Great Wall of China Facts
21,196 km Wonder of the World
Quick Facts
Main Sections to Visit
Badaling (八达岭)
70 km NW of BeijingFeatures: First opened to public, wheelchair accessible
Best for: First-time visitors, families, easy access
Ticket: ¥40 (regular), ¥100 with cable car
Hours: 6:30am-7:00pm (summer), 7:30am-6:00pm (winter)
Mutianyu (慕田峪)
73 km NE of BeijingFeatures: Less crowded, forested mountains, toboggan slide down
Best for: Photographers, those seeking fewer crowds
Ticket: ¥45 (regular), ¥120 with cable car + toboggan
Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm
Jinshanling (金山岭)
125 km NE of BeijingFeatures: 67 watchtowers, steep slopes, 5-8m high
Best for: Hikers, photographers, sunrise/sunset
Ticket: ¥65
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Jiankou (箭扣)
100 km from BeijingFeatures: Wild, unrestored, steep and dangerous
Best for: Experienced hikers, photographers
Ticket: No ticket (unofficial access)
Hours: No official hours - wild section
Shanhaiguan (山海关)
Qinhuangdao, HebeiFeatures: Where wall meets the sea, Old Dragon Head
Best for: History buffs, seeing wall meet sea
Ticket: ¥50-100 (various sections)
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
Jiayuguan (嘉峪关)
Gansu ProvinceFeatures: Desert fortress, Ming dynasty fort
Best for: Silk Road travelers, desert landscapes
Ticket: ¥110
Hours: 8:30am-6:00pm
Key Numbers
| Item | Measurement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total Length (All Dynasties) | 21,196 km | 13,171 miles |
| Ming Dynasty Wall | 8,850 km | 5,500 miles |
| Wall Sections | 10,051 | Remaining sections |
| Ramparts/Trenches | 1,764 | Defensive features |
| Individual Buildings | 29,510 | Towers, forts, etc. |
| Fortifications/Passes | 2,211 | Major passes |
| Typical Height | 6-8 meters | 20-26 feet |
| Typical Width (Base) | 6-7 meters | 20-23 feet |
History
First Built: 7th century BC (Spring and Autumn period)
Qin Dynasty: 221 BC - First Emperor connected existing walls
Ming Dynasty: 1368-1644 - Built most famous sections we see today
Purpose: Defense against northern nomadic tribes (Xiongnu, Mongols, Jurchens)
Materials: Rammed earth, stone, brick (Ming era), wood for towers
Workers: Soldiers, peasants, prisoners - millions over centuries
Visiting Tips
Best Section: Badaling for first-timers, Mutianyu for fewer crowds
Best Season: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
Avoid: Chinese National Day (Oct 1-7), Summer weekends
From Beijing: Bus 877 from Deshengmen to Badaling (1.5h, ¥12)
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, allow 3-4 hours
Data Sources
- • Wikipedia: Great Wall of China
- • UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- • National Cultural Heritage Administration of China (2012 survey)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long is the Great Wall of China?
The total length is 21,196 km (13,171 miles) including all dynasties. The Ming Dynasty wall, which is the most famous and best-preserved section, is 8,850 km (5,500 miles).
Q2: Can you see the Great Wall from space?
No, this is a common myth. The Great Wall is only about 6-8 meters wide and cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. This was confirmed by astronauts including Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut.
Q3: Which section of the Great Wall should I visit?
Badaling is best for first-time visitors with easy access and facilities. Mutianyu offers fewer crowds and a scenic toboggan ride. Jinshanling is ideal for hiking and photography. Choose based on your fitness level and crowd tolerance.
Q4: How much does it cost to visit the Great Wall?
Tickets range from ¥40-¥110 depending on the section. Badaling is ¥40 (regular), Mutianyu is ¥45, with cable car options adding ¥75-120. Budget ¥100-150 per person including transport from Beijing.