Sections of Great Wall

There are three major sections of the Great Wall open to tourists near Beijing: Badaling, Mutianyu and Simatai. All three are built on steep terrain so it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. This advice holds especially true when gong to the Simatai section or to the "Wild Wall" sections that haven't been restored. Many ex-pats enjoy hiking along the "Wild Wall" but it's not for the faint of heart: climbing conditions can be arduous and there are no signposts, so hikers will need a good map or a guide.

Badaling Section: Only 70km away by superhighway, Badaling is the closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing and can be visited in half a day. Moreover, its proximity to the Ming Tombs means both sites can be seen in single outing.

Mutianyu Section: It is located some 90km north of Beijing, and like Badaling, is a recently renovated section that's very popular. Once on top, the view of the Wall undulating down wooded canyons and up mountain ridges are breathtaking.

Simatai Section: It is a dramatic testimony to Ming engineering skills with one section as steep as 85 degrees. Only partially restored, Simatai allows athletic visitors who climb past the first watchtowers to see the Wall in its wild, crumbling state.

Different sections of Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall    Mutianyu Great Wall    
Huangyaguan Great Wall    Jinshanling Great Wall   
Simatai Great Wall    Juyongguan Great Wall     
Jiayuguan Great Wall    Overhanging Great Wall    
Gubeikou Great Wall

History of the Great Wall Marathon

1999    2000    2001    2002    2003    2004    2005    2006    2007    2008    2009    2010    2011

Great Wall Marathon + China tour packages

5 days - Great Wall Marathon + Beijing tours
11 days - Great Wall Marathon and Classic China tour
12 days - Great Wall Marathon with Yangtze Cruise
16 days - Great Wall Marathon with Tibet Tour