Great Wall tours have become even more popular since the wall itself became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This massive structure, stretching more than 4,000 miles from east to west in China, has an incredible history. Dating back more than 2,000 years, to the fifth century BC, there are some portions of the wall where there are few remains. However, fortunately for visitors who want to tour the Great Wall of China, there are still significant portions of the wall that snakes its way up the mountainside and across deserts and plateaus. Before you embark on one of these tours, it is beneficial to learn a little about the history of the Great Wall as well.

Many travelers to China plan on taking a Great Wall tour from Beijing. Both the historical significance and architectural grandeur of this landmark attract visitors from around the globe. Great Wall tours today visit portions that were built during the Ming Dynasty, which ruled from 1368 through 1644. Portions of the wall built during this time period had a better chance of surviving as better materials and solid stone were used during the construction process. When you tour the Great Wall of China, you will discover these and many more fascinating facts about the history and the people who built this landmark.

There isn’t just one Great Wall tour from Beijing—you will have several to choose from. Adventurous travelers will love a tour that is designed for experienced hikers. If you want to combine a challenging hike with a tour of one of the most famous landmarks in the world, then this type of Great Wall tours is for you. All the details, from a packing list to health and safety tips will be taken care of in advance of this type of trip. If you’re looking for something a little less adventurous, there are plenty of short options for quick tours of the Great Wall of China as well.

China Map

Many people who tour the Great Wall of China do so as part of a larger package. If you want to see more than just the Great Wall and Beijing, packages are also available that include Shanghai and more. Great Wall tours are also available for independent travelers who aren’t exploring China as part of a larger package tour. It is possible to tour the Great Wall of China as a daytrip from Beijing, depending on transportation. Some travelers who are intimidated by local buses or hiring transport wind up taking tour buses from Beijing because they are an easy way to travel. The most popular place to see the wall is the Badaling Section which has been welcoming visitors since 1957.

However, your Great Wall tour from Beijing doesn’t have to end there. Independent travelers will want to get away from the masses and see a piece of the wall without large groups of fellow tourists around. The list of Great Wall sites is long and includes popular favorites such as Jiangjun Pass, Simatai, Baimaguan Pass, and more. One recommendation for independent travelers is to hire a private guide in Beijing. The concierge at your hotel should be able to recommend a local guide who can help provide context with history, but also allow you to explore at your own pace. Seeing the Great Wall of China with your own eyes is a moment you won’t soon forget.