The Great Wall of China

China's iconic landmark is truly awe-inspiring in its vastness and splendor. The Great Wall of China winds its way in a seemingly chaotic manner across the mountains, meadows, and forests of northern China. Constructed from brick, stone, and wood, this monumental structure spans over 13,000 miles, meandering through the stunning and varied landscapes of North China. While much of the wall is now in ruins or deteriorating, it remains one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements of modern civilization. Tragically, it is estimated that around a million laborers lost their lives during its construction.

The wall is not a singular entity but rather a collection of fortifications meticulously built by different dynasties and feudal clans over many centuries. In ancient times, nomadic tribes from the Steppes frequently raided the area, posing a significant threat to local communities. The remnants of watchtowers, barracks, and signaling systems serve as a testament to the wall's original defensive purpose.

Over the years, the wall also evolved into a crucial border control point for goods traveling along the Silk Road. It played a vital role in safeguarding and enhancing this renowned trade route, which facilitated the exchange of silk, gold, and precious stones, while also serving as a conduit for the spread of art, religion, and culture, effectively linking Eastern traditions with Western modernity.

Today, the Great Wall of China is often associated with the dragon, a symbol of life and divinity. It stands as a representation of national pride and unity for China, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

What part of the wall to visit

Beijing is often regarded as the primary access point to the Great Wall, as several renowned sections are located in its outskirts, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Juyongguan, Gubeikou, and Jiankou. These segments were constructed during the Ming dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries and remain remarkably well-preserved.

Among the various sections near Beijing, Badaling stands out as the most popular. Consequently, it attracts numerous large tour groups, leading to significant crowds. The nearby Juyongguan section, known for one of the three major mountain passes of the Great Wall, experiences similar levels of congestion.

Mutianyu, located just as close to the city as Badaling, offers breathtaking views of the Wall and the surrounding landscape, all while being less frequented by tourists. This section also boasts an exhilarating toboggan ride that takes you from the top of the Wall down to the base of the hill.

Given their proximity, Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu can all be explored in a half-day trip from central Beijing. We typically suggest Mutianyu over the other two, as the large crowds at Badaling and Juyongguan can detract from the experience of this magnificent structure. Auto Europe provides easy car rental pick-up at Beijing Airport, along with several downtown locations, making it simple for you to rent a car and embark on a day trip to one of the aforementioned sections of the Great Wall.

Further afield, Jinshanling is located about 150 km northeast of downtown Beijing, requiring roughly two and a half hours of driving. Despite the longer journey, Jinshanling is considered one of the most breathtaking sections of the Great Wall. If your schedule permits a full day to explore, a visit to Jinshanling is highly recommended.

Gubeikou and Jiankou can also be included in a day trip from Beijing. Both sections remain untouched since their original construction in the Ming Dynasty, making them perfect for those seeking a more rugged hiking experience along the wild Great Wall. However, it's important to note that Jiankou features steep and challenging climbs, making it suitable only for seasoned hikers.

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