The Great Wall of China is less a single wall than a vast network of fortifications built and rebuilt over nearly 2,000 years. Its stone watchtowers marching across mountain ridges near Beijing are among the most photographed sights on Earth. In Part 4 of World Landmarks, we separate fact from myth and explain how to pick the right section, book tickets and get there.
The Great Wall at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total length | 21,196 km including all walls and trenches (2012 official survey) |
| Built | From the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD |
| Best-preserved sections | Ming dynasty (1368–1644), especially around Beijing |
| UNESCO | World Heritage Site since 1987 |
| Most visited sections | Badaling and Mutianyu |
A short history
Chinese states were building defensive walls long before China was unified. After Qin Shi Huang united the country in 221 BC, he linked several earlier walls into a single defensive system against northern nomadic peoples. Later dynasties extended, repaired and abandoned sections as borders shifted.
The wall most visitors see near Beijing dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). After the Mongols were driven out, the Ming rebuilt the defences in brick and stone, with watchtowers, garrison stations and signal beacons that could relay warnings by smoke or fire. According to UNESCO, the wall was meant not only to protect China from outside aggression but also to preserve its culture.
How long is it? A survey by China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage, announced in 2012, measured all known sections built over the centuries at 21,196.18 km. An earlier figure of about 8,850 km covered only the Ming walls.
Myth: you can see it from space
This is false. NASA says the wall is generally not visible to the naked eye from low Earth orbit, and certainly not from the Moon. It is long but narrow, and similar in colour to the land around it. China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, said in 2003 that he could not see it.
Which section should you visit?
| Section | Distance from Beijing | Character | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badaling | About 60–70 km | Most restored and most crowded | Cable cars, high-speed train station, night visits in season |
| Mutianyu | About 73 km | Restored, wooded, scenic, less crowded | Cable car, chairlift and toboggan ride down |
| Jinshanling | Further, in Hebei | Partly restored, superb for photography and hiking | Cable car |
| Simatai | In Gubei Water Town area | Known for night visits | Part of a resort complex |
| Jiankou | Remote | Unrestored "wild" wall, steep and dangerous | None; not an official scenic area |
Our pick for most first-time visitors is Mutianyu: it balances beautiful scenery, good restoration and family-friendly transport, including a toboggan ride down. Badaling is easiest to reach by train but very crowded. Photographers and fit hikers love Jinshanling.
Tickets 2026
| Item | Price (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Badaling entry | ¥40 (Apr–Oct), ¥35 (Nov–Mar) |
| Mutianyu entry | ¥45 (official operator) |
| Mutianyu cable car | ¥100 one-way, ¥140 return |
| Mutianyu shuttle bus | ¥15 |
| Mutianyu chairlift + toboggan combo | About ¥140 (reported) |
- Real-name booking is required: book online through the official channels (for Badaling, the official website or WeChat account) using your passport details, and bring the same passport.
- Badaling offers free or half-price entry for children and seniors with ID.
- Prices for some extras come from operators rather than official pages and may change.
Opening hours
Badaling opens early (around 6:30 am for most of the year, 7:30 am in winter) and closes between 6 pm and 7:30 pm depending on the season. Mutianyu opens around 7:30 am. Cable cars stop earlier than the wall itself. Allow two to four hours on the wall, or a full day including travel. Check the official channels for the latest times.
Best time to visit
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) bring mild weather and clear views; autumn foliage at Mutianyu is spectacular.
- Avoid Chinese public holidays, especially the National Day "Golden Week" (1–7 October) and Labour Day, when crowds are enormous.
- Arrive at opening time on a weekday for the quietest experience.
- Winter is cold but can be beautiful after snow, with far fewer visitors.
How to get there from Beijing
- Badaling: the high-speed train from Beijing North or Qinghe station reaches Badaling Great Wall station in about 20–30 minutes. Book on China's 12306 rail system. The S2 suburban line is a slower option.
- Mutianyu: public bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then a local connection; or the tourist buses from central Beijing. By car it takes about 1.5 hours via the G45 expressway.
- Many visitors book a private driver or small-group tour, especially for Jinshanling.
Safety and rules
- Steps are steep and uneven: wear shoes with good grip and carry water.
- Climbing unopened "wild" sections is restricted and can lead to fines; at Mutianyu, visitors who crossed a no-entry sign were banned from buying tickets.
- Most sections are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Entering China
China has expanded visa-free travel. Its 240-hour visa-free transit policy covers citizens of 57 countries (as of August 2026) travelling onward to a third country, including the US. Many countries, including the UK and Canada, also have unilateral 30-day visa-free entry until the end of 2026. Indian passport holders are not covered and still need a visa. Always confirm the current rules with a Chinese embassy before booking.
Combine the wall with the Forbidden City (Part 13) in Beijing and the Terracotta Army (Part 14) in Xi'an.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the Great Wall is best?
For most first-time visitors, Mutianyu offers the best mix of scenery, restoration and fewer crowds. Badaling is the most accessible by public transport.
How long is the Great Wall?
About 21,196 km, according to an official Chinese survey released in 2012 that included all historic sections.
Can you see the Great Wall from space?
No, not with the naked eye from orbit, according to NASA and Chinese astronauts.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Real-name booking with your passport is standard, and popular dates sell out, especially during Chinese holidays.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – The Great Wall
- Mutianyu Great Wall – official tickets page
- Visit Beijing (official) – Badaling Great Wall
- NASA – Great Wall less great from space
- CBC News – Great Wall of China even longer than previously thought
- Shanghai Government – 240-hour visa-free transit policy (2026)
World Landmarks: the full series
- Part 1: Eiffel Tower
- Part 2: Acropolis of Athens
- Part 3: Angkor Wat
- Part 4: Great Wall of China (you are here)
- Part 5: Chichén Itzá
- Part 6: Stonehenge
- Part 7: Alhambra
- Part 8: Sagrada Família
- Part 9: Statue of Liberty
- Part 10: Christ the Redeemer
- Part 11: Neuschwanstein Castle
- Part 12: Tower of London
- Part 13: Forbidden City
- Part 14: Terracotta Army
- Part 15: Sydney Opera House
- Part 16: Pompeii
- Part 17: Palace of Versailles
- Part 18: Vatican and Sistine Chapel
- Part 19: Hagia Sophia
- Part 20: Louvre Museum
Prices, opening hours and entry rules in this guide were checked against official sources in October 2026. They change often, so always confirm on the official website before you travel.
