THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA – Truly wonderful wander of the world
The Great Wall of China. We all know what it is and where it is located. You have seen at least a few pictures of it during your history lessons in school. Maybe it’s your dream to visit it once in a lifetime. How to get there? What to expect? Let me take you on the journey which in my case started in the world’s most populous capital city in the world – Beijing.
History and facts
The first construction of the wall started around 214 B.C. when the numerous older fortifications had been connected to protect China from the attacks from the north, later also from different tribes. The wall has been built over a period of about 2000 years by millions of workers, who have been prisoners, peasants, and soldiers. It is estimated that almost half a million people died during the construction, and many of them had been buried within the wall itself.
There are different data regarding the total length of the wall. Officially announced in 2012 by China’s State Administration of Cultural Relics, the total length built in different dynasties is 21 196 km (13 170 miles) – that’s half of the length of the equator. At some point in history, there were 10 000 battlements and watchtowers and the wall was wide for 10 soldiers or 5 horses to walk next to each other. It is up to 15 meters high at some points.
I have decided to visit the part of the wall called Mutianyu, because it was the closest to Beijing and also one of the best-preserved parts. It has been renovated and it should be easier and safer to climb. It felt safe, but some parts were not that easy to walk.
Mutianyu Great Wall has 5.4 kilometers and it was built in the years 550-557 during the Northern Qi. Rebuilt in 1368-1644, during Ming Dynasty, it has been guarding the capital and its mausoleums for centuries. There are 23 watchtowers along the wall.
How to get there
The journey by car from central Beijing to this part of the wall can take between one hour and a half up to almost double time, depending on the traffic. Our drive took about 2 hours. We have been dropped off in the parking lot in the area with a few souvenir shops, restaurants, and a ticket office. Our driver bought us tickets and explained to us how to get to the wall.
Tourists are taken to the wall by local bus. It is a smart solution as there is plenty of space to leave the car in the parking lot and they can control the crowds. From the point where the bus drops us off, there are three ways how to get to the top of the wall. You can hike; take a chair lift or cable car. I took a chair lift, which was a comfortable and faster way.
I expected that there will be crowds of people and was mentally ready to face them. When traveling these days, you have to be lucky to find some tourist spot where you can just stop and enjoy it without having someone behind your back waiting for you to move forward. Surprisingly, my experience was exactly the opposite. I met only a few small groups of tourists, no guided tours, no school trips. All this thanks to the fact that it was February. It was windy and cold, simply not the best weather for sightseeing or hiking.
However, I forgot that I was feeling cold when I was coming closer to the wall. I think I would not know my name in those moments if someone asked me. The feeling I had was something that I am not able to describe. And trust me I am barely speechless. The Great Wall of China is a magnificent fortress, this part still standing proud and strong.
Discovering the wall
Making the first steps on the wall, I felt like the happiest woman in the world. Another of my traveling dreams just came true. The view is incredible. You look in front of you – the wall. You look behind you – wall, far to the unknown. Around you are nature, huge forests, and mountains. I can imagine that the spring and autumn colors make this scenery even prettier.
Walking on the Great Wall of China is not as easy as you could say. Large parts of the wall are either ascending or descending, the same as the country around it. But then you encounter a part which has very steep stairs, some of them not in the best condition. There have been snow and ice in some parts and I ended up climbing the stairs. And going down sitting on the steps, sliding one by the time. I met some people who have been a little less fit than me, swearing and laughing at the same time. Discovering the inside of the watchtowers, seeing the stones deformed from the thousands of people who walked the same path as me, feeling the cold breeze, and seeing spots of the white snow in the mountains and the wall.
Heading back to Beijing
After the walk and many pictures were taken, it was time to leave this place which felt like another world. There are a few ways how to get back down. You can use the cable car or chair lift on the way down, walk or slide down the toboggan. Yes, there is a toboggan down from the Great Wall of China. A bit unexpected. Thanks to my adventurous character, I couldn’t miss this experience. You sit down on something like a bobsled you are pushed down to the toboggan. It is 1500 meters long and it is not very steep, but you need to use the brake to slow down, especially when there are people who do not enjoy the speed that much. I recommend using this way to get back down to the parking lot, as it is something extraordinary, sliding down surrounded by nature, trees, rocks, and of course the Great Wall of China. At the end of the track, there is a photograph. You can buy a photograph of your laughing, surprised or scared face, it depends only on you how you enjoy the ride.
I went to the spot where the bus dropped us off and waited for the next one. It works like a shuttle bus, going there and back all day in some intervals which can vary depending on the season. Found our driver waiting for us in the parking lot and headed back to Beijing, tired but happy.
The Great Wall of China is opened for visitors in more different locations. I believe that the journey starting in Beijing can give you a bit of added value as you can see much more in this huge city during your stay. One of the places on my crazy long bucket list is, for example, the Forbidden City. Fingers crossed I will have a chance to visit it.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- What to wear: If you’re visiting the Great Wall of China during the wintertime or in lower temperatures wear more layers of clothes so you can take them off when you’ll warm up. In the summer, take the sun cream with you as the whole place is high in the mountains and you can easily get sunburnt. It’s always a good idea to have a hat or a scarf in your backpack to protect yourself from the sun or wind. Wear boots for hiking or shoes for difficult terrain as some parts of the stairs can be slippery.
- What to pack: Pack your food and drinks depending on how long to plan to stay on the wall. I have seen only one refreshment stall on the top of the wall. There are a couple of restaurants below the wall at the point where the bus drops you off as well as on the lower point where the souvenir shops are. They are a mix of local cuisine and well-known chain fast foods, so you won’t stay hungry.
- Cash/card: Take cash with you. Most souvenir shops and refreshment places do not accept credit cards. We also gave cash to the driver and he bought us the tickets.
- If you are interested in the history of the place, read more details about the part of the wall which you decide to visit before your trip. There is only short information about the wall on the site.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive manmade structures in human history and is part of UNESCO as a World Heritage site. To this day, only one-third of the original structure remains which attracts thousands of tourists every day.
The overall feeling from this day: was one of the best experiences in my life. The vibe the place have is unforgettable. Thousands of workers, soldiers, emperors, and then tourists walking this place every day for centuries. A monumental building like no other in the world. The picture from the book of history.
For more information about the entrance fee, opening hours, and additional information, visit the official website.
For more detailed information about my trip, leave a message in the comments or send me an email. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
