The Great Wall of China is a destination that many adventurers dream about. If you’ve recently added it to your bucket list, you’re already on your way to experiencing the walk of a lifetime. The information you’ll find here will help get you to get started and prepare you with the necessary tools.
Get to Know the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is known as one of the biggest, if not the largest, construction projects in the world. Running east to west, the Ming Dynasty portion, which runs from Mount Hu to Jiayu Pass, covers roughly 5,500 continuous miles and is made up of numerous walls that connect. Sections of the wall are either in ruins, traced by rivers and mountain ridges or have entirely disappeared.
The wall dates back to the 7th century BCE when it was begun as a defensive system and is said to have taken over two millennia to complete. After several alterations during different dynasties, much of the wall seen today is the result of the work done during the Ming dynasty. More specifically, under the rule of the Hongzhi emperor between 1487 and 1505 CE.
The Great Wall never effectively prevented attackers from entering China. However, it came to function as a representation of Chinese civilization’s strength. The wall continues to influence Chinese mythology and has become a recognizable national symbol.
Interesting Facts
The Great Wall of China was built by convicted criminals who were also part of maintaining and surveilling the wall.
Stones, earth, and sticky rice were used to build the Great Wall.
Some bricks from the wall were used to build homes, which partially explains some of the disappearing sections.
Workers died during its construction; to avoid spirits being trapped in the wall forever, families would cross the wall while holding a rooster to free them.
Its total length was once measured at 13,170.70 miles.
The average height of the walls is between 20 and 23 feet.
In 1987, the Great Wall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sections of the Great Wall
Should you be interested in hiking the entire wall, keep in mind that it will take an estimated 18 months to walk its full length. Luckily, there are several ways to enjoy the Great Wall without having to hike over 5,000 miles. Here’s a list of sections ranging from easiest to most difficult and popular to least traveled.
Badaling, with a length of 50 miles and approximately 47 miles from Beijing, is the most popular and easiest section of the Great Wall and offers wheelchair accessibility. You can expect large crowds during summer and Chinese Golden Weeks.
Gubeikou is the section of the wall that has yet to undergo reconstruction and can be challenging to access. It stretches 25 miles with 172 watchtowers, 14 beacon towers, 16 passes, 3 water passes, 3 barbicans, and 6 fortresses.
Huanghuacheng, located in Huanghua City, is the only section of the wall that runs through a lake and is 7.7 miles long. It also features a reservoir dam, a chestnut garden, and a blanket of yellow flowers during summer.
Jiankou is the perfect section for thrill-seekers, as it is the steepest segment of the wall and one of the least visited. Be warned that it is 12 miles in length and has remained unrepaired. You can hike Jiankou in the Huairou District, 45 miles north of Beijing.
Jinshanling, Huanghua Cheng, and Zhuangdaokou are three other far less visited sections, ranging from less than 4 miles to a little over 7 miles. Other options include the Mutianyu and Simatai sections.
Know Before You Go
For a few-hour excursion, a good pair of walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing should suffice, along with a backpack for storing water, snacks, and a camera. If you plan on walking a full day or across multiple days, be sure to bring layers of clothing, a hat, rain gear, and food.
Scenic areas and parks that contain sections of the wall may require a fee, varying between $6 to $10 per person, and are subject to change without notice. If you’re a student, child, or a senior citizen, inquire about discounts. Some parts of the wall offer cable cars, public transportation, and tourist attractions, which can cost extra fees. You’ll also have to pay for meals unless you’ve paid for an all-inclusive tour.
One Step at a Time
Now that you have the basic knowledge, it’s time to embark on a walk of a lifetime. Whether you plan on taking a year and a half off to trek across 5,500 miles or you’ll only visit one or two sections, the Great Wall’s architectural splendor and historical significance are sure to leave you with a long-lasting impression.