The Great Wall of China: Greater than Ever

I have countless memories of visiting the Great Wall of China. Over the years, I have explored many different sections, and each area offers its own atmosphere, history, and scenery. There are generally two ways to experience the Great Wall: visiting the restored sections, which are easier to reach but often crowded with tourists, or discovering the unrestored areas, where fewer visitors go and the ancient character of the wall remains intact.

A Monument Built Through History

The Great Wall of China is widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest travel landmarks and one of the most remarkable structures in the world. Rather than being a single continuous wall, it is a vast network of defensive walls that were built over many centuries. Originally designed to protect Chinese territories from northern invasions, the wall also served important roles in border control, trade protection, communication, and military movement.

My visits to the Great Wall have always been about more than simply seeing a famous attraction. I have wanted to understand how it was built and why it was strategically important. There is truly nothing comparable anywhere else on Earth. Stretching across deserts, mountains, and plains from the Gobi Desert toward the Yellow Sea, the Great Wall follows some incredibly steep landscapes. In certain areas, the slope is so sharp that walking along it feels more like climbing a mountain than taking a casual hike.

The height of the wall was not accidental. In ancient warfare, controlling higher ground provided a major advantage. Along the wall are numerous watchtowers and defensive structures that once allowed soldiers to monitor approaching enemies and communicate warnings across great distances.

How Long Is the Great Wall?

The total length of the Great Wall depends on how it is measured. Estimates generally range from around 1,500 to more than 3,100 miles. When all sections of defensive walls are included, the combined length reaches nearly 31,000 miles.

The construction of the Great Wall took place over approximately 1,800 years, with many separate sections built during different dynasties. Several parallel walls were created as additional defensive lines. Some historical remains connected to these systems have even been found far beyond modern China, including areas near the former Soviet Union and the Korean Peninsula.

If all the materials used to build the Great Wall were taken apart and reconstructed into a fence about one meter tall and one meter wide, the resulting structure could circle the Earth along the equator. The earliest major construction project began around 200 B.C. under Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor of China, and involved more than one million workers. Later, the Ming Dynasty began another major expansion in 1368, strengthening and extending the wall into the form most visitors recognize today.

Like many things created by humans, the Great Wall has experienced both periods of expansion and times of decline.

Can the Great Wall Be Seen From Space?

For many years, people have debated whether the Great Wall of China is visible from outer space. NASA has stated that it is not easily visible with the naked eye, comparing it to trying to see a human hair from several miles away. However, the European Space Agency and some Chinese astronauts have reported observations of the wall from orbit.

Regardless of the answer, the discussion continues because of the incredible scale of the structure. A single brick became part of a project that grew into the largest and most famous wall ever built by humanity.

Why Visit the Great Wall?

There are countless reasons to experience the Great Wall. Beyond its historical importance, it can also provide unforgettable experiences that go beyond ordinary sightseeing.

Visitors can enjoy special meals overlooking the ancient structure, explore the surrounding landscapes, or arrange private tours with experts who explain the history, architecture, and military significance of each section. For photographers, the towers, fortifications, mountain scenery, and changing seasons create endless opportunities to capture the beauty and power of the Great Wall.

Mutianyu

I first traveled to China in 1992 after moving to Hong Kong. At the time, I was managing an office in southern China with a programming team, and I traveled to Beijing on business to recruit talented programmers from Tsinghua University.

During that trip, I made my first visit to the Great Wall, choosing the Mutianyu section because of its convenient location near Beijing. This restored area provides an impressive introduction to the scale of the wall, but it is also one of the busiest sections because of its popularity among tourists.

Although I appreciated seeing such an incredible historical site, I wanted a more authentic experience. I preferred to discover places where the original character of the wall was still visible, so I continued searching for less crowded sections.

Simatai

Later that same year, I returned to Beijing with the goal of experiencing a more original version of the Great Wall. I decided to visit Simatai and left around 4 a.m. during the early winter so I could arrive before sunrise.

I had underestimated how cold the morning would be, but the early start turned out to be worthwhile. I visited with two colleagues, and there was no one else visible anywhere around us. For a brief moment, it felt as though we had the entire Great Wall to ourselves.

This was the kind of Great Wall I had hoped to find: ancient, weathered, and untouched. The stones were worn, sections were unstable, and parts of the path were challenging, but the atmosphere was unforgettable. The morning air was clear, the views were spectacular, and the surrounding mountains created a dramatic landscape.

The Simatai section is particularly rugged. Some areas are extremely narrow, with steep drops of more than 50 feet. Eventually, we reached points where continuing forward became unsafe, so we turned back.

The section later underwent renovations and reopened in 2013. While restoration makes historic sites easier and safer to visit, some travelers feel that excessive reconstruction removes the sense of mystery and authenticity found in ancient ruins.

Jinshanling

Among all the sections I have visited, Jinshanling remains one of my favorites. I have explored this area twice, and it is connected to Simatai, allowing experienced hikers to travel between the two sections.

For travelers who enjoy challenging hikes and want to experience some of the finest scenery near Beijing, the Jinshanling to Simatai route is one of the best choices.

Jinshanling has undergone significant restoration, but it still maintains a more natural feeling compared with heavily developed sections like Mutianyu. The wall stretches beautifully across distant mountain ridges, creating some of the most iconic views of the entire Great Wall.

Because it is relatively accessible, Jinshanling works well for visitors who want beautiful scenery without an extremely difficult hike. It is also an excellent place for a picnic. Visitors can even arrange a luxury outdoor meal with tables, chairs, fine dining equipment, and catered food, creating a truly memorable experience.

Commune at the Great Wall

Another unique way to experience the Great Wall is through the Commune at the Great Wall, a private architectural project featuring designs from twelve leading Asian architects.

Nearby is a small private section of the Great Wall that offers a much quieter experience. Since general crowds are not allowed in this area, visitors can enjoy the surroundings with very few people nearby.

Although this private section does not offer the dramatic mountain views found at Simatai or Jinshanling, its peaceful atmosphere and original condition make it special. Compared with crowded destinations such as Badaling and Mutianyu, the privacy is a major advantage.

The nearby Shuiguan section provides a completely different experience. It is often extremely crowded, with large groups of tourists, performances, and commercial entertainment. For visitors seeking a peaceful historical experience, it can feel overwhelming.

Huangyaguan

Located farther from Beijing, Huangyaguan is one of the less frequently visited sections by international travelers. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking for a quieter experience.

Built during the Ming Dynasty and later restored by the Beijing Cultural Relics Bureau, Huangyaguan remains a beautiful section of the wall. It winds across steep mountain terrain and offers impressive views. Although reaching it requires more effort, the journey is worthwhile, especially when combined with a visit to the nearby Qing Dynasty tombs.

Jiankou and Future Adventures

There are still many remote sections of the Great Wall that I hope to explore, including Jiankou. Built during the Ming Dynasty period, Jiankou is famous among photographers because of its dramatic design and spectacular mountain backdrop.

The name Jiankou means “Arrow Nock,” referring to the shape of the surrounding mountains and a collapsed opening that resembles the notch of an arrow.

Another modern way to experience the Great Wall is through helicopter tours over sections such as Badaling, offering a completely different perspective of this enormous structure.

The Great Wall of China, like the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat, belongs on every traveler’s list of must-see destinations. Its history, scale, and beauty make it one of the world’s greatest journeys, and it is an experience worth having sooner rather than later.