Beijing

An essential part of visiting China, and Beijing in particular, is climbing one of the new wonders of the world – the Great Wall. Depending on the time you have available, grab your hiking shoes and start ascending the steps of the past!

The idea of constructing a barrier against barbarian invasion was conceived as early as the 3rd century BC. Centuries later, the fortification was consistently under construction, becoming stronger and more complex. Many parts of the Great Wall are now destroyed and not safe to access, but those open to the public attract crowds from all over the world. Some are easily accessible from central Beijing, but others may require time and patience to get to.

Badaling is the closest part of the Great Wall and thus the most visited. It was the first section to be open to tourists after the reconstruction of the Wall in 1957. For travellers limited on time, going to Badaling would be the most efficient way of seeing the Wall. Cable cars run up and down its length to save time and effort in hiking uphill. This section of the Wall is fully restored and very crowded, making the experience not as relaxing as desirable. One possible way of avoiding the crowds is arriving later in the afternoon, but even then it’s a gamble, and time at the area will be limited.

The S2 train leaves Huangtudian station and arrives 15-20 minutes walking distance outside of the scenic area. The train station can be found near Huoying subway station (intersection of line 8 and 13). Keep in mind that tickets can’t be purchased online and seats are not reserved, so the crowd on the platform is likely to be running to the train and if you don’t join them, there may not be any seats left. The fare from Huangtudian to Badaling is RMB 6 (0.67 GBP/0.87 USD).

Mutianyu is further away than Badaling, but is also fully restored and equipped with cable cars for easy access and a toboggan for a fun descent. It will take around an hour and a half to arrive at Mutianyu, but the crowd won’t be as significant a barrier to enjoying the beautiful scenery.

How to get there : Travelling to Mutianyu involves taking two buses from Dongzhimen bus station (exit E of Dongzhimen subway station, intersection of line 2 and 13). The 916 Express or 916 bus arrives at Huairou Beidajie within an hour or so, where you then transfer to the bus line H23, H24, H35 or H36 towards Mutianyu Roundabout. The total fare, one way, is roughly RMB 20 (2.25 GBP/2.90 USD).

Huanghua Cheng

This section of the Great Wall is not commonly visited by tourists, but appreciated by locals. In this area, the Wall meets the water and is partially submerged, providing a stunning view. This part of the wall is not officially open to the public, and the only guardian of the entrance is an elderly man with a cardboard sign. It is also not restored and not safe to climb in bad weather conditions. Still, the view is stunning and the hike not too challenging.

View on the barrage and the line of the Great Wall

How to get there : From Dongzhimen bus station (exit E of Dongzhimen subway station, intersection of line 2 and 13), take the 916 Express or 916 bus to Huairou Beidajie. Once there transfer to H21 towards Small West Lake. The total fare, one way, is roughly RMB 20 (2.25 GBP/2.90 USD).

This section of the wall is completely wild and unrestored, which makes for a risky, but exciting hike. Definitely not the best option for inexperienced hikers, as the steps are withering and can be outright dangerous to climb. The section is not officially open to the public and the entrance is controlled by locals. Appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing is recommended.

How to get there : Given the difficulty of the hike and getting to the site, it’s advisable to take an organised tour of Jiankou . As the famous line from Mao Zedong’s poem states: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” That being said, a foreign traveller should be mindful of how much they are willing to take on. The language barrier can be an issue, so come prepared with print-outs and maps if travelling to parts of the Wall officially closed to the public. Locals are usually happy to help and taxis are available in the case of missing a bus connection (be wary of negotiating the cost though if there is no meter). Finally, climbing the Wall does in fact involve a lot of climbing, so prepare with appropriate clothes and a good water supply.

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Great Wall of China Tours 2024/2025

A Beijing tour is not complete without the Great Wall, but a Beijing tour with only Great Wall is not complete too if you escape other MUST-SEEs and MUST-Dos in Beijing, such as the grandiose imperial sites of Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, royal garden Summer Palace, Beijing’s traditional living dwellings Hutongs, Peking Roasted Duck, Kungfu show, etc. Here are our Best 4 Great Wall Tour Packages from Beijing, which will not only take you to explore the best sections of Great Wall – beautiful and less-crowded, but also cover those other MUST-SEEs and MUST-Dos.

Latest Notice on Great Wall Travel - Updated on May 25, 2023 :

The Beijing Great Wall Protection and Management Regulations clearly state that it is prohibited to organize tours or climb sections of the Great Wall that have not been approved for visitation. Violators may be subject to corresponding fines. The Jiankou Great Wall is an unopened section of the Great Wall, and climbing it can cause damage to the structure. This not only hinders the preservation of the Great Wall but also poses significant risks to the safety of visitors. Therefore, we urge everyone not to climb the Jiankou Great Wall. Tourists can visit and hike at well-developed sections of the Great Wall such as Mutianyu, Badaling, and Jinshanling instead.

3 Days Visa-free Beijing Essential including Mutianyu Great Wall

Specially designed for travelers who meet the Visa-free Transit Policy in Beijing. Hike the less-crowded Mutianyu section of Great Wall with other famous Beijing attractions.

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4 Days Most Classic Beijing Tour with Mutianyu Great Wall

Visit the best featured highlights of Beijing and explore the glorious past and present of Beijing in one go, including Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc.

4 Days Beijing Tour with Wild Great Wall Hiking

Get away from the crowds to the wild great wall sections from Gubeikou to Jinshanling, hop on a Hutong rickshaw to feel the old Beijing life style.

4 Days Beijing Simatai Great Wall Night Tour

Hike the most beautiful section of Great Wall - Jinshanling, and take in the peaceful night view of Simatai Great Wall with round-trip cable cars included.

Top 4 Great Walls Only In-depth Tours

The Great Wall of China is not just a single wall to see, actually it consists of many different sections. To experience its more authentic charms, you are suggested to take an in-depth Great Wall trip which includes more different sections of Great Wall. Usually, you can plan a 2 full days trip starting and finishing at Beijing downtown. Hike 1 or 2 sections of Great Wall each day, and stay overnight at a boutique hotel at the foot of the Great Wall, or camp in a watchtower on the Great Wall. What an adventure it is!

2 Days Wild Great Wall Hiking with Camping Experience

Enjoy a peaceful night during your camping in a watchtower of Gubeikou Section of Great Wall which was the site for over 130 ancient battles.

2 Days Wild Great Wall Scenic Hiking

Jinshanling is the most beautiful section of the Great Wall, while Simatai is said to have all the features of other sections of Great Wall.

2 Days Great Walls Adventure Hiking

Enjoy the contrasts of Great Walls during hikes between the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall and tranquil Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall.

2 Days Mutianyu and Jinshanling Great Wall Leisure Hiking

Mutianyu offers mightiest views of Great Wall. While Jinshanling Great Wall is featured in wild walls, towers, and famous for sunrise and sunset.

Design Your Own Great Wall Tour Package

If you haven't found your favorite section of Great Wall to visit, or haven't found a trip which suits your plan perfectly, please don't worry. We can help you design your own Great Wall experience according to your interest, time and budget. It's only 2 simple steps to go! You can also learn more about Great Wall of China here .

Choose Your Favorite Section of Great Wall to Go

Most popular among foreign travellers. Strongly recommended for first-timers, families with kids and seniors.

Best for photography and hiking. Recommended to be hiked with Simatai or Gubekou sections of Great Wall.

Simatai section is famous for amazing landscape. It is the only section of Great Wall open in the evening time.

The most dangerous section of Great Wall with a famous hiking route to Jiankou which can be done in 4~5 hours.

Allow tourists to camp for overnight, and take a boat on lake to enjoy Great Wall scenery. Recommended for families.

Completely unrestored section of Great Wall. Best site to camp in a watchtower. Can be hiked with Jinshanling Great Wall.

Fully restored section of Great Wall. Usually visited by big tourists groups and Chinese tourists.

Closest section of Great Wall from Beijing. Reccommended for those having a short layover in Beijing.

The Great Walls You Chose are :

Visit Great Wall with Other Popular Beijing Attractions

Choose your favorite attractions in Beijing below to let our travel experts design a reasonable and valuable Beijing trip for you. Most of these attractions are conveniently located at the central city area. Each sight needs only about 1~2 hours to visit.

Forbidden City

#4 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - the royal palaces for Ming and Qing Dynasties for over 500 years.

Summer Palace

#3 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - the summer resort for the Qing dynasty's royal family.

#41 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - old folk dwellings, and good place for souvenir shopping.

Temple of Heaven

#5 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - the largest building for religious worship in China.

Jingshan Park

#8 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - good location for photography and Forbidden City panoramic view.

798 Art Zone

#10 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - old-fashioned factory, numerous galleries and bookshops & cafes.

#16 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - also known as National Center for the Performing Arts.

Olympic Park

#21 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - modern architecture, where the Bird Nest and Water Cube locate.

Beihai Park

#11 on Tripadvisor - free local park with a white pogoda. Good for a leisure stroll.

Lama Temple

#12 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - A series of beautiful Tibetan-style pavilions.

Chaoyang Theater

#13 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - breathtaking routines of acrobats & gymnasts.

Old Summer Palace

#36 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - beautiful, historical, and not crowded!

Temple of Confucius

#45 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - ancient Chinese academy culture, located at Hutong area.

Back Lakes (Hou Hai)

#47 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - ancient Chinese academy culture, located at Hutong area.

Fragrant Hills

#46 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - good for summer retreat and autumn red leaves photography.

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How To Reach The Great Wall Of China from Beijing? (Travel Guide)

The great wall of China stands first under the new seven wonders of the world. If you ever visit China either for the business purpose or for pure traveling, your tour could not be completed without visiting the great wall of China . It is the longest man-made construction that absorbs the charisma of its surrounding beauty as well. And in most parts of the world, the great wall of China is commonly called the Beijing great wall.

Historical Value Of The Beijing Great Wall:

The Beijing great wall is an ancient sequel of walls and fortresses, spreading in excess of 13,000 miles long, situated in northern China. It is the most recognizable symbol of China and holds some historical background .

Originally the Beijing great wall was built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in third century B.C. for the purpose of securing the country from the invaders.

The famous and best-preserved section of the wall was built from the 14th century to the 17th century.

The most recent measurement of man-made constructed Beijing great wall is 21,196 kilometers which is so incredible in length. And truly deserved to be part of the wonders of the world.

The wall not only prevents China from invaders to enter the country but it also functions as an influential symbol of Chinese civilization’s strength.

Interesting Facts About The Beijing Great Wall:

Before guiding your tour to the Beijing great wall let’s intensify your interest by providing you some amazing facts about the great wall.

The Beijing great wall is the longest wall on earth.

The Chinese name of the Beijing great wall is “Changcheng”

This great wall crosses nine provinces of Northern China.

The full length of the great wall is equivalent to half of the length of the equator.

Approximately 10 million people visit the great wall every year.

The glutinous rice was used to assemble bricks and stones.

Before the great wall got it’s the official name in the 19th century, it was initially known as “barrier”

Around 800,000 people took part in the construction of the wall.

The wall is one of the most costly constructions in the world.

It will take around 18 months to walk across the Beijing Great Wall.

Beijing Great Wall Travel Guide:

It will be so convenient to access the great wall If you are in Beijing. It has four main options to visit the great wall.

1) Badaling:

It is approximately 75 kilometers from Beijing and almost takes 1.5 hours’ drive to reach.

You will find lots of people trying to sell you day tours to Badaling, but take your own transport and enjoy the fun of China travels by yourself is the better option.

Badaling is one of the most preserved sections of the wall. It takes $6 only to enter. There are 4 kilometers of the wall to explore for the tourists .

By Bus: You can enjoy the public bus route only in $2 and takes less than 2 hours From the Jishuitan subway station.

A tip for you is, always go early in the morning and remember the last bus which leaves around 12:30 p.m. from Beijing to Badaling. And from Badaling to Beijing the last bus leaves around 04:30 p.m.

By Train: It is relatively a convenient option to take 1 5 hours a train from Beijing Huangtudian station with an easy time schedule. It starts at 06:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.

2) Juyongguan:

It is approximately 60 kilometers away from Beijing and about 1.5 hours’ drive. Juyongguan is much least rush place as compare to Badaling, this is usually chosen by those who love hiking. Their rugged mountains are very impressive and appeal to hikers.

From Badaling it is accessible and just 15 kilometers distant. You can easily take the public bus or even a taxi in less than $10.

3) Mutianyu:

It is approximately 95 kilometers from Beijing and about 2 hours drive.

It is the second most popular place when visiting the great wall. Compare to Badaling, which is slightly better preserved and much easier to access whereas Mutiyanu is a little trickier to get to, that is the reason why fewer people choose this place of the great wall.

But it is well equipped with tourist restaurants and cable cars.

By Bus: It inky takes 1 hour from Dongzhimen Bus Station. From Mutiyanu roundabout you have to walk around 459 meters to the ticket office of the scenic area.

4) Jinshanling:

It is approximately 149 kilometers from Beijing and about 2.5 hours’ drive. This place is more rugged and steeper and it is less developed as well.

To reach there you may take subway lines to Wangjing West Station. Then take the tourist bus, directly to your destination. The bus schedule is 08:00 a.m. departure and arrival are 04 00 p.m.

It is very important to note that for renovating purpose, Junshanling is closed for the tourists since June 2017. So tourist prefers to choose another section as an alternate.

Avoid visiting Beijing great wall during the Chinese holidays. Your dream of visiting a great wall will turn into a nightmare.

The crowd loves to visit during weekends. Their high season is May to August.

Beijing’s great wall is the must place to visit. I hope our travel guide will help you with your traveling. So when will you plan your visit to Beijing great wall?

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BYD’s Powerhouse SUV and Great Wall’s Tesla Challenger: What to Expect at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show

Held for the first time in 6 years 2024 beijing international automotive exhibition what type of new models has been announced.

The biennial Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will be held in Beijing from April 25 to May 4, 2024. Due to the coronavirus, It has not been held since 2018. Therefore, this year’s Exhibition is receiving even more anticipation and attention.

Famous brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini are expected to unveil new models at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Many Chinese brands, such as BYD and Great Wall, will also introduce newly developed vehicles.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i and Electric SUV Vision Neue Klasse X

BMW, participating in this year’s Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, is expected to introduce the 2 Series Gran Coupe facelift model and the production model of the Vision Neue Klasse X. The facelift model of the 2023 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was spotted during a public road test. It seems that BMW will likely unveil the Gran Coupe’s range-topping M 235i model at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

Additionally, BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse X was unveiled last month but has not yet been revealed to the public. The Vision Neue Klasse X is an electric SUV likely to be unveiled at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. It features BMW’s bold new design language and an interior inspired by the Neue Klasse sedan.

BYD’s Yangwang U8 with 1,180 horsepower Great Wall Ora 07

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD showed a strong presence at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show and is expected to achieve great success at its home ground, the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. In particular, BYD’s sub-brand Yangwang is scheduled to launch the U8 SUV, which produces 1,180 horsepower.

GWM, or Great Wall Motor, launched the Ora Funky Cat in 2023 to compete against the MINI Electric and MG4. Afterwards, the vehicle’s name was changed to ORA 03. Currently, GWM is preparing to launch the Ora 07, targeting the Tesla Model 3. The Ora 07 may be unveiled at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

Lamborghini Urus PHEV model Mercedes-Benz G Class Electric Version G580

Lamborghini unveiled the Urus Concept, which has become one of the brand’s important lineups, at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Twelve years later, Lamborghini will likely unveil a plug-in hybrid model of the Urus at this year’s Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The model has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces about 700 horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz is expected to showcase vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class 580 with EQ technology, the CLA concept car mass production model, and the AMG GT 63 S E Performance at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. In particular, the G-Class electric model G580 has already been shown driving several times, and it is expected to maintain the retro exterior design of the G-Class internal combustion engine model.

Read more: Pagani Zonda Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Stunning Alisea Concept Car

Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing Great Wall
Juyongguan Pass
Jinshanling
Huanghuacheng
Badaling Remnant
Xiangshuihu
Inner Mongolia

The Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best-preserved and best-known Great Wall sections. Located 65 kilometers (40 miles) to the north of Beijing city proper, t he Great Wall at Mutianyu has breath-taking scenery but fewer tourists, thus a good destination on hot holidays for a Great Wall tour at ease.

Why Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to Mutianyu with Us

Basic facts of mutianyu great wall, how to tour mutianyu great wall.

The scenic area has two entrances: the south entrance and north entrance. One can start the visit from either of them.

Chairlift / Toboggan:

You can also take the toboggan down from Zhengguan Terrace (No. 6 Watchtower) near the South Entrance. It is very exciting to take toboggan, and a great choice for young people. The fare is listed below.

See more Visiting Mutianyu Great Wall: Toboggan, Cable Car, or Chairlift?

When is the Best Time for a Visit?

How to get to mutianyu from your hotel in beijing, where to eat, how about mutianyu great wall compared with badaling, you may like:.

Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Review

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6 Best Places to See Great Wall of China

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12 Best Places to Visit near Beijing

16 Day Trips from Beijing (2023/2024)

Beijing is the best gateway city for understanding China with its unparalleled richness of iconic Chinese architecture, and it is an excellent springboard for other interesting China destinations.

If you are wondering how best to experience more of China from Beijing in a fulfilling but quick way, especially if you are based in Beijing , this article will help you find out the best 16 places for day trips from Beijing.

1. The Mutianyu Great Wall Section

Features: less crowded, the most child-friendly Great Wall section

Mutianyu is the l ongest fully-restored Great Wall section open to tourists. It is less crowded than the Great Wall at Badaling and is popular with foreign tourists.

At Mutianyu, a chairlift, cable car, and toboggan are available, and children can easily ascend/descend the wall with these. You can walk at your own pace to appreciate the beautiful scenery and take photos. If you enjoy picnics in the great outdoors, you should enjoy one there.

How to get there: Mutianyuis about 73 kilometers (45 miles) from Beijing, or 1½ hours'driving.

You could add a visit to the Forbidden City in the same day. The Forbidden City is the best place to learn about the history of China's Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasty rulers, as it was home to 24 emperors in the two dynasties.

With an expert guide, the stories about the emperors and concubines will make the Forbidden City come alive for you.

The Top 10 Great Wall Sections near Beijing could all make great Beijing day trips.

2. The Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an) by Train

Features: hundreds of ancient life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots in battle array

The Terracotta Army is one of the most famous attractions in China. It was constructed to accompany the tomb of China's first emperor to guard him in the afterlife.

There are thousands of detailed life-size terracotta statues of soldiers, representing the troops who guarded the first emperor — Qin Shi Huang. They were molded in sections, fired, then assembled and painted.

How to get there:

High-speed train is the best way, which takes 4½–6 hours. Flights are less recommended as the time needed is similar, but flights are more stressful and expensive.

Compared to trains, you would waste you a lot of time on getting to/from airports and checking in/out.

At least 2 hours' visiting time is needed for the Terracotta Army, so you should take the first train from Beijing to Xi'an (G89 06:53–11:24) to visit the site properly. When going back, you could take the G90 train (18:26–22:52)

You can book a private tour with us to make full use of your time. When you arrive in Xi'an, your guide will pick you up and escort you directly to the Terracotta Army. After the tour, you will be driven back to the railway station.

See How to Plan a Beijing and Xi'an Trip (Itinerary, Cost, Transportation)

1-Day Private Xi'an Tour .

3. Shanghai by Train

Features: iconic building clusters around the Bund,prosperous modern China

Beijing and Shanghai are the most famous two China cities that most foreign tourists want to visit. Compared to Beijing's rich cultural and historical atmosphere, Shanghai has a modern and fashionable ambiance.

For a classic day trip in Shanghai,first, you should go to Yu Garden , which is another symbol of Shanghai, to see the classical Chinese beauty and the difference between Western and Chinese gardens.

Then explore the French Concession and learn about the colonial past of Shanghai, appreciating the elegant residences. Before going to the railway station, you must pay a visit to the Bund and experience the prosperous Nanjing Road.

How to get there: High-speed train is the most recommendedway, which takes around 4½ hours.

You should arrive in Shanghai before 12pm to ensure plenty of time to explore the highlights of the city. The suggested trains are G1 (Beijing 07:00–11:30Shanghai) and G28 (Shanghai 19:00–23:29 Beijing).

The best option for visiting Shanghai is to join in our 1-Day Shanghai Layover Tour which includes railway station/airport transfers. You can save a lot of time otherwise spent finding a taxi or metro train links.

Features: foreign and Chinese architecture, international commercial city

Tianjin, along with Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing , is one of China's four municipalities . Tianjin has long been a transport hub for international commerce , and so a great deal of history has accrued in the city.

For a day trip to Tianjin, you must visit the Five Ancient Avenues and Porcelain House , which well represent foreign and Chinese architecture there.

The Five Ancient Avenuesare a sight not to be missed, from which you can have a view of Tianjin's rare architectural treasure, which was left by Western nationsfrom 1860 to1903. A jumble of fascinating buildings seemingly from various countries are brought together uniquely inthis small area.

The Porcelain House is a traditional French building furnished with antiques. It is located on Tianjin's Chifeng Road.There you can find exquisite pieces of porcelain ware, as well as stone items of white marble, crystal, agate, and other decorative materials.

If you still have spare time in Tianjin, arelaxing experience is toenjoy a 360-degree view of modern Tianjin from the Eye of Tianjin — Tianjin Yongle Ferris Wheel. >>See more interesting things to do in Tianjin .

How to get there: Tianjinis 120 kilometers from Beijing or 25 minutes by bullet train.

5. The Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottos (Datong)

Features: amazing cliff-face architecture, medieval Buddhist artwork

The Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes are the must-sees in Datong. Both of them represent Buddhist masterpieces.

The Hanging Monastery — a Buddhist temple built on a cliff face — is considered to be a work of art as well as a marvel of medieval engineering. The whole temple is a wooden frame structure. It was constructed by drilling holes into the cliffside and inserting beams into the holes up to 2–3 meters (7–10 feet) deep.

The Yungang Grottoes are superb Buddhist artistic achievements from the 5th to the 6th century.Theystretch some 1,000 meters (1,100 yards) continuously from east to west and are one of the Four Famous Grotto Complexes in China.

First, you need to get to Datong prefecture.A high-speed train service between Beijing and Datong is available, with a travel time of around 2 hours.

You are suggested to catch the first train to depart Beijing (G2503, 08:10–10:00), and go back on the last train (G2520, 19:00–20:24).

4-Day Datong Hanging Temple and Pingyao tour

6. The Juyongguan Great Wall Section

Features: most wheelchair-friendly Great Wall (within the lower level of the fort), closest section to Beijing

Also called the Great Wall at Juyong Pass , it was considered one of the three most important fortified passes in the whole length of the Great Wall. It is famous for big battles against Jurchens and Mongols, and then later against the Japanese.

There is a 9.5-meter-tall (31-foot-tall) platform that can be visited. It was built by the Yuan Dynasty in 1342. There are still Mongolian and Uyghur inscriptions on it. The top of the highest part of the wall has a wonderful panoramic mountain scenery view.

There are no lifts or cable cars. Instead of doing the "long hike" of 2½ km (1½ miles) on the Wall on the west side, you can take the shorter east side wall, which is 1½ km (1 mile) long, and only ascends about 200m (700 ft).

Another option is to just walk around the valley bottom fort from the entrance, and not climb up the hill.

Juyongguan is 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Beijing, 1½ hours' drive. It is much more recommended to take a private tour , so that you are able to visit the Ming Tombs or another Great Wall Section as they are also north of Changping District.

7. The Jinshanling Great Wall Section

Features: half restored and halfwild, most beautiful GW scenery, lovely hiking

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall with many original features. It got its name because it was built on the Greater and Lesser Jinshan ('Gold Mountain') Ranges.

Jinshanling is the most popular Great Wall hiking section, because it is relatively isolated and offers great views. You can get the most out of China's legendary landmark as you tread across the wall's centuries-old stone steps or walk through the ruins of an ancient watchtower.

The hiking on the Wall takes about 3 hours.Forthe bestday trip to Jinshanling, you should start very early in the morning, say 7:00, and return home very late.

How to get there: It is 2½ hours' drive from Beijing.

1-Day Great Wall Hiking: from Simatai to Jinshanling
1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

8. The Simatai Great Wall Section

Features: originalappearance,only section open for a night tour

Simatai's section is the best among the Great Wall sections that retain their original appearance .The wall is divided east-west by Simatai Reservoir, with 16 towers east and 23 towers west.

The eastern part of Simatai's Great Wall seems perilousness as it was built along steep mountain ridges.

Hiking is a great experience at Simatai's Great Wall. A popular route is to ascend and descend east Simatai: fromalong the reservoir (1.5 km), via East Tower 1, up to East Tower 10 (where there is a cable carstation nearby) takes about 2 hours.

Simatai is the only Great Wall section that is lit up at night and open for touring. After a day's hiking, you can enjoy thewell-lit Great Wall in the evening,it is less crowded, making for a pleasant, atmospheric, andeasyeveningwalk in a special setting.

For an evening tour there, you should start very early from Beijing and plan to arrive back very late, for example, from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm.

How to get there: It's120 kilometers (75 miles) from Beijing, 3 hours' drive.

>> Find out more interesting things to do on the Great Wall.

9. Chengde Summer Resort

Features: expansive Chinese royal gardenarchitecture and landscaping

Chengde Summer Resort, also called Chengde Summer Palace, is where emperors of China's Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) spent their summers to escape the summer heat in Beijing.

It is the largest surviving royal garden in China, occupying an area of 5.6 square kilometers (2.2 square miles), twice the size of the Summer Palace in Beijing.

The architectural style is more like one of the classical gardens in the 'South of the Yangtze River' area, because the two most successful emperors of the Qing Dynasty loved the scenery of that area, represented by today's Suzhou and Hangzhou.

To have a day trip to Chengde, you are suggested to start at 8:30 in the morningfor the drive of about 3 hours to get to Chengde.

Then, have some Chengde food: taste some typical local snacks of Chengde, such as almond tea, almond tofu, and stir-fried doughballs.It is suggested to spend 2 hours in the summer resort in the afternoon.

How to get there: Chengde Summer Resort is in Hebei Province, 3 hours' drivingnorth of Beijing.

You may find inspiration from our 3-Day Chengde Tour with Gorgeous Great Wall

10. The Eastern Qing Tombs

Features: underground palaces, largest imperial mausoleum, less crowded

Short for Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qing Dynasty, Eastern Qing Tomb covers an area of 80 square kilometers, is the largest existing imperial mausoleum complex with the most appropriate layout in China.

Construction of the Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qing Dynasty began in 1661 and lasted for 247 years. Five emperors, 15 queens, 136 concubines, three princes, and two princesses were buried there.

It is less touristy and much quieter than the 13 Mausoleums of the Ming Dynasty, which are closer to Beijing.

You will see magnificent "palaces" and halls on the grounds, and you can also go into the underground "palaces" where the coffins of Emperor Qianlong and the 'Dragon Lady' Cixi lie.

How to get there: The site is in the city of Tangshan, Hebei Province, 125 kilometers (80 miles) east of Beijing — about 3 hours' driving.

11. The Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

Feature: the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils

Also called Peking Man Museum or Zhoukoudian Anthropological Museum, it has the l argest collection of Homo erectus fossils of any single site.

The fossils at houkoudian represent about 40 individuals and account for about one-third of the fossils from the species worldwide.

Among the bones discovered were five skullcaps, numerous facial and cranial elements, and 147 teeth. The most famous of these remains is cranium XII, which is commonly referred to as "Peking Man."

How to get there: It is located southwest of Beijing, 46 kilometers (29 miles) from the downtown area.

12. Tanzhe Temple

Features: an ingenious layout of temple architecture, most well-known and worshipped by visitors

Tanzhe Temple was the first temple to be built after the introduction of Buddhism to Beijing.

With an inner temple area of 25,000 square meters (about the size of a city block) and an outside temple area of 112,000 square meters (5 city blocks), Tanzhe Temple is grand in scale.

It has received many tourists and pilgrims throughout its history. You can still see a great number of people worshipping there every day. You can also wander around to see the ancient ginkgo and magnolia trees and appreciate the temple's architectural style.

Most travelers like to combine it with Macro Polo Bridge as they are on the same walking route. If you are interested in bridge architecture or listening to China-Japan history, it is worthy of astop.

How to get there: Itis about 20 kilometers (6 miles) west ofdowntown Beijing.

13. Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan)

Features: beautiful landscape, maple leaves in fall

Xiangshan Park was a royal garden,and it has 900 years of history. In the 10th year of the Emperor Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1735), Jingyi Garden was set up there, which consists of 28 scenic sports and was known as the famous 'Three Hills and Five Parks'in the suburbs of the city.

It features a beautiful landscape , especially in fall, when the maple leavesmake you feel like you are walking in a sea of red. Apart from the beautiful scenery, you can appreciate imperial architecture and visit temples and memorials.

The best time to visit is in mid-October,whenthe maple leaves begin to fall and you can join in the Fragrant Hills Red Leaves Festival .

How to get there: It is in Haidian District, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of the city center. Contact us for a tailor-made day trip with private transport.

14. Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge (Shilinxia Gorge)

Features: glass sightseeing platform,forest views with a waterfall, stone pillars

The number one highlight of this site is the glass sightseeing platform . Claiming three world records, the walkway is supposedly the world's largest glass platform with a circular surface area of 415 square meters (4,470 square feet).

Protruding 33 meters (108 feet) over the cliff edge in Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge , it is also the longest in the world. The third record is for the first time aviation titanium was usedin the construction of a "building".

How to get there: The gorge is 100km (60 miles) east of Beijing city —a 2-hour drive.

15. Qinglongxia Scenic Resort

Features: forest park, outdoor activities

Qinglongxia ('Green Dragon Gorge') Scenic Resort is a good place for people to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy a quiet atmosphere, and return to nature. You can take a boat trip to appreciate the beautiful scenery alongside the river.

You can go swimming, play football or volleyball, or sunbathe on the beach in summer. A variety of exciting activities are often provided such as bungee jumping, rock climbing, and downhill racing.

How to get there: Itis located in Huairou District, 65 kilometers (40 miles) or about a 1-hour drivenorth from central Beijing.

16. Nanshan Ski Resort

Features: Skiing, hiking, water fun, harvest activities

Nanshan Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in northern China. You can enjoyall four seasons at the resort: skiing in winter, hiking in spring, playing in the water in summer, and joining in with the harvest in autumn.

How to get there: It is in Miyun County, which is 78 kilometers (50 miles) northeast from central Beijing —1½ hours'driving.

Explore China from Beijing with Us

Want to have a unique and hassle-free Beijing tour? Just tell us your interests and needs using our Create My Trip service. We are happy to tailor-make a unique tour for you.

See our most popular Beijing tours for another possible starting point.

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COMMENTS

How to Get to the Great Wall from Beijing
The Great Wall at Badaling is located 72 kilometers northwest of Beijing city center, taking 1½ hours to get there by taxi.You can also get to the Great Wall at Badaling by S2 train and will be able to get there in a bullet train by 2020.. Option 1. By Taxi (1½ hours, $36) It costs about 240 yuan ($36) with the toll fee included each way to get to the Great Wall at Badaling scenic area from ...
The Best 10 Sections/Parts of the Great Wall to Visit
Though the Great Wall is over 6,000 kilometers long, the best 10 sections to visit are around Beijing's north and east: 1) the best-restored, Mutianyu, 2) the most beautiful, Jinshanling, 3) the wildest, Jiankou, 4) Simatai, 5) Huanghuacheng, 6) Gubeikou, 7) Juyongguan, 8) Huangyaguan, 9) Shanhaiguan, and by far the most crowded 10) Badaling ...
How to Get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing
The best way to get to the Great Wall from Beijing is by bus or to hire a car. The nearest is the Juyongguan Great Wall, 60 kilometers away from the downtown; the two best-known sections, Badaling and Mutianyu, are 70 kilometers (43 miles) and 80 kilometers (50 miles) away respectively. All of the above can be visited in one day.
Beijing Great Wall of China: Top Sections, How to Get There
The downtown Beijing to Great Wall distance is about 60 - 130 km (35 - 80 mi), so you can get to most of them from Beijing by public transport, private car, or private tour. Public transport is a nice choice for budget travelers. For example, you can take bus line 877, high speed train or S2 train to Badaling directly; bus 916 Express to ...
How to Visit the Great Wall of China: Insider Guide (2024)
Written by Sunny Xie Updated Mar. 26, 2024. To get the most from the Great Wall, a must-visit China attraction, you should follow the advice to plan a perfect Great Wall trip: 1. Choose the Best Times to Visit. 2. Select the MOST Suitable Section to Visit. 3. Learn How to Get to the Great Wall.
Ultimate Great Wall Travel Guide
There are more than 10 sections of Great Wall located in the northern area about 60~160km from central Beijing. Mutianyu is the best option if you travel with kids, or want to enjoy a leisure and scenic hike. If you are a hiker, choose 1 or 2 sections among Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubekou to hike 1 or 2 days.
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Wall of China
How to Visit the Great Wall . Most visitors go to the Great Wall as part of a half or full day trip from Beijing. Visitors can choose from over 12 well-known sections and access them through a group tour, private driver, private tour, public transportation (sometimes combined with taxis), or by driving their own car.
Beijing Tour Guide's Insider Tips for Best Way to See the Great Wall
A. Jiankou to Mutianyu. B. Jinshanling to Simatai west. C. Gubeikou to Jinshanling Hike. These hikes are hard to decide as they are all great and offer an excellent view of the Great Wall. However, if you like a stricter hike, Jiankou to Mutianyu with 11kms beats the Jinshanling.
How to Visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing in 2023
Visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing, to Badaling. BEIJING TO BADALING BUS: You can take the Public bus here for just $2/¥12 and it takes less than 2 hours each way. From Jishuitan subway station take Exit A , Deshengmen arrow tower on your left. Bus 877 (or 879) leaves exactly behind the tower.
How to Visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing
Explore the Great Wall at your leisure for a couple of hours. Enjoy a post-hike lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Beijing's Royal Summer Palace with your private guide and stroll through its grounds. Get dropped off at your hotel. Price: 2 People: $188 USD per person. 3 People: $148 USD per person.
Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Wall from Beijing
The longest fully-restored section of the Great Wall is the one at Mutianyu, known in China as "Admire Fields Valley". At around 73 kilometers from the center of Beijing, it takes around 1.5 hours to drive there and is open all year round. With 23 original-style restored watchtowers, the Great Wall at Mutianyu lies in the Huairou County to ...
A Guide to Exploring the Great Wall of China from Beijing
Badaling is the closest part of the Great Wall and thus the most visited. It was the first section to be open to tourists after the reconstruction of the Wall in 1957. For travellers limited on time, going to Badaling would be the most efficient way of seeing the Wall. Cable cars run up and down its length to save time and effort in hiking uphill.
8 Best Great Wall Tour Packages & Great Wall Tours from Beijing
4 Days Most Classic Beijing Tour with Mutianyu Great Wall. Visit the best featured highlights of Beijing and explore the glorious past and present of Beijing in one go, including Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc. Great Wall Sections Visited: Mutianyu Difficulty: Type: Private Tour View Details
The Ultimate Great Wall Travel Guide + The Best Sections To Visit
In terms of visiting the Great Wall from east to west, the top 8 recommended sections are Simatai, Jinshanling, Gubeikou, Mutianyu, Jiankou, Huanghuacheng, Juyongguan, and Badaling. These fortified walls serve as a stronghold in protecting the capital of China, Beijing.
6 Best Places to See Great Wall of China
6 Things to Do on Mutianyu Great Wall of China. - Last updated on Jan. 03, 2024 by Brenda Lian -. 6 best places to see Great Wall of China are Mutianyu, Badaling, Simatai, Jinshanling and Jiankou in Beijing; and Gansu for Jiayuguan, Yumenguan and Dunhuang Great Wall.
The Easiest and Safest Way to Visit the Great Wall From Beijing
Five Reasons to Book the Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour from Beijing. 🚌 Stress-Free Transportation: Enjoy a direct bus ride from Beijing, complete with comfort and an English-speaking guide, making it the easiest way to reach Mutianyu. 🕒 Extended Exploration: With 4-5 hours dedicated to the Great Wall, savor each moment at your own pace in ...
How To Reach The Great Wall Of China from Beijing? (Travel Guide)
Beijing Great Wall Travel Guide: It will be so convenient to access the great wall If you are in Beijing. It has four main options to visit the great wall. 1) Badaling: It is approximately 75 kilometers from Beijing and almost takes 1.5 hours' drive to reach.
Great Wall of China Tours
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. A Great Wall tour is a must for most first China trips. Along this super-long wall, Beijing is the top destination for seeing well-maintained and abundant Great Wall relics of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).There are eight sections close to Beijing: Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Jiankou, Simatai...
Which Section of Great Wall to Visit?
Many wars took place at the Wall, such as the Battle of Shanhai Pass and Battle of Pingxingguan. :) The best 10 Great Wall sections worth visiting include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai, Juyongguan, Jiankou...most of which are close to Beijing.
Badaling Great Wall Self-Guided Tour: Experience History with a Private
The Great Wall at Badaling - As everyone know, Badaling Great wall is the most famous / popular section great wall in Beijing, and is the most crowded section either, but Badaling Great Wall in Beijing is the best-preserved and most complete section among the various, hence the most popular, even among world leaders. You should visit it at least once in your life. \nSo we list two options for ...
BYD's Powerhouse SUV and Great Wall's Tesla Challenger: What ...
The biennial Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will be held in Beijing from April 25 to May 4, 2024. Due to the coronavirus, It has not been held since 2018. ... GWM, or Great Wall Motor ...
Great Wall of China: Great Wall Tours, Facts, History, Photos
Chinese Names: 长城cháng chéng / 万里长城wàn lǐ cháng chéng. Literal Meaning: The Long Wall. Location: North China. Length: 21,196.18 kilometers (13,170.70 miles) History: 2,700 years old. Construction Time: 2,500 years, from the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476BC) to 1878 in late Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) Read More:
Beijing Diaries: April 12th, 2024 Yesterday we went to Badaling Great
6 likes, 0 comments - joie4joyApril 12, 2024 on : "Beijing Diaries: April 12th, 2024 Yesterday we went to Badaling Great Wall, Summer Palace, and the Yuanmingyuan Park. In fact a visit to ...". Beijing Diaries: April 12th, 2024 Yesterday we went to Badaling Great Wall, Summer Palace, and the Yuanmingyuan Park.
Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall — Most Popular with Chinese and VIPs. Badaling Great Wall, about 60 km (40 mi) northwest of central Beijing, was the first section restored to open to tourists in 1957. It is easily accessible and has easy walking conditions. Badaling is the most representative and magnificent section of the Ming Great Wall and has been ...
China Pushes Back Against Janet Yellen's Warnings on Overcapacity
At the end of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to Beijing, Chinese officials pushed back against her urgings that China scale back its industrial production to avoid flooding world ...
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing: Group Tours, Cable Car, Tickets
It only takes about 2.5 hours and costs CNY 65 for a single journey. However, the Mutainyu Special Line only departs at 8:30 and 12:00. The Great Wall of Mutianyu, 65km from downtown Beijing, can be visited by joining our small group Mutianyu tours, or booking a ticket with us beforehand.
16 Top Day Trips from Beijing
The Top 10 Great Wall Sections near Beijing could all make great Beijing day trips. 2. The Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an) by Train. Features: hundreds of ancient life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots in battle array. The Terracotta Army is one of the most famous attractions in China. It was constructed to accompany the tomb of China ...

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Great Wall of China

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How to Visit the Great Wall

Best Parts of the Great Wall

Tips for Visiting the Great Wall

Beijing Tour Guide’s Insider Tips for Best Way to See the Great Wall

Selecting the Perfect Section

With kids or Seniors who want a leisure trip

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path

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How to Visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing in 2023

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When Was the Great Wall of China Built?

Visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing:

BEIJING TO BADALING BUS:

BEIJING TO BADALING TRAIN:

Juyongguan section : 60km from Beijing, about 1.5hrs drive

Mutianyu : Around 95 km from Beijing, about 2 hrs’ drive

Beijing to Mutianyu BUS:

Jinshanling : Around 140 km from Beijing, about 2.5 hrs drive

To get there by Subway

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How to Visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing

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Trip 1: Mutianyu Section by Private Car

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Trip 2: Great Wall Hiking From Jiankou to Mutianyu Sections

Trip 3: Mutianyu Section + Summer Palace Day Trip

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Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Wall from Beijing

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A Guide to Exploring the Great Wall of China from Beijing

An essential part of visiting China, and Beijing in particular, is climbing one of the new wonders of the world – the Great Wall. Depending on the time you have available, grab your hiking shoes and start ascending the steps of the past!

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3 Days Visa-free Beijing Essential including Mutianyu Great Wall

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