The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest man-made wonders on Earth and the most visited tourist attraction in Asia. Built over centuries, it snakes across more than 13,000 miles of mountainous terrain in northern China, with the most accessible sections located less than 56 miles from Beijing. Tickets cost between 40 and 65 yuan (approximately $6 to $9 USD), depending on the section you choose. This guide covers everything you need to know—how to get there, which section to visit, what to pay, and what to do nearby to make the most of your experience.
About the Great Wall of China
Construction of the Great Wall of China began around the 7th century BC, but it was during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) that the best-preserved and most-visited sections we see today were built. The original purpose was to protect Chinese territory from invasions from the north, especially from the Mongols. Over the centuries, different emperors expanded, rebuilt, and connected regional walls until they formed the structure we know today.
In 1987, the Great Wall of China was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Today, it welcomes more than 10 million visitors a year just at the sections near Beijing. Each stretch has its own distinct personality: Badaling is the most restored and crowded; Mutianyu offers lush scenery and fewer crowds; Jinshanling and Simatai provide wilder experiences with largely original structure intact.
Quick Facts
- Attraction: Great Wall of China (长城 — Chángchéng)
- Location: Badaling and Huairou districts, Beijing, China
- Most-visited sections: Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai
- Hours (Badaling): 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM (peak season) | 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (off-season)
- Hours (Mutianyu): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (check the official website before visiting)
- Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) | New Wonder of the Modern World (2007)
- Management: Beijing Municipal Administration
Tickets — Where to Buy and Prices
Ticket prices vary by section and time of year. Here are the reference prices for 2026:
| Section | Adult Ticket | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Badaling | 40 yuan (~$6 USD) | Online purchase required (Chinese-language system) |
| Mutianyu | 60 yuan (~$8 USD) | Cable car and toboggan have additional fees |
| Jinshanling | 65 yuan (~$9 USD) | Original structure, less restoration |
Children under 18 and seniors over 60 get free entry at Badaling. The online ticketing system at Badaling is exclusively in Chinese, so the easiest option is to buy your ticket through travel agencies or international platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide. At Mutianyu, tickets can be purchased in English directly on the official website.
Buy Mutianyu tickets on the official website
How to Get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing
Most visitors start from central Beijing. Your options vary in cost, comfort, and travel time:
To Badaling: Take the subway (Line 2) to Jishuitan station, then catch bus 877 or tourist bus 919 direct to Badaling. Another option is the S2 train line, which departs from Huangtudian station. The journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
To Mutianyu: Take the subway to Dongzhimen station (Lines 2 and 13) and catch bus 916, which runs every 15 minutes. Get off at Huairou and take a shared van to the Wall entrance. The total trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Bus 867 also departs from Dongzhimen with a direct route, but has more limited schedules.
Ride-hailing apps like Didi (China’s Uber equivalent) work well and are a practical option for groups. By taxi or private car, the trip from Beijing to Badaling takes about an hour without traffic.
Things to Do Near the Great Wall of China
If you’re heading to the Great Wall, it’s worth setting aside at least two days in Beijing to combine your visit with other historic sites in the city. Two tours that pair perfectly with your itinerary:
The organized Great Wall tour from Beijing is a great option for those who want convenience, with an English-speaking guide and transportation included—it takes care of all the bus and van logistics for you.
Great Wall of China Tour — Civitatis
The guided tour of the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) lets you understand the history of the Ming Dynasty that built much of the Wall, completing a fascinating historical circle within the same itinerary.
Guided Tour of the Forbidden City — Civitatis
Where to Stay Nearby
For visiting the Wall, the ideal base is central Beijing, where all public transportation access points depart. The Dongcheng and Xicheng districts are close to the subway stations that connect to the Wall and are home to many of the city’s mid-range and upscale hotels. Wangfujing is a central area with easy access to Line 1 of the subway and a wide range of accommodations for different budgets. If you prefer something quieter, the hutongs around Houhai Lake have charming boutique guesthouses in great locations.
Official Profiles
- Mutianyu official website: en.mutianyugreatwall.com
- Mutianyu tickets: en.mutianyugreatwall.com/reservation-center/tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ticket to the Great Wall of China cost?
Tickets vary by section: Badaling costs 40 yuan (about $6 USD), Mutianyu costs 60 yuan (about $8 USD), and Jinshanling costs 65 yuan (about $9 USD). The cable car and toboggan at Mutianyu have additional fees. Children under 18 and seniors over 60 get free entry at Badaling.
Which section of the Great Wall of China is best to visit?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Badaling is the most accessible and well-preserved, but also the busiest. Mutianyu has more beautiful scenery, fewer tourists, and good infrastructure. For a more authentic experience with a nearly intact wall, Jinshanling and Simatai are the best options, though they require more travel time.
How do I get to the Great Wall of China on my own?
From Beijing, for Badaling take the subway to Jishuitan and then bus 877 or the S2 train from Huangtudian. For Mutianyu, take the subway to Dongzhimen and catch bus 916 to Huairou, then a van to the entrance. The journey takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on the section.
What are the opening hours of the Great Wall of China?
At Badaling, hours are 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM during peak season and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM during low season. Mutianyu is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Hours may vary on holidays, so be sure to check the official website before you go.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
At Badaling, online purchase is mandatory, and the system is only available in Chinese. It’s recommended to buy through travel agencies or platforms like Klook. At Mutianyu, tickets can be purchased on the official English-language website. During peak season, booking ahead helps you skip the lines and avoid sell-outs.
How many days do I need to visit the Great Wall of China?
Visiting the Wall itself takes a full day. Ideally, pair it with at least one or two more days in Beijing to explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. A three-to-four-day itinerary in Beijing is enough to cover the main historical highlights.