The Great Wall of China

Incredibly 6700 kilometers long wall used to protect China from Mongol invasions. Nowadays it is the national symbol of the country and one of the new seven wonders of the world! People say you need to see it in every season, because it really changes overall look and atmosphere which is perfect for picture lovers. Here is your necessary guide…

The best destination to admire the Great Wall of China is definitely Beijing – the capital. Most famous Wall sections are located in its suburban areas, including the well-preserved Badaling and Mutianyu, the renovated Juyonguan, Jinshanling and Simatai, or wild Jiankou and Gubeikou. They are all not far from downtown Beijing, 1-2 hours’ driving away. 

All these sections are equipped with sound tourism facilities, even suitable for kids and seniors. But if your time is limited as ours (we have one 23 hours long layover), you can’t visit all of them so which one is the best? Badaling is the best-preserved and famous for its deep-rooted culture, magnificent sights and complete military facilities. You may see many of its pictures on internet or in magazines. But is also most flocked with visitors. Mutianyu is the second most popular and due to its activities like toboggan is also more fun. Juyongguan is one of the three most famous passes. There, one can also visit some ancient towers and temples. Jinshanling and Simatai are way less crowded but to visit Simatai you apparently need to make an reservation on its official site. Photographers and hiking lovers would maybe prefer to visit wild (not reconstructed) sections with their original broken appearance. Together with my colleague, we have chosen Mutianyu.

By public transport, private car, or private tour. Mutianyu and Badaling are relatively close to downtown and easily connected. If going to Simatai or Jinshanling you need to stay overnight there. The most convenient and fastest option is to book a private car and driver (all cabin crew on their layovers do that). Usually, the car rental fee is around  CNY 700-1000 for a roundtrip to Badaling and Mutianyu, and CNY 1,200 – 1,400 for further sections. And while you are admiring parts of the Great Wall, your driver will be waiting for you at the parking lot. 

From the parking lot to the Wall itself it’s still a long hike as the Wall was built up in the mountains. Except for climbing Mutianyu by foot, you can also take the cable car to save more energy (you will need it up there). And then get down again by cable car or toboggan in warm months which is way more fun. As I was at the Great Wall last year in the middle of the winter when toboggan was closed, this time I’ve enjoyed this activity at most out of all tour. Total length of slide rail is 1580 meters. A top speed of it can reach 30km/h and it’s available only for return trip. I would suggest board the Great Wall by cable car (with upper station at 640 meters above sea level) or slide rail and then get down by toboggan as we have done, so that you can have two kinds of different experience and view. Cable car one way for one person is about CNY 100 while toboggan about CNY 60, ticket fare for the Great Wall CNY 40. 

Definitely avoid visiting on National Day Holiday (October 1st) or Chinese New Year where the Wall is overcrowded. Peak season is from March to beginning of November. I’ve been to Great Wall in both seasons – in freezing but quiet December and sunny warm September and must the winter scenery was much more beautiful to me (check my blog post Beijing #1). On the other side in September I could enjoy funny ride down by toboggan.