A Place Must Visit in Lifetime, The Great Wall - China
Another wonderful perfect tour started in April school holiday in 2017 to China.It was a 20 day long trip with my family. We landed in Beijing midnight and went to our Beijing hotel by a taxi which hired at the airport. We did a day trip to Great Wall - Jinshanling section from Beijing as part of the 3 week trip in China.
Way to Jinshanling
There are several ways to Jinshanling. The easier of which is to take the tourist bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station or can get a rental car. We took the bus from Dongzhimen bus terminal at 8.00 am to Jinshanling.One way to get there is by taking the subway to Dongzhimen station and took about 2 1/2 hours to Jinshanling. The price is 50 yuan. Once you get on the bus, except a toilet stops at Miyun highway service station,the bus has no other stop before you got to Jinshanling highway service station. The bus stops at the service area and there's a sign for Jinshanling Great Wall west entrance is 5 km. Got the shuttle bus ticket to the entrance.Getting off the shuttle bus, there is still a few meters of walking before reaching the ticketing gate.
History of Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is located in northern China. It is one of the greatest sights in the world has more than 2300 years history. The Great Wall was continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD on the northern border of the country as the great military defence project of Chinese Empires, with a total of more than 20,000 kilometers length.
It was built in different areas by different dynasties to protect different territorial borders. In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the Great Wall was reconstructed to be stronger using better developed construction techniques. The height of the Great Wall is 5–8 meters. It was designed to be at least three times the height of a man. The Great Wall begins in the east at Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Great Wall of China is widely regarded as one of the greatest engineering and architectural achievements in human history. Stretching across mountains, deserts, and grasslands, it stands as a remarkable symbol of ancient China's ingenuity, determination, and military strength. In 1987, UNESCO inscribed the Great Wall on the World Heritage List, recognizing its outstanding historical, cultural and architectural significance.Today, the Great Wall attracts millions of visitors from around the world who come to admire its breathtaking scenery and rich history. It's immense scale, remarkable construction, and enduring legacy have earned it a place among the New Seven Wonders of the World, making it one of the most iconic and celebrated landmarks on Earth.
Entrance to the Wonder World
There are two gates, East and Main gate in Jinshanling. Most people enter from the main gate and hike the wall to the east gate. At the main entrance, there is a ticket counter. Don't forget to buy some snacks and water bottles from the restaurants at the tourist area entrance. You can't find shops and toilets beyond that point before finishing the walk. Once through the ticket check gate,you can also take the cable car up instead of walking up. Ohh!! What a unlucky moment, upon arrival, we got to know the cable car was not in service on that day. Walked on the foot path about 2km to the wall.
The Great Wall Hike
We hiked from the West Gate to the East Gate, which took just under 4 hours although that did include frequent photo stops with kids. Jinshanling Great Wall is in a mountainous area 120 km northeast of central Beijing. It's name was derived from the greater and lesser Jinshan Watchtowers on the Great wall. This section of wall connects the Simatai Great Wall section in the east, and Gubeikou Section in the west.
More Than Just a Wall
The Great Wall of China was never simply a single wall. It was an enormous defensive system made up of many different structures designed to protect ancient Chinese territories. Along its vast route, it included barrier walls, fortified battlements, watchtowers, beacon towers, military stations, gun emplacements, shooting holes, horse blocking walls and even small fortified settlements known as branch cities.Each section had a specific purpose. Watchtowers allowed soldiers to observe approaching enemies and send warning signals across great distances. Battlements provided protection for soldiers, while openings in the walls allowed defenders to monitor and respond to attacks. The challenging terrain, steep mountain paths, and dramatic landscapes made many sections of the Great Wall even more impressive.
Walking along these ancient pathways was not only a journey through history but also a physical adventure. The steep climbs, rugged steps, and breathtaking views created a truly unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the incredible effort and determination behind this magnificent masterpiece.
Unique Features of the Jinshanling Section
The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall is famous for its remarkable architectural features and well preserved original structures. Unlike many restored sections, Jinshanling still maintains much of its ancient character, offering visitors a more authentic glimpse into the history and design of this incredible defensive system. The "horse-restraining walls, crenellations, hollow watchtowers and warehouse towers" are some of the unique features that make this section particularly fascinating.As we walked along the winding paths of Jinshanling, we discovered impressive guard towers positioned at strategic points along the wall. Each tower had its own purpose and design, reflecting the military intelligence and craftsmanship of ancient China.
During our walk, we also met friendly local Chinese ladies selling souvenirs, snacks, drinking water and books near several of the watchtowers. Their presence added a warm and lively atmosphere to our historical journey. We purchased a book as a special souvenir to remind us of our unforgettable visit to the Great Wall.
Exploring Jinshanling was not just about seeing an ancient monument; it was about experiencing history, meeting local people and creating memories along one of the world's greatest architectural wonders.
Stunning View and a Challenging Walk
The "Jinshanling section of the Great Wall" is a perfect choice for travellers who want to experience the beauty of the Wall away from large crowds. Famous for it's breathtaking mountain scenery, well preserved architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Jinshanling offers a more authentic Great Wall adventure. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely spectacular, with the ancient wall stretching across the endless mountain ridges like a giant dragon. The entire experience was truly unforgettable.However, walking along Jinshanling is more challenging than many visitors expect. The journey involves many steep climbs, sharp descents and countless steps following the natural shape of the mountains. Once you begin the hike, there are limited shortcuts or easy exits, so it's important to be prepared for a proper walking adventure.
Some sections of the Wall are extremely steep, while others have uneven surfaces, sloping paths and fewer protective side walls due to their original condition. These rugged sections make the journey more exciting but also require extra care. Wearing comfortable walking shoes with good grip is highly recommended, especially when climbing steep areas or walking on uneven stones.
Although the walk can be physically demanding, every challenging step is rewarded with incredible views, peaceful surroundings and the feeling of standing on one of the world's greatest historical wonders. For those who enjoy nature, history, and adventure, Jinshanling offers an experience that is truly worth the effort.
Hikers need to be in good physical condition to complete this hike. You are suggested to wear hiking boots that can protect your ankles, because there are rough parts where you may easily get a hurt.
An Unbelievable Structure
We were incredibly lucky to visit the Great Wall during beautiful spring weather. The sky was clear and bright blue and the comfortable temperature made our walk even more enjoyable. Standing on the ancient stones with the endless mountains stretching in front of us was a breathtaking experience. The combination of the magnificent Wall, peaceful surroundings and stunning natural scenery created a moment we will never forget.Oh my goodness! The entire experience was beyond our expectations. Every step along the Great Wall revealed another incredible view and another example of amazing ancient engineering. The design, structure and scale of the Wall were truly unbelievable. Walking along its winding path on the mountain ridges, I kept wondering how ancient Chinese builders managed to create such a massive masterpiece without modern machinery or advanced technology.
They transported heavy stones and construction materials across steep mountains and difficult landscapes using only human strength, simple tools and extraordinary determination. The precision of the construction and the ability to build such a complex defensive system in such challenging locations is a true miracle of human achievement.
The Great Wall is not just an architectural wonder; it's a symbol of courage, creativity and perseverance. Standing on this legendary structure and looking across the mountains, we felt connected to thousands of years of history.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
The Great Wall of China was truly one of the most beautiful and remarkable places we have ever seen in the world. Its grandeur and majesty went far beyond our expectations. Standing on this ancient wonder, surrounded by endless mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes, was a moment we will always treasure. It was a once in a lifetime experience that will always remain one of the highlights of our travels.
As one of the most famous landmarks on Earth, the Great Wall is a must visit destination at least once in a lifetime. It's not only a place of incredible historical importance but also a paradise for photography lovers. Every direction offers a spectacular view, the winding wall following the mountain ridges, ancient watchtowers standing proudly against the sky, and the natural beauty of the surrounding valleys and forests.
The combination of history, architecture and nature creates a truly unforgettable experience. Every photograph captures a small part of its incredible story, but experiencing the Great Wall in person is something far more powerful and inspiring.
A Dream Came True
Most people enter from the main gate, hike the wall to the east gate, then catches the shuttle back to the service area. But unfortunately we missed the bus because we got late to the parking area due to walk with kids. Though it is expensive,we hired a vehicle to Beijing and it took 2 hours.
So exhausted.But so happy. I have dreamed of going Great Wall since a very early age and it only took many years to get there, bit worth the wait. I’ve been fortunate to see this marvelous one of the world wonders.
The Great Wall: An Icon of China
The Great Wall of China is more than just an ancient structure; it's a powerful symbol of China’s history, culture and determination. No visit to China feels complete without experiencing this incredible masterpiece. Standing on the Wall, walking along its ancient pathways, and looking across the endless mountains is a truly amazing experience.To fully appreciate the beauty and greatness of the Great Wall, walking is the best way to experience it. Every step takes you closer to its history, revealing impressive watchtowers, unique designs and breathtaking landscapes. Although some sections can be challenging, the reward is unforgettable views and the feeling of being part of one of the greatest achievements in human history.
For our family, visiting the Great Wall was one of the most magical days of our lives. The magnificent scenery, incredible architecture and connection with thousands of years of history made it a truly special memory. It was another perfect journey filled with discovery, adventure, and unforgettable moments.
There is a famous Chinese saying:
“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”
This saying reflects the importance of the Great Wall in Chinese culture. Reaching this legendary landmark is seen as a symbol of courage, determination, and achievement. After standing on the Great Wall ourselves, we understood why millions of people dream of visiting this extraordinary wonder at least once in their lifetime.
Important Tips for Visiting the Great Wall of China
Visiting the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but good preparation can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some important tips to help you make the most of your visit.1. Choose the Right Section of the Great Wall
The Great Wall stretches for thousands of kilometres, and different sections offer different experiences. Jinshanling - Perfect for travellers who want stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and an authentic hiking experience.
Mutianyu - One of the most popular sections, with beautiful views, restored pathways and facilities suitable for families.
Badaling - The most famous and easiest-to-access section, but usually the busiest.
Simatai - Known for dramatic landscapes and a more adventurous experience.
Choose a section based on your fitness level, available time and the type of experience you want.
2. Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The Great Wall is not a flat walkway. Many sections include steep climbs, uneven stone steps and challenging slopes. Good quality walking shoes with strong grip are essential, especially at sections like Jinshanling where some areas remain in their original condition.
3. Prepare for a Physical Challenge
Walking on the Great Wall can be more difficult than expected. Some sections involve hundreds of steps and steep uphill climbs. Take your time, rest when needed and enjoy the incredible views along the way.
4. Visit Early in the Morning
Arriving early helps you avoid large crowds, especially at popular sections like Badaling and Mutianyu. Early mornings also provide beautiful light for photography and a more peaceful atmosphere.
5. Check the Weather Before Your Visit
Weather can greatly affect your experience. Spring and autumn are usually the best seasons, with comfortable temperatures and clear views.
📌Summer can be very hot, especially during midday.
📌Winter offers beautiful snowy landscapes but can be cold and slippery.
A clear blue sky makes the mountain views even more spectacular.
6. Bring Water and Snacks
There are limited food and drink options on some sections of the Wall, especially less developed areas like Jinshanling. Carry enough water, especially during warmer months.
7. Carry Sun Protection
The Great Wall has many open sections with little shade.
Bring:
📌Sunscreen
📌Sunglasses
📌A hat
📌Lightweight clothing
8. Bring a Camera
The Great Wall is one of the most photogenic places in the world.
Capture:
📌The Wall winding across mountain ridges
📌Ancient watchtowers
📌Stunning valleys
📌The surrounding natural scenery
Every viewpoint offers a different and unforgettable photo opportunity.
9. Allow Enough Time
Do not rush your visit. The Great Wall is not just about reaching the top.It's about enjoying the journey. Allow several hours to walk, explore watchtowers, take photographs and appreciate the history.
10. Be Prepared for Limited Facilities
Some remote sections have fewer toilets, shops and rest areas. Plan ahead and carry essential items with you.
11. Consider Hiring a Guide or Driver
If it is your first visit to China, hiring a knowledgeable guide or driver can make your experience easier. They can help with transportation, tickets, timing and provide interesting historical information.
12. Respect This Ancient Wonder
The Great Wall has survived for centuries and is a precious part of world heritage. Avoid climbing on restricted areas, damaging stones or leaving rubbish behind. Help protect this incredible monument for future generations.
Comments
outdoor security booth