"He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man."
Total Length
21,196 km
Includes all branches & eras
History Spanned
2,300+ years
From Qin to Ming Dynasty
Provinces Crossed
15 regions
From seaside to desert
Annual Visitors
10M+ people
One of the world's most visited sites
The Great Wall is not a single continuous wall built at one time. It is a collection of fortifications built by different dynasties over millennia to defend against nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The chart below illustrates the estimated length of walls constructed or maintained by major dynasties.
221–206 BC
Emperor Qin Shi Huang connected existing state walls. These were largely rammed earth and have mostly eroded away.
202 BC–220 AD
The longest period of construction. Extended the wall far west into the desert to protect the lucrative Silk Road trade routes.
1368–1644 AD
Most of what we see today—bricks, stone, and battlements—was built during the Ming dynasty to keep out the Mongols.
Data source: Historical estimates & Archeological Surveys
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not made entirely of brick. Construction materials depended heavily on local resources, ranging from desert sand and reeds to quarried granite.
Multi-story structures spaced every few hundred meters. Served as garrisons, weapon storage, and elevated firing platforms for archers.
Built on high peaks separate from the wall. Soldiers burned wolf dung (for thick smoke) by day or fire by night to signal enemy movements.
Strongholds located at key traffic points (e.g., Shanhai Pass). These were the only entry/exit points for trade and controlled the flow of the Silk Road.
Not all sections of the Wall are created equal. Some are perfectly restored and crowded, while others are wild ruins. Use the interactive chart below to find the section that matches your travel style.
Badaling & Mutianyu are fully restored. They offer cable cars and easy walking but can be very crowded. Best for families and seniors.
Jinshanling offers a mix of restored and wild wall. It is famous for its dense concentration of watchtowers and stunning sunsets.
Jiankou & Gubeikou are unrestored ruins ("Wild Wall"). They feature steep, dangerous climbs and crumbled masonry. For experienced hikers only.