The Great Wall of China: Beijing

Seeing the Great Wall is a must-do if you come to China. The wall is so long but the best spots to visit are definitely near Beijing. I would highly suggest going during off-peak travel times, weekdays, and avoid any national holidays completely! It can get very busy so if you'd like some uninterrupted walking, nice photo opportunities, and a chance to explore on your own time please take my advice and avoid crowded days. You can get there by booking a bus from the city which costs about 80RMB, I highly suggest this option. When my friends and I went we ended up having to take a DiDi there and back which ended up being 700RMB each way! It was about an hour and a half drive but if you leave during rush hour, it can even take up to 4 hours to get back to the city so beware! We chose to go to the Mutianyu gate which is just one of the entrances into the Great Wall, my friends who have been to several gates say this is the best one for your first time (and if it will possibly be your only time visiting). Once you arrive there are a couple of things you have to pay for such as a shittle bus to and from the ticket booths to the wall, (80RMB), a ski lift up to the wall (optional but worth it 120RMB), and the 120 RMB ticket also includes a toboggan ride down the wall which was so fun and totally worth it too. The views are incredible and the historical and cultural significance is overwhelming. As someone who has been fascinated with Chinese culture and history for a long time it was a dream come true and blew away all of my already high expectations. Come prepared to walk and climb lots of stairs so wear comfortable shoes and clothing if you're smart! There are some tourist traps for sure like super expensive souvenirs and men dressed as soldiers who charge extremely high prices just for a picture but otherwise it is lovely. I also highly suggest coming in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors and the weather isn't too hot. #travelinspiration#culturalattraction#scenicspotguide#historicculture#nationalpark