BEJ: Great Wall of China

Let’s just starts with a brief history about the Great Wall of China (GWC), it is a symbol of China’s historic detachment and sense of vulnerability. The Great Wall snakes through countryside connecting over deserts, hills and plains for several thousand miles. Originally, it was a series of earthen ramparts built by individual states. These individual ramparts were connected after the unification of China under the great emperor of China - Qin Shi Huangdi. Despite impressive battlements, the wall ultimately proved ineffective; it was breached in the 13th century by the Mongols and then, in the 17th century by the Manchu.

Today, only selected sections of it’s crumbling remains have been restored and opened for tourists visit. A trip to the Great Wall of China is a must for any visitor to Beijing, so it is the same for us. During our last visit to Beijing in the month of spring festival 2010, we fulfilled one of our travel dreams by climbing up the Great Wall of China (Badaling section)! Woohoo, I can guarantee that your visit to the GWC would not disappoint ya and it is worth the hassle traveling out from the city to countryside for this historical site.

The ticket counter at the entrance to Badaling Great Wall Section:














A little tips for visitors:
  1. The wall is exposed to the elements so be prepared for all outcomes: wear layers of clothing and a waterproof top, apply suncream.
  2. Bring plenty of water.
  3. The wall can be very steep in places, so make sure you have strong footwear with a good grip such as hiking boots or though waterproof runners.
















As we visited the great wall during February - the month of Spring festival, the mountains were still covered with a blanket of snow and the view was simply amazing! The downside of visiting during early Spring is that the weather was so harsh with constant strong winds freezing your body and the blanket of snows covering the stairs up to the watch tower were making it so slippery and very dangerous when walking down from the wall.













The Watch Tower was Ming’s addition. It served as signal towers, forts, living quarters.
































Yes!!! We had conquered the Great Wall!

















How to travel to Great Wall of China:
Nowadays, most of the hotels will be able to organize a trip to the GWC for you. However, the trip is usually combined with any unwanted diversions planned to cloisonne workshop, jade factory or Chinese medicine clinics. To avoid such trip, there is another option for you to visit the great wall (Badaling section) by public transport. By taking a public transport there, you can have a more personalize visit as you can spend as much of time as you can over there if only you don't miss the last bus back to the city!

So here is a little guideline on how to catch a public bus to the GWC (Badaling section):
1. Take the Line 2 Subway to - Ji Shui Tan station (积水潭). You will find a notice board outside of the station showing you the way to the De Sheng Men Arrow Tower (德胜门箭楼) bus station.

















2. Walk towards the east side after getting out from the station to De Sheng Men Arrow Tower (德胜门箭楼).

View Larger Map

3. Take the bus 919 (Badaling express) at the nothern side of the Arrow Tower. Please ask the driver to confirm the bus 919 you are boarding is an express bus to Badaling Great Wall. One way ticket to the Badaling Great Wall costs RMB 12.

















4. The bus will go northwardly on Badaling Express Way and shall reach to the Great Wall entrance around 1.5 hours ride. The bus will drop you off here and you will have to walk your way up to the entrance.

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