Everything About the Great Wall of China - A Marvel of Humanity

Introduction to the Great Wall of China

Location

The Great Wall of China stretches across northern China, extending from Shanhai Pass in the east to Jiayu Pass in the west. However, most tourists typically visit three main wall sections located in Beijing, including:

• Badaling Section: This is the most well-preserved and frequently visited part of the wall. Located approximately 70km northwest of Beijing's city center, it is a popular choice for tourists.
• Mutianyu Section: Situated about 80km northeast of Beijing, this section is less crowded than Badaling and offers breathtaking natural scenery.
• Simatai Section: Known for its rugged and adventurous appeal, this section is ideal for thrill-seekers. It is located around 120km northeast of Beijing.

Ticket Prices

• Badaling: Entrance fees are approximately 40 CNY (140,000 VND) during the off-season and 45 CNY (158,000 VND) during peak season.
• Mutianyu: Entrance fees are around 40 CNY (140,000 VND), with additional costs for cable cars or toboggans.
• Simatai: Entrance fees are about 40 CNY (140,000 VND), with potential extra charges for adventure activities like hiking.

Visiting Hours

• Badaling: 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM (summer); 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (winter).
• Mutianyu: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Simatai: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Introduction to the Great Wall of China (Image: @canva)

The Great Wall of China spans approximately 21,196 kilometers, constructed across multiple dynasties starting from the 7th century BC and continuing until the 17th century AD. This means the Great Wall has a history of over 2,500 years.

This monumental 'fortress' now stretches across 15 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China, including Hebei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and more. Recognized as the world's largest and longest military structure, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Additionally, it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a top tourist destination in China, attracting millions of visitors annually.

History of the Great Wall of China

The origins of the Great Wall of China trace back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475 BC - 221 BC). Initially, it served as military fortifications and walls built by smaller states to defend against the Xiongnu, a powerful tribe that dominated the Eurasian steppe for centuries.

The Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475 BC - 221 BC)

770 BC - 476 BC (Spring and Autumn Period): Small states like Yan, Zhao, and Qin began constructing individual walls to protect themselves from invasions by neighboring states and northern nomadic tribes.

475 BC - 221 BC (Warring States Period): These states continued to expand and reinforce their individual walls. This period marks the early stages of the Great Wall's history.

The Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC)

221 BC: Qin Shi Huang unified China and ordered the connection and expansion of individual wall sections into a continuous system to protect the nation from invasions. This is considered the official beginning of the Great Wall of China.

221 BC - 206 BC: The construction project mobilized hundreds of thousands of laborers, including farmers, soldiers, and prisoners. The wall was primarily built using rammed earth and stone.

The Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)

206 BC - 220 AD: The Han Dynasty further expanded the Great Wall, particularly westward, to safeguard the Silk Road and control trade with Western regions.

The Sui Dynasty (581 - 618)

581 - 618: The Sui Dynasty undertook significant construction and repair projects, connecting wall sections from earlier periods to strengthen the northern borders.

The Tang Dynasty (618 - 907)

618 - 907: During this period, the Tang Dynasty focused less on building the Great Wall and instead prioritized economic growth and international trade.

The Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)

1368 - 1644: The golden age of the Great Wall's history. The Ming Dynasty extensively rebuilt and reinforced the wall using bricks and stones, creating a more durable and robust structure. Most of the wall sections that remain today were constructed during this period.

The Qing Dynasty (1616 - 1912)

During the Qing Dynasty, the Great Wall saw little further development and was primarily maintained in its existing state.

Information about the Great Wall of China through thousands of years of history (Image: @camkix)

Spanning 9 dynasties and over 2,000 years of construction, the Great Wall required immense resources, effort, and the lives of millions. Its significance extends beyond a military defense structure to a gateway controlling movement and trade.

The gates and passes along the Great Wall helped regulate and protect trade routes like the Silk Road, fostering commerce between China and other regions.

Ideal Time to Visit

The best time of the year to explore the Great Wall on a China tour is autumn (September to November). Due to Beijing's proximity to the desert, the climate is harsh, with cold, snowy winters and springs, and sweltering summers. The exposed sections of the Wall require extensive walking, making visits during these seasons challenging, especially for families with children.

In contrast, Beijing's autumn weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for long walks. The only downside is the large number of tourists, as this is also the peak domestic travel season, particularly during China's National Day holiday (October 1st annually). Vietnamese travelers may want to avoid this period.

Introduction to the Great Wall of China and the ideal visiting time (Image: @tiffanywenyichien)

Traveling to the Great Wall of China

Travelers departing from Vietnam to Beijing should opt for flights or trains to optimize their experience. Long-distance buses are not recommended due to the extended travel time and distance.

Typically, flying takes around 4 hours, with round-trip tickets from Hanoi to Beijing or Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing ranging from 8,000,000 VND to 9,000,000 VND depending on the season. If choosing the train, the journey from Hanoi to Beijing takes approximately 2 days, but the cost is significantly lower compared to flying.

From Beijing to various sections of the Great Wall, visitors can choose between trains or buses for convenient travel.

Badaling Section

• Train

Train from Beijing North Railway Station: You can take the S2 train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Station. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Ticket price: Approximately 6 CNY (21,000 VND).

• Bus

Bus number 877 from Deshengmen Station runs directly to Badaling, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the destination.

Ticket price: Around 12 CNY (42,000 VND).

Tourist buses from Qianmen Station go straight to Badaling and often include guided tour services.

Ticket price: Approximately 100 - 200 CNY (350,000 - 700,000 VND), including entrance fees.

Buses are an affordable transportation option in Beijing, China (Image: @wrx34297)

Mutianyu Section

• Bus

Take bus number 916 Express from Dongzhimen Station to Huairou Beidajie Station, then transfer to local buses H23, H24, H35, or H36 to reach Mutianyu. The total travel time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

Ticket price: Around 12 CNY (42,000 VND) for the 916 Express bus and 5 CNY (17,500 VND) for local buses.

Tourist buses from Beijing run directly from the city center to Mutianyu.

Ticket price: Approximately 100 - 200 CNY (350,000 - 700,000 VND), including entrance fees.

Simatai Section

• Bus

Tourist buses from Dongzhimen Bus Station go directly from Beijing to Gubei Water Town, near Simatai. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Ticket price: 100 - 200 CNY (350,000 - 700,000 VND), including entrance fees to Gubei Water Town.

Take bus number 980 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station, then transfer to local buses Mi 37 or Mi 50 to reach Gubei Water Town. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Ticket price: 15 CNY (52,000 VND) for the 980 Express bus and 10 CNY (35,000 VND) for local buses.

Great Wall of China Tour Map

According to the Great Wall map, it is not just a continuous long wall but also includes sections interspersed with watchtowers and passes designed to enhance its defensive features. Many of these passes remain famous to this day.

Great Wall of China Map (Image: @alongwalker)

Juyong Pass (Juyongguan)

Juyong Pass is one of the three most famous passes of the Great Wall, located in Changping District, Beijing. This pass played a crucial strategic role in protecting Beijing from the northwest and controlling the main route to the capital.

Key features:

• Architecture: Built during the Ming Dynasty, Juyong Pass features a robust structure with solid walls and numerous watchtowers.
• Scenery: Situated in a picturesque valley, it is surrounded by majestic mountains.
• History: This pass has witnessed many historical battles and served as a critical checkpoint in defending Beijing.

Juyong Pass - Juyongguan (Image: @sittinsenegez)

Shanhai Pass (Shanhaiguan)

If this grand structure is called the "Earth Dragon," then Shanhai Pass is the "Dragon's Head" of the Great Wall. Located in Hebei Province, it marks the easternmost point of the wall, where it meets the Bohai Sea, and is regarded as the "First Pass Under Heaven."

Key features:

• Architecture: Shanhai Pass boasts a complex and sturdy structure with multiple gates, watchtowers, and fortresses.
• Scenery: The pass is uniquely characterized by its combination of mountains and sea, creating a landscape that is both majestic and romantic.
• History: Shanhai Pass has witnessed numerous significant historical events, including the Manchu invasion of China.

Shanhai Pass - Shanhaiguan (Image: @ariantosurojo)

Jiayu Pass (Jiayuguan)

According to information about the Great Wall, Jiayu Pass is located in Gansu Province, a strategic desert fortress and the westernmost point of the wall.

Key features:

• Architecture: Built during the Ming Dynasty, Jiayu Pass features a robust fortress system with multiple layers of protective stone.
• Scenery: Situated between the Gobi Desert and the Qilian Mountains, the pass offers a rugged and awe-inspiring landscape.
• History: Jiayu Pass was a vital point on the Silk Road, serving as a gateway for trade between China and Western nations.

Jiayu Pass - Jiayuguan (Image: @lintsou)

Yanmen Pass (Yanmenguan)

Yanmen Pass is located in Shanxi Province and is one of the most important passes of the Great Wall, playing a strategic role in defending northern China.

Key features:

• Architecture: The pass features tall, sturdy walls, along with numerous watchtowers and fortresses.
• Scenery: Nestled between two steep cliffs, Yanmen Pass boasts a majestic beauty and is famously known as a perilous pass that only wild geese can fly through.
• History: Yanmen Pass has witnessed many historical battles and remains a crucial frontier defense point for China.

Architecture at Yanmen Pass - Yanmenguan (Image: @starho8989)

Badaling

In the grand panorama of the Great Wall, Badaling is the most famous and well-preserved section, located about 70 km northwest of Beijing. It was also the first section of the Wall to open to tourists.

Key features:

• Architecture: This section was built during the Ming Dynasty, showcasing unique and robust architectural features.
• Scenery: Badaling symbolizes the grandeur of nature, where beauty extends beyond bricks and stones to the majestic mountain landscapes that change colors with the seasons.
• Tourism: It is the most popular tourist destination on the Great Wall, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Badaling in the grand panorama of the Great Wall of China (Image: @yijia246)

Simatai

Located in Miyun District, Beijing, Simatai is a famous section of the Great Wall known for its rugged beauty, challenging terrain, and reputation as the most dangerous part of the Wall.

Key features:

• Architecture: This section features numerous watchtowers and steep staircases, particularly watchtowers number 8 and 12.
• Scenery: Simatai is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including mountains, cliffs, and lakes.
• Adventure: This section is ideal for those who love adventure and exploring challenging paths.

Scenery at Simatai (Image: @cctv)

Jinshanling

Located in Luanping County, Hebei Province, Jinshanling is one of the most pristine and less crowded sections of the Great Wall.

Key features:

• Architecture: The Jinshanling section features original qilin paintings and is constructed with inscribed bricks, a unique architectural style visible only at the eastern gate.
• Scenery: Jinshanling boasts stunning landscapes with lush green hills and expansive views.
• Tourism: This section is less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing experience of the Great Wall.

Majestic Jinshanling (Image: @kyoko1903)

Interesting Facts About the Great Wall of China

According to travel experiences in China, beyond its cultural, military, and historical significance, the Great Wall holds many unsolved mysteries and fascinating stories, such as:

The Great Wall was not its original name

In fact, after unifying China, Qin Shi Huang ordered the connection of defensive walls from the seven Warring States, naming it the "Long Wall," meaning a lengthy defensive structure.

Later, the wall was referred to by various names like "The Barrier," "The Fortress," or "The Earth Dragon." The name "Great Wall" became widely used in the 19th century to describe the wall stretching thousands of miles.

The Great Wall is the longest "cemetery" in the world

To this day, the exact number of people who died during the construction of the Great Wall remains a controversial topic. However, it is roughly estimated that 1 to 2 million people lost their lives during its construction.

During the Qin Dynasty alone, around 300,000 laborers and prisoners were mobilized to build the Wall. Those who died during construction were buried in mass graves at the base of the Wall and covered with soil.

The Great Wall cannot be seen from the Moon

There was once a myth that the Great Wall could be seen from the Moon, but scientists have proven this to be false. Due to its narrow structure, despite its impressive length, the Wall is not visible from space.

In fact, no architectural structure can be seen from space without the aid of satellite imaging equipment.

The Great Wall is not a continuous structure

The Great Wall is not a single continuous structure but a system of walls, fortresses, watchtowers, and defensive works built across various dynasties and terrains.

This is because the Great Wall was constructed by multiple dynasties across diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, plains, and valleys. Each section was built according to the local terrain and natural conditions, resulting in its non-continuous nature.

Tourists will be fined for taking bricks from the Great Wall

The entire Great Wall has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site. Therefore, tourists who take bricks or carve their names on the Wall as souvenirs can be fined 5,000 CNY (18,000,000 VND).

Facts and stories surrounding the Great Wall of China (Image: @wander.awhile)

Where to stay when visiting the Great Wall

In China, particularly in Beijing, public transportation is well-developed, making travel relatively convenient. When visiting the Great Wall, tourists can choose to stay in hotels in Beijing or opt for accommodations near the Wall for easier access. Below are 5 recommended hotels near the Great Wall:

Hotels near the Great Wall of China, Beijing (Image: @tripadvisor)

What to eat when visiting the Great Wall of China

There are no dining options on the Great Wall, so visitors should bring water and light snacks like pastries or fruits for energy during long walks. After the tour, travelers can choose from traditional restaurants in the area to relax and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, such as:

Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (Quanjude Kaoyadian)

Address: 1 Zhongguancun East Road, 1/F, Unit A, Technology Building, Tsinghua Technology Park.

Signature dish: Peking Duck is the restaurant's famous offering, popular among tourists visiting the Great Wall.

Peking Duck is renowned for its delicious flavor (Image: @michelle.in_melb_guide)

Xinshuangquan Restaurant

Address: Mutianyu Roundabout, Huairou District, Beijing.

Signature dishes: When booking a Beijing tour, visitors should stop by Xinshuangquan Restaurant to enjoy a variety of other enticing local specialties. The restaurant is famous for its local and Beijing-style dishes, including hot pot and stir-fried dishes.

The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Address: 12 Mutianyu Village, Huairou District, Beijing.

Signature dishes: This restaurant offers traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh local ingredients.

Old Beijing Zhajiangmian Restaurant

Address: DongChengQu WuSi DaJie Bei ChiZi DaJie, Beijing.

Signature dish: Zhajiangmian (Beijing-style black bean sauce noodles) is the restaurant's famous dish and a must-try when visiting.

Beijing-style black bean sauce noodles attract food enthusiasts (Image: @riosgarden)

Travel tips for visiting the Great Wall of China

Some tips for tourists visiting the Great Wall of China:

• Choose comfortable, easy-to-move clothing, especially sports or hiking shoes for steep terrain. If visiting during hot weather, bring breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection. In cold weather, wear warm clothing and bring gloves and a scarf.
• To avoid long queues, purchase tickets online or through reputable travel agencies. Select the appropriate ticket type, such as entrance-only or tickets including cable car services.
• In China, most payments are made via WeChat, and some remote sections of the Wall may not accept credit cards. Carry enough cash for tickets, meals, shopping, and other services.
• Considerations when choosing a section to visit:
• Badaling: Popular and easily accessible, but often crowded.
• Mutianyu: Well-preserved, less crowded, and offers cable car services.
• Jinshanling and Simatai: Ideal for those seeking less crowded, rugged, and scenic sections.
• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and crowds.
• Bring enough water to stay hydrated during your visit.
• Follow regulations: Protect the environment, avoid littering, and adhere to guidelines from the management.

We hope this article has provided you with useful information about the Great Wall of China - a magnificent wonder of humanity. If you're not confident about traveling independently, you can book a 5-day, 4-night China tour package with Mytour Travel for a perfect experience.

Author: Dung

Image source: Internet