When visiting the Great Wall of China, knowing common Chinese names for key spots, structures, and facilities can make your trip smoother—whether you’re asking for directions, reading signs, or chatting with locals. Below are the most frequently used Chinese terms related to the Great Wall, along with their pronunciations, meanings, and practical uses.
1. Great Wall Sections (Popular Ones)
These are the Chinese names of the most visited Great Wall sections, which you’ll often see on train tickets, maps, and tour guides.
- 八达岭长城 (Bādálǐng Chángchéng) – Badaling Great Wall
The most famous and accessible section, near Beijing. “八达岭” (Bādálǐng) is the name of the local area. You’ll hear this term often when booking buses or taxis (e.g., “请带我去八达岭长城” – “Qǐng dài wǒ qù Bādálǐng Chángchéng” – “Please take me to Badaling Great Wall”).
- 慕田峪长城 (Mùtiányù Chángchéng) – Mutianyu Great Wall
A less crowded section with lush scenery. “慕田峪” (Mùtiányù) refers to the valley where it’s located. It’s known for its toboggan ride, so locals might say “慕田峪有滑道” (Mùtiányù yǒu huádào) – “Mutianyu has a toboggan slide.”
- 司马台长城 (Sīmǎtái Chángchéng) – Simatai Great Wall
A wilder, more preserved section, often linked to the Gubei Water Town. “司马台” (Sīmǎtái) is an ancient fortress name.
- 山海关长城 (Shānhǎiguān Chángchéng) – Shanhaiguan Great Wall
Called the “First Pass Under Heaven” (“天下第一关” – Tiānxià Dìyī Guān), it’s where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea. “山海关” (Shānhǎiguān) means “Mountain-Sea Pass.”
2. Core Structures of the Great Wall
These terms describe the key parts of the Great Wall’s architecture, which you’ll notice as you walk along it.
- 城墙 (Chéngqiáng) – City Wall
The main body of the Great Wall. It’s the thick, high brick or stone structure you walk on. For example, “这段城墙很陡” (Zhè duàn chéngqiáng hěn dǒu) – “This section of the city wall is very steep.”
- 烽火台 (Fēnghuǒtái) – Beacon Tower
The tall, square towers along the wall used in ancient times to send signals via fire or smoke. You’ll see signs like “前方有烽火台” (Qiánfāng yǒu fēnghuǒtái) – “There is a beacon tower ahead.”
- 垛口 (Duǒkǒu) – Crenel
The notched gaps on the top of the wall. Soldiers used these to shoot arrows or watch for enemies. Locals might point and say “从垛口看风景更好” (Cóng duǒkǒu kàn fēngjǐng gèng hǎo) – “The view is better from the crenels.”
- 关隘 (Guān’ài) – Pass
The gaps or gates in the Great Wall that controlled access. Shanhaiguan and Jiayuguan are famous “关隘” (guān’ài).
- 敌楼 (Dílóu) – Watchtower
Smaller towers on the wall for soldiers to rest, store weapons, or keep watch. Unlike beacon towers, they’re closer to the wall’s surface.
3. Visitor Facilities & Services
These terms are useful for finding amenities during your visit.
- 售票处 (Shòupiàochù) – Ticket Office
Where you buy entry tickets. Look for signs with “售票处” or ask “售票处在哪里？” (Shòupiàochù zài nǎlǐ?) – “Where is the ticket office?”
- 缆车 (Lǎnchē) – Cable Car
A popular way to climb steep sections (like Badaling or Mutianyu). “缆车入口” (Lǎnchē rùkǒu) means “Cable Car Entrance.”
- 滑道 (Huádào) – Toboggan Slide
A fun downhill ride at Mutianyu. You might see “滑道出口” (Huádào chūkǒu) – “Toboggan Slide Exit.”
- 卫生间 (Wèishēngjiān) – Restroom
The standard term for public toilets. Signs often use the abbreviation “WC” too, but “卫生间” is more common locally.
- 游客中心 (Yóukè Zhōngxīn) – Visitor Center
Where you can get maps, ask for help, or store luggage. “游客中心提供免费饮水” (Yóukè Zhōngxīn tígōng miǎnfèi yǐnshuǐ) – “The visitor center provides free drinking water.”
4. Practical Phrases with These Terms
To put these names into use, here are simple phrases you might need:
- “八达岭长城的门票多少钱？” (Bādálǐng Chángchéng de ménpiào duōshao qián?) – “How much is a ticket for Badaling Great Wall?”
- “烽火台在哪里可以上去？” (Fēnghuǒtái zài nǎlǐ kěyǐ shàngqù?) – “Where can I climb up to the beacon tower?”
- “从缆车下来后怎么到敌楼？” (Cóng lǎnchē xiàlái hòu zěnme dào dílóu?) – “How do I get to the watchtower after getting off the cable car?”
Knowing these Chinese names helps you connect more deeply with the Great Wall—whether you’re following signs, talking to staff, or simply understanding the history of the structures around you. Keep a small note of these terms, and you’ll navigate the Great Wall with more confidence!