Have you ever wondered to visit one of the seven original wonders of the world, The Great Wall of China? To me, it was a dream came through when I visited Beijing in June 2019. There are in fact, few great wall sections around Beijing, mainly Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai, Gubeikou, Jiankou, Huanghuacheng, Juyongguan and Huangyaguan Great Walls. Most are fully restored, while some are partially restored and wild. I went to four of the great wall sections around Beijing.
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall is considered one of the toughest as steep. It took me 4 hours to walk from one end (2nd bell tower) to the other end in the restored section. The view is superb, as there are wild greeneries around and not many people when I visited, hence less crowded.
How to get there: There is a direct tourist bus from the Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station that leaves at 7.40am. The bus returns at 4.00 pm (Apr-Oct peak season only)
How to get to Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station: Dongzhimen Wai stop is located to the Metro Line 2 Dongzhimen Stop, Exit B and you need walk around 5 to 10 mins to get to the corner of Xiang He Yuan S Street and Dongzhimen Wai Xie Jie, and Bus stop is outdoor there.
Mutianyu Great Wall
This great wall is more crowded and restored. In order to save time, I took a cable car up and toboggan down as a new experience. The surrounding view is more urban and less wild.
How to get there: There is a direct tourist bus from the Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station that leaves at 8.30am. The bus returns at 4.00 pm
Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Huanghuacheng Great Wall is one the most recently restored and open to public great wall. It has one of the most beautiful sceneries with mountain and dam as the backdrop.
How to get there: There is a direct tourist bus from the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub Station Station (Station 418) that leaves at 8.30am. The bus returns at 4.00 pm (Apr-Oct peak season only)
Alternatively, take bus 916/916 Express from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub Station to Huairou District (3rd Area of Hanhuayuan Stop) and change to bus H21 to Huanghuacheng
Simatai Great Wall
It is the only great wall that is open at night for a section. The view is superb with surrounding hills and it is quite steep as well. However, the section that is open to public is quite short with only 5-6 towers, hence, not very worth the entrance fee.
How to get there: There is a direct bus from the Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station via Gubei Ancient Town
Dongzhimen to Gubei Ancient Town: 8:00am to 15:30pm
Gubei Ancient Town to Dongzhimen: 11:00am to 21:00pm
Overall, I am fully impressed with the wonders of the Great Wall. Each of the Great Wall section has its own beauty. All are quite steep and great for hiking. I am glad to visit four Great Walls.
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