How to Visit the Great Wall of China (And Avoid the Scams)

Standing on the Great Wall of China is a bucket-list moment. But if you just type “Great Wall tour” into Google, you’ll be bombarded with aggressive salespeople, overpriced “VIP” buses, and the risk of ending up at a crowded, heavily commercialized section.

As someone who has explored multiple sections of the Wall, here is my ultimate, no-nonsense guide to doing it right.

Step 1: Booking Your Tickets (Requires Real-Name)

You cannot just show up and buy a ticket at the gate anymore. China uses real-name reservations.

• You must book online in advance — usually a few days ahead, especially for weekends.
• You need to enter your passport number.
• Use a reputable platform such as Trip.com or Klook. They accept foreign credit cards and send you an e-ticket.

Step 2: Getting There (Avoid the Scams)

This is where most foreigners get ripped off. You have two main options:

• Option A — the safe & easy way: book a round-trip shuttle bus (such as the Mubus) or a private transfer through Trip.com. They pick you up from a central location in Beijing (often the Swissotel near the subway) and drop you right at the Mutianyu visitor center.
• Option B — the public transit route: take a bus to Huairou (916 Express), then transfer to a local minibus. Cheaper, but it requires patience and there is limited English.

❌ Avoid: ignore people on the street holding signs saying “100 RMB Great Wall Tour!” These are always scams that force you to stop at jade factories or tea shops for hours.

Step 3: The On-Site Experience

1. Arrival: you reach the visitor center, then take a short mandatory shuttle bus to the base of the mountain.
2. The climb: take the cable car up to Tower 14. The views are stunning.
3. The walk: from Tower 14, hike west towards Tower 20 — the steepest but most beautiful part (Tower 20 is the highest point).
4. The descent: walk back to Tower 14 (or Tower 6 if you have time) and take the toboggan down. It’s a metal track slide — very safe, and extremely fun.

Step 4: Essential Survival Tips

• Wear proper shoes: the steps are uneven, incredibly steep in places, and slippery. No sandals, no smooth-soled sneakers.
• Bring water and snacks: the food at the top is overpriced and basic.
• Use the bathroom at the visitor center: the public toilets on the Wall itself are poorly maintained.
• Check the weather: if it rains or snows, the cable cars and toboggans close. Plan accordingly.

⚠ Crucial Tips Before You Go

• Your passport is your ticket. You must carry your physical passport at all times — you cannot enter without it.
• Start early. Leave Beijing by 7:00 AM to beat both the traffic and the tour groups.
• Bring cash. Big places take Alipay and WeChat Pay, but small vendors selling water or souvenirs at the bottom may prefer cash.