Call us free on 0800 270 0069 We are open today between 9am and 5:30pm

Home/Asia Holidays/China Holidays/Beijing/Asia Must See The Great Wall Of China

Home / Asia Must See The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China

In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance.

The Great Wall we see today mostly dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The best-preserved and most imposing section is at Badaling in Beijing. The section, located outside the Juyongguan Pass, is made of large blue bricks and has an average height of 7.8 meters. Five to six horses can be ridden abreast along it. At regular intervals there is an arched door leading to the top of the wall. The walls are covered with many lookout holes, window embrasures and castellated crenels. Beacon towers were also built at fixed intervals for passing on military information. All these indicate the important role of the Great Wall in military defense. 

From Shanhaiguan, northeast of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province in the east coast, the Great Wall rises and falls with the contours of the mountains westward, crossing the provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia and Gansu for 6,700 kilometers, to end at Jiayuguan, southwest of Jiayuguan City in Gansu Province. 

Beijing Holidays

Magnificent Yangtze & China Highlights

  • Beijing
  • Xian
  • Yangtze River Cruising
  • Shanghai
  • Fantastic Yangtze Cruise
  • Walk along the Great Wall of China
  • Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors
  • Enjoy Vibrant Shanghai

11 Nights from £3265pp

more details

Snapshot of China

  • Beijing
  • Xian
  • Shanghai
  • Marvel at the Great Wall of China
  • Experience the forbidden City
  • See the Terracotta Warriors
  • Enjoy Vibrant Shanghai

6 Nights from £1553pp

more details

Pandas & Pagodas

  • Beijing
  • Xian
  • Chengdu
  • Guilin
  • Shanghai
  • Marvel at the history of Beijing and the Great Wall
  • Visit the cute Pandas
  • Enjoy spectacular scenery in Guilin
  • Enjoy Vibrant Shanghai

12 Nights from £2409pp

more details

Round the World Eastbound

  • Beijing
  • Hong Kong
  • Auckland
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • Fantastic Round the World Trip
  • Explore amazing cities
  • Visit the Great Wall of China

23 Nights from Call Us

more details

We go above and beyond to make your holiday perfect


Tailor Made for You

  • We tailor make every holiday made around you.
  • Tell us what you'd like to see, what type of accommodation you prefer and how you'd like to travel.
  • We'll plan your perfect holiday, helping you to get the most from your time and budget.


Expert Advice

  • We don't just know travel, we love it!
  • Our Travel Experts have travelled throughout the World. They'll answer your questions with facts not guesses.
  • You'll have a dedicated Travel Expert to look after each stage of your booking.


100% Protected

  • Part of the Stewart Travel group, We've been helping people explore the World for more than 30 years.
  • Every trip is 100% ATOL protected.
  • We're only ever a phone call away.
Make an enquiry