How to Visit Great Wall of China in Winter

Well, everything has its two sides. The so-called best seasons often see the Great Wall mobbed by the numerous tourist groups and you may waste much of your valuable time on the way from your hotel to the Wall (traffic jam). On the Wall, you have to take group photos since there are a great number of people on the Wall.

Check out Walking from Jiankou Great Wall to Mutianyu Great Wall in winter.

Great Wall winter hike has its advantages - the tourist crowds are small so you can walk along the Great Wall hassle free. The prices are lower for Great Wall transportation and admission.

Of course, hiking the Great Wall is a bit challenging if you are unlucky to visit the Wall on a cold and blusterous day. If well dressed for the winter Wall hikes, visiting the Great Wall in winter is still not a bad idea.

We're going to share with you some ideas on how to dress for Great Wall winter hikes. Dressing for the season and having the right clothing items for colder temperature on the Wall.

1. Check historical climate data and weather forecast

Before leaving for Beijing, you'd better check Beijing's historical climate data ( day by day temperature ) to get a general assessment of the weather condition on your real hiking date.

Beijing's winter normally starts from mid-November through mid-March. Check out the following Beijing's historical climate data on the winter months in Beijing:

How to Visit Beijing in November How to Visit Beijing in December How to Visit Beijing in January How to Visit Beijing in February How to Visit Beijing in March

In winter Beijing has short days, dark 4-5 pm. The ticket selling for major attractions is closed after 4.30pm. The sights stay open all year round.

When you arrive, don't forget to check the current weather in Beijing and choose your better day for visiting Great Wall in the cold month.

You may also check out the following realtime weather photos to get a general idea of how the current weather looks like and how local people are dressed:

Beijing November Realtime Weather Photos Beijing December Realtime Weather Photos Beijing January Realtime Weather Photos Beijing February Realtime Weather Photos Beijing March Realtime Weather Photos

2. Dressing in Layers

A heavy coat gives you little opportunity to act or adjust in weather conditions. For the better hiking and comfort, you need to dress in layers.

Base Layer The purpose of wearing the first body layer is to make your skin dry by removing moisture possibly produced by perspiring. Kindly remind you not to wear cotton base layer for it keeps the moisture, leaving you disagreeably moist, sticky if you are sweating. You'd better choose the shirts made from light merino wool or synthetic fibers.

Middle Layer This middle layer is the insulation layer, important for keeping your body warm. For the same reason trying to avoid the cotton which dries slowly and select sweaters, vests and jackets which are made of polyester fleece, warm and quick to dry.

Jacket Outer Layer You need to have a waterproof or water-resistant outer layover to keep you from snow, rain, and wind. Try to have a warm jacket lightweight with good breathability. A warm jacket with zippers and vents is important for you to regulate your body temperature.

3. Feet Protection

Footwear Basically it is unnecessary to wear a pair of heavy hiking boots since most of the time you will walk on the stone steps on the wall. Avoid leather shoes which can freeze.

Looking for the shoes made from a mix of plastic and rubber. Basically sport shoes are ok for Great Wall hiking in winter.

If you are going to hike the unrestored wild sections of the Wall, a pair of gaiters can add a measure of protection against the shrubs and bushes on the way.

Socks****Your feet also need layering too. It is essential to put on a pair of thin and tight-fitting socks that keep your feet dry and warm. Your outer layer socks should be also made from merino wool or synthetic material.

Your outer layer socks should not be too thick otherwise they will reduce the circulation in your shoes.

4. Hands Protection

To keep your hands from become cracked, rough, or sore, you definitely need to have a pair of gloves to reduce the risk of frostbite and chapping to your hands. Basically people prefer gloves than mittens, not having to expose your hands.

5. Head and Face Protection

It is a common knowledge that we lose our body heat through our heads, so we need to have a warm hat.

It is essential to wear a hat with ear flaps, a ushanka, a Russian fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, keeping your ears from the cold. In addition, ready for a scarf to protect your face.

5. Where to buy the winter clothes?

For those who live in a warm climate, winter clothes are a bit hard to get from their home country. No worry about that. Hats, gloves, winter jackets and the list could be much longer, can be easily bought in Beijing.

Going to Silk Market is a good choice to arm yourself for the winter tour in Beijing ( Top 10 Beijing Markets including Silk Market).

Add-on

How to Visit Great Wall of China How to Get to Badaling Great Wall by Train How to Get to Badaling Great Wall by Bus How to Get to Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town How to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall How to Visit Great Wall of China in Winter How to Visit Great Wall of China Wheelchair Accessible