Trips and Tours to The Great Wall of ChinaTake a guided tour to one of the worlds most famous landmarks.
When do you want to go?
2024
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Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Visit the Great Wall of China
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China draws over 10 million visitors every year eager to experience the sheer grandeur of this ancient wall. The Great Wall is one of the world’s largest construction projects thought to be between 5,500m (8,850km) to 13,171m (21,196km) long. The wall is made up of two parallel walls that go on from length stretches, watchtowers and barracks. Join us on a guided tour to the Great Wall for a scenic hike along a portion of the wall. As you walk along the ancient stones, a knowledgeable guide brings to life the rich history and cultural significance of the Wall, which dates back more than two millennia. From breath-taking panoramic views to stories of ancient dynasties and military strategies, a guided tour provides a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage site, making your experience not just a visit, but a step back in time.
Tours to the Great Wall of China
Taking a tour to the Great Wall of China is an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in one of humanity's most remarkable achievements. Whether you explore the popular sections like Badaling, with its well-preserved and easily accessible paths, or Huanghuacheng, where a portion of the wall is partially submerged underwater, a guided tour ensures that you gain insights into the Wall's construction, purpose, and enduring legacy. The tour provides not only convenient transportation and expert guidance but also the chance to marvel at the stunning landscapes that stretch for miles, making the experience as awe-inspiring as the Wall itself.
What to expect when visiting the Great Wall
When visiting the Great Wall of China, you can expect a journey that blends breath-taking natural scenery with awe-inspiring history. As you approach the Wall, you'll first notice its sheer size and the way it snakes across the rugged mountains, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of ancient China. As you hike along the Great Wall you'll encounter watchtowers and battlements that reveal the Wall's strategic importance in defending against invasions. Depending on the section you visit, the atmosphere can range from bustling, with tourists and vendors, to serene, with fewer crowds and untouched landscapes. The weather can vary greatly, from hot and sunny in the summer to cold and windy in the winter, so it's important to be prepared. Ultimately, the visit is a powerful reminder of China's rich history and the enduring legacy of the Great Wall as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
Facts about The Great Wall
Fact 1
The Great Wall stretches across 15 provinces and took over 2,000 years to construct and is not a single continuous wall but a series of walls and fortifications built by different dynasties.
Fact 2
The Great Wall is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, with millions of people coming each year to see its most famous sections, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling.
Fact 3
The materials used to build the wall varied depending on the region and resources available. Early walls were made from tamped earth, wood, and stones, while later sections, especially those built by the Ming Dynasty, used bricks, tiles, and limestone. Many bricks used to construct the wall during the Ming dynasty have carvings on them with the name of the worker who placed it and the dates.
When is the best time to visit the Great Wall
The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is during the spring and autumn months. During these periods, the weather is generally mild, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing. In spring, you can enjoy blooming flowers and lush greenery, while in autumn, the surrounding landscapes are adorned with vibrant fall foliage. These seasons also tend to have fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, offering a more peaceful experience. However, it's advisable to avoid public holidays in China, such as National Day in early October, as the Great Wall can be crowded during these times.
Conclusion
Visiting the Great Wall of China is a chance to witness one of the most remarkable architectural feats in the world. Whether you're exploring its ancient watchtowers, trekking along its winding paths, or simply soaking in the breath-taking vistas, the experience is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The best times to visit, in spring or autumn, enhance this experience with comfortable weather and stunning natural scenery. A visit to the Great Wall is not just about seeing a monument; it's about connecting with the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of China.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Great Wall accessible year-round?
Yes, the Great Wall is open year-round, but the experience varies with the seasons. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather. Winter offers fewer crowds and a unique snowy landscape, though it can be cold. Summer can be hot and crowded, but it's also when the Wall is surrounded by lush greenery.
What should I wear when visiting the Great Wall?
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential, as the Wall involves a lot of walking and can be steep and uneven in places. Layered clothing is advisable since temperatures can vary, especially in spring and autumn. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also recommended, especially in summer.
Are there facilities like food and restrooms at the Great Wall?
Most popular sections like Badaling and Mutianyu have facilities including restaurants, snack stands, and restrooms. However, more remote sections like Jinshanling have fewer amenities, so it's a good idea to bring snacks and water.
Is it safe to hike on the Great Wall?
While most sections of the Wall are safe for visitors, some parts, especially the unrestored sections, can be challenging and risky due to steep, crumbling steps and uneven terrain. It's important to follow the instructions of our guides, stay on marked paths, wear appropriate footwear, and be cautious, especially in wet or icy conditions.
China travel guides
Highlights of China
Our top picks of things to see and do in China!
The Great Wall
Stretching for more than 20,000km from the Yellow Sea in the eats to the Gobi Desert in the west, the Great Wall of China is known around the world and is a major factor in many people's decision to visit China. Dating back more than 2,300 years, the UNESCO-listed wall measures 7 metres in width and 6-14 metres in height with over 25,000 battlements snaking a path along precarious mountain ridges and thick forests.
See pandas in Chengdu
Known for being absolutely adorable, Great Pandas are endemic to china making it the perfect place to see them in their natural habitat. Watch them as they play, sleep and wander around their conservation sites and learn all about China's effort to increase the panda population to stop these beautiful bears from going extinct.
The Terracotta army in Xi'an
In 1976 three farmers near the city of Xi'an were digging a well and in doing so discovered one of China's greatest treasures - Emperor Qin's 7000-strong terracotta army. Believed to have been made 2200 years ago these life-size warriors stand in military formation in excavated pits under the cover of a modern protective hanger. Made of local clay, no two faces are alike – each is said to be an individual portrait.
Beijing
Capital of the People’s Republic, Beijing is China’s political, economic and cultural centre. With a chequered history, Beijing was established in 1045 BC and for 800 years served as the capital of several dynasties. At first glance Beijing can appear as nothing more than a modern cosmopolitan city with soaring skyscrapers, sprawls of apartment blocks and a crisscross of freeways. But hidden amid the concrete and glass one can still find remnants of the city’s past and evidence of traditional Chinese culture still practised today.
Shanghai
Buzzing with energy and activity from its gleaming sky scrapers all the way to its charming Old Town, the mega city of Shanghai epitomises China’s meteoric rise to global power status. Everywhere you look, there is something to do, see or buy, and you're unlikely to ever find yourself having a dull moment during your stay.
Guilin
Renowned for it’s striking, if bizarre scenery - vast areas of karst limestone outcrops that rise up from flat rice paddy fields, and beautiful pagodas, Guilin is often the subject of Chinese painting. On our tours that travel to Guilin, we will visit the enormous and dazzlingly beautiful Reed Flute Caves. The city is filled with a delicious fragrance of Sweet Osmanthus trees and indeed this is the meaning of the name Guilin - "forest of Sweet Osmanthus".
