Would any trip to China really be complete without seeing the famous Great Wall? Would there be anything more symbolic to China than the Great Wall?
Sure, China is famous for many things. Pandas, jade, silk, tea, terracotta warriors and the beautiful Yangtze River to name a few. And while many of these things are associated specifically to China, the Great Wall of China no doubt rises above all in the minds of most people.
Anyone who had standard global history and geography subjects taught as part of the school syllabus would have been made aware of this awe-inspiring feat of human endeavor not matched anywhere else in the world.
I was keen to visit not just the wall but to see the natural beauty that surrounds most of the wall, given how much of the large country of China it crosses.
Contents
Some Statistics
We are talking about the only man-made structure on Earth that can actually be seen from the International Space Station. Not that the focus of this article is around this impressive construction by man but there are some facts that are hard to not be amazed by.
A series of fortifications built as protection from northern invasion (think Genghis/Kublai Khan and the Mongol Empire), the Great Wall of China as we know it took over 2,000 years to construct (roughly 300BC to 1700AD). A UNESCO World Heritage listed structure, it stretches for over 20,000kms (12,500 miles) and took more than a million soldiers, commoners, prisoners, and animals to build high on the ridges further than the eye can see. Hundreds of thousands of men died while working on the wall, many of which were buried within the wall itself.
More than 10 million people a year visit various sections of the Great Wall of China. The wall stretches across 23 degrees of longitude and can be visited in 15 provinces, principalities or regions. The height of the wall goes up to 39 feet and is as wide as 23 feet thick. The wall has an estimated 25,000 watch towers where soldiers lived, spaced close together in some places but up to 3 miles apart elsewhere.
The statistics are staggering. The views of the beautiful countryside the wall travels through are stunning. The history is amazing. The sheer effort to create something this impressive is hard to compare with anything else. The closest I felt to seeing anything quite as magnificent would have been the amazing Egyptian Pyramids on the Giza Plateau within the Sahara.
Visiting the Great Wall of China
Beijing is without doubt the most popular city most international visitors choose as a base to visit the Great Wall. There are many sections of the Great Wall that are within an easy day trip’s drive from Beijing and given the enormous popularity of this attraction, it is best to choose your section according to your fitness level as well as the crowds you are likely to find.
The best times to visit this manmade wonder from a weather perspective are said to be May or October (spring and autumn). Pick the piece of the wall that best suits your necessities and interests. Dynamic, sure explorers ought to dare to Jinshanling, while families might need to stay with the more available Mutianyu segment (there’s an extraordinary, five-minute sled ride from the highest point of the eastern finish to the base).
Visitors staying with public transportation will initially have to get to Dongzhimen Station, where you can take the express ride to Huairou Station. Here, you’ll have to move to a bus headed for Mutianyu.
There are also in excess of 10 sets of rapid trains that travel between Beijing and Badaling Extraordinary Wall Rail line Station, running from Beijing North Rail line Station.
Many travel specialists suggest skirting the train and settling on a recruited vehicle and an aide. They’ll have the option to take you to less crowded segments of the wall.
Our Experience
Of all the sections available, we were most keen on the idea of avoiding crowds, yet still experiencing a well-maintained and accessible part of the wall. In this regard, we were lucky to have been taken to the original Juyong Pass section of the Great Wall. The Juyong Pass is a mountain pass situated in the Changping Region some 50 kilometers (31 mi) north of Beijing.
The Great Wall of China is built high atop of ridges making it nearly impossible for any invading force to attack. As a result, visitors really do need to have a level of physical fitness to hike along the wall for any real distance. This particular section had a very steep rise and there were signs everywhere warning people to be aware of their own fitness levels to avoid collapsing, heart episodes etc.
However, the fact that you are always above a ridge means you have an outstanding view of the surrounding countryside and you can see the wall for miles and miles as it snakes its way up and down the hills and mountains to the north. The watch towers of course had magnificent views all around and it was interesting to wander around looking at the rooms and where the soldiers slept, cooked and spent their days.
Even the area which is the entrance where you climb up to the wall itself is steep with stairs that many stopped to rest, rather than trying to rapidly ascend without stopping. This is a place to enjoy if you are not on a timeline and can take your time. We were blessed with a lovely day when we visited and took our time exploring a wonderous area of the world not everyone gets to.
Opposite to the stairs entering the Great Wall is a village first built at the time of the wall which contains a number of temples, homes etc in addition to a museum and other areas of interest to tourists. Heading down the hill from the village is a square containing a number of restaurants and souvenir shops, next to the main car park of the area.
Highlights in and around Beijing
If, like most, you visit the Great Wall of China from Beijing, there are some local attractions you may also want to consider seeing while you are there.
Below are some of the more popular choices for visitors.
The Forbidden City
Officially known as the Imperial Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in the early 15th century (1406). It remained as the home for 24 Emperors of China until 1911, when the Last Emperor was deposed.
The term ‘Forbidden City’ was used as access to the area was barred to most of the subjects of the realm. Government functionaries and even the imperial family were permitted only limited access; the emperor alone could enter any section at will.
Today, the Forbidden City is home to the Palace Museum. It houses over one million rare Chinese artworks and artifacts. Most of these come from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Forbidden City is documented as the largest imperial palace in the world. Covering an impressive 720,000 square meters (7,750,000 square feet), the Forbidden City is over three times larger than the Louvre Palace in France.
With its grounds taking up 178 acres in the middle of Beijing, it is indeed a city within a city. The city was built to house 9,999 rooms because only the celestial Lord of Heaven, not his imperial son on Earth, could enjoy 10,000. Nonetheless, the number 9,999 is auspicious in Chinese culture, associated with the emperor, and pronounced the same as the Chinese word “eternal.”
Surrounding the city is a sizable moat and the front entrance faces the famous Tiananmen Square which has lovely flower beds and arrangements around as well as Chinese sentries and the famous picture of Chairman Mao Zedong. The Forbidden City was also declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Interestingly enough, according to Wikipedia, in 2018, the Forbidden City’s market value was estimated at US$70 billion, making it both the world’s most valuable palace and the most valuable piece of real estate anywhere in the world. It is also one of the largest and most well-preserved wooden structures in the world and well worth a visit while in Beijing.
You could literally spend many hours in the Forbidden City exploring all its treasures, learning so much of its history and imagining what it was like back in time. I was told there was limit of people allowed into visit the Forbidden City at any one time was 40,000. It was certainly busy on the day we went but we could still easily see a great deal and take photos while we were there.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is perhaps the best-known symbol of modern China. With a surface area of 440,000 square meters, 880 meters long and 500 meters wide, this is the largest square in China and the sixth largest in the world. It is said to be able to hold 1 million people within the square.
The Square is especially well known as the location of four important historical events. These include the 1919 May Fourth Movement, proclaiming on 1 October 1949 of the People’s Republic of China by Chairman Mao Zedong, the 1976 protests and the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre of 1989. In particular the image of the ‘Tank Man’ who was filmed obstructing a column of tanks during that time is something that many clearly remember.
Tiananmen Square is also famous as being the location of the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao whose body lies in state within a glass coffin and is visited by thousands of people every day.
The Square is also surrounded on all sides by buildings relating to government and/or cultural significance, not the least of which is the main entrance to the Forbidden City. There is also a daily flag-raising ceremony performed at sunrise by a troop of the People’s Liberation Army. As you might imagine, the reverse occurs at sunset with soldiers goosestepping 108 paces per minute through the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
Major events and military parades are staged here with the Forbidden City as the backdrop, making this square instantly recognizable to many who see such parades on TV. Walking around the square was an interesting way to absorb some of the feel and culture of people who seem to feel a great sense of national pride. Everyone we saw was happy to be there, some traveled from far away places across China and all we encountered were very friendly.
Hutongs
Hutongs are typical lanes formed by houses with courtyards built on each side where locals still live. Hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China. It is one of the most distinctive features and must-see attractions in Beijing.
As one of the cultural symbols of old Beijing City, hutongs have a history of more than 700 years. They first appeared in the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368) and developed in the Ming (1368 -1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) Dynasties.
Sandwiched between the Drum Tower and the Lama Temple is where you will find Beijing’s historic hutong alleyways. This neighborhood also consists of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Black Sea; and Xihai, meaning West Sea) surrounding areas of historic interest and scenic beauty.
We booked an optional tour specifically to see an old hutong neighborhood which included a walking tour, an old-fashioned pedicab (rickshaw ride drawn by bicycle) and homemade lunch at a local hutong home.
It was a culturally enriching experience and our host in the hutong home that cooked lunch was a lovely woman who served up traditional Chinese food, all of which was delicious and much more than we could possibly eat. It was a lovely home with courtyard that was decorated with beautifully carved wooden furniture.
Chinese Performing Arts
Chinese theatre is known for its colour, culture and impressive entertainment. This is definitely what we got when we booked to attend the large-scale dramatic musical ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’.
The performance here was nothing sort of amazing. The music, lighting, acrobatics, gymnastics, puppetry, costumes, make-up, singing, and dancing was literally outstanding and would rival the quality of any stage production anywhere in the world.
The entire audience was blown away by how remarkable this performance was with continual surprises occurring throughout the show. Towards the finale there was an amazing scene which involved flash flooding of the stage. Most of us seated toward the front initially thought this was another visual effect but when we felt residual water spray and looked closer, we could see the stage completely being submerged by thousands of litres/gallons of actual, fast-moving water!
Beijing Olympic Park
Another great site to visit while in Beijing is the enormous Beijing Olympic Park.
Home of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this is a vast public space separated by the actual Olympic Venues as well as parks with family amenities and plenty of vendors offering all kinds of food, drink and souvenirs for sale.
The entire area here covers 11.59 square kilometers and is composed of the Olympic Forest Park in the north, the Olympic venue cluster in the center and the Asian Games venue cluster in the south.
Visiting this park is a wonderful way to spend a leisurely few hours admiring the beautiful gardens, different architecturally designed sporting venues, and the peaceful strolling areas that insulate you within a very busy city.
Other optional activities
Outside of the above there are many more activities, shopping (especially for Jade), dining etc that many tourists love doing in Beijing.
In our case James and I indulged in having new optical glasses made which were of high quality and the best competitive pricing, not to mention he bought me some lovely jade pieces.
We even got checkups by traditional Chinese medicine doctors and were surprised that their findings were so aligned to our current Western-diagnosed conditions. So, we purchased some natural Chinese medicine to try which have ingredients that are all based in nature.
Conclusion
I am not normally a fan of cities anywhere. Beijing however is situated relatively close to a number of gateways to the Great Wall of China, and with it, access to China’s beautiful countryside. On top of this, Beijing is quite a pretty city with a lot of effort put into green spaces.
Beijing and China more broadly, are also putting a lot of effort into incentivizing citizens to move to electric vehicles which is important given the population levels.
The local people are welcoming and the city is clean and not hard to get around. From the moment we arrived at the spotless and modern Beijing airport to the time we left to explore other parts of China, we found this part of the world to offer a fabulous break.
Have your say
What is your impression of the Great Wall of China, Beijing and surrounding areas? Have you visited? Is this somewhere you would love to travel to? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
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Nicole Andersonhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/nicsmarketingyahoo-com-au/
What a beautiful time! The photos are lovely and the Great Wall seems like a fun place to visit.I will have to put it on my bucket list.
So pleased you enjoyed the post Hannah and that you can see value in visiting for yourself. Hope you get to tick off your bucket list items on that list!
Wow….what a once in a lifetime trip and your pictures are spectacular! I so love it and would love to see this for myself some day! Than you for sharing your experience with us!
I am so happy you enjoyed this post, Melissa. I hope you will be able to visit as well in the future. Thank you for reading and leaving such a lovely comment.
sounds like an amazing place to visit. I love all the amazing places that you can see and the view to die for. Thanks for sharing
My pleasure Laura, thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
Visiting the Great Wall of China is on my travel list. It looks so fun!
Fun it is, Jen, as well as fulfilling, fascinating and educational as well.
At first, I really know how good this country have for tourists but because of this post and pictures that you had shared, it is very beautiful and wonderful to see.
Thank you Nikki, appreciate you reading and the sentiment expressed in your comment.
What a great bucket list trip! Definitely the trip of a lifetime. Looks like the other spots you checked out were pretty cool, too.
Thanks very much Marysa, more content covering other parts of China will also be coming when I get some time.
Unfortunately, never been to this place although I wanted to visit it a long time ago. Interesting post to read about and awesome pictures as well.
Thank you very much Frank, happy that you enjoyed this post.
It’s obvious that visiting the Great Wall of China had been an incredible experience! The history and grandeur of the Wall truly leave a lasting impression. This is in my bucket list actually and I hope I do get to visit in the very near future!
I really hope you do as well, Maria. It is quite amazing to experience it in person. There is little wonder this is a bucket list item for many people. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Traveling across the Great Wall of China would be an incredible adventure, offering the chance to explore centuries of history and marvel at breathtaking panoramic views. The experience of walking along this iconic structure, with its stunning architecture and scenic beauty, would undoubtedly be an unforgettable and thrilling journey of a lifetime.
Many have no doubt described it that way, Elizabeth, and I must admit for us, it was very special.
You have taken some really amazing photo’s there. It must be such an amazing experience to go and actually walk along the wall. I bet the food you tried there was really good. The Forbidden City looks amazing! It must have been fun to explore the different parts.
It definitely was an incredible experience Lani, the food was lovely as well and the Forbidden City was full of amazing history. So much to see and do there. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
Such awesome photos. I feel like I am in China right now.
Thanks very much Tara. I’m pleased you liked this post.
I’d love to visit someday! Those photos are so pretty 🙂
Thanks Tami. We took quite a few more as well, but there are only so many you can include in a post.
Wow, that looks like such a beautiful place! I would so love to visit there, one day. You always see photos and things on TV, but I bet that in person, it’s even more beautiful! Thanks for letting me “travel” a bit while reading. 🙂
My pleasure Jamie, I’m so pleased you enjoyed this and thanks for stopping by.
I definitely want to do this bucket list trip! I just have to get in better shape to tackle all of those stairs!
I know what you mean Lori! It can be pretty tough depending on how far you want to hike. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
Thanks for sharing your amazing trip to the Great Wall and Beijing! Your insights and photos are captivating. I’m inspired to visit someday. Keep sharing your adventures!
Thank you so much Kat! I am so happy you enjoy our adventurous travels. I hope you will visit in the future as well.
Yes this is a must-do when visiting China and something I really hope to get to tick off one day soon! Also wow I know it was long but I didn’t know it was over 20,000kms that’s mind-boggling.
Thanks for sharing your adventures
Laura x
My pleasure Laura. The length is truly amazing as is the mammoth effort when you think about what it took to build over time. Thank you for reading and I hope you get to visit soon.
Your post brought back memories of my own visit to the Great Wall in 2006. We hiked for two days along the wall, camping in one of the guard towers for one night. I guess this is not possible anymore. Seeing your pictures of the Olympic architecture reminded me that another visit to Beijing would be great.
Wow, that sounds truly amazing Natascha! I’m not sure if that can still be done today, and if so, what locations this would be permitted at, but what an experience! So pleased you enjoyed other elements of the post around Beijing and it would be great for you to return at some point. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experience.
Visiting the Great Wall of China has always been on my travel bucket list. I love reading about your trip. I can only imagine the views from the wall were spectacular as you walked it.
They certainly were, Erica, and it was hard to choose which photos to include in this post. I hope you will also visit in the future to tick this off your travel bucket list and thank you so much for reading and leaving your comment.
I have actually missed the Great Wall of China when I visited Beijing. I was exhausted after a long trip in Mongolia and a border crossing which took 2 days in total. I started the trip to the Great Wall of China but back, then, in 2010, it was not so straightforward to get there, so I abandoned it on the way. I did visit Beijing though, which was beautiful. Same as you, I strolled around Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City, as well as enjoyed the beautiful Summer Palace. I loved the hutongs, they are such authentic pieces of culture in between the fancy buildings of Beijing.
While you may not have got to visit the Great Wall of China, your trip still sounds quite amazing regardless, Joanna. Of course, you can visit the Great Wall from other parts of China as well, should you find yourself back there at some point. I agree the culture is really fascinating also.
It’s amazing how ancient structures like the Great Wall of China stood the test time! We study history books about them when we are younger and to visit them would be a total dream. I haven’t been to China and I’m so looking forward to see the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
I couldn’t agree more with your comment, Glenn. It is quite exciting to see this for real and I hope you will also visit in the future.
The Great Wall is definitely a must-see for me. The walk really does look long. But the experience would be totally worth it in the end.
Thanks, Barbie. Depending on which area you visit, it can present a long or not-so-long trek and you can walk for as little or as long as you like. Of course, it just isn’t feasible for any tourist to walk the entirety of the wall and I’m not sure anyone has ever done this and how many months that would take. It’s a fabulous trip to experience though and thanks for reading.
Oh wow, those stairs look brutal! Kudos to you and James for heading to the wall and spending a beautiful weather day on it. Loved reading about your travels in Beijing and so happy to hear the city was clean and welcoming.
True, the stairs proved to be a challenge for many people and you do need to be fit for sections of the Great Wall like this, but we felt it was worth the effort. Thank you very much for your comments on this post and I am really happy you enjoyed reading it.
We were is glad we got to see the Great Wall of China when we visited. We visited from Badaling and were lucky to visit on a day when it was not crazy busy. But if we had been on our own we might seek out a visit at the Juyong Pass for those views. It was indeed stunning to see the wall snaking through the countryside. Even with so much to do in Beijing, we were glad we headed out of the city to see the Great Wall of China.
I couldn’t agree more Linda. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your experience of visiting the Great Wall of China and its surrounds.
IIf I visit China, I will make sure to see The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Olympic Park. I want to witness the massive size of the Olympic stadium firsthand and take a stroll along the Great Wall.
There is indeed so much to see Ramil, in addition to the matters raised in your earlier comments below.
Thanks for bringing closer this part of China to us with these amazing photos. Yes, the Great Wall is definitely one of the most attractive tourist destinations.
That’s true Pedja, although I loved the beautiful countryside that the Great Wall travels through as well.
Great photos. Visiting the Great Wall of China is on my bucket list. It would be fun and exciting to explore it, for sure.
Thanks Lynn! I’m sure you would love it every bit as much as I did.
Ah! What an iconic place to visit. I was there way back in the day (like 1998!), and I’d love to go back.
Even though I was just there, I am already feeling I would like to return someday. It’s very special and we both obviously feel that Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your experience here.
I’ll never visit China, but you’ve wrote up a great story about your visit. Love the pictures.
Never say never Richard! You can never tell what’s in your future if you keep an open mind. Thanks for reading and your kind comment on the photos.
Wow, what a beautiful place. I’ve always wanted to visit, it’s on my bucket list.
I was so happy to have crossed this off my list, Nancy! I guess it is one of the world’s icons to visit. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
If I ever visit China, the great wall of China will definitely be on my list. Ever since my aunt visited it few years back and showed me her pics I wanted to visit the place myself.
In my view, it is certainly worth the trip Prajakta. It would be nice to show your aunt pictures of your trip and compare notes together.
One of my biggest regrets in life was passing up a chance to go on a university subsidized trip to China. I wanted to go, but I started a job after graduating and couldn’t work out the timing. Looks like you had an amazing trip!
We sure did Dave! I understand your disappointment not to get to China in the past but I’m sure there will be other opportunities in the future if you are keen to go. Thanks for sharing your story.
Such a great guide! This article will come in handy during my China trip, hence bookmarked it 😍🙂.
Thank you, Ana. I hope this is of some help and please stay tuned for more posts on our trip to China.
Absolutely! Husband and I are planning on visiting China soon, so will wait for your other China related content too 😍.
Thanks Anna, I hope to get started on the next one post on China soon. It looks like there will be a total of 4 post for this China trip once all is done.
I’ve known the Great Wall of China since i was in grade school. Stories that really caught my interest that hopefully one day I could see it in person.
That’s how I felt as well Farrah. It was so good to see and experience it after knowing about it for so long. And in such a beautiful country as well, what’s not to love? Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
It sounds like you had the most mazing time on your trip to see the wall. You took some really gorgeous photos whilst there that will help you remember the trip for many years to come.
Thank you so much Melanie. China is a place I will always remember and I look forward to sharing more on our China trip in upcoming posts.
China and the Great Chinese Wall is my big travel dream. My husband lived in China during his uni days and he holds a special spot for the country in his heart. Your words and vibrant photos definitely make me more eager to finally travel there.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Lyosha. I am always wanted to visit China from the books I have read and other people who have encouraged me to go. I’m sure you and your husband would love visiting together.
a dream to visit this amazing monument some day.. not just for these beautiful views but to marvel at it..
It was a dream come true for us, Vidya. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Will definitely be saving your detailed post for our sometime-soon-(hopefully) trip here
Thank you very much Vidya. I wish you all the best in planning and enjoying your trip.
I’d love to see the Great Wall! I read all about it, and the history behind it is amazing. There’s a reason it’s one of the Great Wonders.
That’s for sure Ben! I really enjoyed every moment there.
The view is something to live for, this sounds like an amazing trip that I would love to take some day. Thanks for sharing this with us.
My absolute pleasure Laura. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post.
OMGoodness, what a “Priceless” trip. I’m loving all your images so beautiful it looks like you had a wonderful time in China. I’ve always wanted to visit China.
Same here, Lisa, thank you for reading and sharing your impressions.There were so many beautiful things to photograph and we are happy the shots turned out so well.
Visiting the Great Wall has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, not just for its historical significance but for the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it. The idea of walking along the same paths that millions of soldiers and workers did centuries ago gives me chills.
That was really true for me as well, Catalina. This visit lived up to all my expectations and beyond and I am so glad I went. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
The Great Wall of China would be such an incredible trek to make. The forbidden city would also be a destination I’d love to visit as well!
Both are certainly unforgettable destinations in their own right, Elizabeth. I hope you may be able to visit in the future as well.
I can only imagine the awe-inspiring feeling of walking along such a historic marvel and taking in the breathtaking views.
It is something I have imagined for quite a while before finally taking the trip, Michelle. It truly lived up to all my hopes and expectations. Thank you for reading and leaving your lovely comment.
What an amazing trip. This is a view that I would love to see.
Thanks Tara! Looking out at the views of China’s lovely natural landscape from the Wall is really special.
I have always wanted to see this in person. The history is just incredible to me. I love all your photos!
Thank you Amber. The history certainly is fascinating and seeing this in person is so impressive.
Your beautiful photos help bring your travel to life. I appreciate all the practical details you included especially dealing with the tough stair climbs going to the Great Wall.
Thank you very much Ramil. This section of the Great Wall requires some degree of fitness if you want to travel any distance while on the wall, but the views of the surrounding countryside are beautiful.
China is one of the destinations we’re considering for future travel. Despite my weight and aching ankle, I hope I’ll still be able to climb the Great Wall when the time comes.
I’m sure you won’t regret it if you are able to go, Ramil. Just being there to admire this awesome structure surrounded by the beautiful countryside would be something special.
Are there local medical professionals available to assist visitors in case of emergencies? How about senior-friendly restaurants? Also, how did you go around the city? I mean, the mode of transportation. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about China.
Hi Ramil. China has all the facilities to take care of any eventualities. High standard of medical care and their restaurants cater to families which includes people of all ages and all forms of transportation (private and public) are available. It really depends on your preference and budget.
It’s fascinating to learn about the different sections of the wall and how each offers a unique experience for visitors. The Juyong Pass section sounds like a great choice for those looking to avoid crowds while still enjoying a well-maintained part of the wall. And the photos of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are simply breathtaking! I love that you also had the chance to explore a traditional Hutong neighbourhood and catch a Chinese theatre performance. Your trip to Beijing sounds like it was full of adventure, culture, and fun.
It certainly was, Sonia! We loved every moment of our trip to China. It is a beautiful country with friendly people and so much to experience. Thank you so much for reading and leaving a lovely comment.
Definitely an awesome historical landmark that the world can have! Actually, this is on my bucket list, and hoping to go here this year! The wall structure is a perfect masterpiece! Totally loved it!
That’s lovely to hear Gervin, thank you. I really hope your plans to visit this year work out. All the best!
That is quite a trip! A must-do, should say. Great Wall, City, Square, Hutongs, Olympic Park!
There definitely is a lot to see Carol! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Well, would any trip to China really be complete without seeing the famous Great Wall? Probably yes; however, it’s not perfect. I have been to China and haven’t had time to visit it. I must now go there again.
I would suggest it would be worth your while, Mila, and no doubt see even more sights on your return trip. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It would be amazing to see this in person. Such an incredible structure, and fascinating history behind it as well.
That’s for sure, Marysa! It is quite amazing and exists in such a beautiful setting across this beautiful country.
I didn’t realize there were tourist attractions there as well. How wonderful to be able to visit.
There are certainly many tourist attractions throughout China, Rosey. This is on top of the wonderful nature, fascinating history and lovely culture. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I would love to see the Great Wall of China one day. It’s such an iconic part of the world’s history. It’s really amazing.
There truly is nothing that comes close to the enormity of this structure that goes on and on, Beth. The historical facts behind it are equally amazing.
Wonderful photos! This looks like it was an amazing trip, this is on my bucket list of places I’d love to visit.
Thank you so much Luna. I’m sure you would love to visit China also.
Wow. Looks like you had a great time in China. I’ve always wanted to visit the Great Wall but never had the time. Thanks for the great photos.
China is a wonderful place to visit Richard. So much to see and appreciate. The Great Wall is of course a unique icon, known the world over. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.