Great Wall of China Tours

The Wall’s history is long – almost as long as the structure itself which stretches snakelike across an incredible 17 of China’s 30 plus provinces, principalities, and autonomous regions. Constructed as fortifications by different states since the 7th century BC, the Great Wall was built during three significant historical periods – the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties. Now we know the duration and timing of dynasties can be a little confusing, but check out this brief history.

After Emperor Qin Shi Huang conquered adjoining states and unified China for the first time during 220-206 BC (yes, it really did happen that long ago!), he requested joining what were individual walls at the time with extensions – and so the initial structure was built.

During the Han Dynasty, this remarkable piece of engineering was reinforced to the west with the purpose of guarding the Silk Road and warding off invading Mongols. More additions and renovations were made during the Ming Dynasty, which ultimately resulted in this incredible feat of engineering winding through the country like a traditional Chinese dragon.

With the majority of our customers traveling long distances to visit China, we understand the imperative to make the most of every minute you’re on tour. It’s this very reason which prompted us to include the Mutianyu section in many of our multi-day best China tours.

There are several reasons the Mutianyu section holds so much appeal. For a start, it’s located just 70 kilometers from Beijing, making it very accessible in terms of travel time. This section of the wall is less frequented and crowded than both the Badaling and Juyongguan sections, and is both safe and manageable for those who might be concerned about the physical aspects of scaling the wall.

In terms of visual appeal, you’ll find Mutianyu well restored, with many original elements, including the unique watch towers, authentically preserved. When you visit, you can relax knowing your guide accompanies you for the day, providing interesting background information and insights about the history surrounding this section and other parts of the Wall. Many of its historical facts will astound you.

Did you know?

• It’s the longest structure ever built by humans.
• The main materials used were cement, rocks, bricks and dirt.
• The entire wall measures 21,196 kilometers and is more than 9 meters wide and 15 meters high.
• 7,000 watchtowers and beacons punctuate the wall for its entire length.
• Over the course of its history, over 800,000 people – both soldiers and civilians – were part of the construction crew.

Amazing right?! When you visit, whether it’s the Mutianyu section or any other, we guarantee it will be an enriching experience.

Finally visiting the Wall is exciting and even though we’re familiar with its rich history, we love sharing our enthusiasm with customers. We do that in many meaningful ways.

• Expect one of our enthusiastic local guides to meet you at your hotel for an early departure for your day’s adventure.
• Kick back and enjoy the drive to the Wall in air conditioned comfort. We only use current model cars and coaches for transfers.
• Want facts and figures? You’ll hear plenty of these as your guide shares their knowledge and information.
• Avoid the rush by arriving early, allowing you peak viewing time before walkways become overcrowded with other sightseers.

At Mutianyu, our tours combine travel on foot and by cable car. But be sure to take care. Once on the wall itself, the angle and width of steps, which are only a few feet wide in places, means that taking care is essential.

We’ve devised the format of our tours of the Great Wall with you mind. Every consideration has been given to making the most of this wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How do you narrow down which part of the Great Wall is best to visit when you have over 6,000 kilometers to choose from? It’s not easy, but our team of travel consultants at ChinaTours.com are a dedicated bunch and having crafted tours for Western travelers from all parts of the world, we’ve been able to refine the list and cater to just about every kind of adventurer.

For ease and convenience – Choose the Mutianyu section if you’re short on time but want an authentic experience of the wall. Well preserved and with great access, it’s a must for anyone doing a Beijing tour.

For dramatic views – As the first section opened to tourists, the Badaling section is a favorite. If you’re after the same experience enjoyed by heads of state from around the world – and the most tourists – Badaling is where you can tick that box.

For a ‘best of’ Great Wall experience – Over five kilometers long, Simatai has a reputation for the incredible endurance of the beacon and watch towers, which have retained their original construction despite the elements, wars, and millions of visitors.

For a taste of the wall’s mystique – Juyongguan Great Wall gained its reputation for being the ideal spot where ‘one man can hold out against ten thousand’. It’s a big claim, but when you see its location, we think you’ll agree. Built in a valley extending 15 kilometers, it offers wonderful views of the surroundings, particularly when in Spring bloom.

There are many other sections of the Great Wall worthy of exploring and you can discover them here . If you can’t find what you’re after, simply get in touch. Together we’ll create the perfect travel experience.

With the answers to this question almost as long as the wall itself, we figured it’s probably best to keep things simple. Regardless of where and when you visit, the Great Wall is popular, however, as travel insiders we can offer our guests the following insights for a unique and truly enjoyable experience:

• Avoid visiting the Great Wall in high summer or the middle of winter. Apart from the heat, you’ll find yourself competing for footholds with domestic travelers during summer. Peak season means the popular sections of the wall are crowded, so avoid this time if you prefer a more manageable pace. The middle of winter can be a challenge too, but only if you’re not a fan of the cold. With fewer tourists on the road, you may prefer an easier pace and reduced competition for views and photo opportunities.
• Plan your Great Wall tour for spring or autumn – China’s seasons mirror those of other countries in the northern hemisphere, so you’ll find spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) ideal times for making the trek to any of the sections on the Great Wall. For a truly special experience, time your visit to coincide with the start of Spring and you may just be lucky enough to catch the first of the seasons gorgeous cherry blossoms that cover the mountains around the Mutianyu section. Definitely worth the wait!