Since becoming a signatory to the "Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage" in 1985, China has seen 57 of its heritage sites recognized and inscribed on the "World Heritage List." This impressive tally comprises 39 cultural heritage sites, 14 natural heritage sites, and 4 world heritage - mixed property sites. China is home to an immense and diverse array of cultural heritages that are rich in content. Beijing stands as the city with the highest number of World Cultural Heritage sites globally, with a total of seven. When visiting Beijing, these sites are definitely not to be missed!
In 1987, the Great Wall was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. It stands as a symbol of the Chinese nation and a significant icon of Chinese civilization, encapsulating the unyielding spirit of struggle and the patriotic sentiments of unity and resilience that define the Chinese people. On May 14th, President Xi Jinping responded with a letter to the residents of Shixia Village in Badaling Town, Yanqing District, Beijing, offering a deep interpretation of the distinctive value of the Great Wall and the profound significance of safeguarding this historical treasure. Let's embark on a journey through Beijing's World Cultural Heritage sites, immerse ourselves in the charm of the Great Wall!
Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall is an outstanding representative of the Great Wall of China. It was first built in the 18th year of the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty (1505 AD). It is one of China's first batch of national key cultural relics protection units, a representative site of the World Heritage Great Wall, one of the first batch of 5A-level scenic spots in China, a national-level key scenic spot, and one of the first batch of national important sections of the Great Wall.
The Badaling Great Wall is renowned as the most intact, the first to be opened to visitors, and the most popular scenic area of the Great Wall that stretches across thousands of miles. Celebrated for its formidable strategic location, its grand architecture, breathtaking views, and its renowned reputation, it stands as an exemplary segment of the Great Wall in China and represents the most exceptional part of the Ming-era fortifications. "Go to Beijing, ascend Badaling" has become a popular travel option for adventurers and tourists all around the world.
As the evening lights begin to glow, the Great Wall subsides its grandeur, revealing a dazzling and luxurious beauty. To fully experience the gradual transition from the setting sun's afterglow fading behind the mountains to the moon and stars slowly rising in the sky, one must choose to ascend the Great Wall via the night cable car. As nightfall embraces the sky, the full moon shines brightly, casting its glow upon the majestic dragon-like Great Wall as it seems to soar atop the mountains, ascend to the high vantage points of the Great Wall to take in the night's splendor. A night tour of the Great Wall offers you the chance to savor the beauty of ancient monuments under the stars. The Badaling Night Tour has gently begun with the summer evening breeze, and it has been regularly open from April 30th to October 6th.
Beyond the traditional experience of ascending the Great Wall, visitors can immerse themselves in the Dreamy Great Wall Ball Screen Cinema, watching a breathtaking 9D film without special glasses. This allows one to deeply feel the profound and extensive historical culture of China's Great Wall and indulge in an "ultra-realistic" audio-visual entertainment experience. Following the film, visiting the Great Wall Museum to further experience the cultural charm of the Great Wall is available. The China Great Wall Museum, located within the Badaling Great Wall scenic area and adjacent to the Ball Screen Cinema, is a specialized museum themed around the Great Wall, offering a comprehensive reflection of its history, military significance, architectural marvel, economic impact, cultural and artistic heritage, as well as its current state.
From this year onwards, Yanqing District is focusing on the Badaling Great Wall as its core, integrating neighboring attractions such as the Shuiguan Great Wall, the Ancient Great Wall, and the Huajiayao Great Wall, and unified under 5A-level standards to create a world-class Great Wall tourist attraction, aiming to transform it into a national cultural tourism consumption hub. Now, to the west of the Badaling Great Wall scenic area, a restoration project covering the watchtowers No.64 to No.66 and the adjoining wall sections, spanning over 700 meters in length, is poised to commence soon, with an anticipated completion date of 2025. Upon completion, this section of the Great Wall will form a continuous stretch with the Badaling Great Wall, the Ancient Badaling Great Wall, and the Huajiayao section of the Great Wall, completing the continuous stretch of the Badaling brick-and-stone Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu Great Wall, located in Huairou District of Beijing, was awarded the status of a national 5A-rated tourist attraction in 2011, marking its excellence in tourism services and facilities. Moreover, in 2021, it was designated as one of the first batch of national civilized tourism demonstration sites.
The ecological environment of the Mutianyu Great Wall is exceptionally prominent along the entire Great Wall route. It is embraced by mountains with beautiful scenery, and has an astonishing vegetation coverage rate of 96%. With high levels of negative oxygen ions, it is a haven for health and wellness. Each season showcases endless views: in spring, flowers compete for splendor and the mountains are ablaze with wildflowers full of vitality; in summer, the landscape is lush green and the clouds roll like a serene sea; in autumn, the mountains are painted scarlet all over and the forests are aflame with vibrant colors; in winter, it is cloaked in shimmering silver and blanketed with purest snow. The renowned Great Wall expert, Mr. Luo Zhewen, once wrote: "In the common perception, it seems that the Great Wall is always situated atop barren hills and wild ridges. However, the Mutianyu Great Wall stands amidst a sea of greenery. Here, the vegetation thrives, the forest coverage is extensive, the seasonal plant landscapes are resplendent, and the natural ecological environment is excellent, creating a unique scenery that the Great Wall forms a majestic barrier, serving as a verdant screen guarding the capital region."
The Mutianyu Great Wall was built by Xu Da, a prominent general under Zhu Yuanzhang, on the ruins of the Northern Qi Great Wall in the year 1368. Its perilous terrain has historically served as a crucial military defense for the capital. The construction of the Mutianyu Pass in 1404 during the the second year of the Yongle reign in the Ming Dynasty unveiled architectural marvels unparalleled along the Great Wall. At its heart lies the majestic main gate, a singular composition of three interconnected watchtowers, accompanied by a colossal corner tower, dual-faced crenellations, and ingenious drainage troughs meticulously integrated into the horse paths. These designs epitomize ingenuity and craftsmanship. The Mutianyu Great Wall further exemplifies the supreme artistic achievement of Ming-era Great Wall construction with its striking three-dimensionality and the harmonious coexistence of inner and outer fortifications. The awe-inspiring and precipitous landscapes, including the Ox Horn Edge, the Eagle's Descent, and the Beijing Knot, are truly among the most magnificent views of our time.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is a marvel of "uniqueness, peril, and elegance", set amidst undulating terrain and verdant forests, and is acclaimed as "a singular gem among the myriad wonders of the Great Wall." The currently open section spans over 3,000 meters, featuring a dense array of watchtowers that offer a panoramic view of the quintessence of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall. The scenic area also boasts the "first cable car of the ten thousand miles of the Great Wall," from which visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of the Great Wall through the cabin windows.
Juyongguan Great Wall
Juyongguan, hailed as the "No.1 Fort under Heaven," represents the quintessence of the Great Wall. Situated in a gorge that is part of the military mountain range, a spur of the Taihang Mountains, it is flanked by two mountains with a vast chasm and steep cliffs, creating a formidable terrain that is easy to defend and hard to assail, thus becoming a contested site for military strategy. Visitors can distinctly observe every brick and stone, as well as every blade of grass and leaf on the trees.
During the day, the Great Wall can be seen snaking along the contours of the landscape, its continuous length undulating like a colossal dragon. It occasionally reveals itself at the summit of the mountains, commanding a view of the surrounding landscape, and at other times it conceals itself within the valleys, intermittently visible, showcasing the splendid beauty.
The night tour at Juyongguan Great Wall has also returned with a flourish. The Juyongguan Great Wall under the cover of darkness is captivating and breathtaking. As the night falls, it's as though one is immersed in an ocean of lights, with the sinuous silhouette of the Great Wall etched by the interplay of light and shadow, much like a colossal dragon poised over the landscape.
The night tour route of the Great Wall begins at Parking Lot No. 2, proceeding to the Cloud Terrace, then along the pathway of the ancient inn, leading to the Northern Gate Tower, continuing to the No. 1 watchtower on the East Mountain Great Wall, and concluding with a return from the No. 4 watchtower. At the base of the Northern Gate Tower, an array of performances such as song and dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and traditional crafts can be watched. These presentations blend modern artistry with cultural heritage, offering a vivid display of the grandeur of Juyongguan Great Wall. Furthermore, under the enchantment of lights, music, and dance, Juyongguan Great Wall becomes a vibrant fashion show of Ming Dynasty chic during the "Ming Dynasty Fashion Month",where performances are staged to enrich the night tour experience.
Operating hours are from 18:30 to 22:00 every Friday, Saturday, and during official holidays from May 1st to October 12th, with ticket sales and inspections ceasing at 21:00 (closed at the last day of official holidays).
Simatai Great Wall
Simatai Great Wall, a segment of the Great Wall, traces its origins back to the early Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1373 AD). Renowned globally for its "perilousness, intricacy, uniqueness, ingenuity, and unparalleled completeness," this segment stands apart as the sole survivor that has faithfully preserved the original splendor of the Ming-era Great Wall.
In 2012, it was hailed by the British newspaper The Times as "the top of the global scenic spots not to be missed," and it was also praised by the renowned Chinese Great Wall expert, Professor Luo Zhewen: "The Great Wall of China is the best in the world, and the Simatai Great Wall is the supreme segment within China's Great Walls."
Simatai Great Wall, as the most quintessential part of the Great Wall, is often referred to as the "Great Wall Museum." It offers not only stunning landscapes but also serves as a cultural and historical repository for the study on the Great Wall. Atop the Yan Mountains, the Simatai Great Wall embodies the spirit of the Great Wall in its every brick and stone, drawing countless enthusiasts from afar, ensuring the rich culture of the Great Wall continues to thrive and flourish through the annals of time.
Simatai Great Wall stands as the pioneer in China for offering night tours of the Great Wall. With the Simatai Great Wall as its backdrop, the Beijing Wtown has introduced a spectacular array of night experiences known as the "Eight Great Nightly Delights": ascending the Great Wall with a lantern in hand; dining by the lakeside, enjoying the Great Wall; cruising on the Tang River for a view of the Great Wall; soaking in hot spring with the Great Wall in sight under starry sky ; savor wine, gaze at stars, and revel in the splendor of the Great Wall; enjoying a musical feast amidst the Great Wall; swimming with ease, admiring the Great Wall from the poolside; dreaming under the stars, sleeping by the Great Wall.
As night falls, ascend the Simatai Great Wall with a lantern in hand, gazing upon the dazzling starry sky that dots the darkness, creating a fascinating interplay with the ancient wall which appears as a mighty dragon snaking through the mountain ranges, offering a profound sense of the passage of time and the weight of history.
As dusk gradually unfolds, the stars silently fill up the sky. Detached from the city's neon glow, the Simatai Great Wall offers an unobstructed view of the resplendent night sky. Standing atop the Great Wall, one can imagine a transcendent dialogue spanning across time and space between the Milky Way and the river of history. The gentle luminescence of the night's moon then guides you back to the warm embrace of humanity
Kindly reminder: Due to routine cableway maintenance, the Simatai Great Wall's night tours are currently unavailable. To stay informed about the resumption of services, please follow the official updates from the scenic area's social media accounts or reach out to the customer service hotline for the most current information on its operational status.
Xiangshui Lake Great Wall
Nestled in the valley where the Ming-era Great Wall was strategically constructed with gates and bastions, the Xiangshui Lake Great Wall derives its name from a spring whose effervescence resounds like thunder, its echoes audible from a distance of a kilometer, and is recognized as the most significant spring in Huairou District. The scenic area of Xiangshui Lake Great Wall harmoniously integrates the Great Wall, ancient caverns, mountain landscapes, spring pools, cascading waterfalls, and cliff inscriptions from the Ming era. It stands as an exceptionally gifted and beautifully varied destination for tourism just beyond the capital, Beijing.
The Xiangshui Lake Great Wall, once known as the Moshikou Pass, served as a strategic component of the Ming-era Great Wall. It was equipped with a barbican entrance and dual gates, earning it the moniker "Shuang Guan Zi." As a key outpost near the "Beijing Knot," it was established in 1404 during the Yongle reign of Ming Dynasty. This section of the Great Wall has been meticulously restored, offering an accessible and climbable experience for visitors.
During this season, a visit to the Xiangshui Lake Great Wall Health Grand Canyon along the trail allows for a journey of floral discovery, basking in the loveliest May days. The mystical Health Grand Canyon is a seamless fusion of mountains, waters, and the Great Wall, with the perpetual flow of sweet, clear springs. As you climb upwards through the interconnected waterscape of over 20 ponds and waterfalls, the meandering trail is adorned with blooming peonies with fragrance wafting through the atmosphere.
Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall
The Beijing Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall Tourist Area, a prestigious 4A-rated national scenic spot and a nationally significant cultural heritage site, is nestled in Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District, Beijing. It derives its name from the unique feature of three sections of the Great Wall submerged in water, a phenomenon unique to Beijing where the Great Wall is intertwined with water bodies. The Huanghuacheng Great Wall, with its delicate construction and strategic location, is considered the quintessence of the Ming-era Great Wall.
Embrace the vast and resplendent beauty of the lake district and meander through the mountain canyons' winding trails to secluded serenity, creating a unique blend of Yin and Yang that are interconnected yet naturally distinct. The Great Wall, time-honored trails, strategic passes, and rising watchtowers, complemented by an intricate network of streams, waterfalls, springs, and ponds, all amidst a landscape rich with striking peaks, precipices, canyons, and extraordinary rock formations.
Here, you can appreciate the picturesque beauty of lakes and mountains, marvel at the pristine elegance of the Great Wall, and immerse yourself in the charm of cliffs, valleys, and serene pools. It offers an experience that reconnects you with the unspoiled and intrinsic beauty of nature, evoking a sense of returning to simplicity and authenticity.
Beneath the "Lakeside Great Wall", the Haoming Lake, or Xishuiyu Reservoir, came into existence when the damming process during the construction of the reservoir caused the water level to rise, subsequently submerging the Great Wall in the lower-lying areas, giving birth to the "Lakeside Great Wall." The phenomenon of the "Great Wall frolicking in water" is an exclusive and unparalleled view across the nation.
Amidst "boats on the blue waves, and people touring within a painting," the Lakeside Great Wall takes on a unique allure in the summer season. The Haoming Lake, with its broad waters and pristine clarity, is cradled by the lake's azure ripples. Tourists can paddle to the base of the Great Wall to witness the remarkable sight of the Great Wall merging with the water. Steering an electric boat, one can sail across Haoming Lake, reveling in the exquisite experience and the peculiar enchantment of a Great Wall cruise.
Nestled between the picturesque landscapes of the mountains, waters, and the Great Wall, the first magnetic slide in Asia located within the Ming-era Chestnut Garden can take you on a journey to appreciate the beauty of the Great Wall. In the prime season for travel, ascend to the mountain peak and pause to gaze into the distance, you can take in the breathtaking panorama.
Evaluation by the World Heritage Committee
Around 220 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who had unified the realm, integrated various intermittent defensive works constructed earlier into a cohesive defensive system designed to repel invasions from the north. In the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644), further construction was undertaken, resulting in the Great Wall becoming the longest military structure in the world. The cultural and artistic significance of the Great Wall is as profound as its historical and strategic importance.
