Great Wall of China Map (2024 Update) | 10 Best Sections to Visit

Great Wall of China Map || 10 Best Sections to Visit

The Great Wall of China is steeped in vast amounts of history and is one of the most interesting and diverse places to visit.

It stretches across miles and miles of land over China – and isn’t called Great for no reason.

Great Wall of China Map
Great Wall of China Map

So how do you go about picking the best part to visit?

Each section of the Great Wall is unique in its own way, attracting different audiences for different reasons.

This means that looking at a Great Wall of China map can be very daunting. So, we’ve put together a list of the best sections to go to, what perks each section has, and how to get there.

Great Wall of China Map #1 – Mutianyu (慕田峪)

Great Wall of China Map #2 – Badaling (八达岭)

Great Wall of China Map #3 – Jiankou (箭扣)

Great Wall of China Map #4 – Simatai (司马台)

Great Wall of China Map #5 – Jinshanling (金山岭)

Great Wall of China Map #6 – Shanhai Pass (山海关)

Great Wall of China Map #7 – Gubeikou (古北口)

Great Wall of China Map #8 – Huanghuacheng (黄花城)

Great Wall of China Map #9 – Huangyaguan (黄崖关)

Great Wall of China Map #10 – Juyongguan (居庸关)

Depending on which area you’d like to visit (see below), there are different ways to get to the wall.

The most popular spot to head to the wall from is Beijing, China’s capital city.

To get from the centre of Beijing to the Great Wall, there is a variety of options.

Exploring the Great Wall of China: Uncovering History and Fascinating Facts Thumbnail

Exploring the Great Wall of China: Uncovering History and Fascinating Facts

Beyond the Myths: Unveiling the Rich History of the Great Wall PLUS Fun Facts! LTL Student Tereza from Liberec, Czech Republic, exploring the Great Wall Hey there, adventurers! Are you ready to take a journey to one of the most…

Great Wall Map || #1 Mutianyu (慕田峪)

Mutianyu (慕田峪) - A popular Great Wall spot
Mutianyu (慕田峪) – A popular Great Wall spot
  • The most popular section to visit
  • 1.5hrs drive from Beijing (73km/45 miles)

The Mutianyu Great Wall section is the most popular to visit for travellers, tourists, or those visiting as a family.

Due to it being the best-restored part of the wall, it is the most child-friendly section and the easiest to enjoy.

Taking just half a day to visit, and facilities such as a cable car both up and down, this is the section to visit if you’re short on time.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by train:

This is the most simple way. From any of Beijing’s stations, head to Dongzhimen to get the 916 Express bus service. (Around 1hr, 12RMB). Then, transfer to bus line h23, h24, h35, or h36 to Mutianyu Roundabout and walk a short distance to the ticket office.

Great Wall Map || #2 Badaling (八达岭)

  • Most popular section to visit for Chinese tourists
  • 2hrs drive from Beijing (72km/45 miles)

The Badaling section of the Great Wall is solidly on the Great Wall of China map as the most popular amongst Chinese tourists.

Due to this, this section is always crowded. Due to it’s popularity, do be warned that your photos may contain more tourists than the actual Great Wall itself.

Facilities here include cable car service, the Great Wall Museum, and in some parts there is wheelchair access.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by train: Take the train departing from Huangtudian Railway Station to Badaling Railway Station. (1.5hrs, 7RMB). It is then a short 15 to 20 minutes’ walk to the entrance.

Beijing to Great Wall by bus: The best option is to take the 877 bus departing from Deshengmen – a short walk from Jishuitan Line 2 subway station (Exit B2). This will take you directly there and take 1hr, 12RMB.

Exploring Beijing's Railway Stations || Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the City's Rail Hub Thumbnail

Exploring Beijing’s Railway Stations || Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the City’s Rail Hub

Beijing Railway Stations for 2023: North, East, South or West? Getting the high speed rail is probably one of the best ways to explore the middle kingdom. So, you’ll probably be spending a fair amount of time in a Beijing…

Great Wall Map || #3 Jiankou (箭扣)

Jiankou (箭扣) Great Wall Map
Jiankou (箭扣) Great Wall Map
  • Most popular section to visit for adventurers
  • 3hrs drive from Beijing (100km/62 miles)

This section of the wall is the one for those who are seeking adventure.

It is the most dangerous and difficult part of the wall to climb, with many areas very steep and treacherous.

Make sure you’re covered with travel insurance! At three hours away, it is great for a day trip to the Great Wall.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by bus:

The best way to reach this section of the wall is by heading to Xizhazi Village or Wofo Mountain Villa which are commonly known as the starting points. You can get to these areas by taking bus number H25 at Yujiayuan station (Xizhazi Village) or bus number H36 (Wofo Mountain Villa). If you want a more convenient way to travel, you can always get a taxi which will be around 100RMB.

Great Wall Map || #4 Simatai (司马台)

  • Here you can enjoy a night-time expedition
  • 2-3hrs drive from Beijing (120km/75 miles)

Simatai offers a pleasant medium for those wanting a tough hike, and those wanting peace and tranquility to enjoy the surrounding beauty. 

Acknowledged as a World Heritage Site in 1987, it is a more peaceful section of the wall with a variety of architecture. It is also open for night tours, or perfect for day trips to the Great Wall.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by bus:

Take the subway to Dongzhimen station (line 2/13) and from there you can transfer to a tourist bus to Gubei Water Town, where the start of the hike begins.

You can also take the local bus numbers 980/ 980 which goes from Dongzhimen to Miyun Xidaqiao. From there, you can change to bus number 51 to Gubei Water Town.

Great Wall Map || #5 Jinshanling (金山岭)

Jinshanling - Great Wall
Jinshanling – Great Wall
  • Most popular with hikers
  • 2-3hrs drive from Beijing (154km/96 miles)

Jinshanling is the most popular section with hikers, due to it only partly being restored.

The other part is relatively wild, offering both a challenge and a pleasant walk.

It is also arguably the most beautiful section of the wall, with incredible mountainous scenery across the 10km stretch.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by bus:

Head to Dongzhimen (line 2/13) and you can take a tourist bus straight to the location. Be aware that this bus only leaves if there are more than 20 people and runs once at 7:40, returning at 16:00. You can also catch the bus from Wangjing West Station.

Beijing Metro Map: Discover all 490 Stations and 27 Lines Thumbnail

Beijing Metro Map: Discover all 490 Stations and 27 Lines

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about all 27 lines, which ones to take for famous sites, how to buy tickets and travel tips.

Great Wall Map || #6 Shanhai Pass (山海关)

Great Wall of China Map - Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea
Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea
  • Great way to get further out and see something different
  • 3.5hrs drive from Beijing in Hebei Province

This area of the wall is unlike others. It is where the Great Wall meets the sea, and is the end part of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It previously served as a frontier against the Manchus. Due to its distance, you will need a full day trip to the Great Wall to get the most of it.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by train:

From Beijing, first take a train to Qinhuangdao Railway Station. From here, change to a train to Shanhaiguan Railway Station. The south gate is about a 10-minute walk on from this.

Where Does the Great Wall of China End? Thumbnail

Where Does the Great Wall of China End?

Discover the Ancient Marvel of Laolongtou: China’s Legendary Dragon Head When you come to China, the Great Wall – built to protect China from raids and conquerors – is something you simply have to visit. There are many sections to…

Great Wall Map || #7 Gubeikou (古北口)

Gubeikou - Well worth a visit
Gubeikou – Well worth a visit
  • Steeped in history
  • 2hrs drive from Beijing (145km/90 miles)

This stretch of the wall is filled with history, with over 130 battles with the Mongol tribesmen happening in this area.

Historically, it played a very key part in history as it guards an important pass to Beijing.

Therefore, it is best to visit with a local guide who can keep you up to date on all of the history you’re passing by.

It’s a great place to visit as a first or second visit, as it is largely wild and unrestored.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by bus:

From Dongzhimen, take the number 980 Express to Miyun Bus Station. You can then change line to bus Mi 25 which will take you straight to the scenic spot.

Great Wall Map || #8 Huanghuacheng (黄花城)

  • Unlike any other section – fantastic scenery and great for camping
  • 1.5hrs drive from Beijing (75km/47 miles)

Huanghuacheng Great Wall section is most famous for its unique scenery. Notably, the lake surrounding it.

Parts of the wall are also underwater. There are many original parts of the wall, as well as original watchtowers, since it is largely unrestored.

Since it is convenient to visit, it can either be done as a day trip to the Great Wall or as a half-day trip.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by bus:

Dongzhimen: Sightseeing bus: Buy a combo ticket (bus return and entrance fee) from Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub. Buses only operate during peak season!

Public bus: Bus no.916 to Huairou Bus Station, and then transfer to bus no. H21 to the Small West Lake (Lakeside Great Wall) Station. From here it is a short walk north to the scenic area.

Great Wall Map || #9 Huangyaguan (黄崖关)

A Marathon, on the Great Wall? Welcome to China!
A Marathon, on the Great Wall? Welcome to China!
  • Site for the annual Great Wall Marathon
  • 3hrs drive from Beijing, located in Tianjin

At Huangyaguan, the Great Wall Marathon takes place every year in May.

Often known as a miniature version of the Great Wall, you can find battlements built by the Ming Dynasty as well as the Northern Qi Dynasty.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by train:

Take a train to Jixian County Railway Station (1hr, 14.5RMB) then take a coach or private mini-bus to the start of the walk.

Great Wall Map || #10 Juyongguan (居庸关)

  • Closest section to Beijing with the easiest access
  • 1.5hrs drive from Beijing (60km/37 miles)

The closest section to Beijing, this section is perfect for those not prepared to do a full-day trip to the Great Wall, but instead want to spend half a day.

It is fairly accessible for wheelchair users, and therefore suitable for handicapped travellers.

It can be a bit crowded during tourist peak season, so try earlier or later months of summer.

How to get there…

Beijing to Great Wall by train:

Get to the subway station Huoying Station and take exit G4 where you will find the train station Huangtudian Railway Station. From here, you can take the S2 train to Badaling Station and get a free shuttle bus to transfer to bus no. 879 which will take you to the start of the hike.

Great Wall of China Map – FAQ’s

How long is the Great Wall of China?

The total length of the Great Wall is a huge 21,196.18 km (13,170.70 miles).

When is the best time to visit the Great Wall of China?

Pick the time of year that suits you best but typically, we’d advise March/April/October/November time.

When should I avoid visiting the Great Wall of China?

The key times to avoid the Great Wall if you can, are the Summer and Chinese holidays.

Which is the most popular section of the Great Wall for Chinese tourists?

Badaling (八达岭) is without doubt the most popular with Chinese tourists so if you want to visit a part with few people, you’d be best advised to look at another part of the Wall.

Where does the Great Wall end and meet the sea?

Laolongtou is where the Great Wall meets the sea, and is the end part of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. It previously served as a frontier against the Manchus.

When was the Great Wall awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The Great Wall of China was of the first six sites in China to be given the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage title in 1987.

Want more from LTL?

If you wish to hear more from LTL Mandarin School why not join our mailing list?

We give plenty of handy information on learning Chinese, useful apps to learn the language and everything going on at our LTL schools.

Sign up below and become part of our ever-growing community.

BONUS | Learn Chinese with LTL in person. Our student community is growing by the week.

.

16 comments

Leave a Reply

You will get a reply from us
Your email address will not be published. Name and Email are required.

  1. Great Wall of China Facts and History : LTL Mandarin Beijing Blog
    Reply

    […] part two of the blog for more detailed advice on where to visit the Great Wall and how to get […]

  2. Top 6 Must See Cherry Blossoms in Beijing : Find Out First with LTL Beijing
    Reply

    […] the Badaling Great Wall stretch, you’ll find large fields of Apricot trees that brighten up the […]

  3. Italy Meets China: 2019 China School Trip to Beijing - LTL Mandarin School
    Reply

    […] of the trip included a day trip to Mutianyu, a section of the Great Wall of China, and the challenges in the Hutongs and Forbidden City which the students had to undertake. Students […]

  4. 100 Utterly Mindblowing Facts About China - See It To Believe It
    Reply

    […] 54. Chinese history is broken up into dynasties starting with the Xia dynasty in 2070 BCE. 55. The Great Wall of China was built over a period of 22 centuries. 56. The 2008 Olympics in Beijing was the most expensive in […]

  5. Where Does The Great Wall End? - Ultimate Guide to Laolongtou Great Wall
    Reply

    […] are many sections to visit and each is appealing for various reasons – Mutianyu, for example, is one of the most […]

  6. Beijing Metro Map: Navigating the Beijing Subway - LTL Mandarin School
    Reply

    […] line, as well as home to the big tourist bus station that can help take you to many areas of the Great Wall of China. Dongzhimen station also connects to line […]

  7. Top 3 Things to do in Beijing during Chinese New Year - LTL Mandarin School
    Reply

    […] in some cases, these light displays are made to resemble notable structures or famous places like the Great Wall. Usually there is a specific theme for each […]

  8. Weather in China for 2020 : What's The Truth? - LTL Beihai
    Reply

    […] Great Wall of China Map: 10 Best Sections to Visit […]

  9. 100 Utterly Mindblowing Facts About China - See It To Believe It
    Reply

    […] 55. The Great Wall of China was built over a period of 22 centuries. […]

  10. Beijing Duck in Beijing - Where To Go, Where Too Avoid
    Reply

    […] you travel to Beijing there are somethings you just have to do – see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, explore Beijing hutongs and, of course, try Beijing Duck in […]

  11. Weather in Beijing (2020) - The Truth Behind The Weather in China
    Reply

    […] to try and book outside of peak/holiday season. This could be the difference between a (relatively) quiet Great Wall, and an exceptionally crowded […]

  12. Summer in Beijing - 5 Top Recommendations LTL Beijing Mandarin School
    Reply

    […] would be the optimal time to visit the Great Wall. Summer is very hot and the climb can prove to be a […]

  13. What To See In Beijing In 1 Day (in 2020) - Is It Possible?
    Reply

    […] The Great Wall spans over large parts of the north of China, but some of the most famous are located just north of Beijing. […]

  14. Justin
    Reply

    Great video!

    1. Max Hobbs
      Reply

      😎

  15. Winter in Beijing ⛄ - 9 Things You Must Do or See (for 2021)
    Reply

    […] trails and is a great place to go for any beginner level skiers out there. Being surrounded by the Great Wall makes this one of the most beautiful skiing spots in all of […]

Ask us a question!
  • LTL Avatar Sabatino Antonini
    Sabatino Antonini , Student Advisor

    Welcome to LTL Mandarin School!

    How can I help you?