China Great Wall Museum reopens after renovation and upgrading

Visitors view exhibits at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

The China Great Wall Museum at Badaling in Yanqing district, Beijing, capital of China, reopened for trial operations on Oct. 24 after a renovation, with free admission.

The museum originally opened in 1994 and closed for renovation in April 2022. The refurbished building passed its final inspections in June 2026.

With a total floor area of about 16,000 square meters, the renovated museum takes its cues from the Great Wall, including its fortifications and passes, and the ridges it runs along.

The building's height was reduced from 16 meters to 9, allowing it to blend more naturally into the surrounding landscape.

The hall on the second floor includes a large-span cantilevered steel structure and a full glass curtain wall, offering panoramic views of the Badaling section of the Great Wall.

The museum's exhibitions explore the Great Wall's history, culture and spirit, drawing on more than 700 objects from 24 museums across China. Together, they trace the Wall's evolution into a symbol of Chinese civilization and examine its role in shaping the Chinese national community.

The upgraded museum is intended to become a national showcase for the Great Wall's history and cultural heritage, and a hub for academic research and international exchange.

During the trial operation period, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with last admission at 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays, except when a Tuesday falls on a public holiday.

During the trial operation period, daily attendance is capped at 4,000 on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors can enter without a reservation.

Visitors can enter by scanning their resident identity cards. Those using other valid identification documents, such as electronic IDs, must register their identity information before entry. Visitors without any valid identification documents will not be admitted. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Visitors view exhibits at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

A visitor takes photos at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

A visitor takes photos at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

Photo shows exhibits at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

Photo shows exhibits at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

Photo shows exhibits at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

Photo shows exhibits at the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

Photo shows an interior view of the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)

Photo shows a view of the China Great Wall Museum at Badaling, Yanqing district, Beijing. (Photo/Yin Xingyun)