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International Travel
China — Beijing Attractions
The Great Wall of China
"If you have not climbed the
Great Wall, you cannot be considered a true hero."
Chairman Mao Zedong
The Great Wall of China
China's No. 1 Tourist Attraction
The Great Wall of China is visited by millions of people from around
the world — it is China's No. 1 tourist attraction.
And at more than 2,000 years old, the Great Wall of China is one
of the greatest man-made wonders of the ancient world. It stretches
more than 6,000 miles and is visible from space — truly a sight
to behold at any vantage point.
Construction of The Great Wall began in the 5th century B.C. It
was originally built for defensive purposes and served as a military
communications route.
The Great Wall was renovated over the years after the Qin Dynasty.
It was during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) that the Wall took on
its present form — most of what we see today of the Wall are
remnants of this dynasty.
Gondola Cars Rides
If you don't feel like hiking to the top, you can take a scenic gondola-car
ride to reach either the Mutianyu or Badaling sections of
The Great Wall. The views on the way up...and down...are breathtaking.
When To Visit The
Great Wall
Go during weekdays rather than on weekends to avoid the crowds. Arrive earlier
in the day, before it gets too crowded or too hot. Spring or late Autumn is
a good time to visit (June-September is high tourist season).
What To Bring Along
Wear layers — you may need a waterproof or wind-resistant jacket. Be
sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen, water, snacks, and a hat.
Wear comfortable walking shoes — the walk
can be steep and rugged in places. And don't forget extra film and/or
batteries for your camera.
Snacks and Shopping
Stop at the Tea House (at Mutianyu) or food stands along other sections
of the Wall for a casual lunch or light snack. Shop for souvenirs, t-shirts and
trinkets along the way.
You can also order Fun Beijing Gifts
from our Travel
Store.
Fun Great Wall of China Tours
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Great Wall of China Tours
&
"Combo" Tours
departing from Beijing
Four Most Popular Sections of
The Great Wall of China
The most popular sections of The Great Wall
are near Beijing — at Mutianyu,
Badaling, Simatai and Juyongguan. All four sections are
300-500 years old, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
The mile-long segment of
The Great Wall of Mutianyu was among the first built during the
Ming Dynasty, beginning well over 500 years ago. Beautifully restored,
it's a little more rugged and slightly less crowded than at Badaling. We
walked this section of the Wall and highly recommend it.
Click here to see more Photos and
Gifts featuring The Great Wall at Mutianyu.
The Great Wall at Badaling
Badaling, the best preserved section of the Wall — it
was restored in the 1950s — is also the
most popular with tourists...and
the most crowded.
The Great Wall at Simatai
Simatai, which is farther from Beijing, is relatively undeveloped
and a little more challenging — sections of the Wall are unrestored
and unprotected at the sides. As a result, it is far less crowded or
touristy than either Badaling or Mutianyu.
The Great Wall at Juyongguan
The newest section of the Wall, Juyongguan, is near the Ming
Tombs on the road to Badaling.
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