How much does it cost to visit the Great Wall of China?

The cost of a trip to the Great Wall typically ranges from $30 to $300, depending on your transportation choices and travel style, spanning budget-friendly independent travel via public transit, guided group tours, and luxurious private tours.

The cost of a trip to the Great Wall typically ranges from $30 to $300, depending on your travel style, from budget-friendly public transport to luxury private guided tours.
 Opting for independent travel using public transportation is the top choice for cost-savvy travelers. Total expenses usually fall between $30 and $80, with key costs including transportation, entry tickets, and meals - each of which can be independently managed to control spending. That said, this approach demands considerable advance planning and often entails significant time spent locating correct boarding points and vehicles.
 

Public Transportation to the Great Wall

See: How to get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing?
 

1. Two-way Transportation Fee: CNY 6 - 20 by subway + CNY 24 by bus line 877
2. Badaling Great Wall Ticket Fare: CNY40 from Apr. 1 to Oct. 31; CNY35 from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31
3. Simple Meal: CNY40 - 80

Total: The Badaling Great Wall tour cost could be as low as CNY105 - 164.

Reserving some pocket money for purchasing water and other necessities, bring at least CNY200 with you.  

If you plan to take cable cars, which is CNY140 for a round-trip, take at least CNY350.
 

1.Round Trip Transportation Fee: CNY6 - 20 by subway + CNY80 by tourist bus
2. Mutianyu Great Wall Entrance Fee: CNY40
3. Simple Meal: CNY40 - 80

Total: The Mutianyu Great Wall tour cost could be as low as CNY166 - 220.

Take at least CNY260 to visit in case of other costs like water or snacks.

The two-way cable car costs CNY140; one-way cable car + one-way toboggan cost CNY200. If you are going to take them, prepare at least CNY460.
 

1. Round trip transportation costs: CNY6 - 20 for subway + CNY96 for tourist bus
2. Simatai Great Wall Ticket Fare: CNY40
3. Meal cost: CNY50 - 100

Total: The Simatai Great Wall cost could be as low as CNY192 - 256.

Bring at least CNY350 for the possibility of buying water and other stuff.

If you would like to take cable cars, take over CNY500 with you.

Tourists generally visit Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town at its foot with the combo ticket of CNY170. It also needs to stay overnight for visiting both sites, and the total fare is about CNY700 - 1,200.
 

1. Round trip transportation costs: CNY6 - 20 for subway + CNY100 for tourist bus
2. Jinshanling Great Wall Ticket Fare: CNY65 from Apr. 1 to Oct. 31; CNY55 from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31
3. Meal cost: CNY50 - 100

Total: The Jinshanling Great Wall cost could be as low as CNY211 - 285.

It is recommended to bring at least CNY 350 in case you need to buy water and food.

If you would like to take cable cars and shuttle buses, take over CNY450 with you.
 

1. Round trip transportation costs: CNY6 - 20 for subway + CNY20 for bus 919
2. Juyongguan Great Wall Ticket Fare: CNY40 from Apr. 1 to Oct. 31; CNY35 from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31
3. Meal cost: CNY40 - 80

Total: The Juyongguan Great Wall cost could be as low as CNY101 - 160.

Bring at least CNY 200 if you need to buy water and other snacks when hiking.
 

Visit the Great Wall of China by Our Small Group Tours

Small-group tours strike an ideal balance between cost efficiency and travel satisfaction. Total costs average $75 to $150, covering transportation, entry fees, and professional guide services. This option stands out for its excellent value and is perfect for travelers who wish to avoid the hassle of trip planning. Furthermore, most one-day Great Wall tours also incorporate visits to other iconic sites like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, enabling tourists to enjoy a well-rounded experience in the shortest time possible. 

When selecting a group tour, exercise due diligence in choosing a reputable tour operator. Opt for small-group itineraries with no shopping components, and avoid heavily discounted shopping-oriented tours, as these will significantly diminish the overall travel experience.

You may like:
One Day Beijing Highlights Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, and Hutong
 

Visit the Great Wall by Private Tours

Luxury private tours focus on high-end, personalized services. The overall cost is approximately $300 per person or even higher, according to customized demands. This option caters to travelers with ample budgets who seek premium travel experiences. Additionally, the pace of a luxury private tour is entirely at the tourists’ discretion: they can adjust their visiting speed based on personal preferences - for instance, lingering longer at favored watchtowers or concluding the tour early to return to the city. There is no need to accommodate other travelers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in a private, comfortable, and exclusive journey.

You may like:
One Day Private Tour of Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Mutianyu Great Wall

 Further Reading:

Why should I visit the Great Wall of China? - Top 10 Reasons

How to Visit the Great Wall of China

Which Section of Great Wall of China to Visit

8 Guidelines for Travel to Great Wall of China in Winter

Camping on the Great Wall of China

10 Insider Tips for Great Wall Travel - Dos and Don’ts

8 Unusual Things to Do at the Great Wall of China