Great Wall - How to Wear Properly

Smoking on the Great Wall is strictly prohibited!

No matter what time of the year you want to walk, hike, camp on Great Wall in Beijing region it is always colder than the temperature in Beijing itself. For that reason, clothing for visiting Great Wall is an important consideration when planning your Great Wall hiking & camping.

Much of the Great Wall in Beijing region were built on mountain ridges. The mountains on three sides of Beijing formed a natural protective screen for defending enemy tribes in the past. For that reason, you may spend an uncomfortable day hiking Great Wall / walking in the mountains if wearing improper clothing & footwear.

Assuming you hike & camp on Great Wall during the fall. For instance, at the beginning of October, it will be a little bit cold at night or in the morning, you should bring jumper and fleece and T-shirt inside, suitable for hiking and walking in the mountains. If it is hot during the day you can take off jacket. However, it could be a little bit cold during the day as it's windy on the Great Wall.

Even in June although the temperature is quite warm around the city area you will feel it's much cooler at the Great Wall such as Mutianyu, Jinshanling and Jiankou. For that reason it's better to take a jacket with you before leaving the city. On a typical sunny day in June, it's advisable to take a lightweight shirt or blouse to protect yourself from sunburn together with using suncreen. As the saying goes: preparation is the key.

Heavier clothing that is wind-resistant is absolutely necessary in winter as weather conditions in the mountains is really harsh. Simply put, it's chilly on the Great Wall in winter.

Suggested clothes for walk, hike in Fall/Winter (November-March):

*hiking boots
*gloves and scarf/headband
*1 pair leggings, or light sweat pants
*1-2 button-up-front long sleeve shirt
*1-2 long sleeve t-shirts
*1-2 short sleeve t-shirts
*1 PolarTec fleece Jacket
*1 water resistant/windproof jacket (can be layered over PolarTec fleece)
*1 pair hiking boots or good walking shoes
*1 pair light-weight trousers (in a neutral color-khaki, black, or navy)

Suggested clothes for walk, hike in Spring/Summer (May-October):

*1 pair jeans
*1 pair light-weight trousers (in a neutral color-khaki, black, or navy)
*1 pair shorts or a skirt
*3-4 short sleeve t-shirts or tank tops
*1 button up front long sleeve shirt
*1 light sweat shirt or long-sleeve t-shirt
*1 water resistant/windproof jacket
*2-4 pairs socks (depends on how much or if you plan to wear sandals)
*1 pair hiking boots or good walking shoes
*1 pair sport sandals

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