Join us for no commission-based shopping tours.
The very best in China.Great Wall Tours
No visit to China is complete without a visit to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks - the Great Wall of China. There are Great Wall tours for every kind of traveler, so come ready for adventure.
Planning a Great Wall of China trip? Then it pays to know how to make the most of every minute while you explore this incredible landmark.
There are many ways to experience the Great Wall and we’ve covered them all in an inspiring collection of tours that incorporate the very best sections. Because it is so fascinating and rich in history, the wall can be enjoyed as a destination in its own right on many of our multi-day small group or private China tours. And for the adventurer who wants to go their own way, there’s always a custom tour, allowing you to create a travel experience that’s designed exactly for you.
Our approach to tours of the Great Wall is to give you the sense you’re finally ticking off an essential from your bucket list. Appreciating that a visit to the wall is significant for all our customers, we plan our tours so they give you as much time as possible to explore. And although our guides have made the ascent many times, we totally understand it’s different for our customers. We get it! Finally standing up there and looking out over the countryside around Beijing and gaining a sense of the wall’s history and significance, is a very special - even an emotional - experience. It’s why we take great care in curating our tours. Our goal is you come away with lasting and beautiful travel memories.
Collect unique travel memories on Great Wall of China tours from Beijing
Read more
Travelers can access this UNESCO World Heritage listed site from many locations, however, most commonly, first time visitors start with a Beijing Great Wall tour. And it’s easy to see why. Beijing is an easy drive from the Mutianyu section and has been designed to make visiting easy, including for families and those with accessibility needs. You’ll love the convenience offered by a Beijing Great Wall tour. Enjoy the opportunity to see the countryside on the journey to the base of the mountain where the Mutianyu Wall is located, then travel by cable car up the mountain and then savor the final steps of the ascent, immersing yourself in the history that is found in every stone and outlook along the way. It’s a truly special experience and is included in many of our Beijing tours and multi-day small group and private tours.
As wonderful as Mutianyu is, there is more to the Great Wall and we love introducing other sections to our customers. If adventure is your thing, then consider a hiking tour. Maybe you’re a photographer and looking for the ultimate in lasting travel memories. Then consider visiting the Jiankou section with its steep ridges and endless views. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we can create exactly what you’re looking for.
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!
Yes, the Mutianyu section of the wall is family friendly. Perfect for those traveling with kids or with accessibility needs.
Great Wall of China Tours
A first time visitor to China can take advantage of thoughtfully designed multi-day tours that cover the best highlights in over 20 destinations, while also offering the advantage of guided travel that informs and makes for a more manageable experience. Choose from small group or private tours, or if you have your heart set on certain cities and experiences and can’t find them on our tours, we’ll design a custom tour that includes a Great Wall adventure you’ll always remember. Time in Beijing can always be extended to accommodate a Great Wall hike in any one of the most beautiful sections of the wall.
![6 Days China Ancient Capitals – A Tale of Two Cities](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/China-Ancient-Capitals.jpg)
6 Days China Ancient Capitals – A Tale of Two Cities
6 Days China Ancient Capitals – A Tale of Two Cities
![8 Days Golden Ring of China](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1-Golden-Ring-of-China-1.jpg)
8 Days Golden Ring of China
8 Days Golden Ring of China
![11 Days Beauty of China](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Beauty-of-China.jpg)
11 Days Beauty of China
11 Days Beauty of China
![12 Days China Wonders & Pandas](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/China-Wonders-Panda.jpg)
12 Days China Wonders & Pandas
12 Days China Wonders & Pandas
![13 Days Grand China with Pandas](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Grand-China-with-Pandas.jpg)
13 Days Grand China with Pandas
13 Days Grand China with Pandas
![10 Days Essence of China and Magical Avatar Mountain Tour](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Essence-of-China-and-Magical-Avatar-Mountain-1.jpg)
10 Days Essence of China and Magical Avatar Mountain Tour
10 Days Essence of China and Magical Avatar Mountain Tour
![14 Days Best of China plus Yangtze](https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/best-of-china-plus-yangtze.jpg)
14 Days Best of China plus Yangtze
14 Days Best of China plus Yangtze
What’s the best way to explore?
We have many people ask if the Great Wall can be enjoyed as a walk or hike.
We think we’ve got the best ways to explore the Wall all figured out, regardless of whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or creating a travel adventure with friends.
The good news is, ChinaTours.com can make arrangements for tours of the Great Wall which ever way you’d like to experience it. Here are just some of the options we know work for our customers:
- Try one of our half-day Mutianyu Great Wall tours from Beijing if you’re short on time.
- Head to Jinshanling for a serious hiking experience.
- Travel to the popular Badaling section and add other major highlights of Beijing for a full day of adventure.
And if one section isn’t enough, relax! We’ll create a custom tour that takes you from one end of the wall to the other - if that’s what you really want!
Most Beautiful Sections of the Great Wall?
The Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling section was the first to be opened to tourists. In many ways, it’s the most quintessential of all sections. With dramatic vistas that attract by far the largest number of domestic and international tourists, Badaling has even been visited by heads of state.
As perhaps the most beautiful section, the Badaling gained its reputation from being a key mountain pass which was built as part of the section of wall constructed during the Ming dynasty. Designed to be a fortification for Beijing, the mountains here overlap and are encircled by the structure.
Explorers can access Badaling with ease. In January 2020, the new high speed train line that links Beijing to Zhangjiakou makes light work of the trip to Badaling. Taking just half an hour, it’s the ideal way for getting there.
The Simatai Great Wall
The Simatai Great Wall
Considered to be the ‘best of the Great Wall’, the section known as Simatai is over five kilometers in length and holds 35 beacon towers, with 20 watch towers, all of which have been maintained in excellent condition.
Simatai is located in Gubeikou Town in the Miyun District of Beijing. It was originally constructed during the early years of the Ming Hongwu era, and later reinforced by Qi Jiguang, a general soldier from the town. Divided into two sections, the Simatai walls are built on a precipitous mountain, and evoke a sense of mystery and awe.The Juyongguan Great Wall
The Juyongguan Great Wall
Juyongguan can be found in the Changping District of Beijing. Located around 20 kilometers from the Badaling, this beautiful section is considered an important gateway to Beijing from the north. Its mystique is captured in the belief that due to its position as a stronghold, ‘One man can hold out against ten thousand’.
Juyongguan was built in a valley that spans 15 kilometers and is surrounded by hills, trees and blossoming flowers. Even 800 years ago, it was considered one of the eight most beautiful landscapes in the region around Beijing.
The Shanhaiguan Great Wall
The Shanhaiguan Great Wall
Shanhaiguan - or Shanhai Pass - can be found about 15 kilometers northeast of Qinhuangdao City in Hebei Province (and 300 kilometers east of Beijing). The Shanhaiguan section qualifies for this list for a couple of very good reasons.
First, it’s the section of the Wall which connects to the sea. In fact, the name Shanhaiguan literally means ‘mountain-sea-pass’ and it’s this connection which inspired the name Old Dragon’s Head (Laolongtou).
At a total length of 26 kilometers, Shanhaiguan is somewhat longer than others. It includes Old Longtou, South Wing, North Wing, and Jiaoshan, among others.
The Huangyaguan Great Wall
The Huangyaguan Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jiankou Great Wall
Jiankou Great Wall
If thrills and endless photography opportunities are your thing, then Jiankou is a must-see on the list of most beautiful sections of the Great Wall. Following the steep ridges of the mountains on which it’s built is enough to test the resolve of even the most fearless adventurer.
Jiankou gained its name from the bow and arrow likeness of its shape. Vastly different to the more popular Mutianyu, great care is required on Jiankou due to deterioration of the structure.
Hushan Great Wall
Hushan Great Wall
Fancy a sneak peak at North Korea? You can do that from Hushan Great Wall. Situated on the banks of the Yalu River and about 15 kilometers east of Dandong City in Liaoning Province, Hushan Great Wall is considered the start of the Great Wall from the east.
Incredibly, North Korea is visible on the opposite side of the river. Originally built to defend against the infestation of the Jurchen, the key landmark at Hushan is Tiger Mountain, which stands tall and steep. Adventurers can climb up for a unique view of both China and its neighbour, North Korea.
Miaojiang Great Wall
Miaojiang Great Wall
Remember, we’re flexible!
If our tour itineraries don’t meet your needs, let us know. We’ll tailor a Great Wall of China tour just for you.
Why ChinaTours.com?
![](png/no-commision-icon.png)
No commission-based shopping tours
![](png/real-people.png)
Talk with real people
![](png/travel-memories.png)
Create beautiful travel memories
![](png/best-choice.png)