Great Wall Attractions & Landmarks

The World's Longest Wall, Even If You Cannot See It From Space

North of Beijing
Beijing,
China
Phone No. +86 10 6912 1235

Overview

China's Great Wall stretches east-west for more than 5000 kilometers. Its origins can be traced to the 7th Century BCE, when independent kingdoms constructed separate walls to keep out marauding nomads. China's first emperor linked many of these during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE). It was renovated several times in later centuries. Built along the rolling ridges of steep mountains, it offers spectacular, even awe-inspiring views, and is surely one of humankind's greatest architectural achievements. The Great Wall is best enjoyed in sections, some of the more popualr visiting sites include Badaling , Mutianyu , Simatai and Huanghuacheng. Badaling is by far the most visited section and each has its own charms. At any given section of the wall, be prepared to wear sturdy shoes and dress for inclimate weather.

Open Hours

    • Monday to Sunday from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM

      seesightby Yahoo | 2008-11-04 04:00:02 |

      that's a huge wonder ! you can see everything when you climb to the top of Great Wall !

      AMAZING!by Yahoo | 2008-08-06 07:36:58 |

      The most amazing view, the most amazing structure, and the most amazing feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when you finally make it. I'll admit it was a good workout and my legs were basically shaking by the end, but I would do it again without a doubt. I'm going to be cliche here and say it was a once in a lifetime experience and I'll never forget it. Mmm there was one downfall...the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting.

      Awesome landmarkby Yahoo | 2008-07-08 11:33:08 |

      For our third trip to China we chose to go to the Great Wall at Mutianyu instead of Badaling. It was SO much better. We hired a car and driver for the day (1050 yuan for up to 7 passengers - a bargain) and enjoyed a peaceful drive through gorgeous countryside on the way there as well as a delightful lunch at a local restaurant ($4 each for a five course meal) on the return trip. (Even went past the Olympic venues on the way for pictures and stopped for two hours at the new art center, 798, on the way back.) The wall is easily accessed by cable car, and there were no crowds. Getting pictures with no people in them was relatively easy, even at midday. I highly recommend Mutianyu!

      Incredibleby Yahoo | 2008-07-02 22:19:10 |

      Incredible! Badaling has a cable car that can take you to a higher part of the wall with amazing views and it is only about 50 miles outside of Beijing. Be prepared for crowds and physical exertion though. Wow, was it a work out!

      So wonderfulby Yahoo | 2008-05-16 07:08:45 |

      Hiking is a best way to visit the Great Wall~~and it is so unforgetable! I have been here in 2006, with beijing location people as a team, and at the side of the Wall, have lots of poor village, our team would be like to help them to live better!

      The Rolling Dragon of Badalingby Yahoo | 2008-04-02 03:15:01 |

      I felt this was one of the most interesting part of my visit to Beijing. The day spent at the Great Wall was awesome, knowing the history and how many lives were lost building this great fortress. I would go back in a heartbeat!

      Very Fun, and an experience we will never forgetby Yahoo | 2008-03-29 22:58:49 |

      I loved the fact that it was kept, it is pretty well kept as well.. the people there are wonderful, and there is such a great view. Kids didnt want to leave! They loved it and i did too.. I a sure the great wal of china is great for anyone.. It is jut the steps that got me.. heheh.. :P Go to West Beigin And enjoy your time.

      A "never forget experience"by Yahoo | 2008-01-16 01:17:17 |

      Have been to two parts of the wall for different reasons- Simitai for old and real and precipitious, hard walking but well worth the effort and Badaling to get an impression of what it WAS like - steep and strenuous but again well worth the effort if you make it to the top. An experience that you never forget especially if you take your time and savour the ancient feel and the construction achievement! Hire a car- good prices and you are than in no hurry to catch a bus and you can really enjoy the day our.

      Great Wall of Chinaby Yahoo | 2007-12-29 16:12:31 |

      I was here in December of 2005 to pick up my daughter my wife and I were adopting from Guangdong. It was very cold and windy, so we did not venture very high up the wall. The Chinese people were very nice, the coffee was great and the experience was once in a lifetime!

      Nothing Else Like Itby Yahoo | 2007-11-05 00:55:41 |

      The Great Wall is unlike anything else in the world. It's vastness is breathtaking as it extends off as far as one can see. Study the history of the wall before going to get the real atmosphere and feel of the wall. Walk along the same pathways presidents and rulers from all over the world throught the ages have walked. Go in the winter to see the wall with snowfall and fewer crowds. Go in the spring to see the flowering hillsides and in the autumn to see the leaves change color over the hillsides. I went on a rainy day once expecting to be disappointed, but the sight of the wall extending off into the fog was beautiful. This is a sight not to be missed and worth the 2-3 hour drive from Beijing. You can get a taxi to take you there to avoid the high prices charged by hotels. Go to the Mutianu section to avoid some of the crowds. Be prepared to walk up a hill to get to the wall.