The Great Wall of China is a line of walls and fortifications across northern China, raised over many centuries to keep out nomadic peoples from the steppe. It is a set of separate walls rather than one continuous line. The walls most visitors see date to the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644), from the 14th century, and run from Shanhai Pass on the Bohai Gulf to Jiayu Pass in Gansu.
Several Ming sections lie within reach of Beijing. Badaling, in Yanqing district, is the most famous stretch and was the first section opened to the public. Nearly 10 million people visited in 2018, and a daily cap of 65,000 visitors has applied since 2019. Mutianyu, about 2.25 km long, winds across steep mountains and was one of the first sections repaired after the Cultural Revolution. Condition varies widely, since many sections are in poor condition and wall stones were taken for houses and roads. Compare crowds, terrain and repair before choosing one.
