Know Before You Go: Visiting the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is actually comprised of several sections, each with its own appeal. The Badaling section, the most popular, is an easily accessible option for a day trip—it can also be combined with a day of sightseeing in Beijing. The Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections have both been restored, but they receive fewer visitors and the latter has a cable car. Meanwhile, those looking for a wild wall experience can head for more remote sections, such as the stretch between Jinshanling and Simatai known for its Great Wall hiking.

Since public transportation to the Great Wall is a challenge, one of the most convenient and informative ways to visit is with a tour guide. Private and small-group tours typically last six to eight hours. Private tours also offer even greater intimacy and flexibility.

Travelers looking to make the most of their time in Beijing can combine a visit to the Great Wall with other notable area attractions. Enter the Ming Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where China’s emperors of old were laid to rest; marvel at the grandeur of the Forbidden City; or stroll through the lavish lakeside retreat of Empress Dowager Cixi.

It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes when visiting the wall, as many sections require climbing steep stone steps and walking along uneven surfaces. There’s little shade at many of the sights, so don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated either.