A symbol of China, the Great Wall of China snakes through the countryside over deserts, hills, and plains for several thousand miles. Originally a series of disparate earthen ramparts built by individual states, the Great Wall was created only after the unification of China under Qin Shi Huang, The First Emperor of Qin Dynasty (221 - 210 BC). Despite impressive battlements, the wall ultimately proved ineffective; it was breached in the 13th century by the Mongols and then, in the 17th century, by the Manchu. Today, only select sections of its crumbling remains have been fully restored.

A trip to the wall is a must for any visitor to Beijing. Most hotels will be able to organize this for you, usually combined with a visit to the Ming Tombs. However, be sure to find out whether there are any unwanted diversions planned to cloisonne workshops, jade factories, or Chinese medicine clinics. Small groups can have a more personalized visit, and see the more remote parts of the wall, by hiring a taxi for the day from Beijing and sharing the cost.

Badaling Great Wall

Equipped with guardrails, cable car, pristine watchtowers, and tourist facilities, the restored Ming fortification at Badaling Great Wall is the most popular section of the Great Wall. The reward for coming to Badaling Great Wall is the breathtaking view of the wall winding its way over the hills. To fully appreciate this, get away from the crowds by walking as far as you can along the wall either east or west of the entrance. The ticket includes admission to the Great Wall Museum. The pass at Juyong Guan is on the way to Badaling Great Wall and although recently restored, it is often quieter than Badaling Great Wall. With un-scalable mountains on either side it is easy to see why this spot was chosen for defense. There are also some authentic Buddhist carvings on a stone platform, or “cloud terrace,” in the middle of the pass that date back to the Yuan dynasty (1279 - 1368).

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall lies in its dramatic hilly setting and less intrusive tourist industry. With a series of watchtowers along its restored length, the wall you can see here dates from 1368 and was built upon the foundations of the wall built during the Northern Qi dynasty (AD 550-77).

Huanghua Cheng Great Wall

Situated on the same stretch of wall as Mutianyu Great Wall, Huanghua is an exhilarating section of Ming wall that is far less developed than other parts of the wall. The great barrier is split into two here by a large reservoir; most travelers take the right hand route on the other side of the reservoir, as the left-hand section is more difficult to reach. Devoid of guardrails, the crumbling masonry at Huanghua Cheng Great Wall can be uneven and fairly treacherous, so be careful. Because of ongoing reconstruction, it may not always be possible to visit Huanghua Cheng Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall

The wall at Simatai Great Wall has only been partially repaired, affording a more genuine impression of the original wall. The steep and hazardous parts of the wall are also a lot riskier to navigate. Most visitors clamber along the eastern section of wall at Simatai Great Wall, which leads to much steeper sections of wall, and later, impassable ruins. Despite the tourist trappings, the views are superb here. There is a four-hour trek from Simatai Great Wall to Jinshanling Great Wall that provides spectacular vistas, too.

The Great Wall Map

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Tips for Visitors:

The wall is exposed to the elements so be prepared for all outcomes: wear layers of clothing and a waterproof top, but also bring some sun cream.

Bring plenty of water.

The wall can be very steep in places, so make sure you have strong footwear with a good grip such as hiking boots or tough waterproof runners.