Generated with sparks and insights from 11 sources

Travel Tips

Best Sections to Visit

Visit the Mutianyu section for a fully restored experience. Best visited in spring or fall. 1

Skip Badaling for less crowded sections like Mutianyu, and consider a visit to the Wild Wall. 2

Choose Mutianyu or Badaling for easier access and facilities like cable cars. For a wilder experience, consider Jinshanling or Jiankou. Consider booking a private car or joining a tour for convenience. 3

Best Time to Visit

Visit during spring or autumn for the best weather conditions. 4

Visit during early May or October for the best experience, but expect crowds. Winter offers fewer tourists and potential discounts on accommodations. Consider visiting less popular sections for a more unique experience. 5

Historical Insights and Ease of Transportation

Mutianyu section is less crowded. Consider a guided tour for historical insights and ease of transportation. 6

Consider a tour for convenient transportation and an enriching experience. 7

Unique Experiences and Views

The walk from Simatai to Jinshanling is highly recommended. 8

Consider the Mutianyu section for fewer crowds; take the cable car up and the luge down. 9

Preparation and Recommendations

Wear comfortable shoes for the hike. 10

Prepare for a challenging hike; the views are worth it. 11

About

History

• 🏯 Early Walls: Initial walls were built during the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475–221 BCE).
• 👑 Qin Dynasty: The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, connected various walls into a single system around 221 BCE.
• 🛡️ Han Dynasty: The Han dynasty extended the wall to protect against northern invaders.
• 🔨 Ming Dynasty: The most well-preserved sections were built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), using bricks and stones.
• 📜 Historical Records: Various dynasties contributed to the wall's construction, repair, and expansion over centuries.

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Construction

• 🪨 Materials: Early walls were made from rammed earth, stones, and wood; later, bricks and tiles were used.
• 🏗️ Techniques: Builders used local materials to ease transportation; stones in mountains, rammed earth in plains.
• 🧱 Ming Innovations: The Ming dynasty used bricks extensively, making the wall stronger and more durable.
• 🏰 Watchtowers: Numerous watchtowers were built for surveillance and signaling.
• 🛠️ Labor: Construction involved hundreds of thousands of workers, including soldiers and conscripted laborers.

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Significant Sections

• 🏞️ Badaling: The most famous section, near Beijing, first opened to the public and frequently visited by tourists.
• 🗻 Jinshanling: Known for its steep slopes and numerous watchtowers.
• 🏰 Mutianyu: Renowned for its well-preserved condition and scenic views.
• 🌊 Shanhai Pass: The traditional eastern end of the wall, where it meets the Bohai Sea.
• 🌉 Jiumenkou: Unique for being built as a bridge over a river.

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Tourism

• 🎟️ Tickets: Prices vary by section; Badaling charges around 40-45 RMB for adults.
• 🕒 Hours: Most sections are open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but hours can vary.
• 🚶‍♂️ Activities: Hiking, photography, and guided tours are popular activities.
• 🚌 Transportation: Accessible by bus, train, and private tours from major cities like Beijing.
• 📸 Best Time: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting due to mild weather and fewer crowds.

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Preservation

• 🛠️ Renovations: Many sections have been renovated, especially those near tourist centers.
• ⚠️ Threats: Erosion, vandalism, and construction projects pose significant threats.
• 📉 Disappearance: 22% of the Ming Great Wall has disappeared, with some sections reduced to less than 2 meters in height.
• 🧱 Materials: Some sections have been repaired with modern materials like concrete, which has been criticized.
• 🚧 Conservation: Efforts are ongoing to preserve and restore the wall, with varying degrees of success.

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Myths

• 🌕 Moon Myth: The Great Wall is not visible from the Moon with the naked eye.
• 🔭 Low Earth Orbit: It is barely visible from low Earth orbit and only under perfect conditions.
• 📜 Historical Claims: The myth dates back to a 1754 letter by William Stukeley and was popularized in the 19th century.
• 🛰️ Astronaut Reports: Astronauts like Gene Cernan and Ed Lu have stated that the wall is difficult to see from space.
• 📸 Misidentifications: Some images claimed to show the wall from space were actually rivers or other features.

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Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 10 6162 6022
🌐   Website: http://www.mutianyugreatwall.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: Huairou District, China, 101406
🔗   Profiles:

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