The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world — the longest wall in the world, an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. The Great Wall of China is the must-visit China attraction. Perhaps the most powerful advertising words in history come from the poetic pen of Chairman Mao: "Until you reach the Great Wall, you're no hero." Figuratively this has come to mean 'to get over difficulties before reaching a goal'. Take a trip to the Great Wall of China would definitely be a once a lifetime experience.
Our tours will go with a professional mountain guide so you can expect personal attention and professional service from your guides and much more unique experience than most China tours.
Best Recommended Great Wall Tours
- For the first-time visitor to Beijing.
- Price From US$ 98 p/p
- Get the best view of the most essential part.
- Price From US$ 153 p/p
- Challenge yourself to explore the wildest part.
- Price From US$ 146 p/p
FAQs about Great Wall Tours
1. What are the different features of major sections of the Great Wall?
- The Great Wall at Mutianyu:
Complete wall, most watch towers on the shortest section, and fortified passes. This area is a reconstruction but done very well. Mutianyu is the most popular attraction in Beijing on Trip Advisor, and most recommend section with international travelers, guidebooks and travel bloggers. It is less crowed than Badaling and Juyongguan sections. Winding on the high mountains and lofty hills, the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall features a great deal of historical, architectural, and military significance.
- The Great Wall at Jinshanling:
An original section with a series of watchtowers and peculiar structures. The Great Wall at Jinshanling was first built in the North Qi Dynasty (550–557). You can still find the ruins of the wall from this period. This section of the Great Wall is situated on the ’Golden Mountains’. It is one of the best places for Great Wall hiking.
- The Great Wall at Jiankou:
The most precipitous section of the Great Wall, wild, weathered and primitive. Jiankou is a "wild" (unrepaired) section of the Great Wall. It was built on ridges with steep cliffs on each side, which makes it one of the most dangerous sections. It's only recommended for experienced and sure-footed mountain hikers.
2. How difficult is it to hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu?
This hiking route is comparatively more difficult to hike because of its craggy and unrepaired condition. It requires average fitness to complete, very suitable for hikers of previous mountain climbing experience. As for children, parents should decide whether or not to take them based on children’s physical situation.
The part from Xizhazi Village at mountain foot to Zhengbeilou Watch Tower takes almost one hour of tough climbing. The mountain is craggy with no fixed paths. The only way is to walk through the jungle and keep staring at your destination (Zhengbeilou Watch Tower) on top of the mountain in order not to get lost.
The real hiking starts after climbing up to Zhengbeilou. The majority parts of Jiankou Great Wall are heavily weathered with no steps. Its slippery and steep slopes (almost 90 degrees) are also full of ripraps. As you leave behind Jiankou and enter Mutianyu Great Wall, which is fully repaired, you’ll feel suddenly entering into an open space where the roads are smoother and your views panoramic.