Great Wall of China

Beijing, China Travel Guide

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The Great Wall of China

Overview: Perhaps the grandaddy of all Beijing highlights for most tourists, the Great Wall of China stands as the number tourist destination in Beijing. Construction of the 6,700 km wall began in the 7th century B.C. to protect the Chinese in the north from outside invasions. The wall, which stretches from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi desert, was fortified to protect the Chinese from Mongolian invaders.

There are about 20 to 30 different sections (terms like “pass” or “access point” are used when referring to a section of the Great Wall that a tourist can get to) of the Great Wall from beginning to end. Some of the more well-known sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are Simatai, Badaling, Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng.

The most famous section of the of Great Wall is Badaling, located Yanqing County which is a little over 40 miles north of Beijing. The Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), Badaling access is about an hour or hour and a half drive from Beijing. Badaling receives the most amount of tourists, has a breathtaking cable car ride that will get you to one of the mountain’s summit, has a couple of restaurants at the base and is packed with vendors. This portion of the Great Wall is certainly commercialized but it is also the most handicap accessible part of the Great Wall for disabled tourists thanks to the cable cars.

Huanghuacheng – Huanghuacheng is a little east of Badaling and it is an access point I’ve been to as well. This part of the Great Wall is located in Jiuduhe Town in the Huairou District about 40 miles from Beijing. Huanghuacheng is absolutely gorgeous because it’s situated along a lake and the Huanghuacheng Reservoir. Huanghuacheng, however, is definitely not for the faint of heart though. You must cross a long damn that does not have any railings. At the end, there are about 4 to 5 stone and dirt steps. Then, there is a dirt trail you must follow to the left where a person will collect money to pass at this point. The amount is very nominal. You’ll reach an old, wooden restaurant/convenience store and the surrounding lake. Then, you must climb up a steep switchback trail to reach the first tower.

Whichever section or pass you choose, you’ll be able to experience the winding path of the Great Wall along the valleys and peaks. The Great Wall is a like a huge concrete spine along the back of mountain range.

For more information, check out http://www.badaling.gov.cn/english/history/history.htm.

Tip: Bring a small sack or backpack with a couple of bottles of water and some snacks. The sun is intense and you will also get charged exorbitant prices for refreshments at the Badaling pass of the Great Wall.

Cost: Badaling
Cable car – 60 Yuan for adults, physically disabled free, toddlers free
45 for the Great Wall (adults), 25 for students, disabled free
Huanghuacheng – 25 Yuan

Accessibility: If you’re in a wheelchair, go to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. The cost for the Badaling experience is free. There is a ramp up to the cable car. The cable car will be a problem if you can not fold up your wheelchair or walk. The staff will stop the cable cars for you but you do have limited time in terms transporting yourself into the cable cars. There is a few feet of space in the cable car for your wheelchair. When you get off the cable car and exit the building, there is a metal gate that presents a bit of a step at the threshold. The threshold is about 6 inches high.

You’ll be at the beginning of the tourist section of the Badaling Great Wall. At this point, you will have a magnificent view. If you’re adventurous, there is a dirt and stone path to the right where everyone is walking up and down on. This leads to the towers and walkways of the Great Wall. At the end of the walkway, there is a very long flight of awkward, uneven stone and dirt stairs. If you can manage this with some help, then, there is a nice resting area and the view from the rest area with tables and benches is also very nice.

Location of Badaling: Yanqing, Beijing, China
Website: www.badaling.gov.cn/

Getting There: Cab – you should negotiate between 300 – 400 Yuan to and from and for as long as you specify, Bus 1 at the Front Gate (Qianmen), Bus 2 at Beijing Railway Station, Hotel Tour