How to Visit the Great Wall of China: The Complete Travel Guide

Written by Maren Hamilton | Updated August 01,2025

Visiting the Great Wall is one of the most popular things to do in China, and for good reason. As one of the most iconic sites in the country, the Great Wall offers an unbeatable cultural and historical experience. But just how do you visit to the Great Wall? Where should you go? And what should you do when you get there?

Luckily for you, we answer those questions and more in this guide to the Great Wall. No matter who you are or what kind of experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here.

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• Why Visit the Great Wall of China?
• Best Sections of the Great Wall to Visit
• How to Visit to the Great Wall from Beijing
• When Is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall?
• Best Activities to Do on the Great Wall
• Spending a Night at the Great Wall – Accommodation at the Great Wall
• Food at the Great Wall
• Great Wall Travel Tips
• Plan Your Great Wall of China Tour with Us

Why Visit the Great Wall of China?

It might seem like an obvious question, but it’s worth asking yourself. Do you just want to experience China’s number one tourist attraction? Are you fascinated by the fact that something so ancient still holds the title of the longest man-made construction in the world? Or maybe you’re interested in the history of the wall, or even just the beautiful scenery around it.

There are thousands of reasons to visit the Great Wall of China. Once you know yours, you’re well on your way to planning the perfect trip to get the most out of it.

Best Sections of the Great Wall to Visit

Something a lot of visitors fail to consider when they come to visit the Great Wall of China is that it’s long. While the most popular sections are near Beijing, the Wall itself crosses many provinces, each offering its own unique experience. Some sections are renovated while others are more “wild”.

Related reading: Where is the Great Wall

Here’s a quick table guide and then a further in depth look to help you understand the options available:

1. For First-Timers and Families – Mutianyu

If this is your first time visiting the Great Wall or you’re travelling with older people or children, Mutianyu (慕田峪) is the best section of the Great wall to visit. Not only is it restored, making it easier to hike for people of all ages and experience levels, it’s also more accessible than other sections, offering a cable car to get up and down – though kids might prefer going down on a toboggan!

Mutianyu is also close to Beijing without being as crowded as other sections near the capital. Located around 70-100km away based on where you’re starting from, visitors can typically get to this section of the Great Wall by car or bus in 1-3 hours, making it a perfect Great Wall day trip from Beijing.

In sum, Mutianyu is the perfect section of the Great Wall for families and those who want to make the most of a short trip.

Suggested Tours:

• Half-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
• Beijing Bus Tour: 1 Day Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Group Tour with Mutianyu Great Wall

2. For Photographers and History Lovers – Jinshanling

If stunning views are more your thing, look no further than Jinshanling (金山岭). With semi-wild surroundings, it offers beautiful landscapes that any photographer would be lucky to capture. It’s also a great startpoint for those hoping to make it to Simatai, one of the more striking sections of the wall, as the hike only takes 3-4 hours.

Photographers should try to be at Jinshan Tower by sunrise to capture the morning mist rolling over the landscape. That allows plenty of time to hike and picnic along the Wall before arriving at “General Tower” for golden hour. And keep your eyes out along the way for special bricks that are marked with information about the wall’s construction, too! They’re often thought of as a kind of record of the Ming Dynasty’s military history.

It’s no wonder why Jinshanling was rated as one of the best hiking routes by Lonely Planet. If you’re a photographer or history buff, this is an unmissable stop.

Suggested Tours:

• Beijing Group Tour Day Tour to Jinshanling  – Great Wall Hiking
• 2-Day Wild Great Wall Trekking & Camping Tour
• 4-Day Beijing Small Group Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall

3. For Hikers and Adventure Seekers – Jiankou

Those specifically interested in walking the Great Wall – or more accurately hiking it – have to check out Jiankou (箭扣). This second of the wall is a bit riskier as it doesn’t have guardrails, but the rugged terrain and amazing landscape make it worth it. This part of the wall is unrestored, giving it a more real and raw feeling than some of the other sections.

Be sure to bring proper hiking shoes and lots of water if you do go, though, as the hike can be quite steep and demanding, with one section called the “Eagle Flying Upside-Down” section requiring a near vertical climb.

Those interested in a rawer experience might also be interested in the collapsed section of the wall. It isn’t open to the public without professional equipment and a guide, but it’s still a worthwhile visit for practiced hikers and makes for an unforgettable visit to the Great Wall.

Suggested Tour:

• One-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour

4. For Those Short on Time – Badaling

For those who don’t have a lot of time, visiting the Badaling (八达岭) section of the Great Wall is an appropriate, if not ideal, choice. On the one hand, it’s easily accessible from Beijing and is more wheelchair friendly than some of the other sections… On the other hand, though, easy transport means it’s a very popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

If you’re short on time, Badaling will still offer a solid experience of the Great Wall – just try to avoid weekends and holidays if you want less of a crowd. This is also a nice Great Wall section to visit in winter, as there’s a nearby ski resort popular among locals and foreigners alike, having been visited by more than 500 heads of state.

For those who are particularly tight on time or wheelchair users, Badaling is a solid place to visit on the Great Wall.

Suggested Tours: 

• Half-Day Badaling Great Wall Private Tour
• Forbidden City and Badaling Great Wall Day Tour
• 5-Day Beijing Group Tour with Badaling Great Wall

5. For Night Owls and Architecture Lovers – Simatai

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should visit the Simatai (司马台) section of the Great Wall at night. This section of the wall is perfect for the evening as it’s lined by lights starting at 7:20 PM. You have to take the cable car up at a round-trip cost of 160CNY, but the view of the setting sun and then the eerie, magical glow of the Wall at night makes it all worth it.

This section of the Wall has also completely preserved its original Ming Dynasty appearance through large-scale renovations done with original brick structure. This section contains 35 beacon towers that exemplify 10 different styles, leading to this section of the wall being fondly referred to as the Great Wall’s “open air architectural museum”.

Whether you’re looking for spectacular night views or a lesson in Chinese architecture, look no further than Simatai.

Suggested Tour:

• Beijing Group Tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall

6. For a Family Day by the Lake – Huanghuacheng

Huanghuacheng (黄花城) offers a more unique Great Wall experience as it’s the only section of the Great Wall near Beijing that features water. One section of the Wall is even submerged underwater, but that just means you get to explore the Great Wall in a whole new way: by boat rather than on foot.

This section of the Wall is also a great fit for families, as it offers a much gentler slope and a less demanding hike. There are also many interesting activities to do nearby, such as boating, which makes Huanghuacheng the best part of the Great Wall of China to visit for a day trip or even a half-day trip.

Suggested Reading:

• Huanghuacheng Great Wall – The Only Water Great Wall in Beijing

How to Visit to the Great Wall from Beijing

Depending on what section you’re visiting, there are many answers to the question of how to visit the Great Wall. Some sections are accessible by high-speed rail, while others typically have a designated tourist bus or other public transportation. Given the remote location of the wall, however, it’s strongly recommended that you book a private transfer service or hire transport with a professional guide to enhance the trip and avoid any inconveniences.

Here’s a quick summary of how to visit various sections of the Great Wall of China from Beijing：

Related reading: Badaling vs Mutianyu Great Wall

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall?

Best Time of Year to Visit the Great Wall

Most people would say that autumn is the best season to visit the Great Wall, followed by spring. You can learn more in our guide to the best times to visit the Great Wall of China.

Best Time of Day to Visit the Great Wall

To avoid crows, try to go early in the morning before 8:30 AM so you arrive before everyone else. Otherwise, arriving after 3:30 PM allows time for large tour groups to wrap up their time on the wall. Additionally, these times offer some of the best views of the Wall, including sunrise, sunset, and the night landscape around the Wall.

Best Activities to Do on the Great Wall

Hiking

With everything from slow slopes to steep climbs, the Great Wall is a great place for all levels of hikers. Just be sure to choose the section that best matches your abilities.

Camping

Increasingly many people visiting the Great Wall are choosing to stay overnight and camp in order to immerse themselves in the wild landscape and get a deeper understanding of the structure. If this interests you, be sure to read our article on camping on the Great Wall.

Photography

No matter the season and no matter what section you visit, the landscape will take your breath away. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture the sights.

Spending a Night at the Great Wall – Accommodation at the Great Wall

An overnight stay not only allows you to catch breathtaking sunset and sunrise views usually inaccessible to regular day tours but also offers you exclusive access to a tourist-free Great Wall at 6:00 AM. So, if you want to escape the large crowds in peak seasons or have more in-depth experiences at the Great Wall, we highly recommend you to stay overnight in a nearby hotel or homestay.

When exploring sections like Simatai, Jinshanling, and Jiankou, an overnight stay is more essential for an in-depth exploration. Listed below are our accommodation recommendations and special night experiences for these three sections.

Related reading: Cost to Visit the Great Wall of China

Food at the Great Wall

Visitors can easily find some fast-food stalls and Chinese-style restaurants at the base of well-developed sections, such as Mutianyu, Badaling, and Jinshanling. But it’s still advised to pack some snacks and drinks to recharge during the hiking. In the Jinshanling section, only a few farmhouses offer simple dining. You’ll need to pack food and drinks yourself when hiking the wild sections, such as the Jiankou Great Wall.

Related reading: Where to Eat near the Great Wall of China

Great Wall Travel Tips

Visiting the Great Wall with Kids and Seniors

If you’re visiting the Great Wall with children or seniors, it’s best to choose a section that offers an easier hiking experience such as Mutianyu or Huanghuacheng. Badaling is also a suitable choice given its solid infrastructure and proximity to Beijing, though due to the number of travellers it attracts, the experience might not be as ideal as the others.

Tips for Photographers

Jinshanling and Simatai are the best section for photographers, offering wide views over the wild landscape and also preserving the Wall’s original look and atmosphere. In Simatai, Tower 8 offers a stunning view down to Gubei Water Town at night, and Jinshanling’s General Tower is the perfect place to take pictures of the wall’s more raw sections.

Accessibility Considerations

Those who have reduced mobility should visit Mutianyu or, if they’re short on time and don’t mind the tourists, Badaling. These sections offer cable cars and other more accessible options as alternatives to hiking.

Packing List for Your Great Wall Trip

When visiting the Great Wall, be sure to bring your passport. If you’re going during the day, it’s also advised that you bring sunscreen and other sun protection. Those hiking more challenging or rocky sections should be sure they have appropriate hiking gear. It’s also of key importance that you make sure you have enough water and snacks before you begin your hike or take a cable car.

Other Helpful Great Wall Travel Tips

If you can, make sure you leave a good amount of time for your visit to the Great Wall so you don’t have to rush things. It’s also a good idea to learn historical facts before you visit, as an understanding of the Wall’s history can greatly enhance the experience.

Plan Your Great Wall of China Tour with Us

Now that you know how to visit the Great Wall, all that’s left to go – that’s where China Xian Tours comes in. We offer professional tours with local guides all over China, ensuring that you get the best experience during your time in China. Not only do we offer pre-set tours ranging from half of a day to multiple weeks, we also offer custom tours to make sure that you get exactly what you’re looking for out of your trip.

Discover our pre-made tours or contact us to create your custom China Great Wall tour today!