The Great Wall in Beijing

The well-preserved sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are China's most famous tourist site. These sections are mainly the remains from the Ming Dynasty, an era of tremendous construction. The wall runs across the northern part of Beijing for over six hundred kilometers with various passes and towers. The mainly sections include Badaling, Simatai, Jinshanling, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Huanghuacheng and Jiankou.

You really have to see this fantastic, amazing and breath-taking scenery once in your life. But remember to ask yourself what kind of scenery you want to see before you pack, because the scenery varies depending on which section you visit.

Badaling is the section where most tourists go. The wall is famous for its completeness, imposing structures and the famous Juyonguan Pass. Most pictures publicized on guide books, brochures and magazines are taken in this section. But you may find yourself being pushed forward by crowds on top of wall in holidays or peak seasons. The Mutianyu section in Huairou County, seventy kilometers northeast of Beijing is a good alternative.

Not yet resorted to the level of Badaling and Mutianyu, the wall in Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubeikou is a bit smaller and narrower than that in Badaling. Upon hiking on these sections, you can find much more of the genuine bricks, and fortifications left behind from ancient times. Here you can get a real glimpse at the ancient history of China. Group tours arranged by travel agencies often have Badaling, Mutainyu, Simatai and sometimes Jinshanling on their itinerary.

In recent years, the Great Wall in Huanghuacheng and Jiankou (Arrow Nock), about twenty-nine kilometers northwest of Huairou city has become an ideal choice for hiking lovers and adventurers. The section has steep precipices on either side, a reservoir and charming wide flowers. It is a section of the great wall off the beaten track. Be sure to pack necessary clothes, sports foot wares, drinking water and a flash light. This section is for adventurers.

No matter which section you visit, this magnificent engineering achievement tells you the history of China.