How to Visit the Great Wall with Kids
If you're thinking about visiting the Great Wall of China with kids, it can seem a bit challenging. But don't worry! With the right planning, it can be fun and safe for everyone. In this article, we'll share simple tips to make your family trip to the Great Wall not only memorable but also kid-friendly.
Choose the Most Suitable Great Wall Sections
The best part of the Great Wall for kids is Mutianyu. This section is well-maintained with even steps, making it safe for children. It even has cable cars for an easy ride up the wall. But the real highlight for kids is the exciting toboggan ride down the wall. Your children are sure to remember this fun experience!
- Location: Huairou County, Beijing
- From Downtown Beijing: 72 km (45 miles), 1½ hours' drive
- Facilities: Cable cars, tobogganing, shuttle bus, wheelchair access, restaurants
The Great Wall at Mutianyu (慕田峪) is in better shape, yet attracts fewer tourists, than the Badaling Section or Juyongguan Pass. Mutianyu, the longest fully-restored section of the wall, was rebuilt with smooth and even steps which are child-friendly. The landscape here is even more charming than at Badaling.
If your kids are energetic enough, you can encourage them to walk through the watchtowers along the wall, to enjoy superb views as it snakes across hills and mountains. Ascending by cable car and returning by slipway will make your journey more exciting and less laborious.
Choose the Most Suitable Time to Go
You can visit the Great Wall of China any time of the year, but to make the trip more enjoyable for your kids, choose a time with comfortable weather conditions.
The best times to visit the Great Wall, considering the weather, are between April to June and September to October. During these months, the temperatures are just right - not too hot or too cold - and the scenery is at its best.
Visiting in the summer might be tough as it can get really hot and uncomfortable, especially on the wall itself. Winter visits can also be challenging with Beijing's dry and freezing weather.
If you can, try to avoid visiting during China's public holidays like Chinese New Year (late January to early February), May 1st holiday (May 1-3), and National Holiday (October 1-7) because these periods attract crowds. The summer holidays from July to August also tend to be very busy.
Travel in a Private Tour with an Experienced Guide
Consider having a local tour company with expertise in arranging family-friendly excursions to plan your trip. They understand the specific needs of families with kids and will tailor the itinerary accordingly. With a private tour, you and your kids get to explore the Great Wall at your own pace and decide the duration of your walk.
Having a knowledgeable guide is essential. They are experienced in managing Great Wall tours with young children and will ensure everything progresses at a comfortable pace suitable for your family.
Be Well Prepared
1. Tell your kids some Wall myths and legends before going. With its thousands of years of construction, numerous legends and stories about the Great Wall have been handed down, among which the best-known is Meng Jiangnü weeping over the wall.
You can arouse your children’s interest in the Great Wall tour by sharing its interesting stories and military functions. Click Great Wall Stories and Highlights to find out more.
2. Please gear up sufficiently for your trip. You should pack sunblock, hats, coat, waterproofs, enough water, and energy-boosting snacks; along with a first aid kit, just in case.
3. Weather-wise, the best time to tour the Great Wall is late summer or autumn, when the weather is dry and cool, so you and your kids will have clear views and safer walking trails. But no matter when you go, check the weather three days beforehand.
Visit the Great Wall with China Travel – Safe, Fun, and Educational
A travel guide can save you much trouble when you visit the Great Wall with kids. Besides providing guidance and help, he/she can answer all your curious children’s questions! Here are several Beijing tours including the Great Wall, for your reference. Feel free to mix and match.
Back to the Great Wall of China