Visiting Great Wall of China? Read This!

The Great Wall of China

One of the seven wonders of the world.. It’s over 7,000 kilometres long, 6 to 7metres high and 4 to 5 that snakes along the top. It is said that it’s the only man-made structure that can be seen from space.

The Great Wall of China is consistent of 7 sections. Some of these sections are open to visitors while others aren’t. My visit to the great wall was to the Mutianyu side which was an hour away drive from Beijing.

Pick the part of the wall that best suits your needs and interests. Active, confident hikers should venture to Jinshanling, while families may want to stick with the more accessible Mutianyu section. (There’s an unforgettable, three-minute-long toboggan ride – which I did – from the top of the eastern end to the bottom.)

Check specific fees in advance, but expect to pay approximately 45 yuan ($7) for general admission to the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China defends the country’s northernmost border. A study estimated that the wall  crosses 15 provinces and extends from Xinjiang, in the northwest, to the border of Korea in the east.

Why Was the Great Wall of China Built?

Originally built as a wartime defense, the Great Wall of China features many towers and passes. When Emperor Qin Shi Huang first proposed the so-called Long Wall, it was meant to defend the Chinese states against nomadic tribes from the north.

Best Time to Visit

I read online that the best times to visit would be early May and early October. My visit was early May, and it was really great! The side of the wall I visited was not crowded, and I was able to take a few amazing pictures without the crowds in the background!

During the winter, and also a few weeks before I visited; the Great Wall of China is covered in snow — and the number of tourists will drop dramatically. But be prepared for a slippery, windy walk, and pack accordingly.

June, is also one of the good months to visit as there aren’t any domestic holidays, and it’s Beijing’s shoulder season.

• Do pack comfortable walking shoes and water.
• It is very hot to hike under the sun. Sunglasses and some other protection measures are necessary.
• Many parts of the Wall are broken and loose, so watch your step.
• Check the weather forecast before you go, prepare accordingly especially if its raining or snowing.