“Who never climbed the Great Wall cannot be deemed a Man,” Chairman Mao once said. We might add: If you never climbed (a part) of these hundreds of stairs, you actually never felt the real Wall. It is the official symbol of China and being one of the oldest constructions in the world, it was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.

Built as a defense structure against the various nomadic groups in the north, the construction of the Great Wall was started by the first emperor of China – Qin Shihuang. He was one of the most smart, powerful, yet cruel leaders in Chinese history, who united the country after long years of war. The Great Wall of China was – literally – built on bones, so some even call it the “wall of tears” or the “oldest and longest cemetery ever”. Even though the wall always failed to truly protect against the invasions from the north, every succeeding dynasty reconstructed the Wall or expanded new sections. Most of the parts of the Great Wall we can visit today date back to Ming dynasty (14th- 17th).

The Great Wall runs for approximately 21.000 km, from the Yellow Sea in the east to the Gobi Desert in the west. Crossing nine provinces and municipalities, the panorama of the Great Wall is hugely diversified: ranging from stone deserts, to lush forests and stunning sea views in Shanhaiguan. There are several ways to explore this landmark. Group tours are a popular option, but if you have time, we recommend going for a hike on the wild parts of the wall. There are still a lot of non-touristic sections waiting to be explored.

In the summer months, The Great Wall turns into an event location. No matter if Great Wall Marathon, Great Wall Music Festival or Great Wall Ball: a variety of events cater to different ages and tastes. All this hard work that was done thousands of years ago still deeply impresses people all around the world.

A tour to the Great Wall is not actually about the wall itself, but also about the surrounding nature and amazing views.  The best times to visit the Great Wall are spring, early summer and autumn. Each season has its perks. We have compiled a few great destinations to choose from.

 
1. Badaling (八达岭长城)

Badaling Great Wall (八达岭), located 70 kilometers north of Beijing, offers the most stunning views. This section, which has undergone extensive renovation, is the most well-preserved as well as the most popular one. It is also a convenient option for excursions as it is very accessible through public transportation and rather easy to hike. On the downside, it is likely to be very crowded with tourists on week-ends and is quite commercialized.

Opening hours
6:30 – 19:00 (Apr.1st – Oct.31st)
7:00 – 18:00 (Nov.1st – Mar.31st)


Admission
45 RMB

Recommended time for visit
2 1/2 hours

Getting there
Public transportation

You can take the buses No. 919, 877 or 880 from Deshengmen station (德胜门) to Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城). You can access Deshengmen station by taking subway line 2 to Jishuitan station and then going out at Exit A. Deshengmen bus station is located on a parking lot standing behind the Denshengmen Arrow Tower.

Bus fare: 12 RMB (4.8 RMB for public transportation IC card users)
Time to get to Badaling : 1 ? hours

Route 1:
Bus 877 runs non-stop and will drop you off directly at Front Hill of Badaling Great Wall.
Bus service from Denshengmen to Badaling: 6:00 – 12:00
Bus service from Badaling to Denshengmen: 10:30 – 17:30

Route 2:
No. 919 express bus and No. 880 express bus run every 15 minutes. It will drop you off at Great Wall Palace. You will have to take a free shuttle bus to the Front Hill.

No. 919 express bus service from Deshengmen to Badaling: 5:45 – 21:00
No. 919 express bus service from Badaling to Deshengmen: 5:45 – 21:00

No. 880 express bus service from Deshengmen to Badaling: 6:30 – 17:00
No. 880 express busservice from Badaling to Deshengmen: 5:00 – 17:00

Tips: Make sure you get on the green express buses as there will be other local (private-owned) buses which will certainly charge more. If you take No. 919 (or 880) express buse, double check that you are taking the bus signed “Bus No. 919快” (direct-fast) as the ‘No. 919路’ (slow-line) will take more time.

To avoid Beijing traffic jam, try to get on the bus before 7:00.

Private transportation

If you prefer to go there by car, we at ReFoX will be delighted to arrange for a private car with driver for you. Just contact us at services@refoxrelocation.com.

 
2. Mutianyu (慕田峪长城)

Mutianyu (慕田峪) is a much quieter and less touristy place than the nearby Badaling or Juyongguan sections. Located almost 80 kilometres northeast of Beijing, Mutianyu features 22 watch towers distributed regularly along the opened tourist area (about 2250 meters) and is surrounded by lush forest. Visitors will be able to experience this section by either hiking, by using a cable car or chairlifts which will take them up to the top of the Wall.

For those who want to have a fun and memorable experience on their way back, Mutianyu Great Wall also features a toboggan. It is the favourite attraction of children. Double and single carts are available so that adults can keep their child accompany during the toboggan ride. Mutianyu toboggan is safe as there are hand breaks for riders to control their speed. A great bonus for young people, kids or even adults!

Opening hours
7:00 – 18:00 (Apr.1st – Oct.31st)
7:30 – 17:30 (Nov.1st – Mar.31st)

Admission
45 RMB

Attractions :
Cable Car One Way: RMB 60
Children 12 & Under: RMB 30
Cable Car Two Way: RMB 80
Children 12 & Under: RMB 40
Cableway-Toboggan: RMB 60
Children 12 & Under: RMB 50
Toboggan Return: RMB 80

Recommended time for visit
2-3 hours

Getting there
Public transportation

Take the bus 916 快 (express line) from Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub to Huairou International Conference Center (怀柔国际会议中心). If you come with the subway, Dongzhimen bus transfer depot is a massive building close to Exit B. The drive to Huairou should last 60-70 minutes and the fare shouldn’t exceed 12 RMB. Then, get off at Huairou International Conference Center (怀柔国际会议中心) and hire a minibus or a local taxi to Mutianyu (40 RMB for 20 mn).

Private transportation

If you prefer to go there by car, we at ReFoX will be delighted to arrange for a private car with driver for you. Just contact us at services@refoxrelocation.com.

 
3. Jinshanling (金山岭长城)

Jinshanling (金山岭), a portion located about 110 kilometres northeast of downtown Beijing, offers a less crowded alternative to visit the Great Wall of China. Unlike Badaling and Juyongguan Wall, Jinshanling boasts many original features as it has not undergone major renovation since it was built hence it is half restored and half wild, perfect for those looking for quite an adventure. It is also said to be the most beautiful section of the Great Wall as you experience the fears war at this ancient ruins.

A popular hiking route is the walk from Jinshanling to Simatai West (Simatai East is currently closed). It is about 10 km long and takes 4 hours. You will be able to hike in a relative isolation while enjoying breathtaking views. The level of difficulty is not too high but hikers should be in a good physical condition as there are quite wild and steep parts. The hike can be done in either directions. However, no public transport will drive you directly from Beijing to Jinshanling or Simatai. So, from Beijing you may take a public bus up to a certain point and then have to arrange a local taxi to get you there.

Opening hours
8:00 – 17:00

Admission
65 RMB (Mar.16th – Nov.15th)
55 RMB (Nov.16th – Mar.15th)

Recommended time for visit
4 hours

Getting there
Public transportation

Start at Dongzhimen bus terminal (东直门长途汽车站) which is north east from Dongzhimen subway station, Exit B. The exact location of the bus terminal is No, 45 Dongzhimen Waixiejie.

Make sure you take the express 980 bus (快) and get off at the very last stop Miyun Bus Terminal (东直门外-密云汽车站). The route should take about two hours and cost 15 RMB. Get off at Miyun and catch a mini-bus to Jinshangling.

Private transportation

If you prefer to go there by car, we at ReFoX will be delighted to arrange for a private car with driver for you. Just contact us at services@refoxrelocation.com.

 
4. Juyongguan (居庸关长城)

Juyongguan Great Wall (居庸关) is the closest section to Beijing located 60 kilometers from downtown. It is recognized as the most convenient section for a half day trip and is also one of the easiest walk. It is wheelchair-friendly, and so suitable for handicapped travelers. It is one of the greatest forts defending ancient Beijing. This part of the Wall, which has been extensively renovated, offers beautiful scenic views among lush greenery as well as antique structures like temples or watch towers. The main feature of this section is the grand Juyongguan Pass which used to be a strategic military spot in ancient times.

Opening hours
08:00-17:00 (Apr.1st – Oct.31st)
08:30-16:00 (Nov.1st – Mar.31st)

Admission
45 RMB (Apr.1st – Oct.31st)
40 RMB (Nov.1st – Mar.31st)

Recommended time for visit
3 hours

Getting there
Public transportation

Route 1:
Take subway line 13 at Dongzhimen or Xizhimen station. Get off at Longze Station, cross the street and find shuttle bus No. 68 (the parked on the opposite side of Longze bus station). Look for the red sign ‘昌68’ and get in the bus which will drive you to Juyongguan (居庸关).
No. 昌68 Bus operation time: 6:40 – 18:00

Route 2:
Go to Dengshenmen Bus Station (德胜门) by taking subway line 2 to Jishuitan station (Exit A). Take No. 919 slow bus (路), get off at ‘South Mouth’ 南口 and take the shuttle bus No. 68 (same side of the street) that will take you to Juyongguan(居庸关).
No. 919 Bus operation time: 6:00 – 18:30
Fare : 12 RMB

Private transportation

If you prefer to go there by car, we at ReFoX will be delighted to arrange for a private car with driver for you. Just contact us at services@refoxrelocation.com.

 
5. Jiankou (箭扣长城)

Jiankou Great Wall (箭扣) is located 73 kilometres north of Beijing and stretches on more than 20 kilometres. Jiankou, translated as ‘Arrow Nock’ in English, has its name from the W-shape of the terrain it lies on. As it has preserved its natural state, hiking there requires a good fitness and great care. With its steep cliffs, primitive and wild beauty, this portion of the Wall has become a popular photographic hotspot as well as hiking destination.

Tip: Please kindly note that this section’s broken wildness and perilous steepness make it the most dangerous one. It is wise to recruit the services of a guide.

Opening hours
7:00 – 17:00

Admission
25 RMB

Recommended time for visit
4 hours

Getting there
Public transportation

Route 1:
There are two 916 bus services, a regular one and an express one. Bus 916 快 (express) is faster as it stops less often to pick up passengers along the way. It runs every ten minutes from 6:00 to 18:50 pm and costs 12 RMB.

Take the express Bus No. 916(快) at Dongzhimen Bus Terminal (东直门长途汽车站). The most convenient to find it is to leave the subway station at Exit B and walk north to the closest intersection, and then turn left and walk to an outdoor bus terminal. The exact location of the bus terminal is No, 45 Dongzhimen Waixiejie.

After a one-hour-and-a-half drive, get off at Huairou Beidajie (怀柔北大街) and hire a minibus to get to Xizhazi Village (西栅子村). This journey should not cost more than 100-120 RMB for the whole car.

Route 2:
Take bus number 936 at Dongzhimen Bus Termial (东直门长途汽车站). Stop at Yujiayuan (于家园) in Huairou District, where you can take a local bus to Xizhazi village (西栅子村) or bus H25, which should take about one hour. Please, note that bus H25 from Yujiayun to Xizhazi leaves at 11:30 and 16:30 and the buses from Xizhazi to Huairou leave at 06:00, 11:30, 13:15 and 14:30.

Private transportation

If you prefer to go there by car, we at ReFoX will be delighted to arrange for a private car with driver for you. Just contact us at services@refoxrelocation.com.