No visit to Beijing would be complete without a trip to the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Beijing, offering an unforgettable experience that showcases the ancient and enduring spirit of China. This UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 has been considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World and has been featured in countless works of literature, film, and art. Not only is it an iconic symbol of Chinese history and culture, but it is also one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in the world.

The Great Wall of China is one of the largest and longest structures ever built by humans. It was built over 2,000 years ago during the Warring States period to protect China's northern borders from invasion by nomadic tribes. The most well-known section of the wall is the Ming Dynasty wall (1368 to 1644), which stretches over 8,850 kilometers.

There is a famous saying, “One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero (不到长城非好汉)”. The Great Wall is a major tourist attraction in Beijing, drawing millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The most popular sections of the Great Wall are located in the mountains north of Beijing, including Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, and Jinshanling. You can hike along the wall, take scenic cable car rides, and marvel at the remarkable engineering expertise of ancient China and the breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding the wall, including mountains, forests, and rivers.

Beijing Great Wall Map

“He Who Has Never Been to the Great Wall Is Not a True Man. 不到长城非好汉”-- by Chairman Mao