Where Are the Best Spots to Visit the Great Wall Of China?

The Great Wall of China winds across large swathes of the massive country, some parts of which are incredibly isolated and run down.

For obvious reasons those sections close to the capital city of Beijing are among the most heavily visited by tourists. Here you will find the wall has been restored and even strengthened in order to be able to handle the hordes of visitors that flock to see one of the wonders of the world.

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Many tour agencies offer trips to Badaling, but if you value your sanity it’s best to avoid this section. It is the most popular among Chinese tourists and is always overcrowded. If you really want to appreciate the majesty of the Great Wall, it is best to do so without being shooed along by impatient locals.

Instead, head to Jinshanling for a more peaceful experience. From here, you can hike to Simatai along a half-restored section of wall, with some unrestored sections giving you an idea of the original construction. Jinshanling-Simatai is widely recognized as the most beautiful section of the wall thanks to both its architecture and the surrounding landscape.

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If you have no appetite for hiking or are traveling with children, it might be best to visit Mutianyu. Here, the wall is interspersed with small forts and watchtowers, and the walk is not as challenging due to a more forgiving landscape.

Of course, there are plenty of other areas in which you can see the Great Wall of China, but the areas mentioned above offer a variety of options within easy reach of Beijing.