How Tall is the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders in the World and the most magnificent man-made defensive structure. Many people may wonder how tall the Great Wall is to defend against the invaders. Now here is the answer. The average height of the walls is 7.8m (25.6 feet) and the altitude of its highest point is 1439.3 meters (4722.1 feet).
What is the Height of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is not only a single wall, but a complete defensive structure consisting of the walls (main part), watchtowers, fortresses, guardhouses, beacon towers and so on. The average height of the walls is 7.8m (25.6 feet) and in some places it can be as tall as 14m (46 feet). Generally speaking, the walls built on steep hills and in places with less significance are relatively low and those in flat terrains and critical locations are built high.
Highest and Lowest Point of the Great Wall
As the Great Wall spans over diverse landforms such as mountains and valleys, its highest and lowest point is more of a question about altitude. According to current record, the highest point of the Great Wall is in Huanglouwa (黄楼洼). It is 1439.3 meters (4722.1 feet) high, about 80km to the northwest of Beijing center. The lowest point is in Old Dragon’s Head or Laolongtou (老龙头) in Shanhaiguan Scenic Area, Qinghuangdao, Hebei Province. It stretches all the way to the Bohai Sea, so its altitude is just equal to the sea level.
Great Wall of China Height for Famous Sections
| Section | Location | Wall Height | Highest Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badaling | Beijing | 6-9m (20-30 feet) | Watchtower 8: 888.9m (2916 feet) |
| Mutianyu | Beijing | 6-9m (20-30 feet) | Watchtower 20: 1039.6m (3410.8 feet) |
| Simatai | Beijing | Unknown | Wangjing Tower: 986m (3235 feet) |
| Jinshanling | Chengde, Hebei | 5-8m (16-26 feet) | >700m (2296.6 feet) |
| Juyongguan | Beijing | Unknown | Watchtower 12: about 1000m (3280.8 feet) |
| Jiankou | Beijing | Unknown | Ox Horn Edge: 1044m (3425 feet) |
| Jiayuguan | Jiayuguan, Gansu | 10.7m (35.1 feet) | Unknown |
How to Plan A Great Wall Tour
There are several sections of the Great Wall around Beijing, each requiring about one day to visit, explore, and return to the city. For most travelers visiting Beijing, a trip to the Great Wall is a must-do. The Mutianyu Great Wall is a popular choice for many, as it offers stunning views, is less crowded, and is relatively close to Beijing. It is also equipped with convenient cable cars for easy access.
For hiking enthusiasts or those seeking a more in-depth experience, we recommend exploring some of the other iconic sections of the Wall. The Jingshanling Great Wall is one of the most scenic sections, while the Simatai Great Wall offers a more rugged, less-developed experience with a breathtaking night view. For a unique lakeside experience, visit the Huanghuacheng. If you're looking for a more traditional experience, the Badaling Great Wall is the most famous and beautiful, though it tends to be quite crowded. Since they are close to each other, the Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng sections can be visited in one trip, while Jinshanling and Simatai are often combined. A daytime visit to Jinshanling followed by a nighttime exploration of Simatai offers a unique experience you won't forget.
Top-Recommended Great Wall Hiking Tours
☛ 2 Days Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Wild Hiking
☛ 2 Days Jinshanling & Simatai Night Great Wall Tour
☛ 2 Days Mutianyu & Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Walls Hiking Tour
If it's your first time in Beijing, don't miss the city's other iconic attractions, such as the Forbidden City, a masterpiece of imperial architecture, and the serene Summer Palace with its beautiful gardens and lakes. Be sure to visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore the Lama Temple for a taste of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing. With so much to see, Beijing offers a rich blend of history and culture that’s sure to leave you inspired!
Top-Recommended Beijing Tours including Great Wall Experiences
☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package with Mutianyu Great Wall
☛ 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing
☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
Jinshanling Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China Facts
- Why was the Great Wall of China Built
- How Old is the Great Wall of China
- Can You See the Great Wall from Space
- How was the Great Wall of China Built
- Where is the Great Wall of China Located
- Who Built the Great Wall of China
- When was the Great Wall of China Built
- How Long is the Great Wall of China
- How Big is the Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China Guide
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The Great Wall is a defensive military project in ancient times. It was mainly built to consolidate territories and resist invasion from others. It is not a simple isolated anterior wall, but a network of gateways, fortresses, and offices, forming a complete defense system. For more details, you can visit another page on our website:
https://www.chinadiscovery.com/great-wall/facts/why-was-the-great-wall-built.html
