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The 7 Wonders - Great Wall of China

Thinking of visiting the Great Wall of China? Discover the top facts, including how long it takes to walk the Great Wall of China, and more.

Updated by: Aimee White - Travel Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: May 6 2025

 

Winding its staggering way along over 5,000 miles, the Great Wall of China needs little in the way of introduction. It’s long, seriously long – it would take around 18 months to walk its length.

 

And while sections have been ravaged over time, it’s been rebuilt, expanded and beautified over time by different dynasties, lacing its way beside the manic metropolis of Beijing, to deserts, mountains, farmland and even into the sea, remaining unchanged for centuries.

 

Built to protect the Chinese empire, the series of stone fortifications can be explored at any point. Don’t miss a trip to Shanhaiguan, though, where the wall meets the Bohai Sea at Laolongtou or the ‘Old Dragon’s Head’. If you're feeling inspired, why not Walk the Great Wall with us?

Why was the Great Wall of China built?

The Great Wall is a discontinuous network of wall segments built by various dynasties to protect China's northern boundary and Silk Road trade route.

 

Contrary to popular belief, it's not a single, continuous wall! This feat of ancient engineering also included watchtowers, fortresses and horse tracks, and was used primarily as a military base. It wasn't just a physical defence structure; it was also a strong symbol of China's power.


The Great Wall of China is also known as the wanli changcheng or Long Wall of 10,000 Li (a li is a measure of distance, approximately 1/3 of a mile). The main wall is around 2,145 miles (3,460 km) long with an extra 1,770 miles (2,860 km) of branches and spurs.

Who built the Great Wall, and how did they do it?

Construction of the Great Wall began in 220BC under Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and continued well into the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was known as “the longest cemetery on earth” because so many people died building it. Reportedly, it cost the lives of more than one million people. 


You might hear that the mortar used to bind the stones was made from human bones, or that men are buried within the Great Wall to make it stronger. However, the mortar was actually made from rice flour; and no bones, human or otherwise, have ever been found in any of the Great Wall's walls.

Can you really see the Great Wall from space?

Contrary to common belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from the moon without aid.

 

This pervasive myth seems to have started in 1893 in the American-published magazine The Century and then resurfaced in 1932 when Robert Ripley of Ripley’s Believe it Or Not claimed the Great Wall could be seen from the moon - even though space flight was decades away! It is questionable whether the Great Wall can be seen from a close orbit with the unaided eye.

More facts about the Great Wall of China

  • A map of the Great Wall of China shows its sheer enormity; it starts from Hushan Mountain, Liaoning province (east China) and zigzags west through multiple provinces and autonomous regions, ending in Jiayuguan Pass, Gansu province (west China).
  • The Great Wall Marathon has taken place every May since 1999. Thousands across the world take part, starting and ending at the Huangyaguan fortress!
  • While it varies across the route, the walls have an average height of six metres. Its highest altitude is at Huanglouyuan, while its lowest altitude is at Laolongtou, which is at sea level.
  • Inner Mongolia has some of the oldest sections of the Great Wall, including one part that dates to the 4th century BC!
  • Beijing is the closest city to the Great Wall of China, and takes up to a couple of hours (by car) to reach. The Wall is located around 61km north of the capital city.

When should I visit the Great Wall?

Our China small group tours operate between June to October. This is the best time to visit the Great Wall (and indeed the rest of China), as these fall months mean cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and clearer days to take in the impressive views. 

 

While the Great Wall of China is open year-round, the spring and fall months are considered the better times to visit. Hotter temperatures in the summer can make for an uncomfortable experience, while the winter months reach bitter-cold temperatures, with snow and ice creating slippery grounds. Make sure you're steady on your feet and wear supportive footwear.


The Great Wall sees a lot of domestic tourism, particularly during Public Holidays. This is a time when huge numbers visit and can be extremely busy, so it can be worth avoiding walking the Great Wall at these times.

Our customer reviews of the Great Wall

"Walking on the Great Wall far exceeded my expectations. The photos in magazines do not compare to the magnitude of actually seeing the Wall in person as it extends for hundreds of miles in many directions spanning numerous ridges. It is an engineering marvel. My guide, Olly was outstanding. His knowledge, sense of humor and overall company contributed to my excellent experience on this trip. If you decide to walk the Great Wall of China, you will not be disappointed."

- Albert on our Walk the Great Wall tour

"The final day [of this trip] was spent on the Great Wall. The section we visited was perfect, not too busy and with the option of walking or cable car to the top. We opted to walk and the effort was definitely worth it, being rewarded with spectacular views. On the way back we did an impromptu extra trip to the Summer Palace!"

- Trusted Explore customer on our China Highlights tour

"This trip promised an opportunity to experience the Great Wall of China in depth and it really didn't disappoint. It was well planned so we experienced the Wall in a range of settings and conditions - some of it highly restored and some treacherously crumbling. The scale of the wall as it snaked across hills in the distance was breathtaking, and being able to enjoy long stretches while meeting barely another soul was extraordinary. Our guide, Olly, was very knowledgable about Chinese history and culture, and he also put an enormous amount of care into making sure we felt well-looked after."

- Deborah on our Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension tour

How to visit the Great Wall of China

How long does it take to walk the Great Wall of China? Our 10-day Walk the Great Wall trip includes some of the most spectacular sections of the wall. Or why not extend your trip to 12 days and add on a visit to the impressive walled city of Xi'an on our Great Wall extension tour? On our China Highlights tour, you'll end an epic 10 days in Beijing, from where you'll visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

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