The Magnificent Barrier of China is on everyone’s must-see list. Over 10 million tourists visit one of the seven marvels of the world every year. The Chinese Title of the Magnificent Barrier of China is Wan Li Chang Cheng which literally signifies ‘the extended barrier of 10,000 miles’. It is amongst the most costly developments on the planet. Instead of being one long continuous barrier, it is constructed of various diverse sections.

About The Magnificent Barrier of China

The Magnificent Barrier of China length is approximately 6300 km. If the length can be measured from all the distinct sections of the barrier, the distance is approximately 22000 km. In December 1987, The Magnificent Barrier of China became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Barrier has been constructed by over 1 million individuals.

The Ming Dynasty was the most crucial restorer of the barriers. They finished it with fortifications, watchtowers, and cannons to much better protect their citizens from their invaders. The legend goes that a mythical serpent hunted down the path of the Magnificent Barrier of China for the labor force. Despite popular belief, the Magnificent Barrier of China cannot be seen from the moon without assistance.

Facts About The Barrier

There are various myths and truths about the Barrier and certain misleading facts have led many to believe in the wrong statements. Here are a few fascinating facts about the Magnificent Barrier of China that will enlighten you further to keep your general knowledge in check.

• Even though it has been stated in the book, ‘Believe it or not!’ by Robert Ripley that it is possible to see the Magnificent Barrier of China from space or moon, unfortunately, it cannot be.
• The Chinese folk call this barrier as the ‘metropolis barrier’ or ‘Long Metropolis’ and no such mention of ‘Great’ is mentioned by them.
• The Magnificent Barrier of China is only 2000 years old and not as much as many think.
• The Wall does not contain any remains or bodies of any laborer and this remains a rumor as possibly told by the Chief Historian Sima Qian of Han dynasty.
• The Wall is not a single wall and in fact, it is more than one and so, one cannot use ‘it’ to refer to the wall, ‘them’ has to be used as there are more than one walls present.

7 Places To Visit Near The Great Wall of China

There are numerous places to visit near the Great Wall of China. We have listed a few of them. Make sure to stop by these places which are equally stunning as the Great Wall:

1. Badaling Great Wall

Badaling is the highly visited spot on the Great Wall of China. It lies 80 km northwest of Yanqing District, urban Beijing city. The wall served as a dominant and vital territory for securing the Beijing city and the Juyongguan Pass on the south. Bilbao is the most elevated point on the Badaling Great Wall ascending to 1,015 m above sea level. The Badaling was the prime territory of the Great Wall of China to be opened the first time for sightseers in 1957.

2. Mutianyu

Mutianyu segment is often recommended as an alternative to Badaling. At just a distance of 80 km from Beijing, you don’t need to go any further to be rewarded with the sight here. This segment is praised for the lush surrounding greenery. More than 95% of the area bordering Mutianyu is forested with twenty of the pines being over 300 years old which are an attraction in itself. Mutianyu is well-developed with numerous vendors and a cable car is available to transport people on the Wall. Characterized by steep slopes, during your visit to Mutianyu you should be prepared for an invigorating journey. Most of the visitors reach this segment on organized trips that often make stops at The Jade Factory and Dingling Tomb as well.

3. Nan Pass

For those attempting to encounter the Grand Barrier much closer to Beijing and with no visitor traffic at all, head to the southern section of the Juyongguan – the Nan Pass – which is only 30 miles from the city. The Nan Pass area dates back to approximately 200 BC when the barrier was initially authorized during the Qin Dynasty. The most impressive feature of the Nan Pass is the Cloud Platform, a lookout tower established during the Yuan Dynasty. The magnificent tower is constructed of white marble and includes the statues of deities, and Buddhist scriptures both engraved on either side of the entrances. The Nan Pass is easily accessible by bus and car and is similar to the Badaling section of the Grand Barrier in terms of restoration and development.

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4. Juyongguan

Juyongguan is at a distance of 50 km from Beijing, situated in the Guangou valley of Changping District. The pass extends down the valley and has a lovely environment, constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Juyongguan was previously a military town that had an official residence, various temples, watchtowers, and army bases. Today, it is a potential site on your visit to the Grand Barrier of China, due to its astonishing viewpoints and extreme steepness.

5. Baishi Mountain

The Baishi Mountain is alternatively known as Baishishan in Chinese. The white marble constitutes portions of the mountain, and that is where it derives its name. Baishi Mountain’s summit is composed of dolomite covering 20 km square. It is located in Laiyuan County, in the province of Hebei in China. The Elevation of the Great Wall Of China is 6877 ft and its main ridge extends to over 22,966 ft. Baishi Mountain is also situated 200 km southwest of Beijing, and it forms the northern terminus of the Taihang Chain. Surrounding the base of the Mountain, you can find the remnants of the Great Wall of China. In September 2006, the area was designated as Baishi National Geological Park since it was classified as a geological park by UNESCO. Additionally, in 2017, the China National Tourism Administration ranked this site as an AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

6. Jiankou

You can have a fulfilling experience in this unrestored yet serene region. And the daring individuals can also take pleasure in trekking here, which takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The distance from Jiankou to Mutianyu is 9 km and it is truly a rugged trail. Therefore, only skilled hikers should choose it.

7. Gubeikou

Gubeikou is situated 90 miles away from Beijing and is renowned for being the pass that protected the city of Beijing from Northern Mongol invasions. It is believed that over 130 battles took place at this pass, which today remains mostly in ruins. It is recognized as a popular trekking destination for enthusiastic hikers. However, please be cautious as there are no amenities, such as cable car rides or wheelchair access, available here. The mountain is famous for its panoramic views on cloudy days. During such days, the peaks of the mountain appear to be stretching out from the low-lying clouds and fog. Baishi Mountain is also home to China’s longest, widest, and highest glass skywalk, which extends to 95 m at an altitude of 1,900 m.

Do’s and Don’ts At The Wall

One of the primary Do’s that you must adhere to is to choose the specific section of the Great Wall that you desire to see in advance and plan accordingly. Always opt for either the spring or the fall season to visit the wall. Trekking along the wall is a distinctive experience in itself, so ensure you don’t miss out on that.

One of the major Don’ts of the Wall is to never wear open-toed footwear while visiting as it might injure your foot on the changing terrain. It is not recommended to camp on the Great Wall due to extreme weather conditions at times and carrying a lot of weight while trekking can also spoil your experience. Never plan a solo trip to hike on the Wall, either be with a group or travel with your friends.

The Great Wall Of China Map

How To Reach The Great Wall of China

Various trains are accessible for traveling to Badaling every day from Beijing Huangtudian Railway Station. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to arrive at Badaling via train. It’s also simple to pre-book a car and driver for yourself to transport you to the Great Wall of China. Typically, it takes about 1.5 hrs to reach Badaling or Mutianyu from the city center by a vehicle as well.

In an era when travel spots and monuments all seem to be eagerly proclaimed, not only does the popularity of the Great Wall of China fit the hype around it, but it surpasses it. Ascending a tower and gazing at the Wall as far as the eye can see is an image etched into the minds of many. The Great Wall of China truly is a marvel to witness. Book your trip to China and witness this marvel with your own eyes!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Great Wall of China

Why were the watchtowers constructed on the Great Wall?

The watchtowers were built to transmit signals based on the movements of the adversaries.

How was the Great Wall constructed?

Constructed primarily out of compacted earth material and forced labor, the Great Wall of China was reconstructed with stone and brick around the time of the Ming dynasty.

How high is the Great Wall of China?

The average height of the Great Wall of China is approximately 20-23 feet.