Is The Great Wall Of China Worth Visiting?

What To Know Before Visiting The Great Wall

Standing on the Great Wall of China for the first time is a moment we have looked forward to for a long time. It is an iconic experience with breathtaking landscapes and a sense of awe that’s hard to put into words. But with its immense size, multiple entry points, the big crowds, and the travel time required to reach it, you might be wondering: Is the Great Wall of China worth visiting?

In this guide, we share what the experience is truly like and what you can expect if you are visiting one of the sections close to Beijing, the Mutianyu section. Then you can decide whether this wonder of the world deserves a place on your travel itinerary.

Highlights Of The Mutianyu Section Of The Great Wall

History Of The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China stretches an amazing 21,000 kms across mountains, valleys, and deserts, an engineering feat that took place over thousands of years. The earliest walls appeared around 800 BC, built by different states trying to protect their borders.

But the first truly unified effort came in 221 BC, when Emperor Qin Shi Huang, of the Qin dynasty, ordered the construction of a 5,000 km wall. But this early structure was very different than what we see today. It was made mostly of clay, mud, and branches, built rather quickly as a defensive line against northern invaders who were fighting for food.

Over the centuries, new dynasties expanded and reinforced the Wall. Another 5,000 kms was added with stronger materials, improving the strength and defensive capability. But it was during the Ming Dynasty that the Great Wall was transformed into the structure that we see today. The Ming emperors built 8,800 kms of walls using bricks and stone, creating watchtowers, fortresses, and beautifully preserved sections near Beijing.

In total, the Wall developed seven different architectural styles in the Beijing area alone, thanks to its importance as the imperial capital. As a result of its historical significance, the Wall was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

✅ If you are looking for a private tour to visit the Great Wall, then consider booking the company we used. We enjoyed both the Great Wall and the Summer Palace in one day. This 5-star tour provides a clean and comfortable car, an English speaking guide and all your tickets. We would highly recommend this experience for a memorable day.

The Best Section Of The Wall To Visit From Beijing

With so many styles and a number of wall sections around Beijing, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, some of the most beautiful and well-preserved stretches of the Wall are closest to the city. These areas were built to impress visiting officials and protect the capital, so they feature stunning scenery, sturdy construction, and have been well restored.

Among all the options like Badaling, Jinshanling, Jiankou, and more, the Mutianyu section stands out as a great choice for its proximity to the city. It offers spectacular views and easier access than the more rugged areas.

We were told this area was less crowded than Badaling, but from what we saw when we were leaving, it seemed like a pretty popular section.  We were very thankful that we arrived early and were on the chair lift by 9:00am. This gave us the ability to walk along the wall with only a few other people which allowed us to have unobstructed views.

On our way down at around 11:00am, the queues for the chair lift were extensive. Our guide advised that this was typical, so if you are planning your visit, go early. We think even though it was crowded later in the morning, Mutianyu is still a good option for those wanting a scenic yet manageable experience. 

Accessing The Wall

One of the reasons Mutianyu is so enjoyable is its smooth and easy access from Beijing. The Wall is only 1 1/2 hours from the city, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day trip. We chose a private tour company that has exclusive access to the parking lot at the top, close to the entrance location. If you go with other companies, you will need to board a shuttle bus that brings you to the entrance.

Once you arrive, the chair lift is the most popular way to reach the Wall itself. It climbs 600 metres up the mountainside, offering fantastic views of the forested hills and giving you a preview of the incredible panoramas waiting at the top.

For the descent, you can take the same chair lift, ride the enclosed cable car, similar to the one we saw in the Blue Mountains, at the opposite end, or opt for the toboggan ride for a fun slide down the hillside. Unfortunately, the toboggan is limited to guests under 60 years old, so it wasn’t available for both of us. We opted instead for the open-air chair lift, which we absolutely loved for the views and fresh mountain air.

What You Can Expect At The Mutianyu Section

The Mutianyu section was built approximately 520 years ago and originally stretched 60 kilometres, though today 5.7 kilometres are open to the public. This area includes 20 watchtowers, giving you plenty of opportunities to walk through, explore, and get a real appreciation for the structure.

Once you step onto the Wall, you’ll have the choice to go to the east or the west, and the experience differs depending on your direction. The east side is the most scenic, offering gorgeous views of the mountains and some of the most photogenic stretches of the Wall. This side includes a mix of easier paths but also steeper staircases, and we were told many people will choose this side for their first time.

The west side is a little less dramatic but still beautiful, with easier walking sections. Whichever way you choose, you can explore several watchtowers, climb at your own pace, and take in the incredible scenery. We did the entire east side and a portion of the west side and found that to be enough.

The highest point in the Mutianyu area reaches 1,000 metres, and some parts of the Wall are really steep. The step heights vary a lot. Some steps are shallow, while others are very tall and require a bigger effort. Because of this, the walk can be a workout, but it’s manageable if you have good walking shoes and take your time.

Keep in mind that there are several sections that don’t have any handrails, so you need to be steady on your feet. Watchtowers along the way gave us points to stop and rest.

Walking here also gives you a good idea of the scale and engineering behind the Great Wall. At its peak, it took workers half a year just to complete 100 metres. The Wall averages 6–7 metres high and 5.5–6.5 metres wide in many areas, though in the steepest mountainous sections, some parts measure only 30 cms. This really shows how challenging the terrain was and how much work it took when they built the Great Wall over the centuries.

Overall, Mutianyu is known to be straightforward to navigate, offers excellent viewpoints, and provides easy access to this bucket list location.

How Long Do You Need For A Visit?

A visit to the Great Wall, especially the Mutianyu section, can easily fit into a half-day or full-day trip from Beijing. In total, plan for 4 to 5 hours, depending on how long you want to spend exploring and taking photos.

Here’s a suggested breakdown for your planning:

• 1 1/2 hours each way from Beijing
• 15–20 minutes for shuttle buses and the cable car or chairlift
• 2–3 hours on the Wall itself

Taking your time ensures you can enjoy the history and pathways of the Great Wall without feeling rushed.

Some Additional Tips

1. You need to bring your passport. Your tickets are attached to your passport, and the original document will be required
2. Be sure to have a good pair of walking shoes. There are uneven sections, and some of the steps are quite narrow
3. There are shops with food and drink at the entrance points, but once you are on the Wall, there isn’t anything, so we recommend you bring at least some water

The Final Word…Is The Great Wall Of China Worth Visiting?

After spending time at Mutianyu, we can confidently say that visiting the Great Wall of China is absolutely worth it. From the stunning vistas to the unique architecture, Mutianyu offers an unforgettable experience and a true appreciation for the history that has shaped this extraordinary structure. 

Whether you’re interested in history, photography, or simply seeing one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, this section of the Wall was one of our most memorable moments while visiting Beijing.

Check out our post on Beijing to see the top attractions you should consider visiting.