1. Things to Know before You Go
Regarded as one of the Eight Wonders of the World, the Great Wall took more than two thousand years from the beginning of its construction to the final completion to form a very rare wonder in human history. The section of the Great Wall in Beijing is divided into eight parts, among which the Badaling Great Wall, the Juyongguan Great Wall and the Mutianyu Great Wall are the most famous.
In addition, the Great Wall is also a must-visit spot for first-time tourists when they travel in Beijing. More than 300 world-renowned celebrities, such as Richard Nixon and Margaret Thatcher, have climbed the Great Wall. As a national 5A-level scenic area, it has been listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987, and its popularity is second only to Tiananmen Square.
2. Why is the Great Wall so Special?
2.1 Tourism Value and Historical Backgrounds
As one of the most famous ancient fortifications in China, the Great Wall is located in northern China, it starts from Shanhai Pass of Hebei Province in the east and ends at Jiayu Pass in Gansu Province in the west, with a total length of more than 20,000 kilometres. The Great Wall is not merely a symbol of China but also a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation.
The construction of the Great Wall began during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, mainly for the purpose of defending against foreign invasions. After China was unified in the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang connected various sections of the Great Wall, forming the original Great Wall. Since then, dynasties such as the Han and Ming dynasties have expanded and repaired the Great Wall afterwards.
2.2 Architectural Structure
The Great Wall is not just a single city wall. Instead, it is a complete defensive engineering system composed of various defensive works, including city walls, watchtowers, massive beacon towers, blockhouses, barracks, garrison stations, and fortresses along the walls. This defensive system is commanded and controlled layer by layer by military command systems at all levels.
2.3 Tales about Great Wall
The Great Wall of China, hailed as one of the greatest man-made projects in China, not only enjoys a rich historical background but also is accompanied by many legends and stories. These legends are often related to the construction of the Great Wall, historical events, and folk heroes. They are all full of mystery and cultural connotations. Here are several famous legends related to the Great Wall.
Meng Jiangnu Weeping over the Great Wall
As one of the most famous legends about the Great Wall, it is said that during the Qin Dynasty, Meng Jiangnu's husband, Fan Xiliang, was conscripted to build the Great Wall and died of excessive fatigue. Meng Jiangnu traveled thousands of miles to find her husband. After learning of his death, she was overwhelmed with grief and wept bitterly under the Great Wall for three days and three nights. As a consequence of this, she moved the god, and a section of the Great Wall collapsed, revealing Fan Xiliang's bones.
This story reflects the suffering endured by the ancient working people during the construction of the Great Wall, expressing people's condemnation of tyranny and praise for love.
The Legend of the Citadel Brick
It is said that when Jiayu Pass was being constructed, a craftsman named Yi Kaizhan accurately calculated the number of bricks needed. When the project was finally completed, only one brick was left. Ultimately, this brick was placed on the city tower and was called the "Citadel brick," symbolizing the wisdom of the craftsmen and the sturdiness of the Great Wall.
Its cultural significance displays that it reflects the wisdom and superb craftsmanship of the ancient craftsmen and also expresses people's awe of the Great Wall.
The Legend of Transporting Stones on Ice Paths
It is said that when the Badaling section of the Great Wall was being set up, due to the precipitous terrain, transporting stones was extremely difficult. After winter came, the craftsmen took advantage of the frozen mountain roads and slid the stones on the ice paths so that they could greatly enhance the efficiency.
This legend showcases the wisdom and creativity of the ancient working people and also reflects the hardships during the construction of the Great Wall of China.
The Legend of Goats Carrying Bricks
When the Simatai Great Wall was being constructed, it was difficult to transport bricks and stones partly due to its steep land forms. The craftsmen found that goats were good at climbing, so they tied the bricks to the goats and used them to transport the bricks and stones to the top of the mountain.
This legend unveils the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and also illuminates the difficulties in building the Great Wall.
The Legend of the Wangjing Stone
There is a huge stone on the Badaling Great Wall, known as the "Wangjing Stone." It is said that when the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded China, the Empress Dowager Cixi fled here. Standing on this stone, she looked back at Beijing City and felt a myriad of emotions.
This legend combines with historical events and endows the Great Wall with more historical depth.
The Legend of the Great Wall and the Dragon
The Great Wall winds and undulates, resembling a giant dragon. Therefore, there is a folk legend that the Great Wall is a sleeping dragon guarding the land of China. Whenever the country is in danger, this dragon will wake up to protect the people.
This legend links the Great Wall with the "dragon," a symbol of the Chinese nation, to express the significance of the Great Wall as an icon of the national spirit.
The Legend of the Jiankou Great Wall
The Jiankou Great Wall derived its name because of its rugged terrain. When an ancient general was said to be stationed here, the enemy attacked. After that, the general drew his bow and shot an arrow, which flew over the mountains and hit the enemy general directly, finally scaring off the enemy. Since then, this section of the Great Wall has been called "Jiankou."
This legend displays the bravery of the ancient soldiers and the military defense function of the Great Wall.
All in all, all the legends around the Great Wall not just enrich its cultural connotations but also unlock the wisdom, courage, and pursuit of a better life of the ancient working people, which ends it up with the Great Wall a surmountable line for thousands of years to protect the territories of ancient Chinese states and also a symbol of the Chinese nation's spirit. Whether it is the tragic story of Meng Jiangnu or the wisdom of the craftsmen, these stories make the Great Wall full of mystery and charm, thus attracting tons of people who love travelling to explore and pay their respects.
2.4 Poems about the Experience of Exploring the Great Wall
Ascending the Great Wall, it stretches long,
The beautiful scenery of towering mountains unfolds,
Listening to the concert, Beijing Opera, cross-talk,
Watching the face-changing performances,
Exactly the appealing views in the Great Wall at nights,
Heroes gather on the Great Wall,
Friendship extends far and wide across the world,
How vast the Great Wall in Beijing is,
Great aspirations and pride bring broad joy.
3. What to Do and See in the Great Wall?
Hiking Tour: There are many routes suitable for hiking along the Great Wall, so that tourists can personally experience the grandeur of the Great Wall and the profoundness of its history.
Photography: The Great Wall is a paradise for photography enthusiasts especially during sunrise, sunset, and when there is a snowy scene,in which the scenery of the Great Wall is particularly magnificent.
Cultural Experience: Some scenic areas of the Great Wall render cultural exhibitions and performances, which allow people who love Chinese culture to have an in-depth understanding of its history and architectural art.
The Great Wall at Night: The Badaling Great Wall and the Juyongguan Great Wall offer rich cultural experiences, including light shows, performance programs, and interactive activities, the details are expressed as below.
Light Shows and Performance Programs
The light show at the Great Wall is truly spectacular. Illuminated by dazzling lights, the Wall resembles a golden dragon winding and coiling through the darkness, creating an extraordinarily magnificent sight. The cultural performances are equally diverse, featuring musicals, dances, acrobatics, martial arts, and other art forms. Utilizing a "traveling performance" format, visitors are immersed in a seamless blend of ancient and modern atmospheres as they move between stages. For instance, The Great Wall Dream tells the fantastical story of three students who time-travel to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) while visiting the Wall, while Return to the Great Wall: Cranes from All Directions captivates audiences with simultaneous performances across multiple locations, offering nonstop visual splendor. Additional highlights include the flash mob light dance Radiant Lights, National Chic and the close-up magic show Dreamspace, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
Interactive Activities and Culinary Experiences
The Night Great Wall experience is also diverse in interactive NPC encounters, thrilling stunt car shows, and a variety of traditional snacks representing intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can engage with costumed characters to immerse themselves in authentic historical reenactments while savoring local delicacies such as Qiaotou Cake (a steamed rice cake), stewed offal (luzhu), grilled skewers, and more—satisfying their taste buds while soaking in the rich cultural ambiance. The pedestrian street further enhances the atmosphere with live performances on traditional Chinese instruments like bamboo flutes, yangqin (hammered dulcimer), and pipa (lute), alongside Western musical acts, adding a harmonious blend of cultural vibrancy to the nighttime spectacle.
4. How to Get to the Great Wall
4.1 Badaling Great Wall 八达岭长城
High-speed Railway: The fastest way
Route: Take Subway Line 2 in Beijing to Xizhimen Station(西直门站) (Exit A1 or A2), walk to Beijing North Railway Station, and then take the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-speed Railway directly to Badaling Great Wall Station.
Advantages: The whole journey only takes about 35 minutes, which is a very comfortable and time-saving process.
Disadvantages: Tickets are in short supply and need to be booked in advance.
Ticket price: CNY 20
Bus: The most cost-effective way
Route: Take the subway to Deshengmen Station (德胜门站) and transfer to Bus 877, which goes directly to the Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area.
Advantages: The ticket price is very cheap, only CNY 6, and there is no need to book in advance.
Disadvantages: You need to queue up and transfer to the shuttle bus within the scenic area.
Operating hours: Outbound journey from 6:00 to 12:00, return journey from 10:30 to 17:00.
4.2 Juyongguan Great Wall 居庸关长城
By Subway
Get off at Changping Dongguan Station (昌平东关站) and then transfer to Bus No. 376 and then get off at Nankou Dabao Station (南口大堡站), finally transfer to Bus No. 20 which goes directly to Juyongguan Great Wall.
Get off at Changping Station (昌平站) and then transfer to Bus No. 655, 870, Chang 11 (昌11路) or 70 (昌70路) and then get off at Nankou East Street Station (南口东街站), afterwards transfer to Bus Chang 20 (昌20路) which goes directly to Juyongguan Great Wall.
By Bus
Take Bus No. 870, 883 or 919 at Deshengmen (德胜门)and then get off at Changping Nankou Station (昌平南口站), finally transfer to Bus No. 879 or Chang 20 which goes directly to Juyongguan Great Wall.
Take Bus No. 345 Express at Deshengmen and get off at Changping Dongguan Station (昌平东关站), then transfer (in the opposite direction of the station) to Bus No. 376 and get off at Nankou Dabao Station(南口大堡站), and finally transfer to Bus No. 20 which arrives Juyongguan Great Wall.
The Train Route through the Sea of Flowers - Suburban Line S2
By Subway: Take Subway Line 8 or Line 13 to Huoying Station (霍营站), walk to Huangtudian Station (黄土店站), and then take Line S2 directly to Juyongguan Great Wall Station.
By Bus: Take Bus Chang 20 and Bus Chang 20 to Siqiaozi (四桥子) and get off at Juyongguan, and then walk to the flower sea at Juyongguan.
Advantages: The scenery along the way is very eye-catching and it is known as the "train heading for spring".
Disadvantages: Transfer is required, and there are fewer train trips.
Cost: The one-way ticket price is about CNY 6.
Tips: In early spring, especially in March, when peach blossoms are in full bloom, it is the best time to view the breathtaking scenes. After taking Suburban Line S2 and passing through the Juyongguan Tunnel, visitors will be obsessed with the appealing views where the train meets the sea of flowers at the foot of the Great Wall.
4.3 Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城
By Subway
Starting from the urban area of Beijing, take Subway Line 13 or Changping Line (昌平线) and get on at Wangjing Station (望京站) or Shaoyaoju Station (芍药居站), then transfer to Bus No. 916. After 14 stops, get off at Huairou North Street Station (怀柔北大街站).
Next, transfer to Bus No. H23 and you can reach Mutianyu Great Wall Station (慕田峪长城站) after 13 stops, the whole journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
By Bus
Take the "916 Express Line" at Dongzhimen (东直门) Transportation Hub and get off at Huairou North Street Station. Then, go to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road and transfer to Bus No. H23 to go to the Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area. The whole journey lasts for 31 stops and takes about two and a half hours.
By Taxi
It is around CNY 300 to 400 with the time duration of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tips: Whether it is the Badaling Great Wall or the Mutianyu Great Wall, it is more recommended to take the Tourist Attraction Express Bus, which is more cost-effective.
Ticket Reservation & Ticket Price
Ticket Reservation of the Badaling Great Wall
Ticket Price
Peak Season (April 1st - October 31st): Ticket for adults is CNY 40, and CNY 20 for students.
Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year): Ticket for adults is CNY 35, and CNY 17.5 for students.
Combination Ticket: The admission fee+ round-trip ropeway/cable car is CNY 175, the admission fee+ one-way ropeway/cable car is CNY 135.
Reservation Methods
Official Website Reservation: Log in to the official website of the Badaling Great Wall, register and log in to your personal account, select the visit date and time, fill in the tourist information and submit the order, pay the ticket fee, and receive the electronic ticket.
WeChat Official Account Reservation: Follow the official WeChat public account of "Badaling Great Wall", enter the ticket reservation interface, select the visiting date and time period, fill in the personal information and place an order, finally complete the payment and save the QR code of the ticket.
Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to choose to enter the scenic area before 8 a.m. or after 2 p.m. to avoid the peak time.
Free Admission Policy: The elderly over 60 years old and minors under 18 years old can enter the scenic area for free with valid certificates.
Ticket Reservation of the Juyongguan Great Wall
Ticket Price: CNY 40 in the peak season and CNY 35 in the off-season.
Reservation Method: The ticket reservation method of the Juyongguan Great Wall is similar to that of the Badaling Great Wall. You can make a reservation through the official website or WeChat account of the Badaling Great Wall.
5. Highlights of the Great Wall
5.1 Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城
Compared with the huge crowds at Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall is much quieter. Sometimes, even during holidays, tourists can enjoy an experience almost like having the place all to themselves. Mutianyu Great Wall has a time-honored history and splendid culture, and it enjoys the reputation of "Among the Ten-Thousand-Li Great Wall, Mutianyu stands out uniquely" both at home and abroad. Therefore, it is an excellent place to enjoy the visual appealing scenery.
Mutianyu Great Wall is situated in Huairou District, 73 kilometers away from the urban area of Beijing. It connects with Juyongguan Great Wall in the west and Gubeikou in the east. With a total length of about 5,400 meters, the vegetation coverage rate reaches over 90%, and there is a rich variety of plant species as well. The city wall winds among the mountains and looks even more magnificent and grand against the backdrop of the lush green pine and cypress trees.
As the longest section of the Great Wall in China, the open section of Mutianyu Great Wall is about 2,250 meters long. It is very rare that three watchtowers stand side by side at the Zhengguan Terrace (正关台). Famous Great Wall landscapes such as Jiankou (箭扣), Niujiaobian (牛角边), Yingfeidaoyang (鹰飞倒仰), etc., among which they stand at the western end of Mutianyu Great Wall and serve as the essence. Many foreign leaders, including former British Prime Minister John Major and former US President Bill Clinton, once have visited Mutianyu Great Wall.
When coming to Mutianyu, Zhengguan Terrace is a must-see scenic spot. It is composed of three hollow watchtowers, with a watch pavilion on each of the three watchtowers, and the city gate is set on the side. This unique architectural style is rare in the Great Wall. In addition, Dajiao Tower is also one of the famous scenery spot of Mutianyu Great Wall, there are city walls on three sides with a wide view, thus allowing one to have a panoramic view of both inside and outside of the Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall is breathtaking in all seasons. In spring and summer, the slopes are covered with greenery, in autumn, the forests are ablaze with colors, even in winter, the continuous snowy scenery sets off the Great Wall to be even more stunning and magnificent.
Unless you are a mountain climbing enthusiast, it is not recommended to walk the whole journey. Taking a round-trip cable car is the most time-saving and labor-saving method usually chosen by first-time visitors. Since it enables you to overlook the magnificent view of the Great Wall. After reaching the 14th watchtower, one can walk westwards all the way to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area, that is the 20th watchtower, it is usually expected to take 1 hour to climb.
In addition to the cable car, travel enthusiasts can also choose the ropeway and the slideway to go up and down the mountain. The terminal of the ropeway is the 6th watchtower. It is relatively far from the 20th watchtower, the highest point, and requires a high level of physical strength. The advantage is that you can experience the exhilarating feeling of sliding down the mountain on the slideway, while you need to pay attention to safety when taking it.
5.2 Badaling Great Wall 八达岭长城
As a business card of Beijing, Badaling Great Wall is located at the northern entrance of the Guangou Ancient Road in Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing. It is honored as one of the important components of the great ancient defensive projects in China and also a pass of the Ming Great Wall. As an outpost of Juyongguan Pass, Badaling Great Wall is the first section to be opened to tourists and the most well-known section worldwide, the best-preserved and most representative section of the Ming Great Wall. Historically, it has received the largest amounts of Chinese and foreign tourists as well as political leaders from various countries. Eventually, it is renowned at home and abroad for its profound cultural and historical heritage, magnificent scenery and complete facilities.
To be specific, Badaling Great Wall is divided into the northern and southern sections, among which the northern section is the essence with 12 watchtowers. The classic example is that the Eighth Watchtower in the North is with the highest altitude and the best place to overlook the entire Great Wall. There are 7 watchtowers in the southern section, and the terrain there is relatively gentle with fewer tourists, but the shock it brings to visitors is definitely unforgettable. The city walls wind and undulate along the mountains, the natural scenery of Badaling is also unparalleled and insurmountable in Beijing. During the Qingming Festival in April, wild peach and apricot blossoms are in full bloom all over the mountains, which present fascinating destinations for sightseeing. In October of the golden autumn, after the frost, the red leaves make both the inside and outside of the Great Wall a riot of colors, all of these make it the two best seasons to climb the Badaling Great Wall.
Although Badaling Great Wall was developed earliest and equipped with perfect tourism supporting facilities, it is also the most crowded section of the Great Wall in China. The long queues and overcrowding on weekends and holidays will reduce the quality of the travel experience. Therefore, people who love travelling should try to avoid the peak tourist seasons of holidays when visiting.
5.3 Juyongguan Great Wall 居庸关长城
In comparison with the Badaling Great Wall and the Mutianyu Great Wall, the most prominent feature of the Juyongguan Great Wall is its "precipitousness". As an important pass of the Ten-Thousand-Li Great Wall, Juyongguan sits in a strategically complex and perilous location, easy to defend but difficult to attack. Consequently, it serves as an important defense line in the northwest of the ancient capital and has been a fiercely contested terrain for military strategists since ancient times. Juyongguan not merely boasts majestic and rugged mountains but also enchanting and picturesque scenery. Since the Yuan Dynasty, it has been listed as one of the "Eight Great Sights of Yanjing".
In addition to this, the most important scenic spots of Juyongguan are the tall and imposing pass together with the exquisite stone carvings on the Yuntai (Cloud Platform), which is a meticulously designed white marble platform that has been preserved since the Yuan Dynasty. The archway and the archway tunnel are adorned with delicate relief carvings of birds and beasts, which make people marvel at the ingenious carving techniques of the ancients. Juyongguan, the gateway to Beijing from the north, and its pass city is known as the "First Pass under Heaven", exuding the imposing manner of "One man can hold the pass against ten thousand".
Actually, summer to early autumn is the most ideal time period for climbing the Great Wall, the untouched natural beauty renders people an overwhelming sense of joy. In late autumn, there is a totally different scene. The red maple leaves and green foliage all over the mountains are intertwined with the ancient Great Wall, presenting a beauty as poetic as a painting.
What is worth mentioning is that the Juyongguan Great Wall is 11 kilometers away from the Badaling Scenic Area, which tends to provide the possibility to visit both scenic spots on the same day.
5.4 Jinshanling Great Wall 金山岭长城
Jinshanling Great Wall was personally supervised and built by Qi Jiguang (戚继光), a famous anti - Japanese - pirate general in the Ming Dynasty. Compared to the Great Wall in other parts of Beijing, Jinshanling Great Wall has still retained its original appearance to a relatively good extent, giving people a sense of simplicity and purity. This section sees fewer tourists, where the Great Wall snakes along rugged ridges with breathtaking panoramic views—a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Beyond capturing mist and rainbows after summer or autumn rains, shooting sunrise and sunset at Jinshanling is particularly popular. Photographers may consider staying overnight nearby for optimal shots.
Ticket Price: Peak season (CNY 65: March 16 - November 15); off season (CNY 55: November 16 - March 15 of the following year). The one - way cable - car fare in the scenic area is CNY 40, and the round - trip fare is CNY 80.
Transportation:
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Tourist Shuttle to Jinshanling Great Wall (April-November):
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Departure Point: Dongzhimen Bus Station, Beijing
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Schedule: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 8:00 AM
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Return Time: 15:00 (3:00 PM) from Jinshanling Great Wall
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Fare: CNY 120 (includes round-trip bus fare, entrance ticket, and one-way cable car ticket).
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Alternative Route via Miyun:
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Take a bus from downtown Beijing to Miyun County (multiple daily departures).
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At Miyun Bus Station, transfer to Bus Mi51 and alight at Simatai Village (Gubei Water Town) Station.
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From there, take a taxi to Jinshanling Great Wall (approx. CNY 50 per vehicle).
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(Note: Prices and schedules may vary; check for updates before travel.)
5.5 Huanghuacheng Great Wall 黄花城水长城
Huanghuacheng Great Wall Scenic Area
Situated in Jiuduhe Town (九渡河镇), Huairou District (approximately 65km from Beijing), the Huanghuacheng Great Wall is a uniquely spectacular section of the Great Wall, famed for its breathtaking fusion of rugged mountains, emerald waters, and ancient fortifications. Its "Three Wonders" are particularly mesmerizing, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. If ordinary sections of the Great Wall fail to captivate you, Huanghuacheng’s aquatic charm stands out as Beijing’s most distinctive.
"Frontier landscapes meet Jiangnan’s grace—all embraced by the Great Wall." Here, three submerged segments stretch into the lake, making it the only section in Beijing where the Great Wall meets water. Unlike the bustling Badaling or Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng exudes a quieter, delicate beauty—like a "hidden gem" waiting to be discovered.
It is worth mentioning that the surrounding Huanghuacheng area bursts into bloom with vast fields of yellow wildflowers in the midsummer, thus creating a perfect backdrop for seasonal photography.
How to Get to Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Option 1: Direct Tourist Shuttle (Seasonal Service)
From April to November, a tourist shuttle bus to Huanghuacheng Great Wall operates from Dongzhimen Bus Station (Beijing) on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Departure: 8:00 AM from Dongzhimen
Return: 3:00 PM from Huanghuacheng
Fare: CNY 120 (Round-trip ticket includes park admission and one-way cable car fare).
Option 2: Public Transit + Taxi
Take a bus from Beijing to Miyun County (frequent departures).
At Miyun Bus Station (密云汽车站), transfer to Bus Mi51 and alight at Simatai Village (Gubei Water Town) Station. (司马台村（古北水镇))
Hire a taxi to the scenic area (approx. CNY 50 per vehicle).
5.6 Simatai Great Wall 司马台长城
Simatai Great Wall, lies in Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing, is the only section of Ming-era Great Wall preserved in its original form. Renowned for its five distinctive features—"precipitous, dense, peculiar, ingenious, and complete"—it was hailed by The Times (UK) as "the No.1 among the world’s 25 must-see landscapes."
5.7 Jiankou (Arrow Nock) Great Wall 箭扣长城
Situated in Badaohe Village, northwest of Huairou District (approximately 30km from Huairou town center), Jiankou Great Wall derives its name from its dramatic W-shaped trajectory resembling an arrow nocked on a drawn bow. Soaring to 1,141 meters above sea level, this section follows the jagged mountain ridges, where the Great Wall's precipitous grandeur is amplified by the ever-changing terrain - clinging to knife-edge peaks and plunging cliffs, its unrestored 'dragon spine' architecture makes it the ultimate challenge for adventurous hikers and photographers alike."
5.8 Gubeikou Great Wall 古北口长城
Gubeikou Great Wall is the most complete Great Wall system in the history of the Chinese Great Wall. It is jointly composed of the Great Wall of the Northern Qi Dynasty and the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, including four sections: Wolongshan Great Wall, Panlongshan Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall and Simatai Great Wall. Gubeikou is a key fortress of the Great Wall between Shanhaiguan Pass and Juyongguan Pass. Most importantly, it is the throat from the Liaodong Plain and Inner Mongolia to the Central Plains region and has always been a place of great strategic importance for military strategists. Especially during the five dynasties of Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, battles of various sizes for the control of Gubeikou never stopped. Therefore, the role of the Great Wall became particularly prominent. In ancient times, the main roads were called passes and the minor roads were called openings. Gubeikou, nestled in the Yanshan Mountains, is exactly one of the numerous passes of the Ten-Thousand-Li Great Wall.
6. Which Great Walls is Suitable for Most Tourists?
Badaling & Mutianyu: The Premier Great Wall Experience
For visitors seeking both majestic grandeur and well-preserved authenticity, Badaling and Mutianyu stand out as the most iconic and representative sections of China’s Great Wall. These segments masterfully blend cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes, offering immersive encounters with history while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Accessibility & Location
Both sections are approximately 70km from downtown Beijing
Badaling: Northwest of Beijing
Mutianyu: Northeast of Beijing
Travel time: 1.5–2 hours by road.
World-Class Facilities
As the most commercially developed sections, they feature:
✔ Modern amenities: Panoramic cable cars, open-air chairlifts, and toboggan slides (Mutianyu) for unique perspectives.
✔ Cultural attractions: The Great Wall Museum (Badaling) and immersive 360° theaters.
✔ Year-round appeal: Ever-changing natural vistas across seasons, from spring blossoms to winter snowscapes.
7. Nearby Attractions
Beijing: In addition to the Badaling Great Wall and the Juyongguan Great Wall, there are also some famous tourist attractions in Beijing such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, which are well worth a visit for tourists.
Hebei: The Zijingguan Pass (紫荆关) and Daomaguan Pass (倒马关) of the Ten-Thousand-Li Great Wall are located in Hebei Province. Together with the Juyongguan Pass, they are famed for the "Three Inner Passes". Nearby tourist attractions mainly include historical and cultural sites such as the Chengde Mountain Resort and the Eastern Qing Tombs.
Gansu: Jiayuguan Pass is the most spectacular and strategically important pass along the Great Wall. It is the westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall and was historically known as the "Throat of Hexi". Around Jiayuguan Pass, there are natural and cultural heritages such as the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Crescent Lake at Mingsha Mountain, which are highly recommended for a visit.
Shanxi: Niangziguan Pass (娘子关) stands in the mountains of the Taihang Mountains in Shanxi Province. It is renowned worldwide for its majestic pass, dangerous roads, towering mountains, and beautiful waters. According to legend, in the Tang Dynasty, Princess Pingyang once led her troops to garrison here. At that time, Princess Pingyang's troops were acclaimed as the "Women's Army", hence deriving the name Niangziguan Pass. Surrounding tourist attractions include the Yungang Grottoes, the Ancient City of Pingyao, and Mount Wutai.
8. Useful Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and picturesque landscapes, making them the ideal seasons to explore the Great Wall.
Transportation
The Great Wall sections near Beijing are easily accessible by:
Public buses
Dedicated tourist shuttle services
Private charter vehicles
Visitor Tips
Safety first: Some segments feature steep climbs—wear sturdy footwear and mind your step.
Stay fueled: Carry sufficient water and snacks, as facilities may be limited.
Weather prep: Bring sun protection in summer or layers in cooler months.
"For fewer crowds, consider weekday visits or early morning arrivals!"
Optional Additions:
For photographers: "Golden hours (sunrise/sunset) provide stunning lighting."
Accessibility note: "Mutianyu offers cable cars for visitors with limited mobility."
