How Difficult Is the Great Wall to Climb?

The Great Wall of China is 21,196.18 kilometers long and snakes its way from the eastern start of the Shanhai Pass to the western end of the Jiayu Pass. Are you scared by this fact? Are you doubtful as to whether you can climb the Great Wall? How difficult is the Great Wall to climb? To be honest, you should judge it according to your own physical condition and not by other people's experiences. How can you make a wise choice about which section to visit when there are so many sections of the Great Wall? Here, we have detailed the recommended sections of the Great Wall for different capabilities.

Tips for Different Kinds of People

There are many ways to hike the Great Wall. Hiking to a section at the top of a mountain is not the only standard to judge whether you have been to the Great Wall. Here are some useful tips for different kinds of people.

Disabled or Slightly Injured People

Can disabled people climb the Great Wall? Of course they can. Some sections of the Great Wall offer a cable car, such as the Mutianyu, Juyongguan, and Simatai sections of the Great Wall. After taking the cable car, you can try your best to hike the Great Wall. The steps are uneven and you have to hold onto the wall on both sides, but it's not important to hike for a long distance, as long as you get the chance to climb it.

Tips for Disabled People

  • Do your best and don't strive for perfection.
  • Details about the cable car:

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

  • Return ticket: 100 yuan (about 15 USD)
  • Details: from the cable car station to the foot of Tower 14
Chairlift on the Great Wall Chairlift on the Great Wall

The Great Wall at Simatai

  • Return ticket: 120 yuan (about 18 USD)
  • Details: Walk along the walkway to the eastern second floor to take the cable car.

The Great Wall at Badaling

  • Return ticket: 100 yuan (about 15 USD)
  • Details: from the foot of the Great Wall to North Tower 8

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

  • Return ticket: 80 yuan (about 12 USD)
  • Details: from the foot of the Great Wall to Dajinshan Tower

Seniors and Children

Seniors usually walk slowly while children like to run and jump if they can. They can conquer many sections of the Great Wall, especially well-repaired sections. Tips for Seniors and Children

  • Slow your pace and watch your step. The steps are different from each other — some places are steep while other sections are even.
  • Pick a well-repaired section of the Great Wall, such as the Mutianyu and Badaling

Normal Physical Condition

For most people, hiking the Great Wall is a little tiring but tolerable. All your negative emotions will disappear when you see the splendid scenery from the Great Wall. Most people in a normal physical condition are just concerned about the scenery and having a good experience. How to escape from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful trip is also something you need to consider. Tips for Those in a Normal Physical Condition Hiking a less crowded section of the Great Wall gives you a better experience. The Jinshanling, Simatai, and Gubeikou sections are further away from Beijing, and they are more authentic and less crowded.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

You can't miss the Great Wall at Jiankou if you are an outdoor enthusiast and want to conquer a more challenging section. Jiankou is a totally wild and unrepaired section, which has been regarded as the most dangerous section of the Great Wall. The "Sky Stairs" and "The Eagle Flies Facing Upward" are famous for their narrow walkways and having the steepest ridges. You have to hold onto the grass or stones to keep your balance.

How to Pick a Section of the Great Wall to Visit

The Great Wall is not a successive architectural structure but a huge project that has been divided into many sections in North China. How can you pick which section to visit? Most visitors prefer to choose a section near Beijing. You can also make a decision when you read our introduction to the best 10 sections of the Great Wall. Below, we have provided some useful tips to help you make a decision.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling The Great Wall at Jinshanling

Easy to Climb

In order of ease: the Great Wall at Mutianyu > Badaling > Jinshanling > Simatai > Juyongguan > Gubeikou > Jiankou

Less Crowded

In order of quietness: the Great Wall at Gubeikou > Jinshanling > Simatai > Juyongguan > Jiankou > Mutianyu > Badaling

Wonderful Scenery

In order of the best scenery: the Great Wall at Jiankou > Jinshanling > Simatai > Juyongguan > Mutianyu > Badaling > Gubeikou

Close to Beijing

In order of distance: the Great Wall at Juyongguan (about 56 kilometers) > Mutianyu (about 70 kilometers) > Jiankou (about 74 kilometers) > Badaling (about 75 kilometers) > Simatai (about 140 kilometers) > Gubeikou (about 144 kilometers) > Jinshanling (about 149 kilometers)

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