8 Things to Know About Walking the Great Wall in Winter

The Great Wall of China. At over 2,000 years old and 21,000 kilometers long, it’s one of the world’s most impressive engineering achievements.
And you are going to hike it…in the winter!

That’s right. Walking the Great Wall in the winter may present you with a few more challenges than a warm weather hike, but there are also many positives to going during the colder months.

The empty trails, the blanket of snow that silences everything around, and enjoyable temperatures for getting active.

For the most part, it is easy to prepare in advance – warm clothes, appropriate shoes, good timing – but there were a few things it’s better to know ahead of time.

1. Wear (or bring) Gloves with Grips
Basic wool mittens keeps your hands warm, but it doesn’t help too much when you wear them, since you will have to constantly taking them off.

Much of the wall is covered in ice. And, surprise, surprise, hiking up a steep path on sheer ice doesn’t work well! Luckily, there are railings along the sides, so you can pull yourself up (talk about a major upper body workout!).

It is important to have a good grip on the cold metal railing, so if you only have basic wool mittens, you need to expose your hands to the elements. So it’s better to bring gloves with good grip (biking gloves, rock climbing gloves).

2. Wear Boots with Good Grip
A good pair of hiking boots (with good grip) are essential for walking the great wall in winter. Even shoes with good grid are not going to work perfectly, but you won’t be able to make one step with shoes which don’t have grid ad all. If you have crampons, think of bringing them. It might sound exaggerated, but for few sections at the Great Wall they can we very helpful. You can easily find them on Taobao.

3. Bring Wind Resistant Clothing
It is easy to dress against the cold and snow, but easily to forget to dress against the high winds. Fleece and layers can keep you warm, but once you are on the top, though, the whipping wind will pierce through your layers. So wear a wind resistant outer shell. Not having wind resistant clothing isn’t a deal breaker, it just can make for a bit of an uncomfortable time standing at the highest points of the wall.

4. Consider Choosing the Badaling Section
Yes, it is the most touristy. Yes, it is the most developed. Yes, it is the most crowded. However, there are a few reasons why it is a good choice for some winter hiking.

People and Amenities–> The number of times people fall while hiking is uncountable (that’s how icy it can be!). Not only were there enough people around to help, but the ability to get down to civilization quickly.
Cable Car –> At this section, there is a cable car so if you don’t think you can hike, but want to get to the top, you are able to. Also, if the trek to the top most part is too icy, and you don’t think you can go down, the cable car is always an option.
Easy Access–> There is a direct train from Beijing that gets you to Badaling in just over an hour. No traffic, no hassle. Easy!
 

For people with experienced hiking skills, Mutianyu is also a section which has easy access to a cable car.

5. Consider the Time Carefully
In the winter, it gets dark at around five. You don’t want to be on the highest point of the wall trying to come down in the dark. You also don’t want to go when it is peak time for tour groups (mid afternoon). It might be an advantage if you go there extra early (as in 6am), or as late as you can without pushing into the night.

When you choose to go bit later you might be able to watch the sunset over the snowy mountains.

6. There Will Be Less People
Even at Badaling, the most popular section, in winter time there will not be many people. The normal picture of the Badaling is a mass of people standing shoulder to shoulder. Not the case in the winter! The snow, ice, and cold weather keep a lot of people away! There are times when you can walk and have the whole place to yourself. It makes the hike that much more enjoyable.

7. The Winter Scenery is Incredible
With the snow and mountains covered in a blanket of snow, you can’t help but snap a picture every few minutes. The scenery is incredible, and even in the fog, the wall snaking over the hills is one of those sights. The snow just adds to the experience, hiding the countryside in a mysterious beauty.

8. You Won’t Regret It
Seriously, if you are traveling to Beijing in the winter, don’t let the weather and elements stop you from heading to the Great Wall. It is very do-able even in with the challenges of winter.