How long is the Great Wall of China?
Official surveys say 21,196 kilometres—long enough to wrap halfway around Earth. But what does that include, and which parts can you actually visit?
21,196 km
Measured in 2012 across 15 provinces and autonomous regions.
8,850 km
The best preserved and most visited segments date from 1368–1644.
15
Including Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning.
Wall length, by era
“The Great Wall” isn’t a single structure. Successive dynasties rebuilt and extended it in different regions. Here’s how the numbers break down.
Pre-Qin states
Before unification, states like Zhao, Yan, and Qin built regional walls for defence. Many lie beneath farmland today.
Qin unification
Qin Shi Huang linked existing walls (~5,000 km) to defend against northern nomads. Remnants survive in Gansu and Inner Mongolia.
Han expansions
Han Dynasty extended walls westward to secure Silk Road garrisons near Dunhuang and Ürümqi.
Ming fortresses
The Ming rebuilt brick walls around Beijing, Shanhaiguan (Qinhuangdao), Datong, and Jiayuguan.
| Dynasty | Approx. length | Primary route | Highlights today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qin (221–206 BCE) | ≈5,000 km | Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia | Rammed-earth remains in Yulin, Ningxia; Jiuyuan sections near Baotou. |
| Han (206 BCE – 220 CE) | ≈6,000 km | Gansu corridor to Xinjiang | Yumen Pass, Han beacon towers near Dunhuang. |
| Ming (1368–1644) | 8,850 km | Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu | Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai, Shanhaiguan, Jiayuguan, Datong fortresses (Beijing, Qinhuangdao, Datong). |
| Qing (1644–1911) | Limited repairs | Strategic passes only | Shanhaiguan gate into Manchuria, forts around Tianjin. |
Which sections should you visit?
Badaling
Closest to Beijing, cable cars and full facilities. Pick weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Mutianyu
Family-friendly, restored but less busy than Badaling. Try the toboggan ride down after hiking.
Jinshanling to Simatai
Classic ridge-line hike with a mix of restored and wild sections. Access via buses from Beijing or stay near Chengde.
Jiayuguan Pass
Western terminus of the Ming Wall in Gansu; combine with Dunhuang desert sights.
Shanhaiguan · “Old Dragon’s Head”
The Wall meeting the Bohai Sea. Base in Qinhuangdao (Beidaihe beaches).
Locate Great Wall highlights
Click markers for quick facts and linked city guides.
Legend
- Popular/restored section
- Frontier pass / fort
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see the wild wall?
Jiankou, Gubeikou, and Huanghuacheng offer unrestored stretches near Beijing. Hire local guides; some sections are steep and crumbly.
Is the Wall visible from space?
No unaided viewing from orbit; it’s too narrow. Astronauts can only see it with telephoto lenses under ideal conditions.
Do I need tickets?
Yes. Each section sells its own tickets (¥40–80). Peak Oct 1–7 holiday sees capacity caps—book in advance.
What should I pack?
Sturdy shoes, layers (windy ridges), water, sunscreen. For winter visits, add crampons for icy steps.
Plan your Great Wall route
Combine wall hikes with palaces, tombs, and hutong strolls.
- Beijing city playbook — tickets, transport, visa-free transit.
- Imperial palaces guide — pair Forbidden City with wall day trips.
- First Emperor facts — learn why the Wall mattered to Qin.
- Terracotta Army facts — extend your journey to Xi’an.