CityBuddy
Great Wall
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings between April and June or September and November offer clear skies and fewer crowds. Arriving before 8am guarantees photos without people in the frame.
Budget tips
Admission ranges from 40 to 65 yuan depending on the section chosen; the cable car costs extra. Combining the ticket with public transportation or shared tours significantly reduces the total cost.
Recommended for
Adventurers who enjoy hiking trails, Landscape photographers, Curious historians, Families with older children
Plan your visit
Half day (4-6 hours)
About
Quick facts: Climbing the rocky stairs immediately gives the feeling of the cold hard surface of the stone and the rustling of mountain air in the ears. The height of the steps varies, forcing an adjustment with each step. More than 20 watchtowers line the winding defensive line. As you look at the valley, mist and clouds roll by, and the special layers in the depth of the image make the photograph even more impressive.
Highlights: Through the stairs, you reach the 23rd watchtower where you can smell the pine needles and withered leaves. A slight body movement offers a panorama of the entire valley and the curved texture of the wall. Many choose the cable car or monorail sleds to descend the mountain. During the journey, you can see the undulating wall and deep forest belts from a lower height, and the air passing through the ears remains a stronger memory than the photographs.
Insider tips
- Wear sneakers with good traction, as the steps vary in height and some sections are steep and slippery
- Bring water and snacks, as prices at the stalls at the top reach three times those at the base
- The Mutianyu section has fewer tourist attractions and cable cars, so it attracts fewer crowds than Badaling
- In autumn, the reddish leaves of the mountains create an incredible contrast with the gray bricks, ideal for photos
Where to Stay in Chengdu
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