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Visitors to the Shanxi Great Wall can enjoy scenic walks along the well-preserved sections of the wall, particularly the winding stretches that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Hiking is a popular activity, with opportunities to explore both restored and more rugged parts of the wall. Don't miss visiting the nearby forts and watchtowers, which give insight into the historical significance of the Great Wall in defending northern China.
Shanxi boasts a vast network of Great Wall structures dating back to different eras, making it one of the provinces with the most extensive Great Wall. The Shanxi Great Wall stretches across nine cities and more than 40 counties (districts), totaling over 3,500 kilometers. Over 1,500 kilometers of the walls and ruins remain intact.
The existing remains of the Shanxi Great Wall can be divided by dynasty into the Warring States Period, the Eastern Wei Dynasty, the Northern Qi Dynasty, the Northern Zhou Dynasty, the Sui Dynasty, the Song Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty's construction was the largest, spanning 154 years. Serving as a protective barrier for the capital, the Ming Great Wall consisted of the Outer Great Wall and the Inner Great Wall. The Outer Great Wall, approximately 450 kilometers long, stretches from Huaian County, Hebei Province, into Tianzhen County in northern Shanxi. It continues west and southwest through Yanggao, Datong's Xinrong District, Zuoyun, Youyu, Pinglu, and Pianguan, reaching the east bank of the Yellow River. The Inner Great Wall, approximately 400 kilometers long, stretches from Laiyuan County, Hebei Province, into Lingqiu County. It continues west and northwest through Fanshi, Hunyuan, Yingxian, Shanyin, Daixian, Yuanping, Ningwu, Shenchi, and Shuocheng District, Shuozhou, to join the Outer Great Wall at Baiyangling (formerly known as Yajiao Mountain) in Pianguan.
There is also the Great Wall built along the Yellow River from Laoniuwan in Pianguan to Shitizi in Hequ County, and the Great Wall built along the ridge of Taihang Mountains, starting from Niubangkou in Lingqiu County through Wutai, Yu County, Pingding, Xiyang, Heshun, Zuoquan to Dongyangguan in Licheng.
Temperate continental climate, best from April to October
3-6 days
free
The Shanxi Great Wall, located near Datong, is part of the northern defense line built to protect China from invasions by northern tribes. It is one of the most significant sections of the Great Wall and has been well-preserved, providing visitors with an authentic experience of ancient Chinese military architecture. This section is particularly famous for its historical importance in defending the northern frontier.
The Shanxi Great Wall is located in Datong, Shanxi Province, China. To reach the Great Wall, take a taxi or private car from Datong city center, which is about 40 km away. Public transportation is limited, so it is best to arrange a taxi or a guided tour from the city.
The Shanxi Great Wall is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the surrounding scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be crowded, and winters can be cold, but offer fewer visitors.
The entrance fee for the Shanxi Great Wall is around 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is not common to buy tickets online, but some tour packages may include tickets, transportation, and a guide.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for individual visitors. However, if visiting during peak season or in a group, booking tickets a few days ahead is recommended. For tours or special events, advance reservations are advisable.
You will need about 3-4 hours to fully explore the Shanxi Great Wall, including hiking along the wall, visiting watchtowers, and taking in the surrounding scenery. If you plan to explore the nearby historical sites, you may want to allocate additional time.
The must-see highlights include the main stretches of the wall, particularly those with restored sections. The watchtowers and fortifications along the wall are also significant and offer great viewpoints for photography. The surrounding mountainous landscape provides a dramatic backdrop to the wall.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and English-speaking guides can be arranged upon request. Audio guides may also be available in some areas, but it's best to check in advance for availability and language options.
The best viewpoints for photography are at the watchtowers along the wall, particularly those that offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The western sections of the wall, with their steep cliffs and rugged terrain, provide striking photographs. Sunset and sunrise offer the most dramatic lighting for photos.
Start your visit at the main entrance and take a leisurely walk along the restored sections of the wall. Spend time at the watchtowers and forts for a deeper understanding of the historical importance. End your visit by hiking the more rugged parts of the wall for panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Night visits or light shows are not common at the Shanxi Great Wall. However, some tours might include special events or seasonal activities. It’s recommended to check with local tour operators for any evening tours or events.
The Shanxi Great Wall is less crowded compared to other sections of the Great Wall. However, it can still get busy on weekends and during holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the morning or during off-peak months like spring and autumn.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available. There are also some small souvenir shops selling local crafts. For a wider range of amenities, it's best to visit Datong city before or after your trip.
The main sections of the Shanxi Great Wall are accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some of the more rugged paths may be challenging. It is not fully accessible for disabled visitors, especially in the more uneven areas of the wall.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the entrance and for purchases. It’s recommended to carry cash for small transactions, as credit cards are not widely accepted in the area.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the Shanxi Great Wall, offering basic Chinese meals such as noodles, rice dishes, and snacks. For more dining options, you can head back to Datong city, which has a wider selection of restaurants.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local restaurants, though the selection may be limited. Halal food options are less common in this area, but some restaurants in Datong may cater to Muslim dietary preferences.
There are some guesthouses and small hotels near the Shanxi Great Wall, offering basic accommodations. For more comfort and a wider range of amenities, staying in Datong city is recommended.
Nearby attractions include the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Buddhist cave temples, and the Hanging Temple (Xuankong Temple), located on a cliffside. These landmarks can be easily combined in a day trip from the Shanxi Great Wall.
Souvenir shops near the Shanxi Great Wall sell items like local handicrafts, textiles, and small souvenirs related to the Great Wall. Local snacks and dried fruits are also available as souvenirs.
After visiting the Shanxi Great Wall, the best transportation options include taking a taxi or bus back to Datong. From there, you can continue your trip by train or bus to other cities in Shanxi or China.
