The Great Wall was a military defense project continuously built in northern China from the 3rd century BCE to the 17th century CE. It stretches across 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang.

The Beijing section of the Great Wall is an outstanding representative of the Great Wall. It is home not only to the Mutianyu Great Wall, known as the "most unique section of the Great Wall," but also to the world-famous Badaling Great Wall.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Built atop remains of the Northern Qi Great Wall in 1368 CE, under the direction of General Xu Da (a key figure serving the Ming founder, Zhu Yuanzhang), the Mutianyu Great Wall represents the architectural pinnacle of the Ming dynasty's defensive line. It is characterized by several distinct military engineering elements: crenellations on both sides, strategically positioned passes and watchtowers, a high concentration of densely packed enemy forts, and the simultaneous existence of internal and external supporting walls. Visitors marvel at iconic spots like the Zhengguan Pass, Dajiaolou, and Ying Fei Dao Yang (Eagle Flying Upside Down). Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, Mutianyu is celebrated for its unparalleled splendor among the Great Wall's many segments.

I. Tourist Guide

II. Visitor Information

1. Peak and Low Seasons

Peak Season: March 16 to November 15; Low Season: November 16 to March 15 of the following year.

2. Opening Hours

Peak Season: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Low Season: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Ticket sales end 1 hour before closing; admission stops 30 minutes before closing.

3. Cable Car Operation Hours

Peak Season: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Low Season: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

4. The daytime viewing experience includes Watchtowers 1 through 20; the nighttime viewing experience includes Watchtowers 10 through 15.

Badaling Great Wall

Of the countless famous passes and strategic fortresses along the Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall stands out for its strategic importance, long history, magnificent architecture and spectacular scenery, making it one of the foremost among them all.

I. Travel Information

1. Opening Hours

Peak Season: April 1 to October 31 each year, open daily from 6:30 to 16:30

Off Season: November 1 to March 31 of the following year, open daily from 7:30 to 16:00.

2. Open Area

Badaling Great Wall is open from North Tower 12 to halfway along South Tower 7.

II. Featured Experiences

1. Badaling Great Wall Night Tour

The night tour of the Badaling Great Wall is a landmark attraction in Beijing's nighttime scene. The 2026 tour season will be open from April 30 to October 6.

The scenic area features an NPC performance titled "Meng Jiangnv Searches for Her Husband." Actors in ancient costumes recreate classic historical scenes. Visitors may talk to the characters and hear stories about garrison life on the frontier.

The site also offers a special activity: "Write and Send Blessings at the Courier Station." Visitors may write their wishes at the foot of the Great Wall, and costumed messengers deliver the notes to the top of the wall, adding a romantic touch to the night tour. While strolling along the ramparts, visitors can also meet NPCs playing the roles of Ming Dynasty generals and frontier defenders. Through roving performances and interactive scenes, visitors can gain a deeper connection to the history of the Great Wall.

The Badaling Cultural Block immerses visitors in the bustling scene of the ancient Tea-Horse Trade Market. Along with themed role-playing games, it offers a full taste of frontier life.

In addition, visitors can watch the dance performance "Frontier Bonfire," dance along with the performers, and take part in the grand city entry ceremony.

The Badaling Night Great Wall is open on the Cultural Block and the wall section from North 4th Tower to South 4th Tower. Admission check-in: 18:30-21:00; lighting hours: 19:20-22:00 (subject to change on the day); performances hours: 18:30-21:00 (subject to change on the day).

2. Helicopter Sightseeing

Badaling Great Wall is grand and magnificent, with distinctive scenery in every season. To truly appreciate its majesty and steep terrain, you may wish to try a fresh way of experiencing it: taking a low-altitude helicopter flight. This not only lets you avoid the crowds, but also takes you to heights that cannot be reached on foot, offering a completely different visual impact.

Experience Time: 09:00–18:00 (subject to weather conditions and air traffic control arrangements)

Experience Location: Beijing Badaling Airport