The Great Wall Trip: A Practical Guide to Unlocking Ancient Wonders

The Great Wall, this ancient and magnificent wonder, attracts countless tourists to come and explore. If you are also planning a trip to the Great Wall, then this practical guide will help you fully appreciate the charm of the Great Wall.

1. Determine the section of the Great Wall to visit

• There are several famous sections of the Great Wall in China to choose from, such as Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall in Beijing, etc. Badaling Great Wall is majestic and has complete facilities, suitable for tourists visiting the Great Wall for the first time; Mutianyu Great Wall has beautiful scenery and relatively fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Great Wall more quietly; Simatai Great Wall is known for its steepness and unique architectural style.

• Choose the appropriate section of the Great Wall according to your interests, time, and physical strength.

2. Select the travel time

• Avoid holidays and peak tourist seasons to avoid crowds. Choose to travel on weekdays or in the off-season. Not only can you enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, but you can also take better pictures.

• Consider seasonal factors. Spring and autumn have pleasant climates and are good times to visit the Great Wall. In summer, you can escape the heat, but pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention; in winter, the Great Wall is covered with snow and has a unique charm, but pay attention to keeping warm and preventing slipping.

3. Prepare necessary items

• Comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes, as the roads on the Great Wall may be rugged.

• A lightweight backpack for carrying water, food, cameras and other items.

• Sun protection supplies such as sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, etc., especially in summer.

• Warm clothing such as jackets and scarves may be needed in spring and autumn or in the early morning and evening when it is relatively cool.

• Rain gear in case of weather changes.

• Cameras or mobile phones to record beautiful scenery and unforgettable moments.

  
  

1. Public transportation

• If you choose to visit the sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, you can take the subway to the corresponding station and then transfer to a bus or special line bus to the Great Wall scenic area. For example, to go to Badaling Great Wall, you can take the subway from downtown Beijing to Jishuitan Station, and then walk to Deshengmen to take Bus No. 877 directly.

• Check the operating hours and schedules of buses or special line buses in advance to arrange your itinerary reasonably.

2. Self-driving

• If you have a car, you can choose to drive to the Great Wall scenic area. Use navigation software and enter the destination. But pay attention to traffic conditions and parking problems. During holidays and peak tourist seasons, the parking lots around the scenic area may be relatively tense.

• Follow traffic rules and ensure safe driving.

3. Join a tour group

• Joining a tour group can save you the trouble of transportation and tickets. At the same time, there will be a tour guide to explain, allowing you to better understand the history and culture of the Great Wall.

• Choose a regular tour group and check its reputation and evaluations to ensure service quality.

III. Touring Strategies

1. Ticket purchase methods

• You can book tickets in advance on the official website or WeChat official account of the Great Wall scenic area to avoid queuing up to buy tickets at the scenic area entrance.

• You can also buy tickets at the ticket windows at the scenic area entrance, but be aware that there may be a long queue.

2. Touring routes

• Different sections of the Great Wall have different touring routes. After entering the scenic area, you can first check the scenic area map to understand the location of various attractions and the best touring route.

• If your physical strength permits, you can choose to climb the Great Wall on foot and enjoy the scenery along the way. If your physical strength is limited, you can choose to take a cable car or ropeway to save energy.

3. Pay attention to safety

• When visiting the Great Wall, pay attention to safety. Follow the regulations of the scenic area. Do not climb unopened areas and do not run or jump on the city wall.

• Pay attention to the road under your feet to avoid falling. Especially on rainy or snowy days, the road may be slippery, so be extra careful.

IV. Food Recommendations

1. There are usually some restaurants and snack stalls around the Great Wall scenic area where you can taste local specialties. For example, in Beijing, there are roast duck, noodles with soybean paste, lamb spine hot pot, etc.

• When choosing a restaurant, you can refer to the evaluations of other tourists and choose a restaurant with good reputation.

• You can also bring some food and drinks by yourself and enjoy them when resting on the Great Wall. But pay attention to keeping the environment clean and do not litter at will.

  
  

1. Respect historical culture

• The Great Wall is a world cultural heritage. We should respect historical culture. Do not scribble on the city wall and do not damage cultural relics and historical sites.

• Follow the instructions of tour guides or scenic area staff to protect the environment and style of the Great Wall.

2. Reasonably arrange time

• According to your itinerary and physical strength, reasonably arrange your touring time. Do not stay in the scenic area for too long to avoid delaying your subsequent itinerary.

• Pay attention to the opening and closing times of the scenic area and make preparations for your return in advance.