Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a limestone cordon created by Qin Shi Huang that spans over 21 million meters. It is designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level and is the most looked-up sight in China on English Wikipedia.
Planning a visit
The wall is accessible year-round, but weather conditions vary significantly. January and February are cold, with daily lows dipping to -12 °C and -8 °C respectively. June, July, and August are the warmest months, with daily highs around 29 °C, but these months also see the most rain, with July experiencing about 18 rainy days. April, May, September, and October offer milder temperatures and less rain, making them practical times to visit.
The wall is located 60 km from Beijing. The nearest airport is Beijing Capital International Airport, situated 39 km away. Nearby points of interest include the Ming tombs, located 35.4 km from the site, and Badaling, located 48 km away.
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 29 °C. The wettest is July, with about 172 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 0 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 25 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 17 | 8 | 1 |
| Average low, °C | -12 | -7 | -2 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 14 | 6 | -2 | -8 |
| Rainfall, mm | 3 | 4 | 10 | 22 | 40 | 86 | 172 | 152 | 61 | 24 | 9 | 3 |
| Rainy days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 16 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
