Discover the six most stunning sections of the Great Wall of China

Having spent nearly 12 years in Beijing, I've had the chance to travel extensively across China.

I've explored over 100 cities, as well as numerous towns and villages across all 31 provinces of the mainland.

Reflecting on my travels, I realize that it was my regular visits to various sections of the Great Wall in Beijing that sparked my curiosity to discover the rest of China and the many Wall segments beyond the capital.

Construction of the Great Wall began over 2,500 years ago, during China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE), and continued with various additions as dynasties and factions vied for power throughout the centuries.

Construction of the Great Wall ceased in the 17th century.

While it's not a continuous structure, the Great Wall stretches over 21,000 kilometers, winding its way through 15 provinces, 97 prefectures, and 404 counties.

Although some sections are popular tourist destinations, many parts have faded into neglect, deterioration, and even complete obscurity.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, these destinations will make your trip to China even more unforgettable. (For a closer look, check out the aerial footage in the video above.)

Yongtai Turtle City

The Great Wall isn’t just a mere stone barrier; in some areas, it includes towers perched on rugged mountain tops, fortified towns, and even expansive rivers, all considered integral parts of the “wall.”

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a key component of the Great Wall's “Yellow River Defense Line,” the Turtle City was completed in 1608. It once housed around 2,000 infantry soldiers and 500 cavalry units at its height.

Today, this historic fortress is situated in Sitan Township, Jingtai County, in the northern-central part of Gansu Province.

Although the “Turtle City” doesn’t have many real turtles, the town earned its name due to its distinctive shape.

The town's layout is designed like a turtle: the south gate represents the head, the east and west gates are the flippers, the oval-shaped city wall forms the body, and the north gate serves as its tail. As one of the most well-preserved walled cities in China, it’s a must-see destination.

It’s recommended to stay in the center of Jingtai County. The ancient city is just a 30-minute taxi ride away, allowing you to visit at the best time for photography.

While in Jingtai, be sure to sample local dishes like the spicy Five Buddha tofu and Jingtai cold mixed noodles, both vegetarian. For those seeking a culinary adventure, a visit to the bustling night market at Jingtai County People’s Square, featuring over 50 food stalls, is highly recommended.

How to get there: Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, is served by an international airport and high-speed train routes from many Chinese cities. It takes around 2.5 hours (195 kilometers) by car from downtown Lanzhou to Yongtai Turtle City, or just 1.5 hours (125 kilometers) from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport.

Mutianyu / Jiankou

Mutianyu and Jiankou form two connected parts of the same “Stone Dragon,” with these adjacent sections of the Great Wall running for around 25 kilometers across the mountain ridges surrounding Beijing.

Historical accounts tell us that millions of laborers worked for centuries to build the Great Wall. Standing on either Mutianyu or Jiankou, you’ll truly appreciate the immense effort that went into creating this monumental structure.

These two sections are perhaps the finest surviving examples of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, and climbing either one is sure to be a transformative experience.

Mutianyu is the most popular section of the “tourist wall.” Restored in the 1980s, it’s quite commercialized but undeniably stunning. Those not keen on the climb can opt for a cable car to reach the top.

Located west of Mutianyu, Jiankou is often called the “wild wall” – no tickets required, and it remains untouched by commercialization. However, as of 2020, the local government has started to discourage hiking here due to safety concerns.

Mutianyu and Jiankou are both less than 90 minutes' drive (without traffic) from downtown Beijing. If time permits, it’s highly recommended to spend a night in the surrounding countryside for a more relaxed experience.

Jiankou is accessible via Xizhazi village; depending on your timing, you might even have the chance to stay with William Lindesay, the renowned Great Wall historian, and his family at their charming wall-side home, The Barracks.

For accommodations near Mutianyu, The Brickyard offers an exceptionally comfortable stay.

In the fall and spring, the gray bricks of the Wall create a striking contrast with nature’s vivid hues. Autumn’s peak foliage and spring’s cherry blossoms make for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Winter sports lovers will find skiing and ice skating available near Mutianyu, making it a great destination for cold-weather activities.

How to get to Mutianyu: Since the relaxation of temporary driving license regulations for foreigners in September 2019, renting a car is now possible in China. (Note that international driving licenses are not valid here.)

Alternatively, you can hire a car with a driver for the day or take the Mutianyu Special Tourism Bus from Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station.

How to get to Jiankou: It’s best to rent a car or book private transport. Xizhazi is a small village, and public buses are infrequent, making the journey by public transport take up to five hours, compared to just 90 minutes by car.

Bataizi

Bataizi village lies at the edge of the Motianling section of the Great Wall and is home to the ruins of a Gothic church, built in 1876 under the guidance of a German missionary.

Over its nearly 150-year history, the church has been damaged and repaired multiple times; today, only the bell tower remains standing.

The contrast between the church's ruins and the rammed-earth Great Wall creates a unique and memorable setting for a morning or afternoon visit to Bataizi.

After completing your hike along the Wall and exploring the church ruins, stop by the village’s “new” church to meet Father Pan. If you speak Chinese, he can share insights about the village’s deep ties to Catholicism.

In addition to Bataizi, make sure Datong is on your itinerary. Visiting the Yungang Grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Hengshan Hanging Temple will enhance your travel experience.

Late summer is the perfect time to visit Bataizi, offering a striking contrast between the Great Wall and the surrounding lush, green hills.

How to get there: Bataizi village is located 80 kilometers west of Datong, one of the largest and most renowned cities in Shanxi province. Zuoyun County is just 22 kilometers away, about a 35-minute drive.

Alternatively, you can take a bus to Zuoyun County and then catch a taxi to Bataizi.

For those seeking luxury in Datong, the five-star Yunzhong Traditional Courtyard Hotel is the top choice. In Zuoyun County, the Zuoyun Jinshan International Hotel is the only hotel that accommodates foreign guests. Both hotels can be booked through popular travel sites.

Laoniuwan (also known as the Old Ox Bend Great Wall)

As the locals like to say, Laoniuwan is where the Great Wall and the mighty Yellow River come together in a symbolic handshake.

The Laoniuwan Fortress was constructed in 1467, and the region’s most iconic tower, Wanghe Tower (meaning 'River-Watching Tower'), was built in 1544.

Laoniuwan village is situated in Pianguan County, part of Xinzhou city in Shanxi province, just across the river from Inner Mongolia.

Late summer or early autumn is the ideal time to visit, as it allows you to avoid the hazardous mountain roads during spring rains or the uncomfortable cold in an area with limited infrastructure.

Along the Great Wall, only a few spots where it meets water exist, and of those, this one is by far the most breathtaking.

A boat ride along the river is a must-do experience. It allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Yellow River Gorge while reflecting on the impressive craftsmanship of the ancient builders.

How to get there: Reaching Laoniuwan by public transport is challenging. The most convenient option is to rent a car or book a ride from Datong to Laoniuwan via Bataizi, giving you the chance to visit two remarkable Great Wall sites in one journey.

The closest city is Pianguan, about an hour away. Pianguan has no train station or airport, so you’ll need to travel by bus. Shuozhou, located 140 kilometers from Laoniuwan, will have an airport opening later this year.

Fairy Tower

Construction on the Great Wall at Simatai began in 1373 and was periodically expanded and reinforced throughout the Ming Dynasty.

The Fairy Tower is one of the most iconic towers of the Simatai section, yet it remains one of the least visited due to its challenging accessibility.

For a spectacular view of the Fairy Tower, head to Wangjing Tower, which is just a few hundred meters away. This hike will thrill even the most seasoned adventurers, and can be completed without the need for ropes, ladders, or other safety equipment.

Much like Mutianyu and Jiankou, this section of the Wall offers breathtaking views year-round. My only advice is to wait for a clear day (visibility is often best the day after rain or snow), as the view from Wangjing Tower offers unobstructed panoramas in all directions.

The trek to the Fairy Tower will leave you amazed at the Northern Barbarians’ tenacity in trying to reach the capital; the mountains are almost impassable on foot, let alone on horseback, with sheer cliffs towering on either side.

It’s an unparalleled hiking experience and a fascinating history lesson all in one.

For a luxurious stay, Hobo Farm offers five-star accommodations and an outstanding restaurant with both Western and Chinese dishes. For a more affordable yet still excellent option, try Yatou’s Homestay, which offers 4.5-star lodging at a lower price. Both can be booked on major hotel booking sites.

How to get there: To reach both the Fairy Tower and Wangjing Tower, travel via Tangjiazhai village in Miyun district, Beijing.

Tangjiazhai village is about 140 kilometers from downtown Beijing, depending on the route. Booking a private car from the city is likely the fastest way to get there.

Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train from Beijing Station to Miyun district, then transfer to a bus or taxi for the final stretch.

Dushikou

Built during the reign of Emperor Jiajing (1507-1567), this particular section of the wall rises up to seven meters in some areas – an impressive achievement considering it was constructed by stacking stones.

It sits just across the road from the village of Dushikou, in Chicheng, Hebei province.

The stone-piled construction at Dushikou stands out, as most other sections near Beijing were built with kiln-fired bricks.

The ideal time to visit Dushikou is during the summer months, especially July and August, when the surrounding grasslands are lush and vibrant. The cool evenings offer perfect conditions for a barbecue or bonfire under the stars.

In Dushikou, you’ll find clean and cozy farmhouse accommodations, or you can head to Chicheng, just 45 minutes away, for a wider variety of hotel options.

In this region of Hebei, close to the Inner Mongolia border, lamb skewers and roast leg of lamb are local favorites. For those who enjoy noodles, don't miss the area's specialty oat noodles, which are absolutely delicious.

How to get there: Thanks to the infrastructure improvements from the 2022 Winter Olympics, the drive to Dushikou is now almost two hours shorter. If you're not driving, take a bus from Beijing's Liuliqiao Transport Hub to Chicheng, then grab a 45-minute taxi to Dushikou.

Keep in mind, traveling by public transport will take an additional hour or two compared to driving yourself.