A month in China : The Great Wall of China : tour suggestion from BeiJingBuzzz

Great Wall of China Tour

This itinerary takes you on a comprehensive journey along the Great Wall of China, starting from the western end in Jiayuguan and ending at the eastern end in Qinhuangdao.

Week 1: Western End - Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

  • Begin your journey at the western end of the Great Wall in Jiayuguan, Gansu Province.
  • Explore the Jiayuguan Fort, an ancient military stronghold at the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
  • Visit the nearby Overhanging Great Wall and the First Beacon Tower to experience the rugged beauty of the western desert landscape.
  • Travel to Dunhuang to visit the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake oasis, and learn about the Silk Road history of the region.

Week 2: Central Section - Shanxi and Hebei

  • Travel eastward to Shanxi Province to explore sections of the Great Wall at locations like Datong and Yanmenguan.
  • Visit the Hanging Temple of Datong and the Yungang Grottoes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their ancient Buddhist art and architecture.
  • Continue to Hebei Province to visit iconic sections of the Great Wall such as Jinshanling and Simatai, known for their scenic beauty and well-preserved architecture.

Week 3: Beijing and Surroundings

  • Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, and explore the famous Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall.
  • Visit other historical and cultural attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
  • Take day trips to lesser-known sections of the Great Wall, such as Huanghuacheng and Jiankou, for a more secluded experience.

Week 4: Eastern End - Liaoning and Hebei

  • Travel northeast to Liaoning Province to visit sections of the Great Wall at locations like Shanhaiguan and Jinzhou.
  • Explore the Old Dragon's Head, where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, and visit the nearby Shanhaiguan Pass, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven."
  • Return to Hebei Province to visit the eastern terminus of the Great Wall at Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) in Qinhuangdao.

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring attractions in the world, drawing millions of tourists each year. Here's a guide for tourists visiting the Great Wall:

History and Significance:
Historical Significance: The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built over centuries to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north. Its construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through different dynasties, with the most famous sections built during the Ming Dynasty (13681644 AD).

Length and Structure: Stretching over 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers), the Great Wall is not a continuous wall but a series of walls, trenches, and natural barriers, including mountains and rivers. Its main purpose was to provide defense and control trade routes along the northern border of China.

Visiting the Great Wall:
Sections to Visit: While the entire Great Wall is massive, certain sections are more accessible and popular among tourists. The most visited sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai. Each section offers unique features and experiences.

Badaling: This section is the closest to Beijing and is one of the most well-preserved and accessible sections of the Great Wall. It can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Mutianyu: Located about 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Beijing, Mutianyu offers a less crowded but equally impressive experience. It features restored sections as well as more rugged and original parts.

Jinshanling and Simatai: These sections are farther from Beijing but are known for their scenic beauty and relatively fewer crowds. They offer a more authentic and adventurous hiking experience.

Tips for Tourists:
Best Time to Visit: The Great Wall can be visited year-round, but the best times are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is beautiful.

Avoiding Crowds: To avoid crowds, consider visiting the Great Wall early in the morning or during weekdays. Badaling tends to be busiest, so opting for less-visited sections like Jinshanling or Simatai can provide a more peaceful experience.

Wear Comfortable Clothing: The Great Wall involves a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking.

Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during hot summer months, as there may be limited shade on the Wall.

Respect the Environment: Help preserve the Great Wall for future generations by refraining from littering, defacing, or damaging the structure.

Cultural Insights:
Learn about the History: Take the time to learn about the history and significance of the Great Wall through signage, guidebooks, or guided tours.

Capture Memories: Don't forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and memories of your visit.

Interact with Locals: Engage with local vendors, tour guides, or fellow travelers to gain insights into Chinese culture and customs related to the Great Wall.

Visiting the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers not only breathtaking views and photo opportunities but also a deeper appreciation for one of the world's most remarkable architectural achievements.

Related Videos

 

Featured Videos

Traditional Chinese style oiled paper and bamboo umbrella
中国传统油纸伞
Wandering the backstreets of outer ShenZhen
With Nico ... ShenYang with Blondie in China ... Bonus films - back in ShenZhen - with Walk For You ... With Colorful World ...
China 中国 travel trip, with drone
Filmed, edited and produced by : Maarten de Haas. Places include GuiLin, YangShuo, The Great Wall of China, the 'Avatar mountains' of ZhangJiaJie, DeQin, ShangRiLa, Tibet and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
The BeijingBuzzz video awards 2011 – special mention 2 – video
StudyAbroadUSAC - Study Abroad, in ChengDu and ShangHai
Bar hopping – three days in Hong Kong
With Sam and Victor ...
Parks, malls, architecture, gardens, nightlife and food in SuZhou 苏州
With Rafa Goes Around! ...
Planning war on China – part 15
“Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat, but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.” ― John Steinbeck On the 'China threat' scam - with The Geopolitics In Conflict Show ... A talk with historian Alfred McCoy - don't miss it (though he seems not seem to realize that China's South China Sea actions are defensive, countering Western aggression and encirclement) ... With Professor Richard Wolff (exaggerates China's problems but otherwise worth a listen) ... On the BBC's Uyghur propaganda BS ... US semi-boycott of the BeiJing Winter Olympics ? Infantile ? Xi (and Putin) outclass Biden again and again ... Just 90 seconds to THE END (doomsday clock) - can we stop the madness - not sure, but we must try - (musical interlude, with Roger Walters and band) ... There is no 'them'. It is only a scam that the elite uses to convince you of your subservience.
50 places to visit in BeiJing
Beijing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit The Forbidden City (紫禁城 Zǐjìnchéng): Explore the ancient imperial palace complex and its vast courtyards. The Great Wall of China (长城 Chángchéng): Take a family hike along this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beijing Zoo (北京动物园 Běijīng Dòngwùyuán): Visit pandas and other animals at one of China's oldest and largest zoos. Beihai Park (北海公园 Běihǎi Gōngyuán): Enjoy boating on the lake and exploring the gardens and pavilions. 798 Art District (798艺术区 Qījiǔbā Yìshùqū): Discover contemporary art in this former factory complex turned art district. Beijing Aquarium (北京海洋馆 Běijīng Hǎiyánguǎn): Explore the underwater world with a variety of marine life exhibits. Beijing Children's Museum (北京儿童博物馆 Běijīng Értóng Bówùguǎn): Interactive museum featuring exhibits designed for children. Summer Palace (颐和园 Yíhé Yuán): Stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy boat rides on Kunming Lake. Happy Valley Beijing (欢乐谷 Huānlègǔ Běijīng): Amusement park with rides and entertainment for the whole family. Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园 Běijīng Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Temple of Heaven Park (天坛公园 Tiāntán Gōngyuán): Watch locals practice tai chi and fly kites in this historic park. Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (北京国家体育场 Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng): Visit the iconic Olympic venue and explore its architecture. Beijing Planetarium (北京天文馆 Běijīng Tiānwénguǎn): Discover the wonders of the universe through interactive exhibits. Beijing Ancient Observatory (北京古观象台 Běijīng Gǔ Guānxiàngtái): Learn about ancient Chinese astronomy and observe celestial objects. Capital Museum (首都博物馆 Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Explore Chinese art and history with family-friendly exhibits. Beijing World Park (北京世界公园 Běijīng Shìjiè Gōngyuán): Travel around the world in a day with replicas of famous landmarks. Chinese Ethnic Culture Park (中国民族文化公园 Zhōngguó Mínzú Wénhuà Gōngyuán): Learn about China's diverse ethnic groups through cultural displays. Beijing Toy Museum (北京玩具博物馆 Běijīng Wánjù Bówùguǎn): Explore a vast collection of toys from different eras and cultures. Beijing Olympic Park (北京奥林匹克公园 Běijīng Àolínpǐkè Gōngyuán): Enjoy green spaces, walking paths, and iconic Olympic venues. Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园 Běijīng Zhíwùyuán): Explore diverse plant collections and enjoy outdoor activities. Beijing: 30 More Places to Visit Tiananmen Square (天安门广场 Tiān'ānmén Guǎngchǎng): Iconic city square with historical significance and monumental architecture. Hutongs (胡同 Hútòng): Explore Beijing's traditional narrow alleys and courtyard residences by rickshaw or walking tour. Prince Gong's Mansion (恭王府 Gōng Wáng Fǔ): Visit this well-preserved imperial residence with beautiful gardens and architecture. Yonghe Lama Temple (雍和宫 Yōng hé Gōng): Discover Tibetan Buddhist culture in this stunning temple complex. National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn): Explore China's history and culture through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (北京国家游泳中心 Běijīng Guójiā Yóuyǒng Zhōngxīn): Visit the iconic venue from the 2008 Olympics, now transformed into a water park. Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (北京古建筑博物馆 Běijīng Gǔ Jiànzhù Bówùguǎn): Learn about traditional Chinese architecture in this unique museum. Beijing Railway Museum (北京铁路博物馆 Běijīng Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Explore the history of Chinese railways with exhibits of locomotives and artifacts. National Centre for the Performing Arts (国家大剧院 Guójiā Dàjùyuàn): Marvel at the futuristic architecture and enjoy performances in this iconic venue. Beijing Capital Museum (北京首都博物馆 Běijīng Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art and history through extensive collections and exhibitions. Beijing Ming Tombs (明十三陵 Míng Shísān Líng): Explore the burial site of Ming Dynasty emperors with grand architecture and scenic surroundings. Beijing Museum of Natural History (中国科学技术馆 Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshùguǎn): Learn about the natural world with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers (北京钟鼓楼 Běijīng Zhōnggǔ Lóu): Visit these historic structures and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Capital Library of China (中国国家图书馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Túshūguǎn): Explore a vast collection of books and cultural resources in this modern library. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) (圆明园 Yuánmíngyuán): Explore the ruins of this historic imperial palace complex with beautiful gardens. Beijing National Art Museum (北京国家艺术博物馆 Běijīng Guójiā Yìshù Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art through extensive collections of painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. Beijing Modern Art Gallery (北京现代美术馆 Běijīng Xiàndài Měishùguǎn): Explore contemporary Chinese art in this vibrant gallery space. Beijing Aviation Museum (北京航空馆 Běijīng Hángkōngguǎn): Learn about the history of aviation in China with exhibits of aircraft and technology. Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial College (北京孔庙和国子监 Běijīng Kǒngmiào hé Guózǐjiàn): Discover Confucian culture in this historic temple and educational institution. Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站 Běijīng Nánzhàn): Experience modern transportation and marvel at the architecture of this major railway hub. Beijing Dongyue Temple (北京东岳庙 Běijīng Dōngyuèmiào): Explore Chinese folk religion and mythology in this unique temple complex. Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park (北京石景山游乐园 Běijīng Shíjǐngshān Yóulèyuán): Enjoy rides and attractions in this popular amusement park. Beijing Garden Expo Park (北京园博园 Běijīng Yuánbóyuán): Explore beautiful gardens and landscapes in this scenic park. Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) (北京国家体育场 Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng): Visit the iconic Olympic venue and explore its architecture. Beijing Capital Museum (北京首都博物馆 Běijīng Shǒudū Bówùguǎn): Discover Chinese art and history through extensive collections and exhibitions. Beijing Ming Tombs (明十三陵 Míng Shísān Líng): Explore the burial site of Ming Dynasty emperors with grand architecture and scenic surroundings. Beijing Museum of Natural History (中国科学技术馆 Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshùguǎn): Learn about the natural world with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers (北京钟鼓楼 Běijīng Zhōnggǔ Lóu): Visit these historic structures and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Capital Library of China (中国国家图书馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Túshūguǎn): Explore a vast collection of books and cultural resources in this modern library. Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) (圆明园 Yuánmíngyuán): Explore the ruins of this historic imperial palace complex with beautiful gardens.
Ocean Park, Hong Kong 香港
Ocean Park is situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It includes 11 rides, including two rollercoasters, and other amusements besides a giant aquarium, dolphin and sea lion shows, a spectacular cable car ride, and more ...

Tag search ?