Great Wall of China Tours

Great Wall Tour FAQs

• 1. How long is the Great Wall and from where can I visit the Great Wall?

  The Great Wall of China, starting from the western-most Jiayugaun Pass in Gansu Province, stretches eastward over approximately 21,196 kilometers (13,171miles) across 14 other provincial-level areas: Qinghai, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Beijing, Tianjin, and Liaoning. 
  Along this super-long wall, Beijing is the gateway to multiple sections, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, perfect for daily or multi-day trips.

• 2. What is the best time of year to visit the Great Wall?

  Well-restored sections in good condition and equipped with convenient facilities, such as Mutianyu, are suitable for travelers to visit all year round. The optimal periods to visit the Great Wall around Beijing are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), offering more beautiful scenery and pleasant weather to escape the summer heat and winter chill.
  Although cold, the winter (December to March) in Beijing usually boasts sunny and crispy sky, and fewer tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some more exclusive times, it's not bad to travel during this period.

• 3. Which section of the Great Wall should I visit?

  Popular sections around Beijing include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai, and Jiankou, each with unique features, scenery, and varying levels of hiking difficulty.

  Mutianyu is the best part for family tours, offering cableway, toboggan descent, soft hiking, and fewer crowds. Jinshanling section promises excellent hiking and photo opportunities, thanks to its varied terrain, dense watchtowers, and breathtaking vistas. Simatai stands out for a special night tour, while Jiankou is ideal for experienced hikers seeking adventure.

• 4. How do I get to the Great Wall from Beijing?

  The Great Wall is situated approximately 1 to 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing, depending on the section. The easiest way to get there is on one of our Beijing tours, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide on private roundtrip transfers, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
  If you'd like to travel independently, consider reaching the wall by public transportation (including train, taxi, bus), rental car, and tourist bus. Please note that there is no direct bus to certain sections of the wall, such as Simatai.

• 5. How long does a visit to the Great Wall typically take?

  The visiting time depends on which section you visit, how much ground you wish to cover, and your activity preferences.

  For sightseeing and photography at tourist-friendly sections like Badaling or Mutianyu, you may typically spend around 2 to 3 hours. If hiking is your favorite, timings vary widely based on the distance covered and the hiking difficulty. Usually, it takes 4 to 5 hours to hike from Simatai to Jinshanling, including breaks.

  Besides, the transfer to and from Beijing ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours by driving each way.

• 6. Is it possible to visit the Great Wall during a layover in Beijing?

  Yes, it depends mainly on your layover duration and the section of the Wall you choose. For layovers of at least 10-12 hours, consider visiting Mutianyu, the closest section to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car.

  Alternatively, sections like Jinshanling, a bit father away, require more travel time. Booking a Great Wall Day Tour is recommended to maximize your time, ensuring a timely return to the airport. 

• 7. Is it possible to hike the Great Wall?

  Yes, hiking along the Great Wall provides a unique opportunity to discover this iconic historical marvel. Several segments of the Great Wall are renowned for their hiking trails, each presenting varying degrees of challenge and picturesque landscapes. 
  Adventurous hikers can tackle the challenging Jiankou to Mutianyu route, spanning rough, steep, and less restored sections across 10 kilometers in 4-5 hours. History buffs may prefer the Gubeikou to Jinshanling trail, exploring rich historical sites over 10 kilometers in 4-5 hours.  
  Photography enthusiasts fancy the picturesque Jinshanling to Simatai West section (5 kilometers, 3-4 hours of hike), capturing well-preserved structures amidst stunning natural landscapes.

• 8. Can I visit the Great Wall at night?

  Yes, Simatai Great Wall stands out among its peers as the top choice for a night tour.  Its rugged terrain enhances the thrill of evening exploration, starting ideally before sunset to witness the golden hues enveloping the landscape.  As darkness falls, illuminated ramparts and quaint Gubei Water Town below glow under colorful lights, casting a mesmerizing aura.
  Note: Due to the poor light conditions at night, all visitors are required to take a cable car to ascend and descend the Great Wall for safety concerns.

• 9. Can I camp on the Great Wall?

  Camping is prohibited on popular sections of the Great Wall such as Badaling and Mutianyu. However, at the foot of the Jinshanling Great Wall, there is a designated area specifically for camping. Additionally, camping may be permitted under specific conditions while exploring wild segments like Jiankou and Gubeikou.

  It is crucial to thoroughly check local regulations and make adequate preparations before planning a camping trip to ensure compliance and a safe experience.

• 10. What should I wear and bring for a visit to the Great Wall?
  • Carry an ample supply of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes or exploring remote sections.
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip for terrain variations. -Dress in layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures, as it can be cool and windy even in warmer months.
  • Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and check the weather forecast for rain and pack accordingly with a light raincoat or umbrella.
  • Don't forget a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views, along with extra batteries or a portable charger.
• 11. What kind of food and amenities are available at the Great Wall?

  For protection, there are no restaurants on the wall and dining options are primarily located at the base, often offering pricey and unremarkable fare. However, in popular sections such as Badaling and Mutianyu, there may be snack vendors available. In contrast, in less-visited areas like Jiankou and Huanghuacheng, food options are scarce. Therefore, depending on the section you plan to visit, it is advisable to pack some easily transportable food and drinks in advance.

• 12. Is it safe for the kids and the seniors to visit the Great Wall?

  Yes, visiting the Great Wall of China is generally safe. Sections, such as Mutianyu, are not very steep and certainly safe to travel for kids and seniors; besides, cable cars, slides, handrails and barrier-free access are available. 
  While some segments retain their original appearance with minimal restoration, please check with your travel consultant to make sure it’s appropriate.

• 13. Which is the best part of the Great Wall?
  Mutianyu is the best part for family tours. You can easily get up and down by cable car and have a better experience with fewer crowds; Jinshanling is the most popular part to experience a hiking route because of its stunning scenery; Simatai is your only choice if you want to have a special night tour on the wall; If you are an experienced hiking enthusiast, Jiankou will never let you down. More info about the best part for Great Wall tours.
• 14. Which section is the best for hiking?
  Jinshanling is the most recommended part for hiking. Although it is not completely restored, the scenery is unique and beautiful, and it is relatively safe to hike along the wall (about 3 hours) for most travelers in good health. Jiankou is only suitable for experienced hikers as it's the most challenging and strenuous part.
• 15. What unexpected fun facts about the Great Wall I may know?
  The Great Wall of China is widely regarded as one of the most important tourist draws and landmarks in China, which was built to safeguard the Chinese Empire from enemies to the north. Besides its long and complex history, you can also expect its diverse and breath-taking scenery, such as rugged mountains, vast desert, lush grassland, and even beautiful beaches, as well as the following unexpected fun facts about the Great Wall of China you may not know. Read more about the Great Wall facts.
• 16. Could you give some Mutianyu Great Wall's information and tips?

  This is a family friendly section. It's a part of the wall with easy accessibility; it's less crowded than Badaling. The cable cars, toboggans on the site make climbing/hiking easier. There's a newly installed graffiti board at tower 14 allows children to leave graffiti.

  Mutianyu is quite a globalized section as more foreign visitors tend to go there. A climbing at Mutianyu Great Wall takes around 2-3 hours with few steep parts. Read more tips about Mutianyu Great Wall.