The Great Wall of China is truly an experience of a lifetime! You know there are certain places that you visit that just takes your breath away and you stand there like a gaping goldfish? Yeah this place made me feel like that.

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The Great Wall of China

It was such a surreal and absolutely breathtaking experience to visit the Great Wall… talk about a dream come true! The sights are amazing and you can’t help but let your mind wonder to the centuries gone by, its creation and its purpose. The authenticity is so real here that you can easily imagine the ancient Chinese guards standing post along the Wall. It’s one of China’s greatest historical legacies, and it continues to stir the imagination and awe everyone who visits it.

TIP: Try to get there early! It was the best thing I could have done as there weren’t hoards of tourists to hinder the amazing experience.

TIP: Buy Lonely Planet’s travel guide to China and you’ll always have all the information you need right at hand! Maps, sights, public transport, restaurants, hotels etc. It’s a comprehensive guide and a great travel companion.

Which Section of The Great Wall to Visit

There are now many spots to visit the Great Wall, some sections of the wall (like Badaling) may be closer to Beijing and better restored but more commercialized. Other sections (like Jiankou or Gubeikou) have had little to no restoration done, and so not only retain a greater degree of authenticity but also a certain level of wildness about them. The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a terrific compromise between both extremes, being both family friendly and close enough to Beijing. I suggest planning to spend the day there. Take time to really take in the surrounding natural beauty and landscapes! Although there are a lot of touristy shops in the entrance, when you actually arrive to the Great Wall it’s just you, the surrounding people, and the wall. It’s pretty spectacular. It is DEFINITELY a must see!

How to Explore The Great Wall of China

To make the visit so much more spectacular is the cable-car ride up to the wall and the toboggan down. So fun! These two extras make the experience so much more wholesome. You have the option of taking the cable-car to the wall or hiking up a path with an endless number of steps, and either way there will be much more walking once you get there. But the views are truly unforgettable, and the wall stretches for as far as the eye can see.

TIP: Make sure you bring plenty of water for the trip and wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes. I spent hours walking the wall and just appreciating it. It’s very physical demanding. My legs were killing me the next day! Might just be me being out of shape though…

The great thing is that unlike other major tourist attractions around the world that are so overpriced, this one is extremely cheap for what’s included! The Great Wall is always impressive, doesn’t matter which part you choose. It’s impossible to really describe in words or explain how incredible a view it truly is.

Note: If you purchase tickets for the toboggan back down, make sure you get back before they close, because you’ll have to walk down if you don’t get back in time (which you don’t really want to do after hiking up and down the wall all day)

Transportation to The Great Wall of China

There are several ways of getting to the wall. You can arrange a tour from your accommodation or direct from the airport, taxis, private drivers or public transport. I recommend you check out Travel China Guide for the most up to date information regarding public transport or ask your hotel to arrange a driver or recommend a tour company.

TIP: Buy Lonely Planet’s travel guide to China and you’ll always have all the information you need right at hand! Maps, sights, public transport, restaurants, hotels etc. It’s a comprehensive guide and a great travel companion.

Useful Links to The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall at Mutianyu – Jess Travels

How to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall of China – The Occasional Traveller

Great Wall of China: The Complete Travel Guide – Adventure in You

Tips on Visiting The Great Wall of China – Wanderlust Marriage

The Best Spots to Visit The Great Wall of China – A Little Adrift

How to See The Great Wall of China Crowd-Free – Thrifty Nomads

How to Get to The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu – Nomadic Boys

A Solo Journey the Great Wall of China – The Chronicles of Mariane

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