Crowds of Tourists Stuck on the Great Wall of China: Massive Congestion During the Holidays

At the beginning of October, during China's National Day celebrations, one of the country's most iconic landmarks — the Great Wall of China — was overwhelmed by a massive influx of visitors. On October 3, more than 100,000 tourists gathered at the Badaling section of the wall, leading to significant movement difficulties. Some visitors were forced to remain in place for several hours. One tourist reported being unable to move for two hours, stuck in the dense crowd.

Massive Tourist Influx

In addition to the Great Wall, other popular tourist spots also experienced an overwhelming number of visitors. For instance, Wugong Mountain was packed with people on the first day of the holidays. In Chaozhou, thousands of people flocked to a light show, turning each event into a major celebration. Such scenes have become common during long holidays, when millions of Chinese citizens set out on domestic travels.

Domestic Tourism on the Rise

According to state media, around 1.94 billion domestic trips were taken during the holiday period, highlighting the immense interest in local tourism. Moreover, over 155 million train tickets were booked online, underscoring the increasing number of travelers, especially in popular tourist destinations like the Great Wall or Wugong Mountain.

Managing Tourist Crowds

As the number of tourists grows, local authorities are trying to implement measures to manage the flow of people. Security personnel, as seen at the Badaling section of the wall, tried to control the crowds and urged tourists not to move forward to prevent dangerous situations. However, even with heightened measures, managing such massive flows remains a serious challenge.

Consider Before You Travel

Situations like the massive congestion at the Great Wall of China highlight the importance of careful travel planning. Tourists planning to visit popular landmarks during holiday periods should think carefully about whether they are prepared to face such difficulties. It might be wiser to choose quieter days for visits to avoid discomfort and fully enjoy the beauty of historical sites in more peaceful conditions.