The Great Wall of China – A Monumental Wonder and Testament to Chinese History

The Great Wall of China is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World but also a living museum of Chinese history. This impressive structure stretches approximately 8,850 km (about 5,500 miles), of which 6,250 km are man-made constructions and the rest are natural barriers. It stands as a witness to over 2,000 years of Chinese civilization. The earliest sections were built as far back as the 7th century BCE, but the most famous parts we admire today were constructed during the Ming Dynasty (15th–16th centuries).

Interestingly, the Wall was never a single continuous structure but rather a system of fortifications developed by various dynasties. Contrary to popular belief, the Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye – a common myth that does not diminish its true grandeur.

Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China

Sections of the Wall Open to Tourists

When planning a visit to the Great Wall, consider the various accessible sections. Each offers a unique character and level of difficulty:

  • Badaling – the most popular and best-preserved section
  • Mutianyu – less crowded, with stunning views
  • Jinshanling – perfect for trekking enthusiasts
  • Simatai – the only section open at night
  • Huanghua – lesser-known but very picturesque
  • Juyongguan – close to Beijing, steep and challenging

Badaling – The Most Popular Choice

Badaling is by far the most visited part of the Wall, attracting over 100 million tourists annually. This popularity has its pros and cons. On one hand, there is excellent tourist infrastructure and easy access (about 1.5 hours by train or bus from Beijing), but on the other, the crowds can be overwhelming.

Fun fact: The Badaling section is often closed to regular tourists during official delegation visits. It’s wise to check the schedule before your trip!

Badaling Great Wall of China
Badaling Great Wall of China

How to Plan Your Visit

Entrance to Badaling costs 40 RMB (about $6). It’s recommended to allocate at least 3–4 hours for your visit. Although cable cars are available (30 RMB one way), walking up is not particularly difficult and takes about 30–40 minutes.

Practical tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles – the stone steps can be slippery
  • Bring water and a hat – there is little shade on the Wall
  • The best photos are taken from the watchtowers
  • Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays – crowds can be overwhelming

Note: Since 2019, daily visitor limits have been introduced on some sections to protect the monument from overuse.

Alternative Sections – For Those Who Want to Avoid Crowds

If you’re seeking a more authentic experience, consider visiting these less popular sections:

  • Jiankou – a wild, unrestored section requiring good physical fitness
  • Huangyaguan – hosts an annual marathon on the Wall
  • Gubeikou – a historic site of many battles

Keep in mind that reaching these less accessible sections often requires private transport arrangements.

View from the Great Wall
Great Wall of China

The Great Wall in Culture and Tradition

The Great Wall is not just a tourist attraction but a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. In Chinese, it is called “Wanli Changcheng,” meaning “The Wall of Ten Thousand Li” (li being a traditional Chinese unit of distance).

Legend has it that the bones of workers who died during construction were embedded in the Wall. While there is no archaeological evidence to support this, the legend reflects the enormous human cost of the project – it’s estimated that up to a million people perished during its building.

Today, the Great Wall stands not only as a monument of history but also as a key element of Chinese national identity and a favorite destination for local tourists. Watching Chinese visitors, many treat climbing the Wall as a personal challenge and a source of pride.

Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China

Useful Links

When planning your trip to the Great Wall, consider bringing a guidebook like Lonely Planet China, which offers detailed information about the lesser-known sections of this extraordinary monument.