The Great Wall of China was originally built in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), once stretching approximately 12,000 kilometers from the Bohai Sea in the east to the Gobi Desert, Lop Nor in the west . It is actually a series of stone, brick and earth fortifications and it is placed on the map as the greatest of the eight ancient architectural wonders in the history of human civilization. In 221 BC, when the first emperor of China, Chinshihuang, finished conquering all the kingdoms, he united all the walls that belonged to the different states. And since then the Great Wall has been built, rebuilt to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from the attacks of the Huns and the Mongols during the rule of successive dynasties. Today, many famous sections and ruins of the Great Wall belonging to different dynasties still remain in Xinjiang, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Henan, Shandong, Hubei and Hunan, etc. The current wall only extends for about 6,700 kilometers in total, and the most intact sections are almost all built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The Great Wall is a must see for those who visit China. Along the giant dragon winds through the high mountains, great rivers and boundless deserts, many hikers enjoy their tour revealing the interesting ancient Chinese facts and recording the breath-taking picturesque scenery. For many years, most people have flocked to sections of Beijing and its nearby areas. But now some are starting to explore the western part as the portion shares the same line and mystery with the ancient Silk Road.
It is like a Chinese proverb says that “He who has never been on the Great Wall is not a real man!”, so you should not miss this great symbol of Chinese nationality.
The next 6 sections are in Beijing or its nearby counties that have been renovated and are regularly visited by tourists from all over the world.
Badaling Great Wall
Built in 1505AD, Badaling Great Wall is known as one of the nine famous passes of the Great Wall and the outpost of the famous Juyongguan Pass. When the Chinese used it to protect their land, this part has had many guards to defend the capital city, Beijing. Made of stone and bricks from the mountains, this section is 8 meters high and 6 meters wide. Overall, it is rated as one of the top 40 tourist destinations in China. In the Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area, the Great Wall of China Museum was built for those who want to learn more about the wall.
Gubeikou Great Wall
Gubeikou is an important strategic step of the Great Wall, which is located in Miyun County, Beijing. This section has been rebuilt many times since the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC). It is famous for its natural beauty and historical sites along the wall. On both sides of the wall are the old war camps, the royal hunting grounds, the remains of the summer resort of the emperors, the ruins of the barracks and the old postal roads…
Simatai Great Wall
Located in Miyun County, Beijing, 120 kilometers from downtown Beijing, the Simatai Great Wall is famous for its unique watchtowers, ramparts, and stunning natural beauty. This segment is very steep, still retains its original shape and is known as the Living Museum of the Great Wall of China. Wangjing Lou (Beijing Observation Tower) is one of the most famous watchtowers in Simatai, 986 meters above sea level. Walking through a flying passage between the cliffs, a brave visitor can get there.
The Simatai Great Wall Scenic Area is equipped with all kinds of facilities, such as cable cars, boats, swimming pools, fishing gear, shops, hotels, meeting rooms, campsites, and barbecue fields.
Jinshanling Great Wall
Located in Luanpin County, Hebei Province, the Jinshanling Great Wall was initially built in 1368 AD and has never been rebuilt for more than 400 years. It meandered into the distance and finally meets the Simatai Great Wall (the whole section is about 10 kilometers). The Jinshanling section is considered the quintessential Great Wall. Walking along the wall, you can see many stylish watchtowers, locations, block walls, stables and warehouses. Also, the beauty of Beijing and the Miyun Reservoir seen from its highest watchtower, Wangjing Lou (literally Beijing Observation Tower, 980 meters above sea level) is a tremendous sight. Over the years, hiking this section of the Great Wall (about 4 hours) has become an essential program for foreign hiking lovers.
Mutian Yu Great Wall
To the southeast of Jinshanling is the Mutianyu Great Wall, which was originally built over 1,400 years ago and rebuilt in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It meanders along valleys and high, rugged mountains from the southeast to the northwest for about 2.25 kilometers. It is connected to Juyongguan Pass to the west and Gubeikou to the east. Along the wall, watchtowers are built on top of the peaks or on the steep cliffs. Here are three sections of wall that meet at a watchtower. This section is located in Huairou County, Beijing, only 70 km from the center.
Jiankou Great Wall
The Jiankou Great Wall, also known as the Arrow Nock Great Wall, was built in Huairou County, Beijing. It stretches along the high cliffs and dangerous peaks, it looks like a “w” from afar. The Jiankou Great Wall is one of the famous sections of the Great Wall built by the Ming Dynasty. To admire the majesty and dangerousness of the Great Wall of China, photographers and tourists from all over the world like to visit this section.
Other famous sections of the Great Wall
Huangyaguan Pass Great Wall
Located in the endless high mountains of Ji County, Tianjin, the Huangyaguan Pass Great Wall was first built in AD 557. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was rebuilt by General Qijiguang (1528- 1588) to fight Japanese pirates. The part of the Huangyaguan Great Wall featured grandeur, danger, uniqueness, and elegance. It has well-designed watchtowers, different fancy turrets, and deep water passes.
Shanhaiguan Pass Great Wall
This Great Wall built by the Ming dynasty is located in the city of Qinghuangdao, Hebei province. It is the eastern end of the wall. In fact, this section is a small town connected to the Great Wall and known as the “No. 1 Pass under Heaven.” The Shanghaiguan Great Wall is called the “Great Wall Construction Museum” because of its many ancient buildings, including the great city gates, towers, temples, and moat.
Laolongtou Great Wall
About 4 km south of the Shanghaiguan Pass Great Wall is the starting point of the wall, Laolongtou, where the Great Wall begins there and meets the sea. Climbing his Denghailou Tower, a giant dragon meanders through the mountains and puts its head in the wide sea to drink water.
Yanmenguan Pass Great Wall
Yanmenguan, also known as Goose Gate Pass, located in Dai County, Shanxi Province, which is a very important Great Wall pass for the military in West China. And as an ancient war ground, Han, Hun, Turk, Uygur, Xianbi, Qiedan, Nuzhen and Mongolia had made their wars here. Now, some famous ancient temples, shrine ruins from the Warring States Period (403-221 BC), watchtowers and beacon towers are still standing on the Yanmenguan Pass Great Wall.
Jiayuguan Pass Great Wall
Being built at the foot of Mount Jiayu in the southwest of Jiayuguan City, it was named after him. This section was built in 1372 AD, which is the terminal point of the wall that was built in the Ming Dynasty in western China. This wall is 11.7 meters high and 733 meters long, it is actually a trapezoidal city pass with stately towers and turrets. Standing on the passing city wall, tourists can be afforded a stunning view of the nearby landscape.
Ancient Great Wall of Ning Xia
This section was tamped down with earth in the Warring States Period (403-221 BC) and belonged to the State of Chin. His current height only ranges from 1 meter to 3 meters. Every 200–300 meters, a block platform is attached to the wall. Many ruins of beacon towers are found in its nearby fields, in the mountains, and on the mountain passes through which it passes. The Ning Xia Ancient Great Wall makes its way from Gansu Province, then reaches the southern part of Xiji County, Ningxia Province, and then bends northeast to encircle Guyuan County. From there it bends to the southeast and crosses the Yangcheng and finally ends in Zhenyuan County, Gansu Province.
