The Great Wall stretches like a massive dragon across deserts, grasslands, and mountains, spanning 21,196 kilometers (13,170 miles) from Jiayuguan Pass in the west to Hushan Mountain in Liaoning in the east. It passes through ten provinces and cities, including Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, and Liaoning. Throughout its several thousand years of history, from the Warring States to the Ming Dynasty, the wall has seen many changes.
In this article, we will get to know more about this wonder of the world along with some information about its various sections.
Let’s delve into it!
Great Wall of China: Overview
Here’s a glance at the overview of the Great Wall of China:
General Information
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Type
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Fortification
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Country
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China
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Coordinates
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40.68°N 117.23°E
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Official Name
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The Great Wall
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Location
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Asia-Pacific
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Criteria
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Cultural
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Inscription
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1987 (11th Season)
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Area
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2,151.55 ha
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Buffer Zone
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4,800.8 ha
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Size
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21,196.18 km (13,170.70 mi)
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Traditional Chinese
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萬里長城 |
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Simplified Chinese
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万里长城
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Literal meaning
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“The 10,000-li Long Wall” |
Great Wall of China: History
- By the time of the Spring and Autumn period (8th to 5th centuries BC), the Chinese were already skilled in wall-building techniques. During this time and the subsequent Warring States period, various states including Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Yan, and Zhongshan constructed extensive fortifications to defend their borders. These walls, built to withstand attacks from swords and spears, were primarily made of stone or by filling earth and gravel between wooden frames.
- In 221 BC, King Zheng of Qin unified China as the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty, known as “Qin Shi Huang.” Seeking to centralize rule and prevent the resurgence of feudal lords, he ordered the destruction of sections of walls that divided his empire. However, to defend against the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the construction of new walls to connect existing fortifications along the northern frontier. The principle of “Build and move on” guided construction, suggesting that the walls were not meant to be permanent borders.
- Transporting materials for construction was challenging, so builders used local resources whenever possible. Stones from mountains were used in mountainous regions, while rammed earth was used in plains. Exact records of the length and course of the Qin walls are scarce, with most ancient walls having eroded over time. It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of workers died during the construction of the Qin wall.
- Subsequent dynasties, including the Han, Northern dynasties, and Sui, repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections of the Great Wall to defend against northern invaders. However, the Tang and Song dynasties did not undertake significant efforts in this region. Dynasties led by non-Han ethnic groups, such as the Northern Wei, Liao, Jin, and Western Xia, also constructed defensive walls, mainly located in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region and modern-day Mongolia.
Also Read: Why Was The Great Wall Of China Built?
Great Wall of China: Sections
Here’s a list of all the sections of the Great Wall of China along with their Provinces:
| Province |
Section |
| Beijing |
Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan Pass, Simatai, Jinshanling, Gubeikou, Huanghuacheng, Jiankou, Shuiguan, Lupiguan, Badaling Remnant, Xiangshuihu, Baimaguan, Hefangkou, Jiangjunguan, Qiangzilu, Sizuolou, Yanhecheng, Badaling Great Wall |
| Gansu |
Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Juyan Fortress, Yangguan, Yumenguan, Overhanging Great Wall, Shandan, Jiayuguan Pass of Great Wall |
| Hebei |
Shanhaiguan Pass, Laolongtou, Jiaoshan, Banchangyu, Xifengkou & Panjiakou, Zijingguan Pass, Daomaguan, Great Wall in Zhangjiakou, Wulonggou, Dajingmen, Xuanhua Ancient City |
| Inner Mongolia |
Gaoque Fortress, Jilu Fortress, Great Wall in Inner Mongolia |
| Liaoning |
Hushan, Jiumenkou, Zhuizishan |
| Ningxia |
Sanguankou, Hongguozi Great Wall |
| Shaanxi |
Great Wall in Yulin, Great Wall Relics of the Wei State, Zhenbeitai |
| Shanxi |
Guguan Pass, Niangzi Pass, Ningwu Pass, Pianguan, Pingxing Pass, Yanmenguan Pass, Datong Great Wall |
| Tianjin |
Huangyaguan Pass, Taipingzhai |
Great Wall of China: Characteristics
- Before the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall was mostly made of rammed earth, stones, and wood. However, during the Ming Dynasty, bricks became widely used in many parts of the wall, along with materials like tiles, lime, and stone. Bricks were easier to handle than earth and stone, which sped up construction. They could also bear more weight and endure better than rammed earth. While stone is strong, it’s harder to work with, so rectangular stones were used for the foundation, brims, and gateways of the wall.
- Most of the wall features battlements along the top, with gaps for defense measuring a little over 30 cm tall and about 23 cm wide. Guards stationed on the parapets could watch the surrounding land for any signs of trouble.
- Sticky rice mortar, made from sticky rice soup mixed with lime, was commonly used to bind the bricks together. Contrary to legend, no human bones or body parts were ever used in the construction of the wall or its mortar.
- Communication between army units along the wall was crucial for coordinating reinforcements and warning of enemy movements. Signal towers were built on high points along the wall for visibility. Wooden gates could also be used as traps. Barracks, stables, and armories were constructed near the inner surface of the wall.
- The Great Wall of China cannot be seen by the naked human eye from the Moon.
The Best 10 Sections/Parts of the Great Wall to Visit
1. Mutianyu (The most magnificent fully-restored Great Wall section)
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is highly favored by international travelers and is especially suitable for families with children.
Location: Situated 73 kilometers (45 miles) from Beijing, about a 1½ hour drive away.
Features: Mutianyu is renowned for its well-preserved Great Wall fortifications, featuring closely-spaced watchtowers and fortresses along its length, with crenellations on both sides. It’s notable that former First Lady Michelle Obama has visited this section.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy sightseeing and hiking along this section of the Great Wall.
Tour Time: A visit to Mutianyu typically takes half a day.
Facilities: Cable cars or chairlifts are available for going up and down the wall, and visitors can also enjoy a toboggan ride down for added fun.
2. Jinshanling (Most popular Great Wall hiking route)
The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall is renowned as one of the most popular hiking routes, particularly from Jinshanling to Simatai. This section offers a unique blend of restored and wild segments, boasting stunning scenery.
Location: Located 154 kilometers (96 miles) from Beijing, requiring a 2–3 hour drive.
Features: Jinshanling offers a mix of restored and wild sections, providing quiet surroundings and breathtaking views of the wall winding up and down.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking and photography in this picturesque area.
Tour Time: Exploring the Jinshanling section typically takes a full day.
Facilities: Cable car services are available for convenience.
3. Jiankou (Totally wild, the most challenging/steep section)
The Jiankou section’s broken wildness and perilous steepness make it the most dangerous section of the Great Wall.
Location: Situated 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Beijing, it takes approximately 3 hours to drive there.
Features: The Jiankou section of the Great Wall is renowned for its completely original, wild, and untouched nature. It is considered the most dangerous section due to its broken wilderness and perilous steepness. Some parts of the wall are extremely steep and hazardous. The wall winds its way along mountain ridges in the shape of a “W”.
Activities: Visitors can engage in photography and serious hiking, but caution is advised due to the challenging terrain.
Tour Time: Exploring Jiankou typically requires a full day.
Facilities: There are no facilities available along the Jiankou section of the Great Wall, so visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies.
4. Simatai (Great for a night tour)
The Simatai section incorporates different characteristics of each section of the Great Wall. And visitors can have a night tour of the Great Wall.
Location: Located 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Beijing, it typically takes 2–3 hours to drive there.
Features: Simatai section of the Great Wall is known for incorporating various characteristics of different sections of the wall. Recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987, Simatai offers steep and inspiring scenery. In the fall, the sight of red leaves adds to its beauty.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking and photography in this breathtaking area.
Facilities: Cable cars and battery carts are available for convenient transportation, and visitors can also enjoy boat rides to enhance their experience. Additionally, night tours of the Great Wall are offered, allowing visitors to appreciate the wall’s beauty under the moonlight
5. Huanghuacheng (Unique wall and water scenery)
Huanghuacheng’s section of the Great Wall is noted for its perfect blend of lake scenery and ancient wall.
Location: Situated 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Beijing, it takes approximately 1½ hours to drive there.
Features: Huanghuacheng’s section of the Great Wall is renowned for its picturesque combination of lake scenery and ancient wall. Some parts of the wall are even submerged in water, adding to its unique charm. Additionally, there’s a 500-year-old Ming Dynasty chestnut orchard located at the foot of the wall.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking and camping in this scenic area, with May to September being the recommended months for camping.
Facilities: Cruise boats are available for visitors to enjoy the stunning views from the water.
6. Gubeikou (Wild Wall, Ancient Battle Site)
Location: Positioned 146 kilometers (90 miles) from Beijing, it requires a 2-hour drive to reach.
Features: Gubeikou is characterized by its wild and unrestored nature, once safeguarding a crucial pass to Beijing from northern Mongol regions. It has witnessed over 130 battles throughout history.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking in this rugged and historical area.
Facilities: There are no facilities available at Gubeikou, so visitors should be prepared accordingly.
7. Juyongguan (One of the greatest Great Wall forts)
Location: Located 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Beijing, it takes about 1½ hours to drive there.
Features: Juyong Pass is the closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing and is wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for handicapped travelers. It served as one of the most significant forts defending ancient Beijing. Additionally, Genghis Khan led his troops through Juyong Pass during his conquest of Chinese territory.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking along this section of the Great Wall. Typical tour time: Exploring Juyong Pass usually takes about 1½–2 hours.
8. Huangyaguan (An annual Great Wall marathon race site)
Location: Located in Ji County, Tianjin, approximately a 3 hours’ drive from Beijing.
Features: Huangyaguan’s Great Wall hosts the Great Wall Marathon every May, making it a popular destination for marathon enthusiasts. Typical tour time: Visitors usually spend 2–3 hours exploring this section of the Great Wall.
Facilities: Sightseeing buses are available to transport visitors to the mountain top for easier access.
9. Shanhaiguan (Where the Great Wall meets the sea)
Location: Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, approximately a 3½ hours’ drive from Beijing.
Features: Shanhaiguan is a historically significant pass along the Great Wall of China. It served as a crucial frontier defense against the Manchus and marks the eastern end of the main Ming Dynasty Great Wall, where it meets the sea.
Tour Time: A visit to Shanhaiguan typically requires one day.
10. Badaling (The most popular section among Chinese tourists)
Location: Situated 72 kilometers (45 miles) from Beijing, it takes approximately 2 hours to drive there.
Features: This section of the Great Wall is highly favored by Chinese tourist groups and tends to be very crowded.
Facilities: Visitors can access cable cars, the Great Wall Museum, a circular-screen cinema, and some areas are wheelchair accessible. Tour Time: A visit to this section typically lasts half a day.
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FAQs on Great Wall of China Sections
How many states does the Great Wall of China stretches across?
The Great Wall stretches across 15 northern Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, from the Bohai Sea in the east to the Gobi Desert, 2,500 kilometers away in the west. There are 15 geographically important passes built along the route.
Where is the most famous section of the Great Wall of China?
The Badaling Great Wall section is by far the most famous and most popular section of the Great Wall to visit. It has been extremely well restored and is the main destination for local Chinese tourists and organised tours.
How many sections is China divided into?
China is officially (de jure) divided into 34 province-level administrative divisions, the first level of administrative division in the country. There are four types of divisions at the province level: Provinces (23) Autonomous regions (5).
What are the oldest sections of the Great Wall?
The Great Wall of Qi (simplified Chinese: 齐长城; traditional Chinese: 齊長城; pinyin: Qí Chángchéng) is the oldest part of the Great Wall in China that is still standing. It started being built in 441 BC (during the Spring and Autumn period) by the state of Qi.
What are 5 facts about the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall of China became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1987. The wall is the longest man made structure in the world, with a total length of about 13170.7 mi or 21196.18 km. Made over the course of hundreds of years, the wall was built by over 6 different Chinese dynasties, and is over 2,300 years old.
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